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Simple Summary: The copulation duration is one of the important behavioral traits, as it has been proven to be directly correlated with reproductive fitness in insects. Comprehensive knowledge of the factors influencing the copulation duration is often essential for the mass production of natural insect enemies. This study sought to evaluate the role of the copulation duration on reproductive output and to assess the variation in the copulation duration under various physiological and ecological conditions in a laboratory setting, utilizing an ectoparasitic beetle, Dastarcus helophoroides, as an experimental model. We found that the copulation duration was highly variable and positively correlated with reproductive fitness. Multiple factors, including body size, mating history, kinship, sex ratio, mating sequence, feeding status, ambient temperature, photoperiod, and time of day, acted on the copulation duration. These results not only augment our understanding of the factors influencing the reproductive fitness of this ectoparasite but may also help to enhance their reproductive potential in a mass-rearing scheme. The gregarious ectoparasitic beetle Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) is considered a primary biocontrol agent for controlling several cerambycid pests in East Asian countries. A thorough study of reproductive behavior is a prerequisite for the mass production of natural insect predators. Nonetheless, little attention has been given to this ectoparasitic beetle. We performed a series of trials to assess whether the adult copulation duration, a key behavioral trait, is differentially influenced by physiological and ecological factors, including body size, mating history, kinship, sex ratio, mating sequence, feeding status, ambient temperature, photoperiod, and time of day. Additionally, the effect of the copulation duration on the reproductive output of this beetle was also investigated. The results indicated that the copulation duration varied considerably, ranging from 1.12 min to 16.40 min and lasting for an average of 9.11 ± 0.12 min. Females with longer copulations laid more eggs and had a greater proportion of eggs hatched. Medium-sized individuals copulated significantly longer than small- and large-sized individuals. The copulation durations were significantly longer when both sexes experienced an asymmetric mating history than when both sexes experienced a symmetric mating history. Inbred couples copulated significantly longer than outbred couples. In terms of the adult sex ratio, increasing the density of females (polygamous group) or males (polyandrous group) led to significantly longer copulation durations than those in the monogamous group. The copulation durations gradually decreased with increasing the mating sequence and temperature. Food-absence couples copulated significantly longer than food-presence couples. The mean copulation duration of the scotophase was significantly longer than that of the photophase. These results demonstrate that all of the analyzed factors emerge as important factors influencing the copulation duration, ultimately affecting the reproductive outputs in this ectoparasitic beetle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a primary treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) remains uncertain. Even after undergoing standard SSRIs treatment, 40%–60% of individuals with OCD persistently endure symptoms. Recent studies proposed that personality traits may influence the diversity of OCD treatment results. Thus, in this retrospective study, we evaluated the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) scores of 51 untreated patients with OCD and 35 healthy controls. The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) was employed to assess OCD symptom severity at weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 of sertraline treatment. The primary outcome focused on the reduction rate of Y-BOCS scores (response: ≥25%; marked response: ≥50%). Our findings revealed that individuals with OCD demonstrated a significantly higher neuroticism score compared to healthy controls. Correlation analyses exposed a positive link between psychoticism and the duration of the disease. Moreover, family history strongly correlated with both obsessive thoughts and the total Y-BOCS score. Subsequent univariate Cox proportional analyses indicated that both low neuroticism and high extraversion traits could forecast the response to sertraline. Furthermore, only a high extraversion trait was linked to a marked response. Our results support the idea that personality traits may contribute to OCD vulnerability and predict sertraline treatment outcomes. • High neuroticism is a prominent trait in patients with OCD compared with HCs. • Psychoticism scores are positively correlated with the disease duration of OCD. • Low neuroticism can predict the response to sertraline in patients with OCD. • High extraversion can herald the marked response to sertraline in patients with OCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five artemisinin bivalent ligands molecules 4a–4e were designed, synthesized, and confirmed by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and low-resolution mass spectrometry, and the bioactivities of the target compounds were investigated against four human tumor cell lines in vitro, including BGC-823, HepG-2, MCF-7, and HCT-116. The results showed 4a, 4d, and 4e exhibited significantly tumor cell inhibitory activity compared with the artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin; compound 4e has good biological activity inhibiting BGC-823 with an IC50 value of 8.30 μmol/L. Then, the good correlations with biological results were validated by molecular docking through the established bivalent ligands multi-target model, which showed that 4e could bind well with the antitumor protein MMP-9. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems surrounding the loss and illegal trafficking of Chinese cultural heritage have intensified in recent times due to an increasing demand for Chinese cultural heritage and huge profits to be gained in the art market. While the Chinese mainland government has taken active measures to protect cultural heritage and combat the illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, two special administrative regions of China, Hong Kong and Macao, have not only failed to take similar measures, but have also functioned as key transit locations for the illicit trafficking of Chinese cultural heritage over the past three decades. This paper provides a comparative analysis of the laws related to cultural heritage between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. This paper argues that, while differences exist in these places, these differences should not be an obstacle to taking an integrated approach to cultural heritage in the region. There is a practical need for an integrated approach given the shared initiative of heritage protection and art market regulation. This paper argues that an integrated approach to cultural heritage is possible and should be pursued. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients with hyperglobulinemia have an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Methods: Patients who registered in the Chinese Rheumatism Data Centre from May 2016 to July 2021 and met the 2002 American European Consensus Group criteria or 2016 American College of Rheumatology /European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria for Sjögren's syndrome were included. Hyperglobulinemia was defined as any elevated serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), or immunoglobulin M (IgM). The primary outcome was all-cause death. Data for demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory results, disease activity, damage scores, and treatments were evaluated. Results: A total of 9527 pSS patients were included in the analysis, of whom 4236 (44.5%) had at least one kind of elevated immunoglobulin level among IgG, IgA, and IgM. Patients with hyperglobulinemia had a significantly increased risk of death (crude hazard ratio 2.60; 95% confidence interval 1.91–3.55; adjusted hazard ratio 1.90; 95% confidence interval 1.20–3.01). The risk of death was positively correlated with IgG level (P trend <.001). The 5-, 10-, and 15-year survival rates of patients with hyperglobulinemia were 96.9%, 92.3%, and 87.9%, respectively, and significantly lower than the corresponding rates of 98.8%, 97.9%, and 96.4% in patients without hyperglobulinemia. Conclusions: Hyperglobulinemia is an independent risk factor for increased all-cause mortality in pSS patients. The risk of death is positively correlated with IgG level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infants born via cesarean section (CS) are at an increased risk of immune-related diseases later in life, potentially due to altered gut microbiota. Recent research has focused on the administration of probiotics in the prevention of gut microbiota dysbiosis in neonates delivered by CS. This study was performed to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on the gut microbiota of CS-delivered infants. Methods: Thirty full-term neonates delivered by CS were randomized into the intervention (supplemented orally with a probiotic containing Bifidobacterium longum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Enterococcus faecalis for 2 weeks) and control groups. Stool samples were collected at birth and 2 weeks and 42 days after birth. The composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing technology. Results: The applied bacterial strains were abundant in the CS-delivered infants supplemented with probiotics. Probiotics increased the abundance of some beneficial bacteria, such as Bacteroides, Acinetobacter, Veillonella, and Faecalibacterium. Low colonization of Klebsiella, a potentially pathogenic bacterium, was observed in the intervention group. Conclusions: Our results showed that probiotics supplemented immediately after CS enriched the gut microbiota composition and altered the pattern of early gut colonization. Trial Registration: registration number NCT05086458. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate calculation of the electromagnetic force distribution of transformer windings under different loads and fault conditions is of great significance for transformer maintenance, condition evaluation and life prediction. Due to the influence of offshore wind power systems, offshore wind power transformers have high harmonic content and large changes in load rates, which can easily cause the coil destabilization, winding deformation or even damage because of the uneven distribution of the electromagnetic force. To improve the accuracy of electromagnetic force calculation, this paper proposes a fractional order numerical method. First, a three-dimensional axisymmetric transformer model and a symmetrical lumped parameter equivalent circuit model are established, respectively, based on field-circuit coupling. Second, the fractional order approximation of circuit components is realized by using the improved Oustaloup filter. In the fractional order model, the transformer is replaced by the lumped parameter equivalent circuit model. Third, as in the calculation process for integer order electromagnetic force, the integer order current has a large error, and the current waveform does not match the actual power frequency. The fractional order current and electromagnetic force at the 0.9 order are closer to the rated value. Finally, the effects of different load rates, three-phase short circuits and harmonic conditions are studied with the fractional order model. Compared with the traditional integer order finite element electromagnetic model, the fractional order equivalent circuit model established in this paper is more accurate and suitable for electromagnetic force calculation. The proposed method is significant for the structural design and state detection of transformers and also could be applied in the analysis of other dry-type transformers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An azobenzenediamide bridged bis (β-cyclodextrin) chiral stationary phase (AZCDP) was prepared, and its high-performance liquid chromatography performance in reversed-phase and polar organic modes was evaluated by chiral probes, including triazoles, flavanones, amino acids and β-blockers. The results showed that AZCDP had strong chiral separation ability and the 40 chiral compounds were successfully resolved, of which 32 were completely separated (R s ≥ 1.5) and the best enantioresolution was up to 3.93 within 20 min under a wide range of pH value and temperature. The separation ability of AZCDP with double cavities was significantly better than common CD-CSPs with single cavity, which was related to the synergistic inclusion effect. Compared with the previously reported stilbene (C=C)-bridged CSP, AZCDP with azobenzene (N=N)-bridged had a wider resolution range. For example, it could resolve myclobutanil, pindolol, carteolol, betaxolol, bevanolol and bitertanol, which could not be resolved before, and should be related to the fact that the flexible N=N was more compatible with the synergistic inclusion between cavities than the rigid C=C bridge group. The azobenzenediamide bridging group could also provide hydrogen bond, π–π and other sites, which was conducive to chiral separations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate potential predictors of treatment response in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) patients with severe immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), with a focus on bone marrow megakaryocyte (MK) count. Methods: This case–control study included patients with pSS and severe ITP who were admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital and met the 2002 AECG or 2016 American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism criteria for SS. Patients who had overlap other connective tissue diseases and with thrombocytopenia that could be explained by other causes were excluded. Severe ITP was defined as platelet count <20 × 109/L. Response was evaluated at 3 months after treatment. Results: Sixty‐eight eligible patients were included: 34 (50%) achieved complete remission (CR), 18 (26%) partial remission (PR) and 16 (24%) were non‐responders (NRs). Fewer infections were found in the CR group (24%) than in the PR (50%) and NR (56%) groups (P = 0.04). The MK count (CR 32 vs PR 36 vs NR 4 per slide, P < 0.001) in the NR group was significantly lower than in the other groups. MK count >6.5 per slide predicted good treatment response, with 85.7% sensitivity, 88.1% specificity and 0.866 area under the curve. Logistic regression indicated that patients with more MKs were more likely to respond to immunotherapy (crude odds ratio [OR] 1.45, 95% CI 1.2–2.0, adjusted OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.2–2.7). Conclusions: MK count predicted response to immunosuppressive treatment in pSS patients with severe ITP. These patients are recommended to have bone marrow aspiration before treatment initiation. Clinicians should be aware of screening for infections during clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial NiMo foam processed by salt-baking 'recipe' gained a giant leap in electrocatalytic activity. [Display omitted] Ni-based metal foam holds promise as an electrochemical water-splitting catalyst, due to its low cost, acceptable catalytic activity and superior stability. However, its catalytic activity must be improved before it can be used as an energy-saving catalyst. Here, a traditional Chinese recipe, salt-baking, was employed to surface engineering of nickel-molybdenum alloy (NiMo) foam. During salt-baking, a thin layer of FeOOH nano-flowers was assembled on the NiMo foam surface then the resultant NiMo-Fe catalytic material was evaluated for its ability to support oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. The NiMo-Fe foam catalyst generated an electric current density of 100 mA cm−2 that required an overpotential of only 280 mV, thus demonstrating that its performance far exceeded that of the benchmark catalyst RuO 2 (375 mV). When employed as both the anode and cathode for use in alkaline water electrolysis, the NiMo-Fe foam generated a current density (j) output that was 3.5 times greater than that of NiMo. Thus, our proposed salt-baking method is a promising simple and environmentally friendly approach for surface engineering of metal foam for designing catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the electromechanical breakdown mechanisms of polycrystalline ceramics is critical to texture engineering for high‐energy‐density dielectric ceramics. Here, an electromechanical breakdown model is developed to fundamentally understand the electrostrictive effect on the breakdown behavior of textured ceramics. Taking the Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐Sr0.7Bi0.2TiO3 ceramic as an example, it is found that the breakdown process significantly depends on the local electric/strain energy distributions in polycrystalline ceramics, and reasonable texture design could greatly alleviate electromechanical breakdown. Then, high‐throughput simulations are performed to establish the mapping relationship between the breakdown strength and different intrinsic/extrinsic variables. Finally, machine learning is conducted on the database from the high‐throughput simulations to obtain the mathematical expression for semi‐quantitatively predicting the breakdown strength, based on which some basic principles of texture design are proposed. The present work provides a computational understanding of the electromechanical breakdown behavior in textured ceramics and is expected to stimulate more theoretical and experimental efforts in designing textured ceramics with reliable electromechanical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported a molecular hopper, which makes sub‐nanometer steps by thiol‐disulfide interchange along a track with cysteine footholds within a protein nanopore. Here