Ionic Liquid-Like Pharmaceutical Ingredients and Applications of Ionic Liquids in Medicinal Chemistry: Development, Status and Prospects

Background:

As a new kind of green media and bioactive compounds with special structure, Ionic Liquids (ILs) are attracting much attention and applied widely in many fields. However, their roles and potential have not been fully recognized by many researchers of medicinal chemistry. Because of obvious differences from other traditional drugs and reagents, their uses and performance together with advantages and disadvantages need to be explored and reviewed in detail.

Methods:

For a systematic and explicit description of the relationship between ILs and medicinal chemistry, all of the contents were elucidated and summarized in a series of independent parts. In each part, it started from the research background or a conceptual framework and then specific examples were introduced to illustrate the theme. Finally, the important conclusions were drawn and its future was outlooked after the discussion about related key problems appearing in each mentioned research. Meanwhile, methodologies such as empirical analysis, comparison and induction were applied in different sections to exposit our subject.

Results:

The whole review was composed of five parts, and 148 papers were cited in total. Related basic information of ionic liquids was provided on the basis of representative references, including their concepts and important characters. Then 82 papers outlined ionic liquid-like active pharmaceutical ingredients, which unfolded with their major biological activities (antimicrobial activity, antibiofilm activity, antitumor activity, anticholinesterase activity and so on). Applications of ionic liquids in the synthesis of drugs and pharmaceutical intermediates were elaborated in 92 papers to illustrate the important roles of ILs and their extraordinary properties in this field. Moreover, new technologies (such as immobilization of IL, microwave reaction, solventfree synthesis, microreactor, etc) were introduced for further innovation. Finally, 26 papers were included to expound the status of the IL-assisted derivatization of various natural lead compounds.

Conclusion:

This review placed emphasis on chemical structures of ILs and their structureactivity relationships in a specific manner, leading to meaningful and valuable related information to some related fields and thus promotes further development and application of various ILs for medicinal chemistry. The deep exploration for key scientific problems is the driving force to propel their theoretical breakthrough and industrial production.

Evolving Practice Patterns Over Two Decades (1993-2013) in the Management of Desmoid-type Fibromatosis in British Columbia

AIMS

Due to the rarity and varied natural history of desmoid-type fibromatosis, evidence-based treatment standards for this disease remain lacking. This study evaluated outcomes in patients with desmoid-type fibromatosis managed at a Canadian institution over two decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of 227 patients with desmoid-type fibromatosis referred from 1990 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed to investigate management strategies including active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, cryoablation, and systemic therapy, including tamoxifen and chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Thirty-two per cent of cases were men, median age 40 years, median tumour size 5.4 cm. Initial treatments were surgery (79%), tamoxifen (13%), radiation therapy (5.0%), chemotherapy (1.8%) and cryoablation (1.2%). Active surveillance was used upfront in 26% of cases, most after 2005. At a median follow-up of 77 months, one patient died of disease, 13 died of unrelated causes and the remainder were alive with no evidence of disease (56%), stable/responding disease (33%) or progressive disease (4%). The recurrence rate was 25% after upfront surgery. Response rates and disease control rates were 40% and 76% for active surveillance; 68% and 96% for radiation therapy; 31% and 67% for tamoxifen; and 53% and 80% for chemotherapy. On univariable analysis, factors associated with a higher recurrence after initial surgery were young age (P = 0.012), male gender (P = 0.012) and extremity location (P = 0.005). On multivariable analysis, only young age was significantly associated with recurrence risk (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Active surveillance was associated with spontaneous regression and long-term disease control consistent with other studies. Primary radiation therapy appeared to provide a similar response and disease control compared with systemic treatments and may be a viable option for patients who are not candidates for surgery or active surveillance.

Metabolic syndrome and renal cell cancer risk in Chinese males: a population-based prospective study

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is now a common public health problem. Few researches have reported the relationship between MetS and the risk of renal cell cancer (RCC). To investigate the association of metabolic syndrome and its components with the risk of RCC in Chinese males, the study was performed in the Kailuan male cohort, a large prospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 104,333 eligible males enrolled in the every 2-year health checkup were involved in the Kailuan male cohort study (2006-2015). Information on demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle, medical history and laboratory tests at baseline entry was obtained. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the association between MetS and the RCC risk.

