[UPLC characteristic fingerprint and chemical pattern recognition of Angong Niuhuang Pills]

To establish the UPLC fingerprint of Zhongyi Angong Niuhuang Pills, in order to evaluate its quality by chemical pattern recognition. The method was developed on a column of Poroshell 120 EC-C_(18), with methanol-0.1% formic acid solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL·min~(-1). The column temperature was 30 ℃,and the detective wavelength was 254 nm. The similarity of 24 batches of Angong Niuhuang Pills was compared by using Traditional Chinese Medicine Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System(2004 A). Hydrophobic cluster analysis,principal components analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis were conducted by using SIMCA 13.0 software to investigate different components among these products. The UPLC characteristic fingerprint was established in this study. And 17 common peaks were identified by standard reference and UPLC-MS. The similarity of 24 batches samples were above 0.980,which can be classified into three categories for pattern recognition. Baicalin,berberine,jatrorrhizine,wogonin and wogonoside were identified as the main markers that cause differences of various batches. The method is simple,rapid,accurate and reproducible,and can provide scientific basis for improving the quality standard of Zhongyi Angong Niuhuang Pills.

Enhanced removal of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene by modified biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron and palladium

Biochar pyrolysed at 300 °C, 500 °C, 700 °C was modified by hydrochloric acid (HCl), hydrofluoric acid (HF), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), nitric acid (HNO₃) and potassium permanganate (KMnO₄), and subsequently evaluated for removal efficiency of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (1,2,4-TCB) by biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and palladium (Pd) composites. Under the initial 1,2,4-TCB concentration of 10 mg L^-1 and the solid-liquid ratio of 0.16 g L^-1, the synthesized composites of nZVI-Pd with BC700 modified by HF (FBC700-nZVI-Pd) and nZVI-Pd with BC300 modified by NaOH (SBC300-nZVI-Pd) demonstrated significantly enhanced removal efficiencies for 1,2,4-TCB achieving 98.8% and 94.7% after 48 h, respectively. The physicochemical properties of biochar including specific surface area, aromaticity and hydrophobicity after the modification by HF and NaOH were improved. Increased the supporting sites for Fe/Pd nanoparticles and the contact between composites and 1,2,4-TCB were mainly responsible for enhanced removal efficiency for 1,2,4-TCB. Both the adsorption by biochar and reduction by Fe/Pd nanoparticles effectively contributed to the removal of 1,2,4-TCB. It is estimated that the proportion of reduction was about twice that of adsorption in the first 12 h, which produced 1,2-DCB, benzene and other degradation products. Therefore, biochar treated with HF and NaOH and supported Fe/Pd nanoparticles could be effective functional materials for remediation of groundwater contaminated by 1,2,4-TCB.

Lidar Observations of Birch and Spruce Pollen in Finland

Pollen has various effects on human health and the environment. To understand phenomena behind atmospheric pollen transport and hence improve pollen forecasts, vertically resolved optical properties and geometrical characteristics of the pollen distribution need to be studied. Lidar measurements and especially the particle depolarization ratio have been found to be an excellent tool to track pollen grains. In this study we present first results of atmospheric pollen characterization based on a 11 days period of birch and spruce pollination events.

Modulation of Inverse Spinel Fe3 O4 by Phosphorus Doping as an Industrially Promising Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution

Fe-based oxides have been seldom reported as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), limited by their weak intrinsic activity and conductivity. Herein, phosphorus doping modulation is used to construct inverse spinel P-Fe₃ O₄ with dual active sites supported on iron foam (P-Fe₃ O₄ /IF) for alkaline HER with an extremely low overpotential of 138 mV at 100 mA cm^-2 . The obtained inverse spinel Fe-O-P derived from controllable phosphorization can provide an octahedral Fe site and O atom, which bring about the unusual dissociation mechanisms of two water molecules to greatly accelerate the proton supply in alkaline media. Meanwhile, the ΔG_H of the P atom in Fe-O-P as an active site is theoretically calculated to be 0.01 eV. Notably, the NiFe LDH/IF⁽⁺⁾ ||P-Fe₃ O₄ /IF^(-) couple achieves an onset potential of 1.47 V (vs RHE) for overall water splitting, with excellent stability for more than 1000 h at a current density of 1000 mA cm^-2 , and even for 25 000 s at 10 000 mA cm^-2 in 6.0 m KOH at 60 °C. The excellent catalyst stability and low-cost merits of P-Fe₃ O₄ /IF may hold promise for industrial hydrogen production. This work may reveal a new design strategy of earth-abundant materials for large-scale water splitting.