we optimize the hopping rate (ca. 0.1 s−1 in the previous work) with a view towards rapid enzymeless biopolymer characterization during translocation within nanopores. We first took a single‐molecule approach to obtain the reactivity profiles of individual footholds. The pKa values of cysteine thiols within a pore ranged from 9.17 to 9.85, and the pH‐independent rate constants of the thiolates with a small‐molecule disulfide varied by up to 20‐fold. Through site‐specific mutagenesis and a pH increase from 8.5 to 9.5, the overall hopping rate of a DNA cargo along a five‐cysteine track was accelerated 4‐fold, and the rate‐limiting step 21‐fold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We previously reported a molecular hopper, which makes sub‐nanometer steps by thiol‐disulfide interchange along a track with cysteine footholds within a protein nanopore. Here we optimize the hopping rate (ca. 0.1 s−1 in the previous work) with a view towards rapid enzymeless biopolymer characterization during translocation within nanopores. We first took a single‐molecule approach to obtain the reactivity profiles of individual footholds. The pKa values of cysteine thiols within a pore ranged from 9.17 to 9.85, and the pH‐independent rate constants of the thiolates with a small‐molecule disulfide varied by up to 20‐fold. Through site‐specific mutagenesis and a pH increase from 8.5 to 9.5, the overall hopping rate of a DNA cargo along a five‐cysteine track was accelerated 4‐fold, and the rate‐limiting step 21‐fold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides is a rare form of mycosis fungoides that is characterized by achromic lesions, early onset of disease, a predilection for darker skinned populations, and a predominance of CD8+ T cells. Due to the rarity and heterogeneous presentation of hypopigmented mycosis fungoides, there are no criteria that clearly define the clinical characteristics and treatment regimens for this condition. This retrospective study of 44 paediatric patients with hypopigmented mycosis fungoides aimed to summarize their epidemiological and clinical characteristics and assess the effectiveness and safety of different treatment regimens. Clinical manifestations were further classified into 3 morphological groups: hypopigmented lesions, papules overlying hypopigmented lesions, and erythematous plaques overlying hypopigmented lesions. In addition, the results of this study suggest that interferon alpha might be an effective and well-tolerated therapy that could shorten the treatment time to complete response compared with other treatments. Maintenance therapy and long-term follow-up reduced the recurrence rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 2 (TNFAIP2), a TNFα-inducible gene, appears to participate in inflammation, immune response, hematopoiesis, and carcinogenesis. However, the potential role of TNFAIP2 in the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unknow yet. Therefore, we aimed to study the biological role of TNFAIP2 in leukemogenesis.Methods: TNFAIP2 mRNA level, prognostic value, co-expressed genes, differentially expressed genes, DNA methylation, and functional enrichment analysis in AML patients were explored via multiple public databases, including UALCAN, GTEx portal, Timer 2.0, LinkedOmics, SMART, MethSurv, Metascape, GSEA and String databases. Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and Beat AML database were used to determine the associations between TNFAIP2 expression and various clinical or genetic parameters of AML patients. Moreover, the biological functions of TNFAIP2 in AML were investigated through in vitro experiments.Results: By large-scale data mining, our study indicated that TNFAIP2 was differentially expressed across different normal and tumor tissues. TNFAIP2 expression was significantly increased in AML, particularly in French-American-British (FAB) classification M4/M5 patients, compared with corresponding control tissues. Overexpression of TNFAIP2 was an independent poor prognostic factor of overall survival (OS) and was associated with unfavorable cytogenetic risk and gene mutations in AML patients. DNA hypermethylation of TNFAIP2 at gene body linked to upregulation of TNFAIP2 and inferior OS in AML. Functional enrichment analysis indicated immunomodulation function and inflammation response of TNFAIP2 in leukemogenesis. Finally, the suppression of TNFAIP resulted in inhibition of proliferation by altering cell-cycle progression and increase of cell death by promoting early and late apoptosis in THP-1 and U937AML cells.Conclusion: Collectively, the oncogenic TNFAIP2 can function as a novel biomarker and prognostic factor in AML patients. The immunoregulation function of TNFAIP2 warrants further validation in AML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To adapt the periodic fluctuation of environmental factors, plants are subtle to monitor the natural variation for the growth and development. The daily activities and physiological functions in coordination with the natural variation are regulated by circadian clock genes. The circadian emission of floral scents is one of the rhythmic physiological activities controlled by circadian clock genes. Here, we study the molecular mechanism of circadian emission pattern of ocimene and linalool compounds in Oncidium Sharry Baby (Onc. SB) orchid. Results: GC-Mass analysis revealed that Onc. SB periodically emitted ocimene and linalool during 6 to 14 o’clock daily. Terpene synthase, one of the key gene in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway is expressed in coordination with scent emission. The promoter structure of terpene synthase revealed a circadian binding sequence (CBS), 5’-AGATTTTT-3’ for CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) transcription factor. EMSA data confirms the binding affinity of CCA1. Transactivation assay further verified that TPS expression is regulated by CCA1. It suggests that the emission of floral scents is controlled by CCA1. Conclusions: The work validates that the mechanism of circadian emission of floral scents in Onc. Sharry Baby is controlled by the oscillator gene, CCA1(CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED 1) under light condition. CCA1 transcription factor up-regulates terpene synthase (TPS) by binding on CBS motif, 5’-AGATTTTT-3’ of promoter region to affect the circadian emission of floral scents in Onc. SB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of engineered geopolymer composites (EGC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibres in EGC can be partially replaced with recycled tyre polymer (RTP) fibres. This paper presents a systematic experimental study on the effects of PVA fibre volume fraction (1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%) and RTP fibre content (0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1.0%) on the dynamic compressive behaviour of EGC under various strain rates (54.43–164.13 s−1). Results indicate that the flowability, quasi-static compressive strength and elastic modulus of EGC reduce with the increase of PVA fibre content, where the reductions can be effectively mitigated by adding RTP fibres. The dynamic compressive properties of all investigated mixtures including dynamic compressive strength, dynamic increase factor (DIF) and energy absorption capacity show a pronounced strain rate dependency which can be well described using the proposed equations for DIF against strain rate ranging from 10−5 s−1 to 103 s−1 with R 2 values of mostly greater than 0.9. The dynamic compressive properties of EGC are enhanced with the increasing PVA fibre dosage under various strain rates while replacing PVA fibre with a certain amount of RTP fibre (0.25% and 0.5%) can result in better dynamic compressive properties compared to EGC with 2.0% PVA fibre. EGC containing 1.75% PVA fibre and 0.25% RTP fibre can be considered as the optimal mixture given its superior quasi-static and dynamic compressive properties in comparison with EGC with 2.0% PVA fibre. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six previously undescribed prenylated indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, talaromyines A-F (1 − 6), were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Talaromyces purpureogenus SCSIO 41517. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic data including NMR, HR-ESI-MS, and electronic circular dichroism calculations, together with chemical analysis of hydrolysates. Compounds 1 − 5 represent the first example of spirocyclic indole diketopiperazines biosynthesized from the condensation of L-tryptophan and L-alanine. Compounds 2 and 4 − 5 showed selective inhibitory activities against phosphatases TCPTP and MEG2 with IC 50 value of 17.9–29.7 μM, respectively. Compounds 4 − 5 exhibited mild cytotoxic activities against two human cancer cell lines H1975 and HepG-2. Six undescribed prenylated indole diketopiperazine alkaloids, talaromyines A-F, were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Talaromyces purpureogenus. Their cytotoxicities and inhibitory activities against seven different protein tyrosine phosphatases were evaluated. [Display omitted] • Six undescribed prenylated indole diketopiperazine alkaloids were isolated from the marine-derived fungus Talaromyces purpureogenus. • Talaromyines A-E represent the first example of spirocyclic IDAs biosynthesized from the condensation of L-tryptophan and L-alanine. • The cytotoxicity and phosphatase inhibitory activity were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of rock mechanic characteristics of shale reservoir is the key for the success of fracturing. Several limitations such as complex lithology can affect the accuracy of the rock mechanic property computation. In this research, the mechanical rock properties of shale reservoirs were analyzed based on experimental tests including shale-reservoir mineral composition, uniaxial compressive strength, and triaxial compression tests. The results showed that (1) the difference in mineral composition leads to easier fracturing of sand shale reservoirs compared with pure shale reservoir. (2) Under uniaxial conditions, the rock mechanical parameters along the vertical bedding direction of sand shale reservoirs are better than pure shale reservoir parameters. The mechanical properties of shale reservoirs in parallel bedding direction are less affected by lithology. Under triaxial conditions, the confining pressure increases more than 4.0 times with the compressive strength of rocks, and the rock Young's modulus in the parallel bedding direction is higher compared with the vertical bedding direction. (3) Rock failure mode is mainly subdivided into cutting and splitting modes, and the bedding features of rock mechanic properties highly influence the drilling and fracturing operations. This study offers guidelines for the optimization of the drilling and fracturing process based on accurate evaluation of the rock mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NSC697923 inhibits the enzymatic activity of caspase-1. • NSC697923 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation. • NSC697923 inhibits the priming signal of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. • NSC697923 suppresses pyroptotic cell death. • NSC697923 alleviates gouty inflammation in mice. Caspase-1 is an integral regulator of innate immunity, which plays a key role in inflammasome activation and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The development of novel non-peptidic small molecule caspase-1 inhibitors is an important strategy for antagonizing excessively activated caspase-1 induced by inflammatory diseases, including gouty arthritis. In the present study, we identified 63 caspase-1 inhibitors, with different structures and potencies, from bioactive compound libraries. Among them, NSC697923 potently inhibited the enzymatic activity of caspase-1, with an IC 50 value of 1.737 μM. This compound adopted a favorable conformation in the active pocket of caspase-1. Furthermore, NSC697923 potently decreased mature interleukin (IL)-1 β secretion in macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide plus nigericin, ATP, and monosodium urate crystal. NSC697923 also inhibited NLRP3 protein expression by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway and the interaction between receptor interacting protein-2 (RIP2) and pro-caspase-1, thereby blocking the priming of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, NSC697923 significantly inhibited caspase-1 mediated gasdermin D cleavage and pyroptosis in macrophages. In an animal model of gouty arthritis, NSC697923 effectively inhibited joint swelling, IL-1β release, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our results indicate that NSC697923 can effectively suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation by inhibiting caspase-1, thus warranting further investigation as a potential therapeutic for treating NLRP3 inflammasome-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ribosomes across species contain subsets of zinc finger proteins that play structural roles by binding to rRNA. While the majority of these zinc fingers belong to the C2-C2 type, the large subunit protein L36 in bacteria and mitochondria exhibits an atypical C2-CH motif. To comprehend the contribution of each coordinating residue in S. cerevisiae bL36m to mitoribosome assembly and function, we engineered and characterized strains carrying single and double mutations in the zinc coordinating residues. Our findings reveal that although all four residues markedly influence protein stability, C to A mutations in C66 and/or C69 have a more pronounced effect compared to those at C82 and H88. Importantly, protein stability directly correlates with the assembly and function of the mitoribosome and the growth rate of yeast in respiratory conditions. Mass spectrometry analysis of large subunit particles indicates that strains deleted for bL36m or expressing mutant variants have defective assembly of the L7/L12 stalk base, limiting their functional competence. Furthermore, we employed a synthetic bL36m protein collection, including both wild-type and mutant proteins, to elucidate their ability to bind zinc. Our data indicate that mutations in C82 and, particularly, H88 allow for some zinc binding albeit inefficient or unstable, explaining the residual accumulation and activity in mitochondria of bL36m variants carrying mutations in these residues. In conclusion, stable zinc binding by bL36m is essential for optimal mitoribosome assembly and function. MS data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD046465. [Display omitted] • Identified bL36m's role in 54S mtLSU production; its depletion led to defective mtLSU assembly, affecting the L7/L12 stalk. • Mutations in cysteine residues coordinating zinc in bL36m limited protein stability, resulting in defective mtLSU assembly. • C66 and C69 mutations had a more pronounced impact on bL36m's stability and function than mutations at C82 and H88. • Demonstrated that C66 and C69 are essential for zinc binding, while some inefficient binding occurs in C82 or H88 mutants. • Overall, we show that stable zinc binding by bL36m is required to support optimal mitoribosome assembly and function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Different scaling patterns and mechanisms by Mg, Si, and organic matter in NF are disclosed. • Mg-Si hydrate, CaF 2 , and CaCO 3 are incipient scalants in hypersaline desalination. • Bulk crystallization and resultant pore blocking are the main mixed scaling mechanisms. • Humic acid enhanced incipient scaling but showed anti-scaling effects on bulk crystallization. • Mg-Si hydrate is a key scalant in dense scaling layer by high pressure and drag force in NF. Nanofiltration (NF) will play a crucial role in salt fractionation and recovery, but the complicated and severe mixed scaling is not yet fully understood. In this work, the mixed scaling patterns and mechanisms of high-pressure NF in zero-liquid discharge (ZLD) scenarios were investigated by disclosing the role of key foulants. The bulk crystallization of CaSO 4 and Mg-Si complexes and the resultant pore blocking and cake formation under high pressure were the main scaling mechanisms in hypersaline desalination. The incipient scalants were Mg-Si hydrates, CaF 2 , CaCO 3 , and CaMg(CO 3) 2. Si deposited by adsorption and polymerization prior to and impeded Ca scaling when Mg was not added, thus pore blocking was the main mechanism. The amorphous Mg-Si hydrates contribute to dense cake formation under high hydraulic pressure and permeate drag force, causing rapid flux decline as Mg was added. Humic acid has a high affinity to Ca2+by complexation, which enhances incipient scaling by adsorption or lowers the energy barrier of nucleation but improves the interconnectivity of the foulants layer and inhibits bulk crystallization due to the chelation and directional adsorption. Bovine serum albumin promotes cake formation due to the low electrostatic repulsion and acts as a cement to particles by adsorption and bridging in bulk. This work fills the research gaps in mixed scaling of NF, which is believed to support the application of ZLD and shed light on scaling in hypersaline/ultra-hypersaline wastewater desalination applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural restoration offers a positive strategy for maintaining biodiversity and addressing climate change. Wetland is an important "carbon sink", yet the dynamic of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage and how it is driven by microbial communities and activities remain unclear during natural restoration. In this work, we investigated the variations of soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, bacterial and fungal communities, as well as microbial activities (including microbial biomass carbon, carbon mineralization rate and extracellular enzymes) in naturally restored wetlands with restoration years of 0 (rice field reclaimed from natural wetland), 15, 20 and 40 in the Poyang Lake wetland. Results showed that SOC storage had been restored to its natural