Let-7b-5p promotes triptolide-induced growth-inhibiting effects in glioma by targeting IGF1R

Glioma is one of the most common malignancies of the central nervous system. The therapeutic effect has not been satisfactory despite advances in comprehensive treatment techniques. Our previous studies have found that triptolide inhibits glioma proliferation through the ROS/JNK pathway, but in-depth mechanisms need to be explored. Recent studies have confirmed that miRNAs may function as tumor suppressor genes or oncogenes and be involved in cancer development and progression. In this study, we found that let-7b-5p expression levels closely correlated with WHO grades and overall survival in patients in tumor glioma-CGGA-mRNAseq-325, and the upregulation of let-7b-5p can inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of glioma cells. Functionally, upregulation of let-7b-5p increased the inhibitory effect on cell viability and colony formation caused by triptolide and promoted the apoptosis rate of triptolide-treated U251 cells. Conversely, downregulation of let-7b-5p had the opposite effect, indicating that let-7b-5p is a tumor suppressor miRNA in glioma cells. Moreover, target prediction, luciferase reporter assays and functional experiments revealed that IGF1R was a direct target of let-7b-5p. In addition, upregulation of IGF1R reversed the triptolide-regulated inhibition of cell viability but promoted glioma cell apoptosis and activated the ROS/JNK signaling pathway induced by triptolide. The results obtained in vivo experiments substantiated those from the in vitro experiments. In summary, the current study provides evidence that triptolide inhibits the growth of glioma cells by regulating the let-7b-5p-IGF1R-ROS/JNK axis in vitro and in vivo. These findings may provide new ideas and potential targets for molecularly targeted therapies for comprehensive glioma treatment.

Hypoxia inducible factor-1α related mechanism and TCM intervention in process of early fracture healing

As a common clinical disease, fracture is often accompanied by pain, swelling, bleeding as well as other symptoms and has a high disability rate, even threatening life, seriously endangering patients' physical and psychological health and quality of life. Medical practitioners take many strategies for the treatment of fracture healing, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In the early stage of fracture healing, the local fracture is often in a state of hypoxia, accompanied by the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which is beneficial to wound healing. Through literature mining, we thought that hypoxia, HIF-1α and downstream factors affected the mechanism of fracture healing, as well as dominated this process. Therefore, we reviewed the local characteristics and related signaling pathways involved in the fracture healing process and summarized the intervention of TCM on these mechanisms, in order to inspirit the new strategy for fracture healing, as well as elaborate on the possible principles of TCM in treating fractures based on the HIF molecular mechanism.

An evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program for patients undergoing colorectal surgery: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol reduces surgery-related stress and hospital stays for complicated surgical patients. It speeds recovery, reduces readmissions, and lowers morbidity and mortality. However, the efficacy of ERAS in colorectal surgery is still debatable.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the ERAS program for patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

Material and methods

PRISMA-compliant searches were performed on Medline, Embase, PubMed, the Web of Sciences, and the Cochrane Database up to March 2023. The included articles compared ERAS protocol results for colorectal surgery patients to those of conventional care. RevMan was used for the meta-analysis, and the Cochrane RoB Tool was used to assess the study quality.

Results

The meta-analysis included 12 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1920 participants. There were 880 individuals in ERAS care and 1002 in conventional care. Weighted mean difference: -1.07 days, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.53 to -0.60, p = 0.00001), overall length of stay: -4.12 days, 95% CI: -5.86 to -2.38, p = 0.00001), and post-operative hospital stay: -1.91 days, 95% CI: -4.73 to -0.91, p = 0.00001). Readmissions were higher in the ERAS group than in the normal care group (odds ratio (OR) = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.82 to 1.75, p = 0.35). Post-operative complications were lower in the ERAS care group (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.65, p < 0.0001) and SSIs (OR = 0.75; 95% CI 0.52 to 1.08, p = 0.00001) than in the routine care group.

Conclusions

Care provided in line with the ERAS protocol has been shown to be successful and beneficial for patients following colorectal surgery, because it minimizes post-operative problems and length of hospital stay, and improves outcomes.

KLF5‑mediated expression of CARD11 promotes the progression of gastric cancer

Caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 11 (CARD11) has been reported as functioning in multiple types of cancers. In the present study, the role and mechanism of CARD11 in gastric cancer was investigated. First, CARD11 expression in gastric cancer tissues and the association of CARD11 with overall survival were analyzed by the encyclopedia of RNA interactomes database. CARD11 expression in gastric cancer cells was detected by western blotting and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analyses. After CARD11 silencing, cell proliferation was evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine staining and flow cytometry analysis. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to measure the capacities of cell migration and invasion. Additionally, the expression levels of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and mTOR-related proteins were detected by western blot analysis. HumanTFDB predicted the binding of the transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) to the CARD11 promoter, which was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. To explore the regulatory effects between KLF5 and CARD11, KLF5 was overexpressed to perform the rescue experiments in gastric cancer cells with CARD11 silencing. Results revealed that CARD11 was highly expressed in gastric cancer and was associated with poor prognosis. CARD11 interference inhibited the proliferation of gastric cancer cells and induced cell cycle arrest. Additionally, CARD11 silencing suppressed the migration, invasion and EMT of gastric cancer cells, accompanied by upregulated E-cadherin expression and downregulated N-cadherin and vimentin expression. Moreover, the transcription factor KLF5 positively regulated the transcription of CARD11 in gastric cancer. KLF5 overexpression reversed the effects of interference of CARD11 expression in gastric cancer cells to promote their proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT. KLF5 overexpression also led to a reduction in cell cycle arrest. Finally, interference of CARD11 expression suppressed the mTOR pathway, which was activated by KLF5. In conclusion, KLF5-mediated CARD11 promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells.

Hybrid Model Teaching in the Postepidemic Period: From Nucleic Acid to Antigen for the Fluorescence Analysis of SARS-CoV-2

Owing to the global spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), education has shifted to distance online learning, whereas some face-to-face courses have been resumed with the improvement of the outbreak prevention and management situation, including a laboratory course for senior undergraduate students in chemical biology. Here, we present an innovative chemical biology experiment covering COVID-19 topics, which was created for third-year undergraduates. The basic principles of two nucleic-acid- and antigen-based diagnostic techniques for SARS-CoV-2 are demonstrated in detail. These experiments are designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge of COVID-19 and related diagnoses in daily life. Crucially, the biosafety of this experimental manipulation was ensured by using artificial nucleic acids and recombinant protein. Furthermore, an interactive hybrid online-facing teaching model was designed to cover the key mechanism regarding PCR and serological tests of COVID-19. Finally, a satisfactory evaluation was obtained through a questionnaire, and simultaneously, reasonable improvements to the course design were suggested. The proposed curriculum provides all the necessary information for other instructors to create new courses supported by research.

