A series of brush block copolymers (BBCPs) with polynorbornene backbones containing poly{2,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)oxycarbonylstyrene} (PMPCS, which is a rigid chain) and poly(ethylene oxide) ...(PEO) side chains were synthesized by tandem ring-opening metathesis polymerizations. The weight fractions of PEO in BBCPs are similar, and the degrees of polymerization (DPs) of PEO side chains are the same while the DPs of PMPCS are different. The bulk self-assembling behaviors were studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The neat BBCPs cannot form ordered nanostructures. However, after the doping of lithium salt, the BBCPs self-assemble into lamellar (LAM) structures. When the DPs of the PEO and PMPCS side chains are similar, the LAM structure is more ordered, which is attributed to the more flat interface between PMPCS and PEO phases. The ionic conductivity (σ) values of the BBCP/lithium salt complex with the most ordered LAM structure at different temperatures were measured. The σ value increases with increasing temperature in the range of 40–200 °C, and the relationship between σ and T fits the Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher (VTF) equation. The σ value at 200 °C is 1.58 × 10–3 S/cm, which is one of the highest values for PEO-based polymer electrolytes. These materials with high σ values at high temperatures may be used in high-temperature lithium ion batteries.
Cancer has become a major health issue worldwide, contributing to a high mortality rate. Tumor metastasis is attributed to the death of most patients. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays ...a vital role in inducing metastasis. During EMT, epithelial cells lose their characteristics, such as cell-to-cell adhesion and cell polarity, and cells gain motility, migratory potential, and invasive properties to become mesenchymal stem cells. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are closely associated with tumor metastasis and patient prognosis, as revealed by increasing lines of evidence. CircRNA is a type of single-stranded RNA that forms a covalently closed continuous loop. CircRNAs are insensitive to ribonucleases and are widespread in body fluids. This work is the first review on EMT-related circRNAs. In this review, we briefly discuss the characteristics and functions of circRNAs. The correlation of circRNAs with EMT has been reported, and we discuss the ways circRNAs can regulate EMT progression through EMT transcription factors, EMT-related signaling pathways, and other mechanisms. This work summarizes current studies on EMT-related circRNAs in various cancers and provides a theoretical basis for the use of EMT-related circRNAs in targeted management and therapy.
Salinity stress from soil or irrigation water can significantly limit the growth and development of plants. Emerging evidence suggests that hydrogen sulfide (H2S), as a versatile signal molecule, can ...ameliorate salt stress-induced adverse effects. However, the possible physiological mechanism underlying H2S-alleviated salt stress in cucumber remains unclear. Here, a pot experiment was conducted with an aim to examine the possible mechanism of H2S in enhancement of cucumber salt stress tolerance. The results showed that H2S ameliorated salt-induced growth inhibition and alleviated the reduction in photosynthetic attributes, chlorophyll fluorescence and stomatal parameters. Meanwhile H2S increased the endogenous H2S level concomitant with increased activities of D/L-cysteine desulfhydrase and β-cyanoalanine synthase and decreased activities of O-acetyl-L-serine(thiol)lyase under excess NaCl. Notably, H2S maintained Na+ and K+ homeostasis via regulation of the expression of PM H+-ATPase, SOS1 and SKOR at the transcriptional level under excess NaCl. Moreover, H2S alleviated salt-induced oxidative stress as indicated by lowered lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species accumulation through an enhanced antioxidant system. Altogether, these results demonstrated that application of H2S could protect cucumber seedlings against salinity stress, likely by keeping the Na+/K+ balance, controlling the endogenous H2S level by regulating the H2S synthetic and decomposition enzymes, and preventing oxidative stress by enhancing the antioxidant system under salinity stress.
Overcoming the issue of the stability of tin‐based perovskites is a major challenge for the commercial development of lead‐free perovskite solar cells. To attack this problem, a new organic cation, ...azetidinium (AZ), is incorporated into the crystal structure of formamidinium tin triiodide (FASnI3) to form the mixed‐cation perovskite AZxFA1‐xSnI3. As AZ has a similar size to FA but a larger dipole moment, hybrid AZxFA1‐xSnI3 films exhibit variation in optical and electronic properties on increasing the proportion of AZ. Trifluoromethylbenzene (CF3C6H5) serves as antisolvent to fabricate smooth and uniform perovskite films for the devices with an inverted planar heterojunction structure. The device performance is optimized to produce the greatest efficiency at x=0.15 (AZ15), for which a power conversion efficiency of 9.6 % is obtained when the unencapsulated AZ15 device is stored in air for 100 h. Moreover, the device retains 90 % of its initial efficiency for over 15 days. The significant performance and stability of this device reveal that the concept of mixed cations is a promising approach to stabilize tin‐based perovskite solar cells for future commercialization.