[Risk factors for visual field loss progression in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma in Wenzhou area]

Objective: To evaluate risk factors for visual field (VF) loss progression in primary open-angle glaucoma patients. Methods: A prospective nested case-control study. Patients were collected from the Wenzhou glaucoma progression study in the Eye Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University during March 2014 and April 2018. In this study, the eyes were divided into a progression group and a non-progression group using the glaucoma progression analysis methods to analyze the risk factors for glaucomatous VF loss progression. Axial length (AL) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured using the Lenstar LS900. The baseline, fluctuation (standard deviation), mean, maximum, minimum and range of intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up period were determined based on IOP measured at each follow-up. The IOP measurements were included from the baseline to the last visit (for the non-progression group), or to the visit at which VF loss progression was determined (for the progression group). The independent sample t-test, Mann-Whitney U inspection and Cox proportional hazards models were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 140 patients (140 eyes) were enrolled, including 67 males and 73 females. There were 19.3% of the eyes (27 of 140 eyes) showing VF loss progression. The median time to the endpoint for progression was 24.0 (16.0, 40.0) months. The AL in the progression group and non-progression group were 23.58 (23.05, 24.24) mm and 23.91 (23.10, 24.91) mm (P=0.111). The CCT in the two groups were 531.0 (512.0, 565.0) μm and 535.0 (518.5, 552.0) μm, respectively (P=0.897). The baseline age in the progression group and non-progression group was 71.0 (68.0, 74.0) years and 68.0 (58.0, 72.0) years, respectively (Z=-2.872, P=0.004). The slope of visual field index in the two groups was -3.50 (-7.10, -1.80)%/year and 0.40 (-0.60, 1.40)%/year, respectively (Z=-6.823, P<0.01). The mean IOP during the follow-up was (16.2±2.7) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) in the progression group and (15.1±2.4) mmHg in the non-progression group (t=-2.215, P=0.028). The IOP fluctuation in the progression group and non-progression group was (2.6±1.3) mmHg and (2.0±0.7) mmHg, respectively (t=-2.175, P=0.038). In the multivariate model, older baseline age (HR=1.080; 95%CI:1.019-1.143), higher baseline IOP (HR=1.120; 95%CI:1.016-1.236), higher mean IOP (HR=1.145; 95%CI:1.001-1.309) and higher IOP fluctuation (HR=1.750; 95%CI:1.193-2.566) were all significantly predictive risk factors for glaucomatous VF loss progression. Longer AL (HR=0.725; 95%CI:0.532-0.988) was a protective factor against VF loss progression. However, CCT was found to be not associated with VF loss progression. Conclusion: Baseline age, baseline IOP, mean IOP, IOP fluctuation and shorter AL are found to be risk factors for glaucomatous VF loss progression among eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma in Wenzhou. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2019, 55: 777-784).

Mangiferin Attenuated Diethynitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Sprague-Dawley Rats via Alteration of Oxidative Stress and Apoptotic Pathway

Liver cancer is the fifth commonly occurring cancer worldwide with the annual death rate of 9.1%. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most frequent kind of primary liver cancer and occurs mostly in patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis. Because the cancer is generally detected only in the later stages, it is often treated with therapies such as radiation, ablation, and chemotherapy, which produces serious side effects and has a low recovery rate. Therefore, researchers are now focused on herbal-based drugs with increased efficacy and with no side effects to treat cancer. One such drug is mangiferin, a xanthanoid possessing augmented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. The present study investigated the anticarcinogenic property of mangiferin against DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma was induced in healthy Sprague-Dawley rats by treating them with 0.01% diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in the drinking water for 12 weeks, followed by 50 mg of mangiferin for a period of 8 weeks. Biochemical, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant status, and tumor marker level in the DEN- and DEN + mangiferin-treated rats liver were assessed to detect the efficacy of mangiferin in inhibiting cancer induction. The anticarcinogenic property of mangiferin was confirmed by evaluating the apoptotic protein expression and histological analysis of liver tissue from DEN- and DEN + mangiferin-treated rats. Our results show that mangiferin possesess anticarcinogenic properties against DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. We predict that further investigation will reveal mangiferin as a potent drug to treat liver cancer.