Peptide functionalized actively targeted MoS2 nanospheres for fluorescence imaging-guided controllable pH-responsive drug delivery and collaborative chemo/photodynamic therapy

The combination of imaging and different therapeutic strategies into one single nanoplatform often demonstrates improved efficacy over monotherapy in cancer treatments. Herein, a multifunctional nanoplatform (labelled as MPRD) based on molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS₂ QDs) is developed to achieve enhanced antitumor efficiency by integrating fluorescence imaging, tumor-targeting and synergistic chemo/photodynamic therapy (PDT) into one system. First, polyethylene glycol (PEG)ylated MoS₂ QDs (MP) with desirable stability are synthesized via a hydrothermal process using MoS₂ QDs and carboxyamino-terminated oligomeric PEG as raw materials. Then, MP were conjugated with arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide via amidation to form a novel nanocarrier (MPR), which possesses strong blue fluorescence, good biocompatibility and α_νβ₃ receptor-mediated targeting ability. More importantly, MPR generated reactive oxygen species under 808 nm laser activation to realize targeted antitumor PDT. Further doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded onto MPR, which endows MPRD with localized chemotherapy and pH-responsive drug release. The MPRD exhibits improved chemotherapy performance on HepG2 cells (overexpressing integrin α_νβ₃) owing to enhanced cellular uptake mediated by α_νβ₃ receptor and effective drug release triggered by intracellular pH. Notably, MPRD with efficient tumor targeting ability and high chemo/PDT efficacy under NIR laser irradiation is capable of inhibiting HepG2 tumor cell growth both in vitro and in vivo, which is significantly superior to each individual therapy. These findings demonstrate that MPRD holds great potential in effective cancer therapy.

Effective Potential and Superfluidity of Microwave-Shielded Polar Molecules

We analytically show that the effective interaction potential between microwave-shielded polar molecules consists of an anisotropic van der Waals-like shielding core and a modified dipolar interaction. This effective potential is validated by comparing its scattering cross sections with those calculated using intermolecular potential involving all interaction channels. It is shown that a scattering resonance can be induced under microwave fields reachable in current experiments. With the effective potential, we further study the Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer pairing in the microwave-shielded NaK gas. We show that the superfluid critical temperature is drastically enhanced near the resonance. As the effective potential is suitable for exploring the many-body physics of molecular gases, our results pave the way for studies of the ultracold gases of microwave-shielded molecular gases.

[Development of parenting behavior scale for caregivers of children aged 2 to 6 years and analysis for its reliability and validity]

To develop a caregiver parenting behavior scale for children aged 2 to 6 years, and to verify its reliability and validity. This study recruited 1 350 caregivers of children aged 2 to 6 years. The item discrimination analysis and exploratory factor analysis were used to analyze the structure, dimensions and items of the scale. Homogeneity reliability, split-half reliability and test-retest reliability were used to analyze the reliability of the scale. Content validity and construct validity were used to analyze the validity of the scale. The results showed that the final scale contained 7 dimensions and 45 items. Cronbach's α coefficient of the total scale was 0.945; the coefficient of split half was 0.899; the test-retest reliability analysis showed that the correlation coefficients between the two tests were 0.893 (total score), 0.854 (social), 0.832 (language), 0.871 (gross motor), 0.893 (fine motor), 0.862 (cognitive), 0.832 (self-care), and 0.872 (sensory). The content validity analysis was carried out by two rounds of expert argumentation using Delphi expert consultation method. The Kendall coefficient of the items score in two rounds of Delphi expert consultation was 0.813 (P<0.01). The structure validity analysis showed that there were significant correlations between each dimension and the total scale, also between each dimension of the scale, and the extracted average variance values of each dimension was greater than the correlation coefficients between this dimension and other dimensions. In conclusion, the reliability and validity of the scale are qualified. It can be used as a tool to evaluate and guide the parenting behavior of caregivers of children aged 2 to 6 years.

Gut-on-a-chip for exploring the transport mechanism of Hg(II)

Animal models and static cultures of intestinal epithelial cells are commonly used platforms for exploring mercury ion (Hg(II)) transport. However, they cannot reliably simulate the human intestinal microenvironment and monitor cellular physiology in situ; thus, the mechanism of Hg(II) transport in the human intestine is still unclear. Here, a gut-on-a-chip integrated with transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) sensors and electrochemical sensors is proposed for dynamically simulating the formation of the physical intestinal barrier and monitoring the transport and absorption of Hg(II) in situ. The cellular microenvironment was recreated by applying fluid shear stress (0.02 dyne/cm²) and cyclic mechanical strain (1%, 0.15 Hz). Hg(II) absorption and physical damage to cells were simultaneously monitored by electrochemical and TEER sensors when intestinal epithelial cells were exposed to different concentrations of Hg(II) mixed in culture medium. Hg(II) absorption increased by 23.59% when tensile strain increased from 1% to 5%, and the corresponding expression of Piezo1 and DMT1 on the cell surface was upregulated.

Spatially Confined Fabrication of Polar Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride) Nanotubes

Polar poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanotubes have attracted significant attention due to their excellent piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties, yet a tunable fabrication of homogeneous polar PVDF nanotubes remains a challenge. Here, a simple method is reported to fabricate polar PVDF nanotubes using anodize aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes as templates that are removed by etching in a potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and then ageing at room temperature. PVDF nanotubes originally crystallized in the AAO membrane are pure α-crystals with very low crystallinity, yet after being released from the templates, the crystallinity of the nanotubes markedly increases with ageing at room temperature, leading to the formation of β-PVDF crystals in a very short time, with the formation of γ crystals after longer ageing times. A large amount of γ crystals formed when the released PVDF nanotubes are heated to ≈130 °C. The formation of polar PVDF nanotubes released from the AAO templates treated with higher concentrations of alkaline solution results from the reaction of the surface of the PVDF nanotubes with the alkaline solution and structure reorganization under confined conditions. This large-scale preparation of β- and γ-PVDF opens a new pathway to produce polar PVDF nanomaterials.

Engineering CRISPR/Cas13 System against RNA Viruses: From Diagnostics to Therapeutics

Over the past decades, RNA viruses have been threatened people’s health and led to global health emergencies. Significant progress has been made in diagnostic methods and antiviral therapeutics for combating RNA viruses. ELISA and RT-qPCR are reliable methods to detect RNA viruses, but they suffer from time-consuming procedures and limited sensitivities. Vaccines are effective to prevent virus infection and drugs are useful for antiviral treatment, while both need a relatively long research and development cycle. In recent years, CRISPR-based gene editing and modifying tools have been expanded rapidly. In particular, the CRISPR-Cas13 system stands out from the CRISPR-Cas family due to its accurate RNA-targeting ability, which makes it a promising tool for RNA virus diagnosis and therapy. Here, we review the current applications of the CRISPR-Cas13 system against RNA viruses, from diagnostics to therapeutics, and use some medically important RNA viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, dengue virus, and HIV-1 as examples to demonstrate the great potential of the CRISPR-Cas13 system.

Integrated Methylome and Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights into the DNA Methylation Underlying the Mechanism of Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is widely exploited in hybrid seed production. Kenaf is an important fiber crop with high heterosis. The molecular mechanism of kenaf CMS remains unclear, particularly in terms of DNA methylation. Here, using the anthers of a kenaf CMS line (P3A) and its maintainer line (P3B), comparative physiological, DNA methylation, and transcriptome analyses were performed. The results showed that P3A had considerably lower levels of IAA, ABA, photosynthetic products and ATP contents than P3B. DNA methylome analysis revealed 650 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) with 313 up- and 337 down methylated, and transcriptome analysis revealed 1788 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with 558 up- and 1230 downregulated genes in P3A compared with P3B. Moreover, 45 genes were characterized as both DEGs and DMGs, including AUX,CYP, BGL3B, SUS6, AGL30 and MYB21. Many DEGs may be regulated by related DMGs based on methylome and transcriptome studies. These DEGs were involved in carbon metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction, the TCA cycle and the MAPK signaling pathway and were shown to be important for CMS in kenaf. These results provide new insights into the epigenetic mechanism of CMS in kenaf and other crops.