Results

During a median follow-up of 8.9 years, 131 RCC cases were verified over a total of 824,211.96 person-years. Among the 5 single MetS components, hypertension (Systolic/diastolic blood pressure≥130/85 mm Hg or antihypertensive drug treatment of previously hypertension) (HR = 2.35, 95%CI:1.48-3.72) and elevated triglyceride (TG) (≥1.7mmol/L) (HR = 1.78, 95%CI:1.23-2.56) showed significant risk for RCC. Multivariate analysis showed that compared to those who did not meet MetS diagnostic criteria (number of abnormal MetS components<3), HR of RCC risk for participants with MetS was 1.95 (95% CI 1.35-2.83). The number of abnormal MetS components was linearly associated with an increased risk of RCC (P trend<0.001), and the HRs of RCC risk for males with 1, 2 and ≥3 MetS components were 1.27 (0.56-2.90), 2.42 (1.12-5.20) and 3.32 (1.56-7.07), respectively, compared with subjects without MetS components.

Conclusions

MetS was inversely associated with of RCC risk in males.

Key messages

MetS might be one of the scientific and important predictors of RCC. Controlling metabolic syndrome may potentially have key scientific and clinical significance for RCC prevention.

Overexpression of paralogues of the wheat expansin gene TaEXPA8 improves low-temperature tolerance in Arabidopsis

Low temperature is one of the important factors limiting wheat yield in cold regions. Expansins are nonenzymatic proteins that loosen cell walls and play important roles in diverse biological processes related to cell wall modification, including development and stress tolerance. Many studies have shown that expansins are involved in resistance to various abiotic stresses, such as heat and drought. However, the role of expansins in response to low-temperature stress remains unclear. Based on our previous transcriptome data of a winter wheat cultivar Dongnongdongmai 2 (DN2), we found that one of the expansin genes, TaEXPA8, was significantly induced by low temperature, indicating a role for TaEXPA8 in cold resistance. In this study, the paralogous TaEXPA8 genes TaEXPA8-A, TaEXPA8-B and TaEXPA8-D were cloned by RT-PCR. These three genes were then transformed into Arabidopsis by the floral dip method. Expression patterns of TaEXPA8 genes in different tissues and in response to several abiotic stresses and hormones were detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The results showed that TaEXPA8-A and TaEXPA8-B were expressed mainly in roots, while TaEXPA8-D was expressed predominantly in flowers. TaEXPA8 genes were induced by low-temperature and drought. The overexpression of TaEXPA8-B and TaEXPA8-D enhanced low-temperature resistance and had increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activity and soluble protein, MDA and proline content. In summary, our study suggested that the expansins TaEXPA8-B and TaEXPA8-D are involved in the response to low temperature and possibly play a role in cold resistance by activating the protective enzyme system.

Preparation of Yolk-Shell-Structured Cox Fe1-x P with Enhanced OER Performance

The design and development of low-cost, highly efficient, and stable electrocatalysts to take the place of noble-metal catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remain a significant challenge. Herein, the synthesis of yolk-shell-structured binary transition metal phosphide Co_x Fe_1-x P with different Co/Fe ratios by phosphidation of a cobalt ferrite precursor is reported. The as-synthesized Co_x Fe_1-x P catalysts were used for the OER. All yolk-shell Co_x Fe_1-x P catalysts with different Co/Fe ratios showed much better performance than the corresponding solid catalyst. The formation of Co oxides on the catalyst surface during OER and the optimal Co/Fe ratio were found to be critical to their activity. Among the as-prepared Co_x Fe_1-x P catalysts, that with a Co/Fe ratio of 0.47/0.53 (Co_0.47 Fe_0.53 P) exhibited the best performance. Co_0.47 Fe_0.53 P has an overpotential of 277 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2 , a Tafel slope of 37 mV dec^-1 , and superior stability in alkaline medium. The outstanding performance is partly ascribed to the transfer of valence electrons from Co to P and Fe. The Co_0.47 Fe_0.53 P matrix with excellent conductivity and Fe phosphate that is stable on the surface of the catalyst are also helpful for the OER performance. In addition, the yolk-shell structure of Co_0.47 Fe_0.53 P increases the contact area between electrolyte and catalyst. These characteristics of Co_0.47 Fe_0.53 P greatly improve its OER performance. This optimized binary transition metal phosphide provides a new approach for the design of nonprecious-metal electrocatalysts.

