Enantioselective Nickel-Catalyzed Denitrogenative Transannulation En Route to N-N Atropisomers.

Nickel-catalyzed transannulation reactions triggered by the extrusion of small gaseous molecules have emerged as a powerful strategy for the efficient construction of heterocyclic compounds. However, their use in asymmetric synthesis remains challenging because of the difficulty in controlling stereo- and regioselectivity. Herein, we report the first nickel-catalyzed asymmetric synthesis of N-N atropisomers by the denitrogenative transannulation of benzotriazones with alkynes. A broad range of N-N atropisomers was obtained with excellent regio- and enantioselectivity under mild conditions. Moreover, density functional theory (DFT) calculations provided insights into the nickel-catalyzed reaction mechanism and enantioselectivity control.

Advances in injectable hydrogels for radiation-induced heart disease.

Radiological heart damage (RIHD) is damage caused by unavoidable irradiation of the heart during chest radiotherapy, with a long latency period and a progressively increasing proportion of delayed cardiac damage due to conventional doses of chest radiotherapy. There is a risk of inducing diseases such as acute/chronic pericarditis, myocarditis, delayed myocardial fibrosis and damage to the cardiac conduction system in humans, which can lead to myocardial infarction or even death in severe cases. This paper details the pathogenesis of RIHD and gives potential targets for treatment at the molecular and cellular level, avoiding the drawbacks of high invasiveness and immune rejection due to drug therapy, medical device implantation and heart transplantation. Injectable hydrogel therapy has emerged as a minimally invasive tissue engineering therapy to provide necessary mechanical support to the infarcted myocardium and to act as a carrier for various bioactive factors and cells to improve the cellular microenvironment in the infarcted area and induce myocardial tissue regeneration. Therefore, this paper combines bioactive factors and cellular therapeutic mechanisms with injectable hydrogels, presents recent advances in the treatment of cardiac injury after RIHD with different injectable gels, and summarizes the therapeutic potential of various types of injectable hydrogels as a potential solution.

Preparation of polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan nanofibrous films incorporating graphene oxide and lanthanum chloride by electrospinning method for potential photothermal and chemical synergistic antibacterial applications in wound dressings.

Electrospun fibres have been widely used as skin dressings due to their unique structur. However, due to the lack of intrinsic antimicrobial activity, it is easy for the wound to become infected. Bacterial infection, which leads to chronic inflammation, severely hinders the normal process of skin regeneration. In this study, a polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan (PVA/CS) composite films with chemical sterilization and near-infrared (NIR) photothermal antibacterial activity was fabricated by electrospinning. Graphene oxide (GO), a photosensitiser, was incorporated into the films, and lanthanum chloride (Lacl3) as a chemical antibacterial agent was also doped in the electrospun films. The structure, morphology, mechanical properties, wettability, and antimicrobial and photothermal antibacterial activity of the PVA/CS-based fibre films were investigated. The results showed that the addition of Lacl3 to the PVA/CS/GO nanofibres (PVA/CS/GO-La) improved the hydrophilicity, tensile strength and resistance to elastic deformation of the nanofibres. The PVA/CS/GO-La12.5 mM sample exhibited the best antibacterial performance, showing high inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (82% antibacterial efficacy) and Escherichia coli (99.7% antibacterial efficacy). Furthermore, the antibacterial efficacy of the films surface was further enhanced after exposure to NIR light (808 nm, 0.01 W) for 20 min. In addition, the nanofibre films showed no cytotoxicity against human skin fibroblasts (HSFs), indicating its potential application in the field of broad-spectrum antibacterial materials.

Identification of rare microbial colonizers of plastic materials incubated in a coral reef environment.