Enhanced removal of Cr(VI) by silicon rich biochar-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron

Silicon-rich biochar-supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) was studied to evaluate enhanced removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in solution. The compositional structures of the nZVI and biochar-supported nZVI were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectra before and after Cr(VI) reaction. The removal amount of Cr(VI) by nZVI-RS700 (rice straw pyrolyzed at 700 °C) was considerably greater than that by nZVI and other biochar-supported nZVI samples. Upon the silicon was removed from RS700 (nZVI-RS700(-Si)), a significant decreased removal of Cr(VI) was observed. It was revealed that nZVI supported by silicate particles of biochar and the promotion of iron oxidation by SiO₂ both contribute to the enhanced Cr(VI) removal. We found that the reduction and adsorption both contributed to the removal of Cr(VI), ferrous chromite (FeCr₂O₄) was observed on the surface of the nZVI-RS700 composite. The formation of FeCr₂O₄ is attributed to the reduction of Cr(VI) by nZVI and the adsorption of chromium oxide with iron on the surface of RS700. Therefore, RS700-supported nZVI can be used as a potential remediation reagent to treat Cr(VI)-contaminated groundwater.

Pt-C Interfaces Based on Electronegativity-Functionalized Hollow Carbon Spheres for Highly Efficient Hydrogen Evolution

The hydrogen evolution reaction activity of carbon-supported Pt catalyst is highly dependent on Pt-C interfaces. Herein, we focus on the relationships between Pt activity and N/O-functionalized hollow carbon sphere (HCS) substrate in acidic media. The electrochemical dissolution of Pt counter electrode is performed to prepare Pt nanoparticles in low loading. The N groups are beneficial for homogeneously sized Pt nanoparticles, whereas the O groups lead to aggregated nanoparticles. Moreover, the proper electronegativity of the N groups may enable capturing of protons to create proton-rich Pt-C interfaces and transfer them onto the Pt sites. The O groups may also capture protons by hydrogen bonding, but the subsequent release of protons is more difficult due to a stronger electronegativity and result in an inferior Pt activity. Consequently, the N-doped HCS with a low Pt loading (1.7 μg cm^-2 and 0.05 wt %) possesses a higher intrinsic activity compared with Pt on O-doped HCS. Moreover, it outperforms the commercial 20% Pt/C with a stable operation for 12 h. This work may provide suggestions for constructing the advantageous Pt-C interfaces by proper functional groups for high catalytic efficiencies.

Electrochemical Corrosion Engineering for Ni-Fe Oxides with Superior Activity toward Water Oxidation

The traditional synthesis for bimetallic-based electrocatalysts is challengeable for fine composition and elemental distribution because of the uncontrollable growth speed of nanostructures utilizing metal salt precursors. Herein, a unique electrochemical corrosion engineering strategy is developed via electrochemically transforming metal solid substrates (iron foil and nickel foam) into a highly active Ni-Fe oxide film for oxygen evolution, rather than directly utilizing metal ion precursors. This synthesis involves electrochemical corrosion of a Fe foil in an aqueous electrolyte along with electrochemical passivation of Ni foam (NF). The released trace Fe ions gradually incorporate into passivated NF surfaces to construct Ni-Fe oxide film and crucially improve composition distribution in the catalyst film. As a result, the resulted film with an ultralow mass loading (0.22 mg cm^-2) delivers large current densities of 500 mA cm^-2 at overpotential of only 270 mV in 6.0 M KOH at 60 °C, outperforming many reported NiFe catalysts requiring much higher mass loadings. More interestingly, the as-prepared catalyst almost reaches the standard (500 mA cm^-2 within the overpotential of 300 mV) in commercial water electrolysis with long-term stability for at least 10 h. This work may provide a unique synthesis strategy for nonprecious transition-metal catalysts for desirable water splitting and can be expanded to many other electrocatalysis systems.

[An in vivo biomechanical study of Chinese female with uterosacral ligament suspension]

Objective: To measure in vivo biomechanical properties of pelvic support structures associated with uterosacral ligament suspension (ULS) . Methods: Ten Chinese female cadavers (death within 48 hours) without embalming were carefully dissected to expose the ligament. After dissection, ligaments were sewn according to standard ULS surgical technique. They were stretched at a steady rate to breakage during constant electronic registration of load and displacement. In vivo biomechanical properties were evaluated by a load-displacement curve. Results: Ultimate load of uterosacral ligament, ring around cervix were (37.3±23.5) , (49.3±28.4) N, respectively. The differences between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05) . Ligament stiffness were (1.26±1.22) , (1.45±0.92) N/mm, respectively. There was no significant difference between groups (P>0.05) . Conclusions: The uterosacral ligament, ring around cervix with sufficient strength are not easy to deform. ULS is an effective procedure for treating middle pelvic defects from a biomechanics perspective.