[Personalized therapy for Helicobacter pylori on initial treatment: the initial treatment is the decisive battle]

As widespread eradication treatment continues, the rate of (Helicobacter pylori, H. pylori) antibiotic resistance is increasing. Together with host CYP2C19 gene polymorphisms, H. pylori coccoid transformation, patient compliance, irregular treatment regimens or empirical repeated eradication therapy by physician, H. pylori eradication rates have gradually decreased. Personalized treatment is an effective measure to achieve successful eradication of H. pylori in the initial treatment. With the first approval of molecular diagnostic kit for H. pylori clarithromycin resistance in China and the updated definition of refractory H. pylori infection by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA), the personalized treatment of H. pylori guided by antibiotic resistance genotype detection in initial treatment, that follows the latest international consensus and guidelines, conforms to the national situation and surpasses the international standards, has come to the forefront.

Fabrication of a Free-Standing MWCNT Electrode by Electric Field Force for an Ultra-Sensitive MicroRNA-21 Nano-Genosensor

Abnormal expression of microRNA-21 (miR-21) is considered to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. However, great challenges do exist for the development of ultra-sensitive biosensors to detect the abnormal expression of miR-21 due to the low concentration in serum (fm level) at the early stage of colorectal cancer. Therefore, electric field force is used to rotate and rearrange random multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) at the microscale to improve the active sites of the electrode in this study. The free-standing MWCNTs are densely and high-orderly embedded into the bare electrode along the direction of the electric field. Compared to the bare electrode, the peak-current response of the free-standing MWCNT electrode improves by 150 times in cyclic voltammetric measurement. A nano-genosensor based on the free-standing MWCNT electrode is developed for measuring miR-21. The nano-genosensor for miR-21 shows an ultra-high sensitivity of 48.24 µA µm^-1 , a wide linear range from 0.01 × 10^-15 to 100 × 10^-12 m, and a low detection limit of 1.2 × 10^-18 m. The present nano-genosensor shows superior performance for miR-21 in human serum samples and demonstrates a potential application for the diagnosis of early stage colorectal cancer.

A Facile Oxidation of Tertiary Amines to Lactams by Using Sodium Chlorite: Process Improvement by Precise pH Adjustment with CO2

By using cheap and innocuous sodium chlorite, a series of tertiary amines have been oxidized to the corresponding lactams with good selectivity and high yield. In this method, neither transition-metal catalyst nor oxidant was used. In the oxidation step, the pH of the sodium chlorite was precisely adjusted to pH around 6 using CO2, such pH is a compromise between oxidative properties, chemical stability, and unwanted precipitation. In addition, buffer salts are not necessary, which allows this oxidation reaction to be performed under safe and environmentally benign conditions.

A near-infrared triggered upconversion/MoS2 nanoplatform for tumour-targeted chemo-photodynamic combination therapy

The combination of photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy has shown a great potential in cancer treatment. As a promising photosensitizer, MoS₂ quantum dots (QDs) have limited application due to the low tissue penetration of its light absorbing wavelength in the ultraviolet and visible regions. For the purpose of utilizing MoS₂QDs in higher NIR absorption region, herein, we constructed a core/shell nano-photosensitizer upconversion@MoS₂ with doxorubicin loading. This nanoplatform can convert 980 nm NIR into visible light, activating MoS₂QDs to produce reactive oxygen species through fluorescence resonance energy transfer. In addition, this nanoplatform presented good biocompatibility and tumor targeting after polyethylene glycol and folic acid modification. Interestingly, with pH-responsive drug release performance, this nanoplatform presented efficient chemotherapy effects. Thus, the tumour-targeted nanoplatform can achieve up-converted luminescence imaging guided chemo-photodynamic synergistic therapy effectively.

Recent advances of functional nucleic acid-based sensors for point-of-care detection of SARS-CoV-2

This review focuses on critical scientific barriers that the field of point-of-care (POC) testing of SARS-CoV-2 is facing and possible solutions to overcome these barriers using functional nucleic acid (FNA)-based technology. Beyond the summary of recent advances in FNA-based sensors for COVID-19 diagnostics, our goal is to outline how FNA might serve to overcome the scientific barriers that currently available diagnostic approaches are suffering. The first introductory section on the operationalization of the COVID-19 pandemic in historical view and its clinical features contextualizes essential SARS-CoV-2-specific biomarkers. The second part highlights three major scientific barriers for POC COVID-19 diagnosis, that is, the lack of a general method for (1) designing receptors of SARS-CoV-2 variants; (2) improving sensitivity to overcome false negatives; and (3) signal readout in resource-limited settings. The subsequent part provides fundamental insights into FNA and technical tricks to successfully achieve effective COVID-19 diagnosis by using in vitro selection of FNA to overcome receptor design barriers, combining FNA with multiple DNA signal amplification strategies to improve sensitivity, and interfacing FNA with portable analyzers to overcome signal readout barriers. This review concludes with an overview of further opportunities and emerging applications for FNA-based sensors against COVID-19.

All-optical pulse switching with a periodically driven dissipative quantum system

All-optical switching used to switch the input optical signals without any electro-optical conversion plays a vital role in the next generation of optical information processing devices. Even all-optical switchings (AOSs) with continuous input signals have been widely studied, all-optical pulse switchings (AOPSs) whose input signals are pulse sequences have rarely been investigated because of the time-dependent Hamiltonian, especially for dissipative quantum systems. In this paper, we propose an AOPS scheme, where a strong pulsed field is used to switch another pulsed input signal. With the help of Floquet-Lindblad theory, we identify the control field that can effectively turn on/off the input signal whose amplitude envelope is a square-wave (SW) pulse train in a three-level dissipative system. By comparing the properties of the AOPSs controlled by a continuous-wave (CW) field and an SW control field, we find that the SW field is more suitable to be a practical tool for controlling the input SW signal. It is interesting to impress that the switching efficacy is robust against pulse errors. The proposed protocol is readily implemented in atomic gases or superconducting circuits and corresponds to AOPSs or all-microwave pulse switchings.

Moiré graphene nanoribbons: nearly perfect absorptions and highly efficient reflections with wide angles

The strong absorption and reflection from atomically thin graphene nanoribbons has been demonstrated over the past decade. However, due to the significant band dispersion of graphene nanoribbons, the angle of incident wave has remained limited to a very narrow range. Obtaining strong absorption and reflection with a wide range of incident angles from atomically thin graphene layers has remained an unsolvable problem. Here, we construct a tunable moiré superlattice composed of a pair of graphene nanoribbon arrays to achieve this goal. By designing the interlayer coupling between two graphene nanoribbon arrays with mismatched periods, the moiré flat bands and the localization of their eigen-fields was realized. Based on the moiré flat bands of graphene nanoribbons, highly efficient reflection and nearly perfect absorption was achieved with a wide range of incident angles. Even more interesting, is how these novel phenomena can be tuned through the adjustment of the graphene's Fermi energy, either electrostatically or chemically. Our designed moiré graphene nanoribbons suggest a promising platform to engineer moiré physics with tunable behaviors, and may have potential applications in the field of wide-angle absorbers and reflectors in the mid-infrared region.