Plastic waste accumulation in marine environments has complex, unintended impacts on ecology that cross levels of community organization. To measure succession in polyolefin-colonizing marine bacterial communities, an in situ time-series experiment was conducted in the oligotrophic coastal waters of the Bermuda Platform. Our goals were to identify polyolefin colonizing taxa and isolate bacterial cultures for future studies of the biochemistry of microbe-plastic interactions. HDPE, LDPE, PP, and glass coupons were incubated in surface seawater for 11 weeks and sampled at two-week intervals. 16S rDNA sequencing and ATR-FTIR/HIM were used to assess biofilm community structure and chemical changes in polymer surfaces. The dominant colonizing taxa were previously reported cosmopolitan colonizers of surfaces in marine environments, which were highly similar among the different plastic types. However, significant differences in rare community composition were observed between plastic types, potentially indicating specific interactions based on surface chemistry. Unexpectedly, a major transition in community composition occurred in all material treatments between days 42 and 56 (p < 0.01). Before the transition, Alteromonadaceae, Marinomonadaceae, Saccharospirillaceae, Vibrionaceae, Thalassospiraceae, and Flavobacteriaceae were the dominant colonizers. Following the transition, the relative abundance of these taxa declined, while Hyphomonadaceae, Rhodobacteraceae and Saprospiraceae increased. Over the course of the incubation, 8,641 colonizing taxa were observed, of which 25 were significantly enriched on specific polyolefins. Seven enriched taxa from families known to include hydrocarbon degraders (Hyphomonadaceae, Parvularculaceae and Rhodobacteraceae) and one n-alkane degrader (Ketobacter sp.). The ASVs that exhibited associations with specific polyolefins are targets of ongoing investigations aimed at retrieving plastic-degrading microbes in culture.

Transbronchial needle aspiration combined with cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases: a multicentre, open-label, randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy is a novel sampling technique for mediastinal disease. Despite the possibility of lung cancer misdiagnosis, the improved diagnostic yield of this approach for non-lung-cancer lesions compared with standard endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) highlights its diagnostic potential as a complementary technique to conventional biopsy. We aimed to evaluate the safety profile and added value of the combined use of transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy and standard EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of mediastinal diseases. METHODS: We conducted an open-label, randomised trial at three hospital sites in Europe and Asia. Eligible patients were aged 15 years or older, with at least one mediastinal lesion of 1 cm or longer in the short axis that required diagnostic bronchoscopy. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) using a block randomisation scheme generated by a computer (block size of four participants based on a random table from an independent statistician) to the combined use of EBUS-TBNA and transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy (combined group) or EBUS-TBNA alone (control group). Because of the nature of the intervention, neither participants nor investigators were masked to group assignment. The coprimary outcomes were differences in procedure-related complications and diagnostic yield (defined as the proportion of participants for whom mediastinal biopsy led to a definitive diagnosis), assessed in the full analysis set, including all the patients who met the eligibility criteria and had a biopsy. A fully paired, intraindividual diagnostic analysis in participants who had both needle aspiration and mediastinal cryobiopsy was conducted, in addition to interindividual comparisons. This trial is now complete and is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04572984. FINDINGS: Between Oct 12, 2020, and Sept 9, 2021, 297 consecutive patients were assessed for eligibility and 271 were enrolled and randomly assigned to the combined group (n=136) or the control group (n=135). The addition of cryobiopsy to standard sampling significantly increased the overall diagnostic yield for mediastinal lesions, as shown by both interindividual (126 [93%] of 136 participants in the combined group vs 109 [81%] of 135 in the control group; risk ratio [RR] 1·15 [95% CI 1·04-1·26]; p=0·0039) and intraindividual (126 [94%] of 134 vs 110 [82%] of 134; RR 1·15 [95% CI 1·05-1·25]; p=0·0026) analyses. In subgroup analyses in the intraindividual population, diagnostic yields were similar for mediastinal metastasis (68 [99%] of 69 participants in the combined group vs 68 [99%] of 69 in the control group; RR 1·00 [95% CI 0·96-1·04]; p=1·00), whereas the combined approach was more sensitive than standard needle aspiration in benign disorders (45 [94%] of 48 vs 32 [67%] of 48; RR 1·41 [95% CI 1·14-1·74]; p=0·0009). The combined approach also resulted in an improved suitability of tissue samples for molecular and immunological analyses of non-small-cell lung cancer. The incidence of adverse events related to the biopsy procedure did not differ between trial groups, as grade 3-4 airway bleeding occurred in three (2%) patients in the combined group and two (1%) in the control group (RR 0·67 [95% CI 0·11-3·96]; p=1·00). There were no severe complications causing death or disability. INTERPRETATION: The addition of mediastinal cryobiopsy to standard EBUS-TBNA resulted in a significant improvement in diagnostic yield for mediastinal lesions, with a good safety profile. These data suggest that this combined approach is a valid first-line diagnostic tool for mediastinal diseases. FUNDING: National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Design and evaluation of a multimodal balance training system.