In-situ electrochemical activation designed hybrid electrocatalysts for water electrolysis

Developing transition metal-based electrocatalysts with rich active sites for water electrolysis plays important roles in renewable energy fields. So far, some strategies including designing nanostructures, incorporating conductive support or foreign elements have been adopted to develop efficient electrocatalysts. Herein, we summarize recent progresses and propose in-situ electrochemical activation as a new pretreating technique for enhanced catalytic performances. The activation techniques mainly comprise facile electrochemical processes such as anodic oxidation, cathodic reduction, etching, lithium-assisted tuning and counter electrode electro-dissolution. During these electrochemical treatments, the catalyst surfaces are modified from bulk phase, which can tune local electronic structures, create more active species, enlarge surface area and thus improve the catalytic performances. Meanwhile, this technique can couple the atomic, electronic structures with electrocatalysis mechanisms for water splitting. Compared to traditional chemical treatment, the in-situ electrochemical activation techniques have superior advantages such as facile operation, mild environment, variable control, high efficiency and flexibility. This review may provide guidance for improving water electrolysis efficiencies and hold promising for application in many other energy-conversion fields such as supercapacitors, fuel cells and batteries.

Enhancement of steady-state bosonic squeezing and entanglement in a dissipative optomechanical system

We systematically study the influence of amplitude modulation on the steady-state bosonic squeezing and entanglement in a dissipative three-mode optomechanical system, where a vibrational mode of the membrane is coupled to the left and right cavity modes via the radiation pressure. Numerical simulation results show that the steady-state bosonic squeezing and entanglement can be significantly enhanced by periodically modulated external laser driving either or both ends of the cavity. Remarkably, the fact that as long as one periodically modulated external laser driving either end of the cavities is sufficient to enhance the squeezing and entanglement is convenient for actual experiment, whose cost is that required modulation period number for achieving system stability is more. In addition, we numerically confirm the analytical prediction for optimal modulation frequency and discuss the corresponding physical mechanism.

Clinical Outcomes of Endovascular Treatment within 24 Hours in Patients with Mild Ischemic Stroke and Perfusion Imaging Selection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Endovascular thrombectomy has been accepted as the standard of care for patients with acute ischemic stroke. Our aim was to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with mild ischemic stroke with acute proximal large-vessel occlusion after endovascular treatment within 24 hours of symptom onset.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2014 and August 2017, ninety-three Chinese patients with mild ischemic stroke (NIHSS scores, 0-8) and large-vessel occlusion with endovascular treatment were retrospectively enrolled from 7 comprehensive stroke centers. They were divided into 2 groups: ≤6 hours and 6-24 hours from symptom onset to groin puncture. We analyzed their modified Rankin Scale scores at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage at 48 hours, and mortality during 90 days. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors for NIHSS shift after discharge.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients received endovascular treatment within 6-24 hours after symptom onset and had an imaging mismatch based on perfusion CT or diffusion-weighted MR imaging. There were no substantial differences between the 2 groups in 90-day functional independence (P = .54) and the risks of the combination of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and death (P = .72). Two significant indicators of NIHSS shift were 48-hour symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (unstandardized β = 7.28; 95% CI, 3.48-11.1; P < .001) and baseline systolic blood pressure (unstandardized β = 0.08; 95% CI, 0.03-0.14; P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with mild ischemic stroke and large-vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation, an imaging mismatch, and endovascular treatment within 6-24 hours of initial symptoms showed no heterogeneity in the efficacy and safety outcome compared with those treated ≤6 hours from symptom onset.

The Griffiths Development Scales-Chinese (GDS-C): A cross-cultural comparison of developmental trajectories between Chinese and British children

BACKGROUND

The Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS) are used in many countries to assess the development of children from birth to 8 years. There is a need for accurate and culturally appropriate developmental assessment tools for Chinese children. Here, we adapted the GMDS for use in Chinese children and compare the developmental trajectories between Chinese and British children.

METHODS

Children with typical development were recruited from 7 urban cities in China between 2009 and 2013. The Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Chinese (GDS-C) were adapted and used to assess the development of urban Chinese children. Developmental curves were computed for 6 subscales using learning management system methods and compare against the British curves from the Griffiths Mental Development Scales-Extended Revised (GMDS-ER).

RESULTS

The GDS-C were used to assess the developmental status of 815 Chinese children. Plots of the 1st, 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, 95th, and 99th percentiles, and full percentile tables were obtained, which showed similar trends to data from the British GMDS-ER.