level after 20 years of natural rejuvenation, which was driven by microbial communities via impacting oxidase (peroxidase), microbial biomass and microbial quotient. Fungal diversity and community composition had strong positive effects on SOC storage, while the role of bacteria was limited, emphasizing that fungi exerted a more important control over carbon stock during natural restoration. Fungal taxa Sordariomycetes and Eurotiomycetes were the dominant microbial predictors of SOC storage. Besides, natural restoration significantly shifted bacteria and fungi communities, as well as microbial activities toward a pattern similar to that of natural wetlands. To sum up, our results highlight the significance of natural restoration for recovering carbon storage, and the addition of microbial attributes can potentially improve our capacity to predict changes in SOC storage in wetland ecosystems. • Soil organic carbon storage recovered after 20 years of natural restoration. • Microbial functional changes were driving force of wetland carbon stock. • Fungal community exerted more important control over SOC storage than bacteria. • Restoration shifted microbial communities and functions toward natural wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photon blockade (PB) is an effective way to generate single photon source which is indispensable in single-photon-based quantum information processing. Here we investigate the statistical properties of photons in a double-cavity optomechanical system, in which an optomechanical cavity (the primary one) is coupled to a Kerr-nonlinearity cavity (the secondary one). The optimal parametric relations for a strong PB effect are derived by calculating the equal-time second-order correlation functions. The results show that a weak Kerr-nonlinearity leads to a perfect PB effect in the primary cavity and a strong Kerr-nonlinearity leads to a stronger PB effect in the secondary cavity and between the two cavities. By adjusting the tunneling coupling strength to satisfy the optimal parametric conditions, the antibunching effects in and between these two cavities are controllable by properly selecting the Kerr-nonlinearity strength. This system can be used for a single-photon source with a controllable fashion in quantum information processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a complete stability analysis of multi-dimensional controlled systems modeled in the framework of second-order linear differential equations with two time-delays, the determination of stability crossing curves (or stability switching curves) within the domain of the delays is significantly important. This paper presents a simple receptance-based approach to solve this problem for a single-input-multiple-output controlled system using its second-order model. The proposed approach is based on a reduced characteristic function of the controlled system. This characteristic function is directly related to the receptance of the uncontrolled system and has a peculiar form that is well-suited for an effective method of calculation of these curves. Moreover, this method can find the direction in which the characteristic roots cross the imaginary axis as the delays deviate from a stability crossing curve. An example case study with two independent and constant delays is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) block the major inhibitory pathways in T cells, resulting in an augmented antitumor response. Immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) are a new class of side effects caused by ICIs and tend to be more prevalent in patients with preexisting autoantibodies and autoimmune diseases. The rheumatic subset of irAEs mainly includes arthralgia, arthritis, myalgia, myositis, vasculitis, sicca syndrome, scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus. The most common classification system for AEs, the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, is of limited use for irAEs, especially rheumatic irAEs. Therapy with glucocorticoid and temporary or permanent discontinuation of ICIs are the cornerstones of irAE treatment, and can be complemented with immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate), biologic agents (e.g., tumor necrosis factor inhibitors and interleukin‐6 receptor antagonists), intravenous immunoglobin and plasma exchange. Thus, the evaluation and treatment of rheumatic irAEs require multidisciplinary cooperation among physicians. Here, we review the most prevalent ICI‐associated rheumatic irAEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid diagnostic tests as an attractive alternative to enzyme immunoassay could identify hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected persons more expeditiously. The availability of high performing and quality‐assured rapid diagnostic tests are essential to scale‐up HCV screening. The study was undertaken to evaluate the performance of seven domestic HCV rapid diagnostic tests kits. The kits were evaluated by using HCV serum panels, including HCV basic panel, analytical specificity panel, mixed titre performance panel, characteristic panel, seroconversion panel, and genotype qualification panel. The results showed that clinical sensitivity, clinical specificity and analytical specificity of seven rapid diagnostic tests kits ranged from 94% (95% CI: 83.2–98.6) to 100% (95% CI: 91.5–100). Furthermore, specimens with HCV genotypes 1b, 2a, 3a, 4a, 5a, 6 could be detected by HCV rapid diagnostic tests kits, whereas specimens with genotypes 1a and 2b could not be detected. Additionally, most HCV rapid diagnostic tests kits had great performance in diagnosing different titres and/or different bands samples, but some low S/CO value specimens may not be fully detected by few rapid diagnostic test kits. In conclusion, seven HCV rapid diagnostic tests reagents presented high sensitivity, specificity, good anti‐interference and detection ability of early infection, which could meet the requirements of clinical HCV antibody screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Visceral fat is thought to play different roles in the carcinogenesis of the colon with peripheral fat. Our aim was to evaluate the association of body fat distribution measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) with the incidence of colorectal adenoma (CRA). Methods: A total of 410 asymptomatic participants who underwent a screening colonoscopy from July 2017 to December 2019 in our center were recruited, including 230 with adenomas and 180 without detected adenomas. The participants' body fat was measured by BIA, including their body fat mass (BFM), body fat percentage (BFP), and waist‐to‐hip ratio. Parameters of metabolic syndrome (MetS), including waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood level of triglyceride, cholesterol, and high‐density lipoprotein were measured as well. Results: According to univariate analysis, age, male sex, body mass index, waist circumference, BFM, waist‐to‐hip ratio, blood pressure, and FBG were higher in the adenoma group than in the adenoma‐free group (P < 0.05). On multivariate logistical analysis (adjusted for age, sex, smoking, drinking, and family history of CRC), a high waist‐to‐hip ratio was associated with a high incidence of CRA (odds ratio [OR] 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09‐3.09, P = 0.02). Only a large waist circumference in components of MetS was independently associated with the incidence of CRA (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.17‐3.08, P = 0.01) in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Body fat distribution is associated with CRA, central obesity is a core risk factor for CRA in MetS. Chinese Clinical Trial Registration number: ChiCTR‐RRC‐17010862. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the regulator of constructed wetlands (CWs), biochar is often used to enhance pollutant removal and reduce greenhouse gas emission. Biochar is proved to have certain effects on microbial populations, but its effect on the aggregation of microbial flocs and the formation of biofilms in the CWs has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the above topics were studied in this paper by adding a certain proportion of biochar in aerated subsurface flow constructed wetlands. The results indicated that after adding biochar in the CWs, pollutant removal was enhanced and the removal rate of NH 4 +-N was increased from 80.76% to 99.43%. The proportion of hydrophobic components in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) was reduced by adding biochar from 0.0044 to 0.0038, and the affinity of EPS on CH 3 -SAM was reduced from 5.736 L/g to 2.496 L/g. The weakened hydrophobic and the reduced affinity of EPS caused the initial attachment of microorganisms to be inhibited. The relative abundance of Chloroflexi was decreased after adding biochar, reducing the dense structural skeleton of biofilm aggregates. Correspondingly, the abundance of Bacteroidetes was increased, promoting EPS degradation. Biochar addition helped to increase the proportion of catalytic active proteins in extracellular proteins and decrease the proportion of binding active proteins, hindering the combination of extracellular proteins and macromolecules to form microbial aggregates. Additionally, the proportions of three extracellular protein structures promoting microbial aggregation, including aggregated chain, β-sheet, and 3-turn helix, were decreased to 23.83%, 38.37% and 7.76%, respectively, while the proportions of random coil and antiparallel β-sheet that inhibited microbial aggregation were increased to 14.11% and 8.11%, respectively. An interesting conclusion from the experimental results is that biochar not only can enhance pollutants removal, but also has the potential of alleviating biological clogging in CWs, which is of great significance to realize the sustainable operation and improve the life cycle of CWs. [Display omitted] • Biochar reduced the hydrophobicity of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). • Extracellular protein composition of EPS was altered by biochar. • Biochar addition induced changes in the extracellular protein secondary structure. • Biochar addition improved composition and structure of extracellular proteins. • Biochar has the potential to alleviate biological clogging in constructed wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Role of crumb rubber in engineered geopolymer composites (EGC) was estimated. • EGC mixes exhibit pronounced deflection-hardening and multiple cracking behaviour. • Increasing the crumb rubber content reduces the engineering properties of EGC. • Replacing 10% of silica sand with crumb rubber can get acceptable strengths of EGC. • EGC with crumb rubber has smaller crack width than EGC with silica sand only. Utilising crumb rubber from waste tyres to replace silica sand in engineered geopolymer composites (EGC) can reduce the environmental impact caused by landfilling and burning the tyres as well as that induced by exhausting the natural resources. This paper presents a systematic study on the effect of partially replacing silica sand with crumb rubber (10–40 %) on the engineering properties of EGC, with special focus on deflection-hardening behaviour. Results indicate that the workability, density, ultrasonic pulse velocity, drying shrinkage resistance, and compressive and flexural strengths of EGC drop with the increasing crumb rubber content. Regardless of crumb rubber content, all studied EGC mixes exhibit pronounced deflection-hardening and multiple cracking characteristics. Replacing 10 % of silica sand with crumb rubber can lead to acceptable compressive and flexural strengths of EGC. The crack width of EGC containing crumb rubber after flexural loading ranges from around 39 µm to 68 µm, which is lower than that of EGC with silica sand only. The presence of crumb rubber can lead to more PVA fibres pulled out and the rubber at the cracking interface may contribute to restraining the crack growth, which is conducive to improving the flexural toughness of EGC and reducing crack width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A series of NO-releasing and Topo I inhibition quinoline derivatives were designed and synthesized. • 9 could release high concentration of NO and inhibit Topo I to synergistic promote tumor cell apoptosis. • 9 regulated apoptosis-related proteins, generated ROS and blocked MCF-7 cells in G 2 /M phase to induce cell apoptosis. A number of NO-releasing quinoline derivatives have been designed and synthesized by introducing NO donor to quinoline carboxylic acid fragment. The anti-proliferation of all target compounds was evaluated against human cancer cell lines (HCT-116, MCF-7, and A549), MCF-7/ADR and normal cell (MCF-10A). Most compounds showed cytotoxic activity on cancer cells and drug-resistant cells with IC 50 values in the range of 0.62–5.51 μM. Importantly, these compounds showed low toxicity to normal cells (4.21–34.08 μM). Further mechanism studies showed that the most potent compound 9 could release high concentration of NO and inhibit the activity of topoisomerase I. In addition, 9 regulated apoptosis-related proteins, generated ROS and blocked MCF-7 cells in G2/M phase to induce cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the P-gp-mediated transport was also influenced by 9. And 9 could significantly inhibit the growth of tumor in vivo without observable organ-related toxicities. Overall, as a novel NO-releasing quinoline derivative, 9 was worthy for further in-depth study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution caused by PM 2.5 is a significant public health concern, with vehicle emissions being a major contributor. Previous research focused on assessing personal exposure in local traffic microenvironments, but this approach is resource-intensive and challenging to implement city-wide. Traditional methods of assessing population exposure have limitations in reflecting population mobility and spatiotemporal heterogeneity. This study presents a method for obtaining high-resolution spatiotemporal distributions of the population and their exposure to traffic-related PM 2.5 in Guangzhou using multisource data. The results indicate that the simulated population distribution was consistent with census data and allow identification of population density hotspots. Meanwhile, this study also examines 24-hour population changes for dynamic high-resolution assessment of population exposure. The findings show that low-income individuals and rural-urban migrants residing in urban villages have a mean population exposure exceeding 5.18 μg/min, surpassing the PM 2.5 exposure of commuters in enclosed cabins. This emphasizes the urgent need to mitigate the negative impacts of traffic-related PM 2.5 on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study investigated the infection status and relationship between other common lower genital tract infectious pathogens and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) in the high-grade cervical lesions. Methods. Overall, 882 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study, of which 339 patients (≥HSIL group) were confirmed with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) or cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), while 543 patients (≤LSIL group) were diagnosed with low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or normal cervical pathology diagnosis. Cervical swab specimens were tested for HPV, pathogenic bacteria (PB), U. urealyticum (UU), M. hominis (MH), and C. trachomatis (CT) in both groups. Results. The infection rates of HR-HPV, PB, UU (at high density), and CT were higher in the ≥HSIL group than in the ≤LSIL group (P < 0.001); however, higher infection rates with MH were not observed (P > 0.05). PB, UU, and CT were associated with HR-HPV infection (P < 0.001). The PB and UU infection rates in the ≥HSIL group were significantly different from those in the ≤LSIL group, regardless of whether there was an HR-HPV infection at the same time (P < 0.05). However, this was not the case for the CT (P > 0.05). Furthermore, 259 pathogenic bacterial strains were detected in 882 cases. The difference in the distribution of pathogenic bacterial flora in the different grades of cervical lesions had no statistical significance, which was prioritized over Escherichia coli (P > 0.05). Conclusion. PB, UU, and CT infection is associated with susceptibility to HR-HPV, HR-HPV coinfection with these pathogens might increase the risk of high-grade cervical lesions, and PB and UU might be independent risk factors for cervical lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two identical visual disks moving toward each other on a two‐dimensional (2D) display are more likely to be perceived as "streaming through" than "bouncing off" each other after their coincidence. However, either a brief auditory tone or visual flash presented at the coincident moment of the disks can strikingly increase the incidence of the bouncing percept. Despite the neural substrates underlying the sound‐induced bouncing effect have been widely investigated, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying the flash‐induced bouncing effect. The present study used event‐related potential recordings to explore the temporal dynamics of the flash‐induced bouncing effect. The results showed that the amplitude of the postcoincidence parietooccipital P2 component (190–230 ms after coincidence) elicited by the visual motion was significantly smaller on bouncing relative to streaming trials only when the flash was presented but not when absent. In addition, the parietal P3 component (330–430 ms) was found to be larger on bouncing than streaming trials when the flash was presented, but the opposite was true when no flash was presented. These electrophysiological findings suggest that the flash‐induced bouncing effect may occur at both perceptual and postperceptual stages of processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of this current review was to confirm the efficacy of intra-articular steroid therapy (IAST) for patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and discuss the duration and influential factors of IAST. Methods. Online databases (Medline, EMBASE, and Web of Science) were searched from inception to May 2019. Both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and noncontrolled trials assessing the efficacy of hip IAST on pain were included. Common demographics data were extracted using a standardized form. Quality was assessed on the basis of Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 Levels of Evidence. Results. 