P Doping Promotes the Spontaneous Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Water Splitting in Isomorphic Type II GaSe/InS Heterostructure

The development and design of clean and efficient water splitting photocatalysts is important for the current situation of energy shortage and environmental pollution. A new type of isomorphic GaSe/InS heterostructure is constructed, and the optoelectronic properties were studied through first-principles calculations. The results show that GaSe/InS vdW heterostructure is a type II semiconductor with a band gap of 2.09 eV. However, through the analysis of the energy band edge position and Gibbs free energy change of water splitting, it is found that the GaSe/InS heterostructure is difficult to undergo overall water splitting. Therefore, nonmetallic element P doping is considered, the established P-doped GaSe/InS (P-GaSe/InS) heterostructure could maintain the type II band arrangement, and under acidic conditions, P-GaSe/InS heterostructure could spontaneously undergo overall water splitting thermodynamically. Furthermore, the low exciton binding energy of P-GaSe/InS heterostructure highlights better light absorption performance. Therefore, these findings indicate that P-GaSe/InS heterostructure is a promising photocatalyst in overall water splitting.

Integrated Methylome and Transcriptome Analyses Reveal the Molecular Mechanism by Which DNA Methylation Regulates Kenaf Flowering

DNA methylation regulates key biological processes in plants. In this study, kenaf seedlings were pretreated with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) (at concentrations of 0, 100, 200, 400, and 600 μM), and the results showed that pretreatment with 200 μM 5-azaC promoted flowering most effectively. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, phytohormone, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and starch contents were determined, and genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptome analyses were performed on anthers pretreated with 200 μM 5-azaC (5-azaC200) or with no 5-azaC (control conditions; 5-azaC0). Biochemical analysis revealed that 5-azaC pretreatment significantly reduced indoleacetic acid (IAA) and gibberellic acid (GA) contents and significantly increased abscisic acid (ABA) and ATP contents. The starch contents significantly increased in response to 200 and 600 μM 5-azaC. Further genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed 451 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) with 209 up- and 242 downregulated genes. Transcriptome analysis showed 3,986 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 2,171 up- and 1,815 downregulated genes. Integrated genome-wide DNA methylation and transcriptome analyses revealed 72 genes that were both differentially methylated and differentially expressed. These genes, which included ARFs, PP2C, starch synthase, FLC, PIF1, AGL80, and WRKY32, are involved mainly in plant hormone signal transduction, starch and sucrose metabolism, and flowering regulation and may be involved in early flowering. This study serves as a reference and theoretical basis for kenaf production and provides insights into the effects of DNA methylation on plant growth and development.

Spontaneous Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Water Splitting on Novel Type-II GaSe/CN and Ga2SSe/CN vdW Heterostructures

With the aggravation of environmental pollution and the energy crisis, it is particularly important to develop and design environment-friendly and efficient spontaneous enhanced visible-light-driven photocatalysts for water splitting. Herein novel type-II van der Waals (vdW) GaSe/CN and Ga₂SSe/CN heterostructures are proposed through first-principles calculations. Their electronic properties and photocatalytic performance are theoretically analyzed. In particular, their appropriate band gap and band-edge position meet the requirements of the oxygen evolution reaction, and the reaction is thermodynamically feasible in most pH ranges. The unique band alignment of these heterostructured photocatalysts leads to high solar-to-hydrogen energy conversion efficiencies up to 15.11%, which has a good commercial application prospect. More excitingly, with the application of 2% biaxial strain, the smooth progress of the water-splitting reaction of the GaSe/CN and Ga₂SSe/CN heterostructures can still be maintained, and the carrier mobility and optical absorption characteristics can be effectively improved. Consequently, these findings suggest that the GaSe/CN and Ga₂SSe/CN vdW heterostructures have promising potentials as photocatalysts for water splitting. This work may provide a promising clue for the design of efficient and stable photocatalytic water-splitting catalysts under visible spectroscopy.

Separating and trapping of chiral nanoparticles with dielectric photonic crystal slabs

Chiral separation is a crucial step in many chemical synthesis processes, particularly for pharmaceuticals. Here we present a novel method for the realization of both separating and trapping of enantiomers using the dielectric photonic crystal (PhC) slabs, which possess quasi-fourfold degenerate Bloch modes (overlapping double degenerate transverse-electric-like and transverse-magnetic-like modes). Based on the designed structure, a large gradient of optical chirality appears near the PhC slab, leading to the extreme enhancement of chiral optical forces about 3 orders of magnitude larger than those obtained with circularly polarized lights. In this case, our method provides a reference for realizing all-optical enantiopure syntheses.

5-azacytidine pre-treatment alters DNA methylation levels and induces genes responsive to salt stress in kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.)

Soil salinization is becoming a major threat to the sustainable development of global agriculture. Kenaf is an industrial fiber crop with high tolerance to salt stress and could be used for soil phytoremediation. However, the molecular mechanism of kenaf salt tolerance remains largely unknown. DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modifications phenomena and plays a key role in gene expression regulation under abiotic stress condition. In the present study, the kenaf seedlings were pre-treated or not with 50 μM 5-azacytidine (5-azaC, a DNA methylation inhibitor) and then subjected to different concentrations of NaCl. Results showed that the biomass and antioxidant activities (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and catalase) of kenaf seedlings pre-treated with 5-azaC were significantly increased, while the contents of superoxide anion (O₂^-) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were decreased, indicating that 5-azaC pre-treatment could significantly alleviate salt stress injury. Furthermore, the methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) analysis revealed that DNA methylation level of keanf seedlings pre-treated with 5-azaC significantly decreased. The expression of seven differentially methylated genes responsing to salt stress was significantly changed from real-time fluorescent quantitative (qRT-PCR) analysis. Finally, knocked-down of the l-ascorbate oxidase (L-AAO) gene by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) resulted in increased sensitivity of kenaf seedlings under salt stress. Overall, it was suggested that 5-azaC pre-treatment can significantly improve salt tolerance in kenaf by decreasing ROS content, raising anti-oxidant activities, and regulating DNA methylation and expression of stress-responsive genes.

PtS2 nanosheets as a peroxidase-mimicking nanozyme for colorimetric determination of hydrogen peroxide and glucose

Using an ultrasonication-assisted liquid exfoliation method, we have synthesized PtS₂ nanosheets with good reproducibility. Herein, intrinsic peroxidase-like activity was for the first time demonstrated for PtS₂ nanosheets, which can catalyze H₂O₂ oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to generate a colored solution. The catalytic mechanism of PtS₂ nanosheets was investigated, which indicated that acceleration of the electron transfer between TMB and H₂O₂ was the main reason for the peroxidase-like activity of PtS₂ nanosheets. Based on these observations, we exploited PtS₂ nanosheets integrated into dopamine-functionalized hyaluronic acid (HA-DA) hydrogel microspheres by droplet microfluidics to construct PtS₂ nanosheet- and PtS₂@HA-DA microsphere-based sensors for highly sensitive determination of H₂O₂. When coupled with glucose oxidase, we further developed two glucose sensors based on the above two methods. Among them, the linearity of the PtS₂ nanosheet-based spectrophotometry was in the range of 0.5 to 150 μM and the limit of detection as low as 0.20 μM. The linearity of the microsphere-based colorimetry was in the range 200 to 12,000 μM with a detection limit of 29.95 μM. Both of the glucose sensors can be applied to the determination of glucose in human serum with reliable results and reproducibility.