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese developmental curves obtained from the GDS-C showed similarities and differences to the developmental curves from the British GMDS-ER. The development of urban Chinese children should be assessed with the culturally appropriate GDS-C.

Oxidation-induced generation of a mild electrophile for proximity-enhanced protein-protein crosslinking

We report a strategy to introduce a reactive electrophile into proteins through the conversion of a chemically inert group into a bioreactive group in response to an inducer molecule. This strategy was demonstrated by oxidation-induced and proximity-enhanced protein-protein crosslinking in the presence of a large excess of free nucleophile.

A genetically encoded cyclobutene probe for labelling of live cells

We have identified an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair for the efficient and site-specific incorporation of a cyclobutene-containing amino acid into proteins in response to an amber nonsense codon. Fast and fluorescent labeling of purified proteins and intact proteins in live cells was demonstrated using the inverse electron demand Diels-Alder reaction with a tetrazine.

[Application progress of digital technology in auricle reconstruction]

Objective

To review the application progress of digital technology in auricle reconstruction.

Methods

The recently published literature concerning the application of digital technology in auricle reconstruction was extensively consulted, the main technology and its specific application areas were reviewed.

Results

Application of digital technology represented by three-dimensional (3D) data acquisition, 3D reconstruction, and 3D printing is an important developing trend of auricle reconstruction. It can precisely guide auricle reconstruction through fabricating digital ear model, auricular guide plate, and costal cartilage imaging.

Conclusion

Digital technology can improve effectiveness and decrease surgical trauma in auricle reconstruction. 3D bioprinting of ear cartilage future has bright prospect and needs to be further researched.

In situ cathodic activation of V-incorporated NixSy nanowires for enhanced hydrogen evolution

In situ cathodic activation (ISCA) of V-incorporated Ni_xS_y nanowires supported on nickel foam (VS/Ni_xS_y/NF) can be realized in an alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) process, which provides not only clearly enhanced activity but also ultrahigh stability for HER. The ISCA process is continuous linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) on VS/Ni_xS_y/NF as a cathodic electrode with gradually enhanced HER activity. The activated VS/Ni_xS_y/NF (A-VS/Ni_xS_y/NF) demonstrates enhanced HER activity with an overpotential of 125 mV to drive 10 mA cm^-2, which is much lower than that of other samples. It may be predicted that the ISCA-derived amorphous VOOH film covering on A-VS/Ni_xS_y/NF accelerates the HER process, and NiOOH may protect active sites from decaying, leading to excellent activity and structural stability. However, for single metal sulfides, the ISCA process of nickel or vanadium sulfides is not available, implying that the synergistic effect between Ni and V of VS/Ni_xS_y/NF may be the key to drive ISCA in alkaline HER. In addition, its ultra-high stability confirms that the stable active sites and nanostructures of A-VS/Ni_xS_y/NF are derived from ISCA. Therefore, the ISCA of V-incorporated transition metal sulfides in the alkaline HER process may be a facile and promising method to obtain efficient electrocatalysts.

Birthweight and cardiometabolic risk patterns in multiracial children

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Prenatal growth, which is widely marked by birthweight, may have a pivotal role in affecting the lifelong risk of cardiometabolic disorders; however, comprehensive evaluation of its relations with childhood cardiometabolic risk patterns and the ethnic and gender disparities in national representative populations is still lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between birthweight and comprehensive patterns of cardiometabolic risk in a nationally representative sample of children and adolescents.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Prospective analyses were performed using data from 28 153 children 0 to 15 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 through 2014. We defined childhood cardiometabolic disorders using standard definitions for obesity, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

Five birthweight categories <2.5, 2.5-3.0, 3.0-3.5, 3.5-4.2 and ⩾4.2 kg accounted for 8.2%, 17.9%, 35.7%, 27.9% and 10.4% of the population, respectively. In all children, with increasing birthweight, we observed significantly increasing trends of the risk of general and central obesity (P for trend <0.01) and significantly decreasing trends of the risk of high systolic blood pressure (SBP), high HbA1c and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (P for trend <0.05). The associations were independent of current body mass index (BMI). In addition, we found that the relations of birthweight with high waist circumference in Black children showed U-shape, as well as high SBP in Mexican and Hispanic children. Moreover, we found that the associations of low birthweight with high SBP and low HDL-C appeared to more prominent significant in boys, whereas the inverse association with high HbA1c was more evident in girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that birthweight is significantly related to childhood cardiometabolic risk, independent of current BMI, and the associations exhibit race and gender-specific patterns.

Phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils from different parts of sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides L.)

Essential oils from the seed, pulp, and leaf of sea buckthorn were obtained with hydrodistillation, and their phytochemical composition was analyzed through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of the oils was tested on five food-borne bacteria by spectrometry and evaluated in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration. The results indicate that the composition of all essential oils is dominated by free fatty acids, esters, and alkanes. Minimum inhibitory concentration values on each bacterium were obtained for oils from different parts. The oils from different parts exhibited nearly equal inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus. The pulp oil was found to be the most effective for the rest of bacteria tested except Escherichia coli, on which seed oil shows twice the inhibitory effect to that of leaf or pulp oil. Three natural inhibitory examples were found comparable with or even better than the positive control: pulp oil on Bacillus subtilis, and pulp oil and leaf oil on Bacillus coagulans.

[Application of multislice computed tomography volume rendering and 3D printing technique of costal cartilage for auricular reconstruction]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the value of Multislice computed tomography volume rendering(VR) technique and 3D printing technique in auricular reconstruction.

METHODS

Six patients were enrolled for auricular reconstruction with costal cartilage,including 5 congenital microtia patients and 1 traumatic auricular defect patient. We harvest the three-dimensional reconstructive data of the contralateral sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth costal cartilage with VR technique.Three-dimensional solid models were 3D printed with nylon material according to the data exported in STL format.Preoperativesimulation was performed on the models, accordingly, we determined the strategies of costal cartilage harvest and framework fabrication, and operations were performed based on the pre-designed plan.

RESULTS

In all 6 patients, the actual costal cartilage harvest and framework fabrication process was consistent with the preoperative design and simulation results, and more scientific than before.The shapes of reconstructed ears were vivid and natural. No complications such as infection,absorption,distortion and chest deformity happened.

CONCLUSIONS

Through costal cartilage VR and 3D printing technique, we could make more reasonable preoperative design and simulation. The results can be improved with reduced injury, while avoiding the risks of thoracic deformity.

Coupling Ag-doping and rich oxygen vacancies in mesoporous NiCoO nanorods supported on nickel foam for highly efficient oxygen evolution

Ag-doped mesoporous NiCoO nanorods as efficient and stable electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction have been synthesized with desirable conductivity, high surface area and rich oxygen vacancies.

Dietary Quality Is Associated with Abdominal Aortic Calcification: A Mean of 18-Year Longitudinal Study in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the association between baseline and changes in dietary quality assessed by the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010) and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) among community-dwelling older adults.

DESIGN

Population-based longitudinal study.

SETTING

A subset of the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study (MCCS).

PARTICIPANTS

262 community-dwelling adults (60% female) aged 53 ± 5 years at baseline.

MEASUREMENTS

Dietary intake was assessed using validated Food Frequency Questionnaires at baseline (1990-1994) and follow-up (2010-2011). AAC was evaluated by radiography and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at follow-up.

RESULTS

Higher baseline AHEI-2010 score was associated with lower AAC severity by radiography [OR (95% CI) for Tertile 3 VS Tertile 1: 0.53 (0.29-0.99)] after adjustment for gender, age, physical activity, smoking, BMI, systolic blood pressure, plasma total cholesterol, calcium and energy intake. The association between AHEI-2010 and AAC severity by DXA was also significant in the multivariate-adjusted model [OR (95% CI) for Tertile 3 VS Tertile 1: 0.38 (0.20-0.70)]. Changes in AHEI-2010 over 18 years were not associated with AAC severity.

CONCLUSION

Baseline but not the changes in AHEI-2010 was inversely associated with the risk of AAC severity suggesting that a high quality diet might help prevent or delay the progression of AAC in community-dwelling older adults and the benefits might be manifested over the long-term.

Fluorogenic protein labeling using a genetically encoded unstrained alkene

A new fluorogenic bioorthogonal reaction between styrene (an unstrained alkene) and a tetrazine was developed.

We developed a new fluorogenic bioorthogonal reaction that is based on the inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction between styrene (an unstrained alkene) and a simple tetrazine. The reaction forms a new fluorophore with no literature precedent. We have identified an aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase/tRNA pair for the efficient and site-specific incorporation of a styrene-containing amino acid into proteins in response to amber nonsense codon. Fluorogenic labeling of purified proteins and intact proteins in live cells were demonstrated. The fluorogenicity of the styrene–tetrazine reaction can be potentially applied to the study of protein folding and function under physiological conditions with low background fluorescence interference.