[MicroRNA-1 regulates fibronectin expression in human trabecular meshwork cells under oxidative stress]

Objective: To investigate the expression of microRNA-1 (miR-1) and its regulatory function on fibronectin (FN) in human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMC) under oxidative stress. Methods: Experimental study. After HTMC were treated with 0, 60, 100, 200, 400 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) for 6 h, respectively, the cells were placed in culture medium for 24 h. The expression of miR-1 and FN mRNA in these cells were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. According to bioinformatics analysis, the target gene of miR-1 is predicted to be FN; pcDNA3/pri-miR-1 vectors, pcDNA3/enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-FN-3'UTR vectors and pcDNA3/EGFP-FN-3'UTRmut vectors were constructed. pcDNA3/pri-miR-1 were co-transfected with pcDNA3/EGFP-FN-3'UTR or pcDNA3/EGFP-FN-3'UTRmut respectively into HTMC. pDsRed2-N1 was taken as internal reference. After 48 h transfection, the absorbance of EGFP and red fluorescent protein (REP) was detected with fluorescence spectrophotometer to explore the effect of miR-1 on FN expression. HTMC was stimulated with 200 μmol/L H(2)O(2) for 24 h after overexpression plasmid of miR-1 was transfected into it, and then FN mRNA and protein levels were detected via real time PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence. Data were analyzed via one-way analysis of variance or t test. Results: With the increase of H(2)O(2) concentration, miR-1 decreased (F=390.80, P<0.01) while FN increased (F=13.16, P<0.01). The level of miR-1 in HTMC stimulated by 200 μmol/L and 400 μmol/L H(2)O(2) decreased to 0.608±0.014 (t=21.67, P<0.01) and 0.409±0.020 (t=29.91, P<0.01), respectively, compared with untreated control cells (1.000); whereas, the mRNA levels of FN increased to 1.630±0.233 (t=4.47, P=0.011) and 1.903±0.246 (t=6.15, P=0.003), respectively, compared with untreated control cells(1.000). Through bioinformatics analysis, miR-1 might have candidate binding site in FN mRNA 3'-UTR. Meanwhile, these cells co-transfected with pcDNA3/pri-miR-1 and pcDNA3/EGFP-FN-3'UTRmut (0.562±0.018) had higher EGFP expression than cells co-transfected with pcDNA3/pri-miR-1 and pcDNA3/EGFP-FN-3'UTR (0.329±0.015) (t=17.39, P<0.01). Compared with the control (1.000), after overexpressing miR-1 the mRNA expression and the protein level of FN decreased to 0.294±0.081 (t=11.01, P<0.01) and 0.584±0.022 (t=5.57, P<0.01), respectively. Conclusions: MiR-1 decreases while FN increased in HTMC under oxidative stress. MiR-1 inhibits FN expression through targeting FN 3'-UTR. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 355-360).

[Olfaction and sinonasal symptoms in CRSwNP patients with or without atopy]

Objective: Olfactory impairment is commonly observed in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps(CRSwNP) and has a significant impact on quality of life. However, the risk factors for olfactory impairment have not been fully understood, and whether atopy is predisposed to olfactory impairment in CRSwNP patients remains unclear. The present study aims to unveil differences in olfaction and sinonasal symptoms between CRSwNP with and without atopy by means of a hospital-based, cross-sectional survey. Method: In this study, 288 CRSwNP patients ready for sinus surgery were consecutively enrolled, and atopy, olfaction, sinonasal symptoms and CT scores were evaluated. Result: We found 71.3% of CRSwNP patients presented olfactory loss and 34.5% of them presented olfactory complaint in this cohort (In this study, olfactory impairment has been defined when VAS≥1 and olfactory dysfunction has been defined when VAS≥5）.The decreased olfactory function was associated with sinonasal symptoms(nasal congestion and rhino rhea) and total CT scores (P<0.01), but not with atopy. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that nasal congestion score and total CT score were risk factors for olfactory dysfunction (OR, 1.293 and 1.349; P<0.01) in CRSwNP patients. Conclusion: Our findings indicate atopic condition may not directly cause olfactory impairment, and physician should pay attention to the surgical treatment for local disease severity to improve the olfactory function and quality of life..

Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviate Myocardial Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition in a Rat Dilated Cardiomyopathy Model

BACKGROUND

Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HuMSCs) have been shown to suppress cardiac fibrosis; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that endothelial-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) plays a crucial part in myocardial fibrosis. In the present study, we investigated the suppressive role of HuMSCs in cardiac fibrosis and related mechanisms in a rat dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) model.

METHODS

Male Lewis rats were randomly divided into 3 groups. Rats without any treatment served as a negative control group, while the DCM rats, which were generated by immunization with porcine myosin, were divided into 2 groups: a HuMSC group, in which HuMSCs (1 × 10⁶ cells/rat) were injected intravenously, and a vehicle group, in which rats were injected with volume-matched solution containing no HuMSCs. Histologic and immunofluorescent measurements were used to evaluate the effects of HuMSCs on cardiac fibrosis and EndMT.

RESULTS

We observed a significant increase in myocardial fibrosis, and elevated EndMT in rats of the vehicle group were observed compared with those in the negative control group along with the increased activity of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling. Treatment with HuMSCs repressed the increase in myocardial fibrosis and EndMT observed in DCM rats, which correlated with decreased activity of TGF-β1/ERK1/2 signaling.