A multifunctional nanoplatform based on graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots for imaging-guided and tumor-targeted chemo-photodynamic combination therapy

Graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-CNQDs) have shown great potential in imaging, drug delivery and photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, relevant research on g-CNQDs for PDT or drug delivery has been conducted separately. Herein, we develop a g-CNQDs-based nanoplatform (g-CPFD) to achieve simultaneously imaging and chemo-photodynamic combination therapy in one system. A g-CNQDs-based nanocarrier (g-CPF) is first prepared by successively introducing carboxyamino-terminated oligomeric polyethylene glycol and folic acid onto the surface of g-CNQDs via two-step amidation. The resultant g-CPF possesses good physiological stability, strong blue fluorescence, desirable biocompatibility, and visible light-stimulated reactive oxygen species generating ability. Further non-covalently loaded doxorubicin enables the system with chemotherapy function. Compared with free doxorubicin, g-CPFD expresses more efficient chemotherapy to HeLa cells due to improved folate receptor-mediated cellular uptake and intracellular pH-triggered drug release. Furthermore, g-CPFD under visible light irradiation shows enhanced inhibition on the growth of cancer cells compared to sole chemotherapy or PDT. Thus, g-CPFD exhibits exceptional anti-tumor efficiency due to folate receptor-mediated targeting ability, intracellular pH-triggered drug release and a combined treatment effect arising from PDT and chemotherapy. Moreover, this nanoplatform benefits imaging-guided drug delivery because of inherent fluorescent properties of doxorubicin and g-CPF, hence achieving the goal of imaging-guided chemo-photodynamic combination treatments.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106 protects mice against enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7-induced intestinal disease through improving immune response, intestinal barrier function and gut microbiota

AIMS

This study evaluated the effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106, isolated from Tibetan pigs' faeces, on the growth performance, immune response, intestinal barrier function, morphology of jejunum, caecum and colon, and gut microbiota in the mice with enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC)-induced intestinal diseases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In all, 40 female C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into four groups: mice fed a normal diet (Control), mice oral administration of TL106 daily (Ba), mice challenged with EHEC O157:H7 on day 15 (O157) and mice oral administration of TL106 daily and challenged with EHEC O157:H7 on day 15 (Ba+O157). The TL106 was administrated to mice for 14 days, and mice were infected with O157:H7 at day 15. We found that TL106 could prevent the weight loss caused by O157:H7 infection and alleviated the associated increase in pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8) and decrease in anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10) in serum and intestinal tissues of mice caused by O157:H7 infection (P < 0·05). Additionally, TL106 could prevent disruption of gut morphology caused by O157:H7 infection, and alleviate the associated decrease in expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, occludin and claudin-1) in jejunum and colon (P < 0·05). In caecum and colon, the alpha diversity for bacterial community analysis of Chao and ACE index in Ba+O157 group were higher than O157 group. The TL106 stabilized gut microbiota disturbed by O157:H7, including increasing Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, Muribaculaceae and Akkermansiaceae, and reducing Lactobacillaceae.

CONCLUSIONS

We indicated the B. amyloliquefaciens TL106 can effectively protect mice against EHEC O157:H7 infection by relieving inflammation, improving intestinal barrier function, mitigating permeability disruption and stabilizing the gut microbiota.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106 can prevent and treat intestinal disease induced by EHEC O157:H7 in mice, which may be a promising probiotic for disease prevention in animals.

[Oncologic outcomes of early stage cervical cancer performed operation by different laparoscopic surgical procedures: analysis of clinical data from mutiple centers]

Objective: To evaluate the oncologic outcomes of different laparoscopic radical hysterectomy. Methods: From January 2011 to December 2014, the laparoscopic operation cases of cervical cancer at stage Ⅰb1, Ⅰb2, Ⅱa1 and Ⅱa2, including the histologic subtypes of squamous-cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma, were collected in five clinical centers. The data were divided into two groups according to the surgical procedures, that is, modified laparoscopic-vaginal radical hysterectomy (mLVRH) and total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH). The overall survival rate (OS), disease-free survival rate (DFS) at 5 years were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Results: There were 674 cases in total, including 377 cases of mLVRH, 297 cases of TLRH. (1) The OS at 5 years: the mLVRH was 96.1% and the TLRH was 92.0%, and the mLVRH was higher than that of TLRH （P=0.010）. Stratify analysis， including stage of disease （Ⅰb1 and Ⅱa1）， histologic subtypes （squamous-cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma）， lymph node metastasis， revealed that, ① Stage of disease: in stage Ⅰb1, the OS at five years of mLVRH was higher than that in TLRH group （98.6% vs 93.6%, P=0.012）. In stage Ⅱa1, there was significant difference between the two groups, the OS at five years of mLVRH and TLRH were 93.6% and 77.6% （P=0.007）. ② Histologic subtypes: for the OS at five years of squamous-cell carcinoma, mLVRH and TLRH were 96.1% and 92.3%, and there was significant difference （P=0.046）； for adenocarcinoma, the OS at five years were 91.0% and 88.6%， and there was no difference between two groups （P=0.230）. ③ Lymph node metastasis： the mLVRH and TLRH with lymph node metastasis, the OS at five years were 98.6% and 96.4%; the mLVRH and TLRH without lymph node metastasis, the OS at five years were 89.3% and 80.8%. There were no significant differences between the two groups,respectively (P=0.156， P=0.093）. (2) The DFS at 5 years: there was no significant difference between mLVRH and TLRH (94.1% vs 90.9%, P=0.220). Stratify analysis for stage of disease, the mLVRH group was higher than that in the TLRH group in stage Ⅰb1 (97.0% vs 92.8%, P=0.039). However, for stage Ⅱa1, there was no significant difference between mLVRH and TLRH group （88.2% vs 75.8%, P=0.074）. Conclusions: The results of this retrospective study indicated that different laparoscopy surgical procedures had diverse oncologic outcomes. The OS at 5 years of the mLVRH is superior to the TLRH. The DFS at 5 years in Ⅰb1 stage, the mLVRH is higher than the TLRH. Therefore, the modified laparoscopy is still an alternative surgery for early cervical cancer patients when following the principle of no-tumor-exposure.

Assessment of whether the rabbit subscapularis tendon model is suitable for studying the human chronic rotator cuff pathology: Discovery of a new ligament connecting the glenoid and subscapularis tendon

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the anatomical relationship between the subscapularis tendon and glenosubscapularal ligament (GSL) that we accidentally identified from our previous study on a rabbit shoulder model and to determine whether this anatomical relationship has an impact on the rabbit shoulder model for studying the human chronic rotator cuff pathology.