OBJECTIVE: Current balance training systems are designed exclusively for one particular type of training and assessment. Additionally, they comprise monotonous training programs. Therefore, patients in different stages of rehabilitation must use different balance training models from different manufacturers, resulting in high treatment cost. Furthermore, large spaces are required to accommodate the balance training machines, and doctors and physiotherapists have to learn to operate multiple machines. We aimed to design a multimodal balance training and assessment system that can accommodate the assessment and training of static, dynamic, reactive and proactive balance to satisfy individual needs. METHODS: The difficulty associated with combining static, dynamic, reactive and proactive balance training in a single system was to use radial and circumferential driving mechanisms together with a clutch mechanism, whereby circumferential and radial drivers were installed in the base of the system to drive a compound foot plate system with interchangeable springs, in order to adjust stiffness using the clutch. Based on the kinematic equation, the influence of system parameters on the change of the body's center of gravity were evaluated. The parameters included the radial offset of the driving mechanism (r), circumferential angle of rotation (θ), height of the base of the balance training system (h), horizontal distance between the body's standing center of gravity and the center of the foot plate (R), thickness of the padding mat (ΔH) and inclination angle (α). RESULTS: The difficulties associated with combining static, dynamic, reactive and proactive balance training models in a single system were solved using radial and circumferential driving mechanisms together with a clutch mechanism. The foot plate can swing back and forth within ±20° around the X-axis, swing left and right within ±20° around the Y-axis, swing diagonally within ±20°, swing 360° around the Z-axis, and adjust the height along the Z-axis. Furthermore, the inclination angle α, circumferential angle of rotation θ, and speed (dα/dt and dθ/dt) of the system can be controlled in real time. CONCLUSION: The developed balance training system is suitable for patients in different stages of rehabilitation. By providing multiple functionalities, this system can ensure high use rates, reduce costs and save space.

Antiproliferative Activities of the Lipophilic Fraction of Eucalyptus camaldulensis against MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells, UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS Metabolite Profile, and Antioxidative Functions.

Although a number of pharmacological properties have been linked to Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaf essential oil and extracts, the biological attributes of the lipophilic fraction remain unknown. Moreover, only a limited number of active compounds have so far been identified. This work aimed to investigate the anti-oxidative, anti-aggregation, and cytotoxic properties as well as profile the secondary metabolites in the lipophilic fraction of E. camaldulensis leaf extract (Lipo-Eucam) using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that Lipo-Eucam possessed potent antioxidant properties against DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP with IC50 values of 31.46, 32.78, and 10.12 µg/mL, respectively. The fraction was able to attenuate metal-catalyzed oxidation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05) and abrogated the aggregation of amyloidogenic BSA as revealed by the Congo red assay and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, Lipo-Eucam demonstrated potent cytotoxic effects against MCF-7 (IC50 7.34 µg/mL) but was noncytotoxic at used concentrations against HEK-293 cells (IC50 > 80 µg/mL), suggestive of its selective anticancer properties. Spectrophotometric, UHPLC-MS, and GC-MS analysis revealed that Lipo-Eucam is rich in phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, volatile constituents, and a plethora of active metabolites, probably responsible for the observed activities. These findings indicate that Lipo-Eucam is endowed with pharmacologically relevant active principles with strong potential for use in the amelioration of disease conditions related to oxidative stress, protein aggregation, and breast cancer and therefore worthy of further investigations.

Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Incision and Drainage in the Treatment of Mediastinal Abscess.

Mediastinal abscess, mostly resulting from esophageal perforation or cardiothoracic surgery, is a serious condition carrying high morbidity and mortality. Antibiotic therapy alone normally did not achieve a satisfactory outcome, due to poor circulation of abscess that hampers drug delivery. Surgical intervention for debridement and drainage is recommended, but it poses a high risk in patients with poor health status and could lead to various complications. Recent studies proposed endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) as an effective alternative to surgery; however, repeated TBNA procedures are usually needed for complete clearance of the lesion, thus causing increased patient suffering and medical expenses. Here, we present the first case of successful application of EBUS-guided transbronchial incision and drainage, which provides a novel, safe, and effective treatment for patient with mediastinal abscess unwilling or unsuitable to undergo surgical intervention.

Primary Mediastinal Large B-Cell Lymphoma Achieved by Non-Cautery Assisted Transbronchial Mediastinal Cryobiopsy.

Transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy is a novel sampling strategy that shows improved diagnostic utility for mediastinal lesions, particularly in rare tumors and benign disorders, as compared to standard endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration. During this procedure, electrocautery incision is frequently needed to advance the cryoprobe through the airway into the mediastinal lesion, which however results in increased operative difficulty and prolonged procedural time. Here we present a case of mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma successfully diagnosed by transbronchial mediastinal cryobiopsy without cautery-induced airway incision.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties Mediate the Neuroprotective Effects of Hydro-ethanolic Extract of Tiliacora triandra Against Cisplatin-induced Neurotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin (CDDP) is an efficacious anticancer agent used widely in chemotherapy despite its severe side effect related to neurotoxicity. Redox imbalance and inflammatory mechanism have been implicated in the pathophysiology of CDDP-induced neurotoxicity. Herein, we investigated whether Tiliacora triandra (TT) extract could inhibit  CDDP-induced redox-mediated neurotoxicity and behavioural deficit in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CDDP-induced redox-mediated neurotoxicity and behavioral deficit in rats. Rats were administered TT for five consecutive weeks (250 and 500 mg/kg bw), while weekly i.p. injection of CDDP commenced on the second week (2.5 mg/kg bw) of the TT administration. RESULTS: CCDDP caused significant body weight reduction and cognitive diminution as revealed by Morris water maze and Y maze tests. In the CDDP-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) rats, there were remarkable increases in the brain levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß and malondialdehyde (MDA), whereas catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities considerably decreased compared to normal control. The brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in CDDP control rats was significantly increased compared to the normal control. The expression of caspase-3 and p53 proteins was upregulated by CDDP injection, whereas Bcl2 was downregulated coupled with histopathological alterations in the rat brain. Interestingly, treatment with TT significantly abated neurobehavioral deficits, MDA and cytokine levels and restored CAT, GPx, GSH, SOD, and AChE activities compared to the CDDP control rats. Caspase-3 level as well as Bcl2 and p53 expressions were modulated with alleviated changes in histopathology. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight neuroprotective and cognitive function improvement efficacy of TT against CICI via redox-inflammatory balance and antiapoptotic mechanism in rats.