CONCLUSION

The HuMSCs attenuated cardiac fibrosis at least partly through the inhibition of TGF-β/ERK-induced EndMT.

Management and population dynamics of diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella): planting regimes, crop hygiene, biological control and timing of interventions

Using an age-structured process-based simulation model for diamondback moth (DBM), we model the population dynamics of this major Brassica pest using the cropping practices and climate of Guangdong, China. The model simulates two interacting sub-populations (demes), each representing a short season crop. The simulated DBM abundance, and hence pest problems, depend on planting regime, crop hygiene and biological control. A continuous supply of hosts, a low proportion of crop harvested and long residue times between harvest and replanting each exacerbate pest levels. Biological control provided by a larval parasitoid can reduce pest problems, but not eliminate them when climate is suitable for DBM and under certain planting practices. The classic Integrated Pest Management (IPM) method of insecticide application, when pest threshold is reached, proved effective and halved the number of insecticide sprays when compared with the typical practice of weekly insecticide application.

[Research progress in prognostic factors of hepatitis B virus-associated end-stage liver disease]

Hepatitis B remains a worldwide health problem with a high mortality rate associated with end-stage liver diseases. The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and Child-Pugh score is still widely used as the prognostic model for liver cirrhosis and inflammatory reaction, B-type natriuretic peptide and portal vein thrombosis are independent risk factors. Many new models have been proposed for liver failure, including a new model HINAT ACLF. HINAT ACLF is better than its preceding models and increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is a single factor to promote thyroid hormone, cholinesterase, and antiviral treatment response in this model. HBV DNA is frequently involved in the predictive model of liver cancer, but with widespread use of antiviral drugs, the value of its long-term prognostication has gradually reduced. Therefore, liver stiffness value instead of HBV DNA shows apparent advantages in mREACH-B. ALBI has good median survival prediction value for hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Alpha-fetoprotein and staging method, which is based on tumor number and size, are still independent risk factors for liver cancer.

Evaluation of Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging in Sub-acute Ischemic Stroke: Comparison with Rehabilitation Treatment Effect

Stroke is a serious worldwide medical condition that causes neurological function disability. Diffusional kurtosis imaging, which measures the non-Gaussianity of water diffusion, has been demonstrated to be a sensitive biomarker in many neuro-pathologies. This study explores the relationship between neural function recovery and transformation of the ischemic lesion and/or corticospinal tract during the sub-acute phase after stroke by using diffusional kurtosis imaging. We performed a prospective study of function recovery and K metrics of 43 patients with sub-acute ischemic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory. The effect of rehabilitation treatment was evaluated using both the Fugl-Meyer motor function score and modified Barthel index score at post-treatment compared with admission, and patients were allocated to two groups: good and poor rehabilitation effect (GRE and PRE). Metrics of diffusional kurtosis imaging within ischemic lesion and along the corticospinal tract were acquired, respectively. All three relative axial diffusional kurtoses (rKas) along the corticospinal tract in the GRE group ( n = 21) were significantly larger than those of the PRE group ( n = 22), including rKa in the posterior limb of internal capsule, rKa in the cerebral peduncle, and rKa in the basal part of the pons ( p = 0.014, 0.005, and 0.021, respectively). This multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging study showed that diffusional kurtosis imaging has the potential to complement existing stroke imaging techniques and revealed its own advantages in elucidating the possible biophysical mechanism of functional restoration underlying ischemic stroke.

[Efficacy analysis of LVIS and Enterprise stent assisted coil in the treatment of vertebral artery dissection aneurysm]

Objective: To observe and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of LVIS stent and Enterprise stent assisted coil in embolization of vertebral artery dissection aneurysm (VDA). Methods: Clinical data of 96 patients with VDAs treated by LVIS stent and Enterprise stent assisted coil were analyzed retrospectively between January, 2013 and June, 2017.Of all, the LVIS stent assisted coil was performed in 28 patients (LVIS-stent group) and Enterprise in 68 patients (Enterprise-stent group). The clinical and imaging follow-up were performed. The instant embolization rate, complications, and recurrence rate were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: Instant angiographic results:in the LVIS stent group, complete occlusion was achieved in 17 VDAs (60.7%), near-complete occlusion in 10VDAs (35.7%), and partial occlusion in 1 VDA (3.6%). In the Enterprise stent group, complete occlusion was achieved in 27 VDAs (39.7%), near-complete occlusion in 34VDAs(50.0%), partial occlusion in 7VDAs (10.3%). Procedure-related complications occurred in 3 patients (10.7%) in LVIS stent group and 3 patients (4.4%) in Enterprise stent group. DSA follow-up was performed during 6 to 12 months after surgery, and 10 patients with vertebral artery dissection aneurysm recurred, 2 in the LVIS group and 8 in the Enterprise stent group. The latest modified Rankin Scale score was 0 in 55 patients,1 in 13, 2 in 1, 3 in 1, and 6 in 1. Among them, all follow-up patients in the LVIS stent group had good prognosis, while in the Enterprise stent group, 50 patients (94.4%) had a good prognosis. Conclusions: The stent-assisted coils have a higher degree of embolization in the vertebral artery dissection aneurysms, a higher rate of near-total embolization, a lower incidence of neurological complications, and a good prognosis. The complete andnear-complete occlusion rates and the incidence of neurological complicationsin the LVIS group was higher than that in the Enterprise groupand the recurrence ratesin the LVIS group was lower than that in the Enterprise group,both with no statistically significant difference.