Can we mix it? Yes we can! Mixing 15 % of azetidinium (AZ) inside a FASnI3 perovskite crystal enhances the device performance to attain a power conversion efficiency of 9.6 % with excellent stability for the unencapsulated device, which retains 90 % of its initial performance for over 15 days.
Transcription factors (TFs) are sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins acting as critical regulators of gene expression. The Plant Promoter Analysis Navigator (PlantPAN; ...http://PlantPAN2.itps.ncku.edu.tw) provides an informative resource for detecting transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), corresponding TFs, and other important regulatory elements (CpG islands and tandem repeats) in a promoter or a set of plant promoters. Additionally, TFBSs, CpG islands, and tandem repeats in the conserve regions between similar gene promoters are also identified. The current PlantPAN release (version 2.0) contains 16 960 TFs and 1143 TF binding site matrices among 76 plant species. In addition to updating of the annotation information, adding experimentally verified TF matrices, and making improvements in the visualization of transcriptional regulatory networks, several new features and functions are incorporated. These features include: (i) comprehensive curation of TF information (response conditions, target genes, and sequence logos of binding motifs, etc.), (ii) co-expression profiles of TFs and their target genes under various conditions, (iii) protein-protein interactions among TFs and their co-factors, (iv) TF-target networks, and (v) downstream promoter elements. Furthermore, a dynamic transcriptional regulatory network under various conditions is provided in PlantPAN 2.0. The PlantPAN 2.0 is a systematic platform for plant promoter analysis and reconstructing transcriptional regulatory networks.
China is the largest lead-acid battery (LAB) consumer and recycler, but suffering from lead contamination due to the spent-lead recycling problems. This paper describes a comparative study of five ...typical LAB recycling processes in China by compiling data about the input materials, energy consumptions, pollution emissions, and final products. We compared the environmental impacts of these processes in six categories using the Chinese Life Cycle Database (CLCD) and analyzed their economic efficiencies using technology cost modeling (TCM) based on the local market prices of materials and energy. According to the results, we found that not all of the innovative hydrometallurgical processes are healthy alternatives. We should pay attention on indirect emissions in the environmental inspection, take account pollution treatment costs into green profit analysis, and recommend the best process with the change of the society resource supply structure.
•Five typical processes of lead recycling in China are compiled and compared.•Indirect emissions should not be ignored in future environmental inspection.•Pollution treatment costs should be taken account into green profit analysis.•The most suitable process will change based on the resource supply structure.
To conduct a controlled trial of bevacizumab for the treatment of symptomatic radiation necrosis of the brain.
A total of 14 patients were entered into a placebo-controlled randomized double-blind ...study of bevacizumab for the treatment of central nervous system radiation necrosis. All patients were required to have radiographic or biopsy proof of central nervous system radiation necrosis and progressive neurologic symptoms or signs. Eligible patients had undergone irradiation for head-and-neck carcinoma, meningioma, or low- to mid-grade glioma. Patients were randomized to receive intravenous saline or bevacizumab at 3-week intervals. The magnetic resonance imaging findings 3 weeks after the second treatment and clinical signs and symptoms defined the response or progression.
The volumes of necrosis estimated on T(2)-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T(1)-weighted gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans demonstrated that although no patient receiving placebo responded (0 of 7), all bevacizumab-treated patients did so (5 of 5 randomized and 7 of 7 crossover) with decreases in T(2)-weighted fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and T(1)-weighted gadolinium-enhanced volumes and a decrease in endothelial transfer constant. All bevacizumab-treated patients-and none of the placebo-treated patients-showed improvement in neurologic symptoms or signs. At a median of 10 months after the last dose of bevacizumab in patients receiving all four study doses, only 2 patients had experienced a recurrence of magnetic resonance imaging changes consistent with progressive radiation necrosis; one patient received a single additional dose of bevacizumab and the other patient received two doses.
The Class I evidence of bevacizumab efficacy from the present study in the treatment of central nervous system radiation necrosis justifies consideration of this treatment option for people with radiation necrosis secondary to the treatment of head-and-neck cancer and brain cancer.