NiSe@NiOOH Core-Shell Hyacinth-like Nanostructures on Nickel Foam Synthesized by in Situ Electrochemical Oxidation as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Evolution Reaction

NiSe@NiOOH core-shell hyacinth-like nanostructures supported on nickel foam (NF) have been successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal selenization and subsequent in situ electrochemical oxidation (ISEO). First, the unique NiSe/NF nanopillar arrays were prepared in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a precursor template that can provide a large surface area, excellent conductivity, and robust support. Next, amorphous NiOOH covering the surface of NiSe nanopillars was fabricated by ISEO, as confirmed by XPS andEDX spectroscopy. SEM images revealed the hyacinth-like morphology of NiSe@NiOOH/NF with NiOOH as the shell and NiSe as the core. The electrochemical performance of NiSe@NiOOH/NF for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) was investigated. NiSe@NiOOH/NF demonstrates an obviously enhanced OER activity with much lower overpotential of 332 mV at 50 mA cm(-2) compared to other Ni-based electrocatalysts. The low charge-transfer resistance (Rct), large electrochemical double-layer capacitance (Cdl) of electrochemically active surface areas (ECSAs), and excellent long-term stability of NiSe@NiOOH/NF confirm the enhancement of its electrochemical performance for the OER, which can be ascribed to the large amount of active sites derived from the amorphous NiOOH shell and the good conductivity and stability derived from the NiSe core. In addition, the synergistic effect between the NiSe core and NiOOH shell could serve for a highly efficient OER electrocatalyst.

Controllable synthesis of three dimensional electrodeposited Co–P nanosphere arrays as efficient electrocatalysts for overall water splitting

Novel three dimensional (3D) electrodeposited Co–P nanosphere arrays on FTO (Co–P/FTO) have been successfully prepared as efficient bifunctional electrocatalysts for overall water splitting in alkaline media.

A photoactivatable Src homology 2 (SH2) domain

A photoactivatable SH2 domain that can be potentially applied as an optogenetic tool to the photocontrol of phosphotyrosine-associated biological processes.

Population genetic differentiation of the black locust gall midge Obolodiplosis robiniae (Haldeman) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae): a North American pest invading Asia

Obolodiplosis robiniae is native to North America and is an important introduced insect pest that forms leaf margin roll galls on species of genus Robinia (Fabaceae) in China. It was first detected in China in 2004, but subsequently spread and provoked local outbreaks. An analysis of a 676-bp sequence of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase subunit I was conducted in 560 individuals from 28 populations, in order to (1) assess population genetic structuring and (2) explore possible explanations for the rapid spread and invasion success of O. robiniae. Yet, only four haplotypes were identified and the nucleotide diversity was low (π = 0.00005) and among the 560 specimens studied, only ten showed haplotypic variation involving no more than three substitutions. The result showed a low degree of genetic diversity among populations of the successful invasive gall midge, which suggested that the pest experienced a severe genetic bottleneck and a loss of genetic diversity after its introduction. The successful establishment and spread of O. robiniae in China is attributed to the wide distribution of its host plant, thus allowing ample opportunities for gene flow in the pest species, and to the advantageous life history characteristics of O. robiniae.

Effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation combined with minimally invasive hematoma aspiration on intracerebral hemorrhage in rats

This study is to investigate the effects of human umbilical cord-mesenchymal stem cells (HUC-MSCs) transplantation combined with minimally invasive hematoma aspiration on neural functional recovery and p53 gene expression in rats with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Collagenase type-IV was injected to the caudate nucleus of the rats to make ICH models. One hundred and twenty Sprague-Dawley rats with successful modeling were randomly divided into 4 groups, including the ICH group, hematoma aspiration group, HUC-MSCs transplantation group and HUC-MSCs transplantation combined with hematoma aspiration group (combination group). Neural functional status of the rats was assessed by modified neurological severity score (mNSS). Expression of p53 in the cerebral tissues surrounding ICH was detected by immunohistochemical assays. The scores of mNSS and the expression of p53 gene in the hematoma aspiration group, the HUC-MSCs transplantation group and the combination group were significantly lower than those in the ICH group at each indicated time point (p < 0.05). Intriguingly, mNSS scores and p53 expression in the combination group were significantly lower than those in the hematoma aspiration group on day 7, 14 and 30 (p < 0.05), and significantly lower than those in the HUC-MSCs transplantation group on day 14 and 30 (p < 0.05). HUC-MSCs transplantation combined with minimally invasive hematoma aspiration is more effective than either therapy alone in rats with ICH and could distinctly reduce the damage of nerve cells.