Vitamin D-supplemented yogurt drink reduces Candida infections in a paediatric intensive care unit: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of Candida infections in paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) has dramatically increased as a result of resistance to conventional anti-fungal treatments. Because vitamin D has been shown to exhibit fungicidal activity against Candida infection in an in vitro antimicrobial screening, we aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D on Candida infections in the PICU.

METHODS

Four hundred sixteen eligible children aged between 12 months to 5 years old admitted to the PICU, who were on broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, participated in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to two study groups, receiving a plain yogurt drink (placebo group) or supplemented with 300 IU day^-1 vitamin D (VD group). Primary outcome was defined as the incidences of Candida colonisation (Candida isolated from rectal swab) 14 days after enrollment. Secondary outcome measures were Candida growth in blood (candidaemia) and urine (candiduria).

RESULTS

The prevalence of candiduria as well as candidaemia was significantly lower in the VD-treated group (26 cases) than in the placebo group (62 cases). The mean (SD) length of PICU stay was obviously lowered in the VD group [11.8 (1.2) days] compared to the placebo group [15.2 (2.3 days)], whereas cases of patient death were similar between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementation of vitamin D effectively reduces infections of Candida in children who were critically ill and on broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment.

Five-channel tunable W-band Doppler backscattering system in the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak

A 5-channel Doppler backscattering system has been designed and installed in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). Through an I/Q-type double sideband modulator and a frequency multiplier, an array of finely spaced (Δf = 400 MHz) frequencies that span 1.6 GHz has been created. The center of the array bandwidth is tunable within the range of 75-97.8 GHz, which covers most of the W band (75-110 GHz). The incident angle can be adjusted from -4° to 12°, and the wavenumber range is 4-15 cm^-1 with a wavenumber resolution of Δk/k ≤ 0.35. Ray tracing is used to calculate the scattering location and the scattering wavenumber. This article details the hardware design, the ray tracing, and the preliminary experimental results from EAST plasmas.

Free electrons excited SPASER

Surface plasmon amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (SPASER) is discovered and used for realizing lasers at nanometer scale. The conventional gain media that are applied in SPASER are solid materials, such as organic dye or semiconductor, which limits the frequency range of SPASER. The free electrons could be considered as a kind of gain medium for emitting radiation. Here, we investigate theoretically the SPASER, which is excited by free electrons. We also demonstrate the tunable, deep-ultraviolet, and ultracompact laser numerically by having free electrons interact with surface plasmon polariton mode supported on metal surface. The output power density could reach about 30 W/μm² and the wavelength in deep ultraviolet could be widely tuned by varying the electron energy. This work offers a way of realizing integrated free electron laser in the ultraviolet frequency region.

[Interpretation of allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA)]

Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) has been the most preferred reference for national guidelines. The ARIA 2010 revision is the first evidence-based clinical guideline in the field of allergies, which has great influence in the world. The ARIA 2016 revision continues the basic framework of the 2010 revision, which focuses on six controversial clinical issues in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.It aimed to provide clear informationand systematic treatment for patients, clinicians and health policy makers. The interpretation of the ARIA 2016 revision will help domestic otolaryngologist, respiratory doctors, and allergy practitioners understand the latest guidelines for AR drug treatment in the world.