Abstract Objective By employing network pharmacology alongside molecular docking techniques, we can delve into the intricate workings of Yixin-Fumai granules (YXFMs) and their impact on sick sinus ...syndrome (SSS) within wrinkles mice. Specifically, we aim to understand how YXFMs enhance autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/FOXO path. Methods The active ingredients and medicinal uses of Ginseng, ligusticum wallichii , Ophiopogon, Schisandra, salvia, and astragalus were compiled using the BATMAN-TCM database. We also used Genecards, OMIM, and Disgenet files to identify the disease goals. A hierarchical diagram of “disease-drug-key targets” was generated using the Cytoscape programs. In addition, we established a target protein interaction (PPI) network using the STRING database. Then, the Cluster Profiler R package was used to conduct GO functional enrichment evaluation and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the targets. Based on the PPI system, we chose the top communicating targets and substances over molecular docking. In vivo studies were performed to validate these selections further. The mouse model was induced to study the damaged sinoatrial node (SAN) in mice with lower heart rates due to age-related changes. Electrocardiogram and Masson staining assessments were performed to obtain the results. The transmission electron microscope was used to assess the autophagy level of SAN cells. Western blot was employed to analyze the impact of YXFMs on protein expression in the PI3K/AKT/FOXO signaling process throughout SSS therapy in aging mice. Results One hundred forty-two active ingredients, 1858 targets, 1226 disease targets, and 266 intersection targets were obtained. The key targets of the PPI network encompassed TP53, AKT1, CTNNB1, INS, and TNF, among others. According to GO functional analysis, the mechanism underlying YXFMs in SSS treatment may primarily be associated with the control of ion transport across membranes, cardiac contraction, regulation of blood circulation, and other biological processes. Based on the results of KEGG pathway enrichment analysis, it was determined that they were mainly enriched in multiple pathways of signaling such as the PI3K-Akt signaling route, MAPK signaling process, AGE-RAGE signaling path, FOXO signaling path, HIF-1 signaling process, and several other paths. Molecular docking demonstrated that five compounds had excellent binding to the key candidate target proteins AKT1 and INS. Through the in vivo studies, we noticed notable effects when administering YXFMs. These effects included the suppression of aging-induced SSS, a decrease in the R-R interval, a rise in heart rate, a reduction in fibrosis, a boost in the autophagy process level, and a spike in the levels of expression of key protein molecules in the PI3K/AKT/FOXO signaling path. Conclusion This research has made preliminary predictions about the potential of YXFMs in treating SSS. It suggests that YXFMs may have the ability to target key proteins and critical paths associated with the condition. Further testing has been conducted to discover new findings and evidence of ideas for tackling SSS triggered by aging.
Although the prognostic outcomes of liver cancer (LC) cases have improved with the advancement in diagnostic technology and treatment methods, the transferability and recurrence of HCC and the 5-year ...and 10-year survival rates of patients have remained unsatisfactory. As a result, there is a need for more accurate diagnostic indicators that can detect liver cancer early, effectively improving the prognosis of patients. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) revealed that circ-ZEB1 and PIK3CA are highly expressed in HCC tissues, whereas miR-199a-3p is significantly downregulated in HCC. Multiple databases search and biological analysis revealed that elevated expression of circ-ZEB1 and PIK3CA was related to poor prognosis of HCC. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that upregulated levels of PIK3CA and circ-ZEB1 were closely associated with HCC proliferation and apoptosis. Based on these results, we believe that circ-ZEB1 and PIK3CA could be used as biomarkers to diagnose and treat patients with HCC. More importantly, circ-ZEB1 can promotes the expression of PIK3CA by silencing miR-199a-3p and affecting the progression of HCC.
Postoperative specimens from 56 patients with HCC who had not undergone chemotherapy from 2015 to 2018 were collected from the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. WGS revealed differential expression of genes in HCC. Furthermore, RT-qPCR detected the expression of circ-ZEB1, miR-199a-3p, and PIK3CA in HCC tissues. MTT, EdU, and plate cloning experiments were conducted to detect cell proliferation, whereas flow cytometry analysis was used to detect apoptosis. FISH was used to co-localize circ-ZEB1 and miR-199a-3p, and biotin-coupled probe pull-down assay was used to detect the specific binding of circ-ZEB1 and miR-199a-3p. The dual-luciferase report assay detected the association of miR-199a-3p with PIK3CA. Western blotting was used to study the expression of PIK3CA protein. Circ-ZEB1 and PIK3CA were upregulated in HCC and predicted a poor prognosis. MiR-199a-3p showed low expression in HCC, whereas downregulation of circ-ZEB1 reduced HCC cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. MiR-199a-3p blocked the effect of circ-ZEB1 on HCC. Circ-ZEB1 served as a biomarker of HCC. Circ-ZEB1 promoted the expression of PIK3CA by silencing miR-199a-3p to affect the progress of HCC.
Circ-ZEB1 promoted the expression of PIK3CA by depleting miR-199a-3p, thereby affecting HCC proliferation and apoptosis.
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