Abstract 949: An ER-α36 monoclonal antibody exhibits anticancer activity in triple-negative breast cancer cells

ER-α36 is a novel variant of ER-α, plays an important role in mitogenic estrogen signaling and tamoxifen resistance in both ER-positive and -negative breast cancer. ER-α36 is highly expressed on the plasma membrane of both ER-positive and -negative breast cancer stem/progenitor cells and critical for maintenance of the breast cancer stem/progenitor cells, which make it a promising target for antibody-based breast cancer treatment. In this study, we have screened and identified a candidate of therapeutic antibody named 3C11 that specifically recognizes ER-α36 at its unique C-terminal residues. The antibody 3C11 showed pM affinity to ER-α36 in the BiaCore assay and potent growth inhibitory activity in multiple breast cancer cell lines in vitro. In addition, 3C11 also showed dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth in a xenograft model formed by a triple-negative breast cancer cell line SUM159 that was generated from a refractory breast cancer. Furthermore, we found that 3C11 was quickly and efficiently internalized into cells, which makes it a potential candidate for development of the antibody-drug conjugate approaches. These results demonstrated that ER-α36 is promising cancer target for development of antibody-based therapeutic approaches.

Citation Format: Qingcong Lin, Junma Zhou, Jing Wang, Zonghui Wang, Jun Wang, Feng Chen, Xueming Qian, Xiao Shang, Jun Bao, Zhaoyi Wang, Kun Meng. An ER-α36 monoclonal antibody exhibits anticancer activity in triple-negative breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 949. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-949

Correlation of post-stroke fatigue with glucose, homocysteine and functional disability

BACKGROUND

Our aim was to clarify the correlation between fatigue during the acute stage of stroke with serum glucose and homocysteine (Hcy) levels and functional disability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A case group of 214 patients and a control group of 214 subjects were recruited during the same period. The serum glucose, Hcy, blood lipid and fibrinogen (FIB) levels of patients were determined. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Patients with an FSS score ≥4 points were defined as having fatigue. Stroke severity and the level of functional disability were assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and the Barthel-20 Index (BI-20), respectively.

RESULTS

The incidence of fatigue in the case group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001). Within the case group, the fatigue group showed higher serum levels of glucose and Hcy, and a lower BI-20 score compared to the non-fatigue group (P < 0.001). Age, gender, chronic disease history, the NIHSS score and the serum blood lipid and FIB levels were not significantly different between the two groups. In the fatigue group, the serum glucose and Hcy levels showed a positive effect and the BI-20 score showed a negative effect on the FSS score (P < 0.01). Age, gender, chronic disease history, the NIHSS score and the serum blood lipid and FIB levels did not significantly affect the FSS score.

CONCLUSIONS

The serum glucose and Hcy levels and functional disability are closely related to fatigue during the acute stage of ischaemic stroke.

Acute cholecystitis associated with infection of Enterobacteriaceae from gut microbiota

Acute cholecystitis (AC) is one of the most common surgical diseases. Bacterial infection accounts for 50% to 85% of the disease's onset. Since there is a close relationship between the biliary system and the gut, the aims of this study were to characterize and determine the influence of gut microbiota on AC, to detect the pathogenic microorganism in the biliary system, and to explore the relationship between the gut and bile microbiota of patients with AC. A total of 185 713 high-quality sequence reads were generated from the faecal samples of 15 patients and 13 healthy controls by 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing. Patients' samples were significantly enriched in Akkermansia, Enterobacter and Escherichia/Shigella group. The healthy controls, however, showed significant enrichment of Clostridiales, Coprococcus, Coprobacillaceae, Paraprevotella, Turicibacter and TM7-3 in their faecal samples. Escherichia coli was the main biliary pathogenic microorganism, among others such as Klebsiella spp., Clostridium perfringens, Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter cloacae in the bile of the patients. Additionally, the amount of bile endotoxin significantly correlated with the number of Enterobacteriaceae, especially E. coli. Our data indicate that Enterobacteriaceae might play essential role in the pathogenesis and/or progress of AC. This was verified in an in vivo model using a pathogenic E. coli isolated from one of the patients in guinea pigs and observed marked gallbladder inflammation and morphologic changes. This study thus provides insight which could be useful for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of AC and related diseases by controlling the growth of Enterobacteriaceae to alleviate the infection.