A network pharmacology approach to investigate the anticancer mechanism of cinobufagin against hepatocellular carcinoma via downregulation of EGFR-CDK2 signaling.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers with high mortality and poor prognosis, and the investigation on new approaches and effective drugs for HCC therapy is of great significance. In our study, we demonstrate that treatment with cinobufagin, a natural compound isolated from traditional chinese medicine Chansu, reduces proliferation and the colony formation capacity of the human hepatoma cells in vitro, in addition, cinobufagin induces mitotic arrest in human hepatoma cells. The results of a network pharmacology-based analysis show that EGFR, MAPK1, PTK2, CDK2, MAPK3, ESR1, CDK1, PRKCA, AR, and CSNK2A1 are the key targets involved in the anti-tumor activities of cinobufagin, additionally, several signaling pathways such as proteoglycans in cancer, pathways in cancer, HIF-1 signaling pathway, VEGF signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway are identified as the potential pathways involved in the inhibitory effects of cinobufagin against HCC. Furthermore, at the molecular level, we find that cinobufagin decreases EGFR expression and CDK2 activity in human hepatoma cells. Inhibition of EGFR or CDK2 expression could not only suppress the growth of tumor cells but also enhance the inhibitory effects of cinobufagin on the proliferative potential of human hepatoma cells. We also demonstrate that EGFR positively regulates CDK2 expression. Furthermore, EGFR inhibitor gefitinib or CDK2 inhibitor CVT-313 synergistically enhances anticancer effects of cinobufagin in human hepatoma cells. Taken together, these findings indicate that cinobufagin may exert antitumor effects by suppressing EGFR-CDK2 signaling, and our study suggests that cinobufagin may be a novel, promising anticancer agent for the treatment of HCC.

Loganin alleviates macrophage infiltration and activation by inhibiting the MCP-1/CCR2 axis in diabetic nephropathy.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The theory of inflammation is one of the important theories in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). We herein aimed to explore whether loganin affected macrophage infiltration and activation upon diabetic nephropathy (DN) by a spontaneous DN mice and a co-culture system of glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) and macrophage cells (RAW264.7) which was induced by advanced glycation end products (AGEs). METHODS AND KEY FINDINGS: Loganin showed remarkable capacity on protecting renal from damage by mitigating diabetic symptoms, improving the histomorphology of the kidney, decreasing the expression of extracellular matrix such as FN, COL-IV and TGF-ß, reversing the production of IL-12 and IL-10 and decreasing the number of infiltrating macrophages in the kidney. Moreover, loganin showed markedly effects by suppressing iNOS and CD16/32 expressions (M1 markers), increasing Arg-1 and CD206 expressions (M2 markers), which were the phenotypic transformation of macrophage. These effects may be attributed to the inhibition of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) /monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1)/CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) signaling pathway, with significantly down-regulated expressions of RAGE, MCP-1 and CCR2 by loganin. Loganin further decreased MCP-1 secretion when RAGE was silenced, which means other target was involved in regulating the MCP-1 expression. While loganin combinated with the inhibitor of CCR2 exerted stronger anti-inhibition effects of iNOS expression, suggesting that CCR2 was the target of loganin in regulating the activation of macrophages. SIGNIFICANCE: Loganin could ameliorate DN kidney damage by inhibiting macrophage infiltration and activation via the MCP-1/CCR2 signaling pathway in DN.

Whether miR-4293 rs12220909 variant affects cancer susceptibility: evidence from 11255 subjects.

Background: miR-4293 rs12220909 polymorphism was reported associated with tumorigenesis, but the results are controversial. Thus, we planned to verify and obtain precise results.Methods: Databases were searched and reviewed up to November, 2019. Case-control studies which concern about the association between cancer risks and miR-4293 polymorphisms were all enrolled. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated by the Z test were used to assess the underlying links. We also prospected how the miR-4293 impacts biological process through its target genes.Result: Finally, there are seven independent studies meet the enrolled criteria, along with 5147 cases and 6108 healthy controls. We revealed that there is a significant decrease effect of miR-4293 rs12220909 to cancer risks in heterozygote genetic model (BA vs. AA: OR = 0.857, p = .032), the similar results were also uncovered in PB control group, lung cancer and the studies conform to HWE. Results from GO items and KEGG pathway analysis illustrated that myeloid cell development, transcription factor complex, RNA polymerase II regulatory region DNA binding were regulated by miR-4293.Conclusion: In summary, our meta-analysis chase down heterozygote rs12220909 polymorphism of miR-4293 is a protective factor to cancer initiation, especially for lung cancer.