12 trials met the inclusion criteria. According to data from individual trials, IAST had significant efficacy on hip OA in both immediate and delay pain reduction, which persisted up to 12 weeks after IAST. The influences of the baseline severity of hip OA or synovitis and injection dose or volume on the clinical outcome of IAST were still controversial. The IAST appeared to be well tolerant by most of the participants. Conclusion. IAST was proved to be an efficacious therapy in both immediate and delay pain reduction for hip OA patients within 12 weeks. The longer follow-up data of efficacy and safety and potentially influential factors are still unclear and needed further confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1, also termed TCF8 and δEF1) is a crucial member of the zinc finger-homeodomain transcription factor family, originally identified as a binding protein of the lens-specific δ1-crystalline enhancer and is a pivotal transcription factor in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. ZEB1 also plays a vital role in embryonic development and cancer progression, including breast cancer progression. Increasing evidence suggests that ZEB1 stimulates tumor cells with mesenchymal traits and promotes multidrug resistance, proliferation, and metastasis, indicating the importance of ZEB1-induced EMT in cancer development. ZEB1 expression is regulated by multiple signaling pathways and components, including TGF-β, β-catenin, miRNA and other factors. Here, we summarize the recent discoveries of the functions and mechanisms of ZEB1 to understand the role of ZEB1 in EMT regulation in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little knowledge about the biological roles and clinical significance of SCNN1A in ovarian cancer. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the biological functions and prognosis value of SCNN1A in ovarian cancer to further seek a potential therapeutic target for patients with ovarian cancer. Materials and Methods: First, the expression level of SCNN1A in ovarian cancer samples obtained from ONCOMINE database was determined, and its expression in cell lines was also investigated. Moreover, correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between SCNN1A expression and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients according to the data obtained from GEPIA database and Kaplan-Meier plotter website. The biological roles of SCNN1A on cell growth, migration, and invasion were then examined by knockdown of SCNN1A in ovarian cancer cell line SK-OV-3. Ultimately, Western blotting analysis was carried out to investigate the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation markers (including E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail) after silencing SCNN1A. Results: Based on the ONCOMINE-related data and cell lines, SCNN1A was observed to be overexpressed in ovarian cancer samples and cell lines. Survival analysis showed that high expression of SCNN1A was associated with poor overall survival and progression-free survival in ovarian cancer patients. In addition, SCNN1A silence remarkably blocked SK-OV-3 cell growth ability, migration, and invasion potential. Western blotting results showed that SCNN1A silence led to an increase in E-cadherin, whereas a decrease in N-cadherin, Vimentin, and Snail in SK-OV-3 cells. Increased E-cadherin and decreased N-cadherin, Vimentin, as well as Snail inhibited cell invasion of ovarian cancer. Conclusions:SCNN1A might exert crucial roles in cell growth and invasion and migration in ovarian cancer, and might be a potential indicator for prognosis and a therapeutic target for ovarian cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Liuweibuqi (LWBQ) capsule has been reported to influence symptoms of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); however, specific function of LWBQ capsules in COPD with lung-qi deficiency syndrome remains elusive. Objective: This study investigates effect of LWBQ capsules on STAT4/STAT6 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression and pulmonary function in stable COPD with lung-qi deficiency syndrome. Materials and methods: Totally, 429 patients diagnosed with stable COPD and lung-qi deficiency syndrome were treated with starch capsules (each time for 9 capsules), or different doses: low (each dose for 8 capsules and 1 LWBQ capsules), medium (each time for 6 capsules and 3 LWBQ capsules), or high (each time for 9 LWBQ capsules) of LWBQ capsules for 30 days, 3 times a day. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC% and DLco%pred were evaluated by pulmonary function meter. STAT4/STAT6 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression was assessed by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, and serum concentrations of IL-4, IFN-γ and IL-6 by ELISA. Results: Spearman rank correlation analysis and ROC curve showed that STAT4/STAT6 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 affected pulmonary functions and curative effect of stable COPD with lung-qi deficiency syndrome. After LWBQ capsule treatment, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC% and DLco%pred elevated; STAT4/STAT6, MMP-9/TIMP-1, IFN-γ and IL-6 expression declined whereas IL-4 expression increased (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that FEV1/FVC was negatively correlated with STAT4/STAT6 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 expression in COPD patients. Conclusions: LWBQ capsules play a beneficial role in pulmonary function of stable COPD with lung-qi deficiency syndrome via STAT4/STAT6 and MMP-9/TIMP-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has attracted increasing attention as an anticancer agent. However, using DHA to treat cancer usually depends on the synergistic effects of exogenous components, and the loss of DHA during delivery reduces its effectiveness in cancer therapy. Reported herein is a programmed release nanoplatform of DHA to synergistically treat cancer with a Fe‐TCPP [(4,4,4,4‐(porphine‐5,10,15,20‐tetrayl) tetrakis(benzoic acid)] NMOF (nanoscale MOF) having a CaCO3 mineralized coating, which prevents DHA leakage during transport in the bloodstream. When the nanoplatform arrives at the tumor site, the weakly acidic microenvironment and high concentration of glutathione (GSH) trigger DHA release and TCPP activation, enabling the synergistic Fe2+‐DHA‐mediated chemodynamic therapy, Ca2+‐DHA‐mediated oncosis therapy, and TCPP‐mediated photodynamic therapy. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the nanoplatform showed enhanced anticancer efficiency and negligible toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) has attracted increasing attention as an anticancer agent. However, using DHA to treat cancer usually depends on the synergistic effects of exogenous components, and the loss of DHA during delivery reduces its effectiveness in cancer therapy. Reported herein is a programmed release nanoplatform of DHA to synergistically treat cancer with a Fe‐TCPP [(4,4,4,4‐(porphine‐5,10,15,20‐tetrayl) tetrakis(benzoic acid)] NMOF (nanoscale MOF) having a CaCO3 mineralized coating, which prevents DHA leakage during transport in the bloodstream. When the nanoplatform arrives at the tumor site, the weakly acidic microenvironment and high concentration of glutathione (GSH) trigger DHA release and TCPP activation, enabling the synergistic Fe2+‐DHA‐mediated chemodynamic therapy, Ca2+‐DHA‐mediated oncosis therapy, and TCPP‐mediated photodynamic therapy. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the nanoplatform showed enhanced anticancer efficiency and negligible toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel Cr(VI)-reducing extreme thermophile isolated from geothermal region. • The thermophilic strain Aeribacillus pallidus BK1 can remain viable at up to 155 °C. • Cr(VI)-tolerance concentration of BK1 was the highest among thermophiles studied. • Cr(VI) was transmembrane transported and reduced in the cytoplasm. • Cr(III) precipitates occurred predominantly in solid amorphous hydroxide- and oxide-like forms. Despite significant advances in remediation of Cr(VI) by microorganisms, studies on Cr(VI)-reducing thermophiles are still limited, which are highly desirable to be applied in Cr(VI) contaminated sites with high temperature. In this study, thermophilic Aeribacillus pallidus BK1, was isolated from Tengchong volcanic geothermal region China by virtue of microfluidics. The optimum temperature and pH value for the growth of Aeribacillus pallidus BK1 were found to be 60 °C and pH 7.5, respectively, and 400 mg/L was determined to be the minimal inhibition concentration of Cr(VI). A. pallidus BK1 exhibited superior heat-resistance which could withstand a high temperature up to 155 °C with maintained viability. The removal of Cr(VI) by A. pallidus BK1 was investigated, showing a removal efficiency of 98.34% and 86.87% Cr(VI) after 36 h with initial Cr(VI) concentrations of 20 mg/L and 100 mg/L, respectively, whereas 33.65% removal was achieved at 300 mg/L of Cr(VI). The removal of Cr(VI) by Aeribacillus pallidus BK1 was found to be absolutely through bioreduction, in the process of which Cr(VI) was transmembrane transported into the cytoplasm and then reduced by reductase, where sodium lactate was found to be the most favorable electron donor for the reduction of Cr(VI). FT-IR analyses confirmed that –COOH, –OH and –NH groups participated in the Cr(VI) transmembrane transportation, and TEM-EDX analyses indicated chromium were distributed as amorphous particles in the cytoplasm of Aeribacillus pallidus BK1. Moreover, XPS demonstrated that insoluble Cr(Ш) precipitates mainly coordinated with carboxyl, hydroxyl along with phenolic groups. Due to its thermophilic and extremely heat resistant properties, A. pallidus strain BK1 offered itself as a potential engineering bacteria for bioremediation of metal contaminated sites, especially in high temperature environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Design: A retrospective study.Objective: To determine the incidence and risk factors of coronal decompensation after posterior-only thoracolumbar hemivertebra (HV) resection and short fusion in patients younger than 5-years old.Summary Of Background Data: Postoperative coronal decompensation may occur in operated patients during the follow up. However, there is a paucity of valid data regarding this complication in very young patients with thoracolumbar HV.Methods: This study reviewed a consecutive series of patients (younger than 5 years) who had undergone posterior-only hemivertebrectomy and short fusion from January 2006 to December 2014. They had a minimum follow-up of 24 months. According to the coronal compensation behavior, they were divided into two groups: Group P (progressed, curve decompensated beyond twenty degrees) and Group NP (nonprogressed, curve well compensated).Results: There were 179 patients included in this study. Mean age at surgery was 38 ± 11 months. Mean follow-up was 41 ± 11 months. Postoperative coronal decompensation was identified in 18 patients (rate, 10.1%) who constituted Group P. The remaining 161 patients had a well-compensated pattern. In contrast to Group NP, the patients in Group P had greater preoperative lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) translation (18.5 mm ± 6.4 mm vs. 10.5 mm ± 4.9 mm, P < 0.01), and higher postoperative LIV disc angle (7.0° ± 3.1° vs. 3.1° ± 3.3°, P < 0.01) after surgery. During the follow up, LIV translation and LIV disc experienced continuous aggravation until initiation of bracing. Preoperative LIV translation (≥15.1 mm) and postoperative LIV disc angle (≥5.5°) were identified as two independent risk factors of coronal decompensation after surgery.Conclusion: After thoracolumbar hemivertebrectomy in children younger than 5 years, the overall rate of coronal decompensation is approximately 10.1%. As two independent risk factors of postoperative coronal decompensation, preoperative LIV translation (≥15.1 mm) and postoperative LIV disc angle (≥5.5°) should on all accounts be the major causes for concern.Level Of Evidence: 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the pulse repetition rate and the maintenance-free lifetime of an improved magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) previously developed in our laboratory, a metal-dielectric cathode is investigated experimentally. It consists of three components: a stainless steel base, bronze foils, and double-sided printed boards. The experimental results show that the shot-to-shot reproducibility of the diode voltage and current is very good and the performances of the improved MILO are steady. In addition, no observable degradation could be detected in the emissive characteristic of the metal-dielectric cathode after 350 shots. The experimental results prove that the metal-dielectric cathode is a promising cathode for repetitively pulsed MILO operation. However, the leading edge of the radiated microwave pulse is gradually delayed during the repetition rate. A likely reason is that high pressure results in gas ionization in the beam-microwave interaction region, and plasma formation delays the time that the improved MILO achieves nonlinear steady state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An X-band magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator has been investigated theoretically and experimentally in our laboratory. However, severe pulse shortening and electrode erosion are observed in the experiments. The theoretical analyses show that anode plasma formation in the load region is the essential reason for the pulse shortening and electrode erosion. In order to eliminate or at least minimize anode plasma formation in the load region, an improved beam dump is presented. The theoretical analyses show that anode plasma formation can be eliminated or at least minimized in the improved beam dump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A newly developed electrochemical sensor for simultaneous detection of Cu2+ and Pb2+ in polluted water using the non-metallic porphyrin functioned graphene oxide (GO) by π-π noncovalent interactions is demonstrated. Introduction of 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl)-21H, 23H-porphine (THPP) on GO nanosheets resulted in enhanced electron transfer due to the high electron mobility of GO and the excellent electron-feeding properties of THPP. Due to the synergistic effect between THPP and GO, the prepared sensors showed remarkable electrocatalytic activity for the reduction of Cu2+ and Pb2+. It exhibited two-segmentinear response over the concentration range from 5 − 300 μM and 300–––900 μM with a detection limit of 1.5 μM for Cu2+ and two-segment corresponding linear range of 5–––250 μM and 250–––900 μM with a detection limit of 1.6 μM for Pb2+. In addition, the proposed sensor has excellent anti-interference ability for some common cations and anions. The technique can be used successfully for simultaneously detection of residual Cu2+ and Pb2+ in real water, thus demonstrating its high utility for conventional sensing applications in real environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eight previously unknown 2-(2-phenylethyl)chromone derivatives, called aquichromones A − E (1 – 3 , 5 and 6) and 8- epi -aquichromone C (4), including two pairs of enantiomers [(±)- 1 and (±)- 2 ] were isolated from the agarwood of Aquilaria sinensis. The structures and absolute stereochemistry of these natural products were elucidated by using spectroscopic and computational methods. The result of biological assay showed that two members of this group, 4 and 5, have significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are differentially expressed in EBV-infected cells and play an essential role in tumor progression. Molecular pathogenesis of lincRNAs in EBV-driven natural killer T cell lymphoma (NKTCL) remains unclear. Here we investigated the ncRNA profile using high-throughput RNA sequencing data of 439 lymphoma samples and screened out LINC00486 , whose downregulation was further validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in EBV-encoded RNA (EBER)-positive lymphoma, particularly NKTCL. Both in vitro and in vivo studies revealed the tumor suppressive function of LINC00486 through inhibiting tumor cell growth and inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. As mechanism of action, LINC00486 specifically interacted with NKRF to abrogate its binding with phosphorylated p65, activated NF-κB/TNF-α signaling and subsequently enhanced EBV eradication. Solute carrier family 1 member 1 (SLC1A1), upregulated and mediated the glutamine-addiction and tumor progression in NKTCL, was negatively correlated with the expression of NKRF. NKRF specifically bound to the promoter and transcriptionally downregulated the expression of SLC1A1 , as evidenced by Chromatin Immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assay. Collectively, LINC00486 functioned as a tumor suppressor and counteracted EBV infection in NKTCL. Our study improved the knowledge of EBV-driven oncogenesis in NKTCL and provided the clinical rationale of EBV eradication in anti-cancer treatment. • LINC00486 is downregulated in EBV-encoded RNA-positive lymphoma, particularly NKTCL. • LINC00486 inhibits tumor cell growth and induces G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. • LINC00486 interacts with NKRF to activate NF-κB/TNF-α signaling and enhance EBV eradication. • NKRF specifically bound to the promoter and transcriptionally downregulated the expression of SLC1A1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]