METHODS

In this study, 15 male New Zealand rabbits aged 12 weeks and weighing 2.5 kg were used. Moreover, 3 rabbits were sacrificed for the anatomical and histological investigation of the relationship between the subscapularis tendon and GSL at baseline. The remaining 12 rabbits underwent the subscapularis tendon tenotomy from the lesser tuberosity using a standardized procedure. The GSL was cut on the left side and preserved on the right side. For histomorphometric analysis, 6 rabbits were first sacrificed at 6 weeks and then the remaining 6 rabbits at 12 weeks.

RESULTS

In all the rabbits, GSL was identified, connecting the upper portion of glenoid and subscapularis muscle-tendon junction. The mean thickness of the middle portion of GSL was 1.1±0.2 mm; the mean length of GSL was 8.4±2.3 mm. The mean widths of the proximal and distal attachments were 2.4±0.3 and 4.2±0.5 mm, respectively. The mean size of the native subscapularis muscle fibers was 122.6±4.3 μm2. The mean size of the muscle fibers in shoulders with tenotomy alone was 112.6±6.2 and 102.6±4.8 μm2 at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. The mean size of the muscle fibers in shoulders with tenotomy plus GSL cut severing was 88.3±9.7 and 56.4±5.2 μm2 at 6 and 12 weeks, respectively. The significant muscle atrophy was observed both at 6 and 12 weeks in the shoulders with tenotomy plus GSL cut compared with those with tenotomy alone as well as those with the native subscapularis. However, the muscle atrophy was not significantly different in the shoulders with tenotomy alone at different time points.

CONCLUSION

Because GSL may prevent the subscapularis retraction, the rabbit subscapularis tendon model may not be suitable for studying the human chronic rotator cuff pathology if GSL is neglected or preserved.

Investigating the anti-angiogenic effects of Fufang Kushen Injection in combination with cisplatin using a zebrafish model

The Traditional Chinese Medicine formula Fufang Kushen Injection (FKI) has demonstrated potential to enhance the efficacy and reduce the toxicity of the chemotherapeutic drug cisplatin. However, there is insufficient evidence to determine whether the combination of matrine and cisplatin were linked to the angiogenesis pathway. In this study, we selected two zebrafish lines, AB and Tg (vegfr2: GFP), as in vivo models to rapidly assess the anti-angiogenesis effects. KFI and cisplatin had no obvious effects when used individually, but combined KFI (5 and 10 μL/mL) and cisplatin (50μg/mL) significantly inhibited the zebrafish intersegmental vessel (ISV) formation and growth. Matrine at 50 μg/mL also showed synergetic anti-angiogenesis activity with cisplatin (50μg/mL) in 48hpf zebrafish larvae. This study has shown the potential of FKI to enhance cisplatin efficacy and reduce its toxicity by inhibiting angiogenesis. These results contribute to the scientific evidence supporting the use of KFI in combination with cisplatin to treat cancer in the clinic.

Laparoscopic versus open herniorrhaphy for children with inguinal hernia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness between laparoscopic herniorrhaphy (LH) and open herniorrhaphy (OH) in children with inguinal hernia.

METHODS

PubMed, EmBase, and the Cochrane library were searched to select trials from their inception till April 2019. The summary of relative risks (RRs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were employed to evaluate the treatment effectiveness between LH and OH.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including a total of 594 children were selected. No significant differences were observed between LH and OH regarding the risk of postoperative complications. However, LH significantly reduced the risk of major postoperative complications when compared with OH. Moreover, LH showed association with a shorter operative time in bilateral inguinal hernia when compared with OH, whereas no significant difference between groups for unilateral inguinal hernia. Finally, children who received LH showed association with longer time to discharge than those who received OH, whereas no significant difference was observed between the groups for time to resume full activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggested that children who received LH had protection against major postoperative complications than those who received OH. Moreover, children who received LH had shorter operative time, and longer time to discharge.

Dopamine-functionalized hyaluronic acid microspheres for effective capture of CD44-overexpressing circulating tumor cells

As one of the biomarkers of liquid biopsy, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) provides important clinical information for cancer diagnosis. However, accurate separation and identification of CTCs remains a great deal of challenge. In present work, we developed novel dopamine-functionalized hyaluronic acid microspheres (HA-DA microspheres) to capture CD44-overexpressing CTCs. The dopamine was grafted onto the hyaluronic acid chain, which was polymerized and cross-linked by oxidation of the catechol groups. Afterwards, a facile microfluidic chip was designed and developed to fabricate the HA-DA microspheres with a diameter of about 45 μm. Our results showed that the CD44+ cells (i.e., HeLa, HepG2, A549, MCF-7 and DU-145 cells) could be selectively captured. Then a double-layer microfluidic filter (DLMF) was fabricated for dynamic isolation and detection of CTCs in blood samples. Many slit openings with 15 μm in height were designed to allow white blood cells to clear away, while the microspheres with CTCs were intercepted in the DLMF, which achieved effective separation of CTCs from blood cells. The approach exhibited high capture efficiency even at the cell density as low as 10 cells/mL. We believe the DLMF integrated with HA-DA microspheres could be a promising approach for isolation and detection of CD44-overexpressing CTCs, which is useful for prognosis and early metastasis of cancer patients.

Comparison of reverse dorsoradial flap for thumb reconstruction: narrow pedicle versus wide pedicle

INTRODUCTION

The reverse homodigital dorsoradial flap remains a useful alternative for covering thumb defects. However, the description of pedicle width of dorsoradial flap is not clear. The aim of this study was to compare the results of narrow pedicle with wide pedicle in dorsoradial flaps and describe our experience with the thumb reconstruction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

From July 2014 to February 2019, 42 patients were treated with the reverse dorsoradial flap for thumb reconstruction. The patients were divided as Group A (pedicle width ≤ 0.8 cm) and Group B (pedicle width > 0.8 cm). Flap survival, time to return to work, flap sensibility, the range of motion (ROM) of the joints, and final aesthetic outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Respectively in the Group A (17 cases) and Group B (25 cases), 14-19 flaps survived uneventfully, whereas 3-6 flaps experienced venous congestion with no or partial flap loss. No significant difference was identified between the two groups for the incidence of venous congestion, static 2-point discrimination and ROM of the injured thumbs. Time to return to work was significantly shorter in Group A. The aesthetic satisfaction of the patients in Group A was significantly better comparing with that in Group B.

CONCLUSIONS

The reverse homodigital dorsoradial flap with narrow pedicle width is associated with more favorable outcomes in terms of time lost from work and aesthetic satisfaction of the patients.