Recommended turbulent energy dissipation rate for biomass and lipid production of Scenedesmus obliquus in an aerated photosynthetic culture system.

Effects of turbulent energy dissipation rate (increased from 1.28 × 10-6 to 1.67 × 10-5 m2 s-3) on Scenedesmus obliquus biomass and lipid accumulation at different aeration rates (0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, and 1.5 L min-1) were investigated. The turbulent energy dissipation rate was calculated by CFD model simulation. When the turbulent energy dissipation rate increased to 7.30 × 10-6 m2 s-3, the biomass and lipid productivity increased gradually, and finally reached their maximum values of 1.11 × 107 cells mL-1 and 16.0 mg L-1 day-1, respectively. When it exceeded 7.30 × 10-6 m2 s-3, the biomass and lipid productivity showed a decreasing trend. Therefore, the most favorable turbulent energy dissipation rate for S. obliquus growth and lipid accumulation was 7.30 × 10-6 m2 s-3.

Sensitized heat shock protein 27 induces retinal ganglion cells apoptosis in rat glaucoma model.

AIM: To investigate the relationships between the changes of heat shock protein 27 antibody (anti-HSP27) in serum/cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis in a rat glaucoma model and disclose the underlying pathogenesis of glaucoma. METHODS: A total of 115 Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Group 1 was the ocular hypertension group by condensing 3 episcleral & limbal veins or episcleral area of right eye (HP group, n=25) and sham operation group with conjunctiva incision without coagulation (n=25). Group 2: HSP27 or dose-matched PBS was injected into the vitreous (V-HSP27 group, n=15; V-PBS group, n=15). Group 3: HSP27 and complete Freund's adjuvant or dose-matched PBS was injected subcutaneously into the hind limb accompanied intraperitoneal injection of pertussis toxin [sensitized group (I-HSP27 group), n=15; I-PBS group, n=15)]. Group 4 was normal group without any treatment (n=5). IOPs of the rats were measured before, day 3, weeks 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 after treatment. Paraffin-embedded sections were prepared for HE staining and RGCs apoptosis were detected by TUNEL. Anti-HSP27 level in serum and CSF were examined by ELISA. RESULTS: IOPs were elevated significantly in HP and V-HSP27, V-PBS groups (P<0.01) and positively related to anti-HSP27 levels in serum and CSFs. Anti-HSP27 levels in serum and CSF were elevated significantly in I-HSP27 group compared to other groups (P<0.05). However, the IOPs did not show any relationship with the high-level anti-HSP27 in serum and CSFs. RGC apoptosis were all elevated significantly in the HP, V-HSP27, V-PBS and I-HSP27 groups and also positively relative with anti-HSP27 level in serum and CSFs except that high-level of anti-HSP27 in the serum of I-HSP group. CONCLUSION: The increases of anti-HSP27 levels in serum and CSFs both promote IOP escalation and the increase of RGC apoptosis in retina when anti-HSP27 is at low level. The case of high-level anti-HSP27 is opposite and shows protective function in preventing IOP increase and RGC apoptosis.

Increased CD200 levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease with an unknown etiology. CD200 is associated with many autoimmune diseases, but little is known about its role in pSS. This study aims to correlate the expression of CD200 with pSS and evaluate its significance. METHODS: Plasma CD200, CD200R, and interleukin (IL)-17 levels were measured and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Messenger RNA levels of CD200 and CD200R in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were quantified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Following pretreatment of CD200-Fc, the protein levels of IL-17A were measured in PBMCs from patients and healthy controls. RESULTS: Results showed that, compared to CD200 in healthy controls, the relative levels in PBMCs from pSS were greater than 2-fold. In addition, CD200 levels in plasma positively correlated with IL-17 levels, as well as between plasma CD200 and pSS activity indexes (including immunoglobulin G and European League Against Rheumatism SS Disease Activity Index). While CD200R levels were significantly decreased in pSS patients, no correlation could be found. Furthermore, the protein level of IL-17 decreased after pretreatment of CD200-Fc in PBMCs from pSS patients. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that the CD200/CD200R pathway is involved in pSS pathogenesis. It is hypothesized that regulation of IL-17 expression affects Th17 differentiation. This newly discovered pathway could give rise to a novel targeted therapy for pSS.