One-Pot Synthesis of NiCo2S4 Hollow Spheres via Sequential Ion-Exchange as an Enhanced Oxygen Bifunctional Electrocatalyst in Alkaline Solution

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are considered to be cornerstones of many energy conversion and storage technologies. It is difficult studying high-performance nonprecious materials as cost-effective bifunctional electrocatalysts for both the OER and ORR in future practical applications. In this study, NiCo₂S₄ hollow spheres (NiCo₂S₄ HSs) were fabricated via an effective and facile one-pot "green" approach in an N, N-dimethylformamide-ethylene glycol binary solution. The obtained NiCo₂S₄ HSs had a high specific surface area as well as numerous active sites and showed a remarkable catalytic performance and durability toward both the OER and ORR in an alkaline electrolyte. For the ORR, NiCo₂S₄ HSs exhibited a positive half-wave potential of 0.80 V and demonstrated outstanding stability and enhanced methanol tolerance. For the OER, NiCo₂S₄ HSs presented a low overpotential (400 mV) at a current density of 10 mA cm^-2, small Tafel slope, and excellent stability in 0.1 M KOH. Moreover, regarding the overall electrocatalytic activity, the potential difference of NiCo₂S₄ HSs was 0.83 V, surpassing that of NiCo₂S₄ nanoparticles, binary counterparts (CoS, NiS), and most highly active bifunctional catalysts described in the literature. The superior catalytic performance of NiCo₂S₄ HSs is mainly ascribed to its unique hollow structure, which increases molecular diffusion and adsorption, as well as the synergistic effect of Ni and Co, which offers richer redox reaction sites. Importantly, this strategy may facilitate the design and preparation of excellent bifunctional nonprecious metal electrocatalysts in various domains.

A novel, tunable, multimodal microwave system for microwave reflectometry system

Based on a new technique, a tunable, multi-channel system that covers the Q-band (33-55 GHz) is presented in this article. It has a potential use of the Doppler backscattering system diagnostic that can measure the turbulence radial correlation and the perpendicular velocity of turbulence by changing the incident angle. The system consists primarily of a double-sideband (DSB) modulation and a multiplier, which creates four probing frequencies. The probing frequency enables the simultaneous analysis of the density fluctuations and flows at four distinct radial regions in tokamak plasma. The amplitude of the probing frequency can be adjusted by the initial phase of the intermediate frequency (IF) input from the double-sideband, and the typical flatness is less than 10 dB. The system was tested in the lab with a rotating grating, and the results show that the system can operate in the frequency range of 33-55 GHz with a Q-band multitude and that the power of each channel can be adjusted by the phase of the IF input of DSB.

Systematic investigation for extraction and separation of polyphenols in tea leaves by magnetic ionic liquids

BACKGROUND

Magnetic separation has become a mature industrial technique in many fields and its application in the food and agricultural fields is expected for further extension. Furthermore, there has been little application of magnetic ionic liquids in the preparation of bioactive products. In the present study, 0.8 mol L^-1 C₃ MIMFeCl₄ in its aqueous solution was found to be ideal for the extraction of active constituents from tea leaves. After extraction, polyphenols, caffeine and ionic liquid were also satisfactorily separated from the crude extract by various easy operations.

RESULTS

The average extraction efficiency of tea polyphenols could reach up to 185.38 g kg^-1 and the recovery percent of the magnetic ionic liquid was 99.8% through an external magnetic field. The extraction process was more consistent with a pseudo-second order kinetic model. Moreover, C₃ MIMFeCl₄ had no effect on the stability of tea polyphenols, which was very different from ordinary ferric salt. The presence of magnetic ionic liquid had a positive effect on the antioxidant activity of the product.

CONCLUSION

The developed method had a good performance for selective extraction together with separation of tea polyphenols and caffeine, which is expected in the preparation of more similar active components from food and agricultural resources as a useful multifunctional solvent. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

[Efficacy analysis of the endovascular treatment for 175 unruptured vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms]

Objective: To analyze the clinical characteristics, clinical effect and follow-up outcome of the different endovascular treatment techniques in the treatment of unruptured vertebrobasilar dissecting aneurysms (VBDAs). Methods: The clinical data of 160 consecutive patients (175VBDAs) from January 2012 to December 2016 in Beijing Tiantan hospital were retrospectively analyzed.All of the 175 aneurysms were treated with endovascular embolization, including 115 stent-assisted coils, 27 simple stents, 21 blood flow diverting devices, and 12 parent arteries occlusion.The imaging and clinical follow-up were performed after the operation. Results: Headache including cervical-occipital pain(43.1%)was the most common clinical manifestation.The incidence of perioperative complications was 3.75%, no intraoperative bleeding and no deaths.The imaging findings of 113 aneurysms were followed up for (9.9±7.3) months.Of the 71 stent-assisted coils, 62 recovered well and 9 relapsed; of the 19 aneurysms treated with simple stent, 4 recovered well, 11 improved, 2 stable and 2 relapsed; of the 15 aneurysms treated by the blood flow diverting devices, 4 recovered and 11 improved; all of the 8 aneurysms with parent arteries occlusion recovered well.A total of 144 patients were follow-up (17.3±16.6) months by the Modified Rankin Scale(mRS) score: 140 patients were 0-2 score and 4 patients were 3-6 score. Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of the unruptured VBDAs are complex, and the headache is the most common clinical symptom.Endovascular treatment for the treatment of unruptured VBDAs is safe and feasible.The principle of individualization should be followed during embolization.