[Efficacy of minimally invasive pulmonary surfactant administration in preterm infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a multicenter clinical trial]

Objective: To explore the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive surfactant administration (MISA) in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Methods: In this multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial, 92 preterm infants with gestation age ≤30 weeks and diagnosed with NRDS were enrolled in 8 level Ⅲ neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region from 1(st) July 2017 to 31(st) December 2018. They were randomly assigned to minimally invasive surfactant administration (MISA) group or endotracheal intubation surfactant administration (EISA) group according to random number generated by computer. Infants in both groups received calf pulmonary surfactant preparation at a dose of 70-100 mg/kg. The data of demography, perinatal situation, medication administration, complications, clinical outcomes in the two groups were compared with Chi-square test, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher's exact test. Results: Among the 92 preterm infants, 53 were males, 39 were females; 47 were in the MISA group (25 males), and 45 were in the EISA group (28 males). The gestational age and birth weight were (29.5±1.2) weeks and (1 271±242) g in all patients, (29.5±1.4) weeks and (1 285±256) g in the MISA group, and (29.6±0.9) weeks and (1 255±227) g in the EISA group. The duration of surfactant infusion and the length of whole procedure in the MISA group were significantly longer than that in the EISA group (60 (18, 270) s vs. 50 (30, 60) s, Z=3.009, P=0.003; 90 (60, 300) s vs. 60 (44, 270) s, Z=3.365, P=0.001). For the outcomes, the incidence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) were lower in the MISA group than in the EISA group (36% (17/47) vs. 67% (30/45), χ(2)=8.556, P=0.003; 26% (12/47) vs. 47% (21/45), χ(2)=4.464, P=0.035). Conclusions: Minimally invasive surfactant administration is applicable in preterm infants ≤30 weeks gestational age with NRDS. Although the length of whole procedure is longer than route endotracheal administration, the benefit of decreasing the incidences of hsPDA and BPD outweighs this demerit.

Constipation-relieving effect of L-arabinose

Purpose: To investigate the mitigating effect of L-arabinose on constipation in a mouse model of experimental constipation.Methods: Kunming mice were used as experimental animals to establish a constipation model. Intestinal propulsion, first defecation time, number of defecation pellets, and the weight of defecation pellets in 5 h were measured. L-Arabinose was given at 3 dose levels, viz, low dose (0.5 g/kg/day),medium dose (0.75 g/kg/day), and high dose (2.5 g/kg/day), and their effects on constipation were compared with that of the model control group.Results: Compared with the model control group, there were significant differences in ink propulsion (F= 22.67, p < 0.05); time taken for first black stool to appear (F = 19.51, p < 0.05), number of fecal pellets (F = 12.22, p < 0.05), and fecal weight (F = 5, p < 0.05) in the L-arabinose groups.Conclusion: L-Arabinose relieves constipation symptoms in an experimental mouse model of constipation. Therefore, L-arabinose may be useful in the management of patients with constipation, but further studies in humans are required to ascertain this. Keywords: L-Arabinose, Fecal pellets/grains, Constipation, Stool, Intestinal propulsion

[Endemic situation of schistosomiasis in surveillance sites of Tianmen City from 2015 to 2018]

OBJECTIVE

To monitor the change patterns of the endemic situation of schistosomiasis in Tianmen City from 2015 to 2018, so as to provide the evidence for formulating the schistosomiasis control strategy in the city.

METHODS

A total of 8 schistosomiasis surveillance sites were assigned in Tianmen City from 2015 to 2018, and the endemic situation of schistosomiasis and the related epidemiological factors were monitored.

RESULTS

During the period from 2015 to 2018, a total of 15 983 local person-times and 3 629 mobile populations were detected for schistosomiasis using an indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) in Tianmen City, and the sero-prevalence was 0.88% to 1.44% and 0.96% to 2.39%, respectively; however, no egg-positives were identified. A total of 1 245 herd-times were detected, and no egg-positives were found in bovines. In addition, the areas of snail habitats were 116.69 to 117.23 hm² and the mean densities of living snails were 0.07 to 0.17 snails/0.1 m² during the study period; however, no infections were identified in snails.

CONCLUSIONS

The endemic situation of schistosomiasis appears low in Tianmen City; however, the factors related to schistosomiasis transmission remain in the city. The integrated strategy with emphasis on the control of infectious sources should be still intensified to consolidate the schistosomiasis control achievements.

Characterization of Arsenic-Induced Cancer Stem-Like Cells

Arsenic is a well-known human carcinogen. However, the mechanisms underlying arsenic-induced carcinogenesis remain elusive. Here we show that chronic and low level of arsenic stress induces transformation of the human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B, and that some of the transformed cells show characteristics of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs). Meanwhile, we demonstrate that arsenic stress dedifferentiates CD61⁺ BEAS-2B cells into CSC-like CD61^- cells featured with noncanonical epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enhanced chemoresistance, and metastasis. Finally, we show that oncogene c-Myc expression is associated with arsenic-induced tumor initiation and progression. Altogether, our findings highlight a unique mechanism of arsenic-induced transformation of human bronchial epithelial cells and provide a novel therapeutic target for arsenic-initiated lung cancer.

Topological all-optical logic gates based on two-dimensional photonic crystals

In this work, we report the design of topological filter and all-optical logic gates based on two-dimensional photonic crystals with robust edge states. All major logic gates, including OR, AND, NOT, NOR, XOR, XNOR, and NAND, are suitably designed by using the linear interference approach. Moreover, numerical simulations show that our designed all-optical logic devices can always work well even if significant disorders exist. It is expected that such robust and compact logic devices have potential applications in future photonic integrated circuits.

Efficient Generation of Many-Body Entangled States by Multilevel Oscillations

We generate high-fidelity massively entangled states in an antiferromagnetic spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) by utilizing multilevel oscillations. Combining the multilevel oscillations with additional adiabatic drives, we greatly shorten the necessary evolution time and relax the requirement on the control accuracy of quadratic Zeeman splitting, from microgauss to milligauss, for a ^{23}Na spinor BEC. The achieved high fidelities over 96% show that two kinds of massively entangled states, the many-body singlet state and the twin-Fock state, are almost perfectly generated. The generalized spin squeezing parameter drops to a value far below the standard quantum limit even with the presence of atom number fluctuations and stray magnetic fields, illustrating the robustness of our protocol under real experimental conditions. The generated many-body entangled states can be employed to achieve the Heisenberg-limit quantum precision measurement and to attack nonclassical problems in quantum information science.

Fusion Method Combining Ground-Level Observations with Chemical Transport Model Predictions Using an Ensemble Deep Learning Framework: Application in China to Estimate Spatiotemporally-Resolved PM2.5 Exposure Fields in 2014-2017

Atmospheric chemical transport models (CTMs) have been widely used to simulate spatiotemporally resolved PM_2.5 concentrations. However, CTM results are usually prone to bias and errors. In this study, we improved the accuracy of PM_2.5 predictions by developing an ensemble deep learning framework to fuse model simulations with ground-level observations. The framework encompasses four machine-learning models, i.e., general linear model, fully connected neural network, random forest, and gradient boosting machine, and combines them by stacking approach. This framework is applied to PM_2.5 concentrations simulated by the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model for China from 2014 to 2017, which has complete spatial coverage over the entirety of China at a 12-km resolution, with no sampling biases. The fused PM_2.5 concentration fields were evaluated by comparing with an independent network of observations. The R² values increased from 0.39 to 0.64, and the RMSE values decreased from 33.7 μg/m³ to 24.8 μg/m³. According to the fused data, the percentage of Chinese population residing under the level II National Ambient Air Quality Standards of 35 μg/m³ for PM_2.5 has increased from 46.5% in 2014 to 61.7% in 2017. The method is readily adapted to utilize near-real-time observations for operational analyses and forecasting of pollutant concentrations and can be extended to provide source apportionment forecasts as well.