Simultaneous wastewater treatment and lipid production by Scenedesmus sp. HXY2.

Screening for highly efficient microalgae is an important technique for improving treatment efficiency. In this study, eight species of microalgae (five Scenedesmus and three Desmodesmus) were isolated from water and soil in the Hexi Corridor region, China, and identified by 18S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Scenedesmus sp. HXY2 grew well under high total organic carbon and ammonia conditions and had the highest nutrient removal efficiency (>95%). On day 12, the biomass of Scenedesmus sp. HXY2 was 7.2 × 106 cells mL-1. The lipid content and productivity of this species were 15.56% and 5.67 mg L-1 day-1, respectively. The proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (60.07%) indicated that the lipids of Scenedesmus sp. HXY2 were suitable for biodiesel production. Scenedesmus sp. HXY2 showed great potential for growth in wastewater with high ammonia and organic contents to simultaneously purify wastewater and produce lipids.

A Multistrategy Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm Enlightened by Variable Neighborhood Search.

Artificial bee colony (ABC) has a good exploration ability against its exploitation ability. For enhancing its comprehensive performance, we proposed a multistrategy artificial bee colony (ABCVNS for short) based on the variable neighborhood search method. First, a search strategy candidate pool composed of two search strategies, i.e., ABC/best/1 and ABC/rand/1, is proposed and employed in the employed bee phase and onlooker bee phase. Second, we present another search strategy candidate pool which consists of the original random search strategy and the opposition-based learning method. Then, it is used to further balance the exploration and exploitation abilities in the scout bee phase. Last but not least, motivated by the scheme of neighborhood change of variable neighborhood search, a simple yet efficient choice mechanism of search strategies is presented. Subsequently, the effectiveness of ABCVNS is carried out on two test suites composed of fifty-eight problems. Furthermore, comparisons among ABCVNS and several famous methods are also carried out. The related experimental results clearly demonstrate the effectiveness and the superiority of ABCVNS.

Somatosensory stimulation treatments for postoperative analgesia of mixed hemorrhoids: Protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pain after hemorrhoidal surgery bothers both clinicians and patients. Somatosensory stimulation treatments have shown promising effect on the pain after hemorrhoidal surgery, but the comparative effectiveness between them has not been studied. We aim to determine the relative effectiveness among these treatments on pain relief after hemorrhoidal surgery by using network meta-analysis. METHOD: We will search the following electronic databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, Chinese Biomedicine database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). We will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examine the effect of somatosensory stimulation treatments on pain after hemorrhoidal surgery. The primary outcome will be the responder rate after treatment. The secondary outcomes will include the assessments with pain intensity scales (visual analog scale, numeric rating scale, or other scales) on day 1 to 7 after surgery. Two independent reviewers will extract needed information from eligible trials using standardized electronic forms. Network meta-analysis will be performed using a frequentist framework based on electrical network theory. The relative effectiveness of the treatments will be ranked by using P score, which is the mean probability of a treatment ranking the best in all treatments. Meta-regression will be performed to assess the impact of surgery type, anesthesia methods, and funding source on the treatment ranking. The quality of the eligible RCTs will be evaluated by the Cochrane risk of bias tool. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The result of this network meta-analysis will clarify which is the relatively best somatosensory-stimulation treatment in relieving postoperative pain caused by hemorrhoidal surgery, and the review will, therefore, guide the management of postoperative pain after hemorrhoidal surgery for clinicians and patients. This review does not require ethical approval and will be reported in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42018115558.