Association between bedtime and self-reported illness among college students: a representative nationwide study of China

OBJECTIVE

This study was to examine the association between bedtime and self-reported illness among Chinese college students.

METHODS

Participants were 11,942 students, who were identified through a multistage survey sampling process. Sleep and illness status were obtained by self report. Both unadjusted and adjusted methods were considered in the analyses.

RESULTS

The logistic regression model found that late bedtime was positively associated with self reported short and long-term illness (OR: 3.70 and 1, 79) after adjusting for demographic characteristics, short sleep duration, and mental disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to find a positive relationship between late bedtime and self reported illnesses in China or elsewhere. The findings underscore the importance of educating college students about the importance of sleep.

Chemically linked metal-matrix nanocomposites of boron nitride nanosheets and silver as thermal interface materials

Herein, novel hybrid nanocomposite thermal interface materials (TIMs) relying on the chemical linkage of silver, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs), and organic ligands are reported. These TIMs were prepared using a co-electrodeposition/chemisorption approach where the electrolytic reduction of silver ions into silver nano-/micro-crystals was coupled with the conjugation of ligand-coated nanosheets onto silver crystals. Furthermore, the influence of the bond strength of silver/nanosheet links on the thermal, mechanical, and structural properties is investigated using a combination of techniques including laser flash analysis, phase-sensitive transient thermoreflectance, nanoindentation, and electron microscopy. The internal nanostructure was found to be strongly dependent on the linker chemistry. While the chemical grafting of 4-cyano-benzoyl chloride (CBC) and 2-mercapto-5-benzimidazole carboxylic acid (MBCA) on BNNSs led to the uniform distribution of functionalized-nanosheets in the silver crystal matrix, the physical binding of 4-bromo-benzoyl chloride linkers on nanosheets caused the aggregation and phase separation. The thermal conductivity was 236-258 W m^-1 K and 306-321 W m^-1 K for physically and chemically conjugated TIMs, respectively, while their hardness varied from 400-495 MPa and from 240 to 360 MPa, respectively. The corresponding ratio of thermal conductivity to hardness, which is a critical parameter controlling the performance of TIMs, was ultrahigh for the chemically conjugated TIMs: 1.3 × 10^-6 m² K^-1 s for MBCA-BNNS and 8.5 × 10^-7 m² K^-1 s for CBC-BNNS. We anticipate that these materials can satisfy some of the emerging thermal management needs arising from the improved performance and efficiency, miniaturization, and/or high throughput of electronic devices, energy storage devices, energy conversion systems, light-emitting diodes, and telecommunication components.

Preparation, characterization, and pharmacokinetics in swine of a florfenicol enteric formulation prepared using hot-melt extrusion technology

The objective of this work was to manufacture an enteric formulation of florfenicol (FF) using hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology and to evaluate its in vitro dissolution and in vivo pharmacokinetics. For the HME process, hypromellose acetate succinate LG (HPMCAS-LG) was the enteric polymer mixed with FF, and the two components were extruded with a standard screw configuration at a speed of 50 rpm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) were performed to characterize the HME extrudate. The release percentage of the enteric formulation in the acidic stage was <10% of the loaded FF, whereas that in the phosphate buffer stage was >80%. Pharmacokinetic evaluations in swine revealed that the enteric formulation had a longer t_1/2λ and MRT than commercially available FF powder (FULAIKA^® ), indicating that the novel formulation exhibited enteric and sustained release properties. Compared with the commercial product, the relative bioavailability of the enteric formulation reached up to 117.2%. This study suggests that this formulation may have potential for future commercialization.

The viable circulating tumor cells with cancer stem cells feature, where is the way out?

With cancer stem cells (CSCs) became the research hotspot, emerging studies attempt to reveal the functions of these special subsets in tumorigenesis. Although various approaches have been used in CSCs researches, only a few could really reflect or simulate the microenvironment in vivo. At present, CSCs theories are still difficult to apply for clinical remedy because CSCs subpopulations are always hard to identify and trace. Thus an ideal approach for clinicians and researchers is urgently needed. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), as the method of noninvasive-liquid biopsy, could be detected in the peripheral blood (PB) from many tumors and even could be treated as procurators for CSCs deeper researches from patient-derived sample. However, CTCs, as a diagnostic marker, also raise much controversy over theirs clinical value. Mechanisms causing CTCs to shed from the tumor have not been fully characterized, thus it is unclear whether CTCs represent the entire makeup of cancer cells in the tumor or only a subset. The heterogeneity of CTCs also caused different clinical outcomes. To overcome these unsolved problems, recently, CTC researches are not just depend on enumerations, whereas those CTC subsets that could expand in vitro may play a pivotal role in the metastatic cascade. Here, we retrospect the CTC developmental history and discourse upon the enrichment of viable CTCs in functional assays, probe the further avenue at the crossroad.