Strong terahertz magneto-optical phenomena based on quasi-bound states in the continuum and Fano resonances

We propose new ways to produce strong terahertz (THz) magneto-optical phenomena from monolayer graphene based on bound states in the continuum (BICs) and Fano resonances. The BICs and Fano resonances of radiation modes in the monolayer graphene are realized by designing the photonic crystal slab-graphene-slab structure. Based on them, the magnetic circular dichroism near 100% has been achieved. Importantly, such magneto-optical phenomena can be modulated in intensity and frequency using only electrostatic doping at a fixed magnetic field. Comparing two ways to produce magneto-optical phenomena, it is found that the way based on BICs exhibits some advantages such as good electrical tenability due to narrower resonance width, higher conversion efficiency and more stability with the change of incident angle. These phenomena can appear in a broad THz range by designing the nanostructures, which are very beneficial to polarization conversion and optoelectronic devices.

Type-II InSe/ g-C3N4 Heterostructure as a High-Efficiency Oxygen Evolution Reaction Catalyst for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

We propose a conceptual design of InSe/ g-C₃N₄ van der Waals heterostructure to achieve highly efficient and spontaneous water splitting. InSe/ g-C₃N₄ possesses a direct band gap of 2.04 eV with type-II band alignment, which is beneficial to the separation of electrons and holes and exhibits proper valence and conduction-band positions for the redox reactions of H₂O. In addition, the adsorption of multiple water molecules and the changes of free energy on InSe/ g-C₃N₄ have been calculated to understand the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) process of water splitting. The free energies of reaction on three sides are all downhill, and the values of Δ G reduce to about -0.406 eV, indicating that the OER of water splitting is a thermodynamically permissible reaction without the aid of any other substance. Therefore, the water-splitting reaction could be thermodynamically continued using InSe/ g-C₃N₄ as a photocatalyst, which indicates that InSe/ g-C₃N₄ is an excellent candidate for photocatalyst or photoelectronic applications.

Effect of hydroxyselenomethionine on lactation performance, blood profiles, and transfer efficiency in early-lactating dairy cows

The current study investigated the effects of hydroxyselenomethionine (HMBSe), a novel organic selenium (Se) additive, on lactation performance, blood profiles, antioxidative status, and transfer efficiency of Se in early-lactation dairy cows. Sixty multiparous early-lactating dairy cows with similar days in milk (57 d; standard deviation = 9.9) and milk yield (36.5 kg/d; standard deviation = 1.42) were fed a basal diet containing 0.04 mg of Se/kg (dry matter basis). These cows were assigned to 1 of 4 groups following a randomized complete block design as follows: control (basal diet) or HMBSe addition (0.1, 0.3, or 0.5 mg of Se/kg of dry matter). The experiment lasted for 13 wk, with the first week as adaptation. The results showed that milk yields (raw, protein, and lactose) and feed efficiency were improved in a quadratic manner following increased dietary HMBSe addition, whereas energy-corrected milk, 4% fat-corrected milk, and total solid yields tended to be enhanced quadratically. In terms of whole-blood variables, red blood cell and white blood cell levels were increased quadratically, whereas hemoglobin concentration increased linearly with increased HMBSe addition. Plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentrations tended to increase linearly along with HMBSe addition. Plasma superoxide dismutase activity increased quadratically with increased HMBSe addition. The total antioxidant capacity in plasma tended to improve quadratically when cows were fed more HMBSe. Moreover, plasma malondialdehyde concentrations of dairy cows tended to decrease in a quadratic manner when dietary HMBSe increased. The Se concentrations in milk, plasma, and milk/plasma ratio increased linearly following increased HMBSe addition. In conclusion, HMBSe improved lactation performance, health status, and milk Se concentrations in early-lactating dairy cows.

[Effects of intrathecal transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 blocker on cervical distension induced visceral pain response]

Objective: With the aid of an acute visceral pain model of uterine cervical distension (UCD), the present study aimed to observe the effects of intrathecal administration of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist SB-366791 on UCD induced-visceral nociception as well as its involved molecular mechanisms. Methods: A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley-derived adult virgin female rats were used. UCD model was established under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia. Briefly, a lower abdominal incision at midline was made to expose the uteral cervix, two metal rods were inserted through both sides of the cervix separately, one rod was fixed and the other one was connected to a pulley system with application of manual weighted traction (0, 25, 50, 75 or 100 g) for simulating 1 h of cervical distension. In addition, 12 Sprague-Dawley-derived adult virgin female rats were subjected to intrathecal catheter implantation, and UCD was established 7 days later. The rats were divided randomly into two groups; one group was administrated with intrathecal SB-366791 while the other was administrated with the same volume of saline as control. The 75 g distension force was then applied for an hour and the electromyographic (EMG) of musculus rectus abdominis, heart rate as well as respiratory frequency were measured continuously during the surgery. The spinal cord (T(12)-L(2)) was collected 30 minutes after UCD for the detection of changes of c-FOS and TRPV1 expression. Results: UCD increased EMG activity (P<0.05) and c-FOS expression (P<0.05) in the deep dorsal horn region and central canal of the spinal cord (T(12)-L(2)) in a stimuli-dependent manner, the expression of TRPV1 in the T(12)-L(2) spinal cord also increased in response to UCD stimulation (P<0.05). Compared with the saline group, intrathecal SB-366791 significantly decreased EMG activity (P<0.05) as well as spinal c-FOS (P<0.05) expression induced by UCD. Conclusions: UCD in rats increases EMG activity of musculus rectus abdominis as well as spinal c-FOS and TRPV1 expression. Intrathecal administration of TRPV1 antagonist SB-366791 significantly decreases the visceral nociception induced by UCD.

Uniaxial Dynamical Decoupling for an Open Quantum System

Dynamical decoupling (DD) is an active and effective method for suppressing decoherence of a quantum system from its environment. In contrast to the nominal biaxial DD, this work presents a uniaxial decoupling protocol that requires a significantly reduced number of pulses and a much lower bias field satisfying the "magic" condition. We show this uniaxial DD protocol works effectively in a number of model systems of practical interest, e.g., a spinor atomic Bose-Einstein condensate in stray magnetic fields (classical noise), or an electron spin coupled to nuclear spins (quantum noise) in a semiconductor quantum dot. It requires only half the number of control pulses and a 10-100 times lower bias field for decoupling as normally employed in the above mentioned illustrative examples, and the overall efficacy is robust against rotation errors of the control pulses. The uniaxial DD protocol we propose shines new light on coherent controls in quantum computing and quantum information processing, quantum metrology, and low field nuclear magnetic resonance.

Rapid detection of trichlorfon residues by a microfluidic paper-based phosphorus-detection chip (μPPC)

We propose a novel microfluidic paper-based phosphorus-detection chip (μPPC) for rapid analysis of trichlorfon, one of the most common organophosphate pesticide residues.

Multifunctional nanocarriers based on graphitic-C3N4 quantum dots for tumor-targeted, traceable and pH-responsive drug delivery

A multifunctional nanocarrier is developed for simultaneous targeted delivery, efficient tracking and cancer treatment at the cellular level.