Interleukin-6 is both necessary and sufficient to produce perioperative neurocognitive disorder in mice

BACKGROUND

Perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND) result in long-term morbidity and mortality with no effective interventions available. Because interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is consistently up-regulated by trauma, including after surgery, we determined whether IL-6 is a putative therapeutic target for PND in a mouse model.

METHODS

Following institutional approval, adult (12-14 weeks) male C57/Bl6 mice were pretreated with the IL-6 receptor (IL6R) blocking antibody tocilizumab prior to open tibia fracture with internal fixation under isoflurane anaesthesia. Inflammatory and behavioural responses in a trace fear conditioning (TFC) paradigm were assessed postoperatively. Separately, the effects of IL-6 administration or of depletion of bone marrow-derived monocytes (BM-DMs) with clodrolip on the inflammatory and behavioural responses were assessed. Blood brain barrier disruption, hippocampal microglial activation, and infiltration of BM-DMs were each assessed following IL-6 administration.

RESULTS

The surgery-induced decrement in freezing time in the TFC assay, indicative of cognitive decline, was attenuated by tocilizumab (P<0.01). The surgery-induced increase in pro-inflammatory mediators was significantly reduced by tocilizumab. Exogenously administered IL-6 significantly impaired freezing behaviour (P<0.05) and up-regulated pro-inflammatory cytokines; both responses were prevented by depletion of BM-DMs. IL-6 disrupted the blood brain barrier, and increased hippocampal activation of microglia and infiltration of BM-DMs.

CONCLUSIONS

IL-6 is both necessary and sufficient to produce cognitive decline. Following further preclinical testing of its perioperative safety, the IL6R blocker tocilizumab is a candidate for prevention and/or treatment of PND.

High Expression of Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells in Chinese Primary Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Tissues

Purpose

Nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) has been reported to be involved in the development of various types of cancer including adenocarcinoma of the breast. This research was the first to investigate NFAT protein expression in primary non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues from Chinese patients.

Methods

NFAT protein expression was determined in 130 surgically resected primary NSCLC and matched normal tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. The association between NFAT expression and clinical categorical variables was further analyzed with the SPSS software.

Results

We found that NFAT expression was much higher in 85 tumor tissues (65.4%) and lower in 45 tumor tissues (34.6%) compared with the matched normal tissues. Further statistical analysis by the chi-square test showed that high expression of NFAT proteins was significantly associated with tumor differentiation (p=0.045), invasion (p=0.031), histology (p<0.0001), tumor size (p=0.038) and cigarette smoking history (p=0.024). However, there was no correlation between the expression of NFAT proteins and pTNM classification, and no difference in 5-year survival rate between patients with high or low expression of NFAT proteins. Multivariate logistic regression analysis for the correlation between NFAT protein expression levels and various characteristics showed a significant association with histology (p=0.008, OR=0.273).

Conclusion

Our results revealed that high NFAT expression was present in Chinese NSCLCs and that NFAT expression might be involved in the process of human lung cancer development.

Electronic characterization of silicon intercalated chevron graphene nanoribbons on Au(111)

The intrinsic electronic structure of chevron graphene nanoribbons are revealed through in situ silicon intercalation.

[Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma: a clinicopathologic study of 27 cases]

Objective: To study the clinicopathologic characteristics and diagnostic criteria of primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL), and to distinguish PMBL from classic Hodgkin lymphoma(CHL) and systemic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL). Methods: The clinical features, histologic findings, results of immunohistochemical study and prgnosis in 27 PMBL cases were analyzed, with review of literature. Results: The age of patients ranged from 19 to 82 years (median age 34 years). All cases were located in the mediastinum and frequently accompanied by superior vein cava syndrome. Histologically, the tumor cells were pleomorphic and diffusely distributed. Clear cytoplasm and spindle tumor cells were seen in some cases. Varying amount of sclerosing stroma with collagen deposition was seen.Immunohistochemical study showed that the tumor cells were positive for CD20(100%, 27/27), CD30 (64.0%, 16/25), CD23 (77.3%, 17/22) and p63 (16/19). Clonal B cell gene rearrangement was seen. Conclusions: PMBL is a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with various histomorphology. Immunohistochemistry can help to confirm the diagnosis, and the prognosis is better than diffuse large B cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified.