3D Printing of TPU-Liquid Metal Composite Inks for the Preparation of Flexible Sensing Electronics.

Direct 3D printing of liquid metal is difficult to form and easy to destroy. In this paper, we developed a 3D printed composite material consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) matrix and liquid metal (LM) dispersed droplets, and introduced the method for realizing 3D printed devices with this composite material: First, the LM is added to 10~50wt %TPU at 190~200 °C through ultrasonic blending to prepare blended ink. After solid cooling, the LM-TPU composite fiber with a diameter of 600 µm was prepared by Wellzoom desktop extruder at 190 °C at an extrusion speed of 400 mm/min. It has excellent elasticity, with a tensile limit of 0.637 N/m2, and the TPU could evenly wrap LM droplets. Finally, the LM-TPU fiber is 3D printed at 240 °C by using a 3D printer, and 2D/3D flexible electronic devices with heating and conductive functions could be prepared. The microcircuit has good electrical conductivity; after adding voltage, the circuit has heat release; it could be used as heating equipment to keep warm and used in various flexible wearable electronic products.

Single-cell transcriptome landscape of zebrafish liver reveals hepatocytes and immune cell interactions in understanding nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming the most common chronic liver disease in the world. Immunity is the major contributing factor in NAFLD; however, the interaction of immune cells and hepatocytes in disease progression has not been fully elucidated. As a popular species for studying NAFLD, zebrafish, whose liver is a complex immune system mediated by immune cells and non-immune cells in maintaining immune tolerance and homeostasis. Understanding the cellular composition and immune environment of zebrafish liver is of great significance for its application in NAFLD. Here, we established a liver atlas that consists of 10 cell types using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). By examining the heterogeneity of hepatocytes and analyzing the expression of NAFLD-associated genes in the specific cluster, we provide a potential target cell model to study NAFLD. Additionally, our analysis identified two subtypes of distinct resident macrophages with inflammatory and non-inflammatory functions and characterized the successive stepwise development of T cell subclusters in the liver. Importantly, we uncovered the possible regulation of macrophages and T cells on target cells of fatty liver by analyzing the cellular interaction between hepatocytes and immune cells. Our data provide valuable information for an in-depth study of immune cells targeting hepatocytes to regulate the immune balance in NAFLD.

Physicochemical properties of different size fractions of potato starch cultivated in Highland China.

Location influences the properties of potato starch. Potato starch granules cultivated in highland of China were separated into three fractions according to the sedimentation time: large- (∼81 µm, large fraction potato starch, LFPS), medium- (∼28 µm, medium fraction potato starch, MFPS), and small-size (∼15 µm, small fraction potato starch, SFPS) fractions. SFPS showed a spherical shape, MFPS showed an ellipsoid shape and LFPS showed an elongated shape. The three fractions showed the similar XRD patterns, while the relative crystallinity decreased with the decrease of granule size (LFPS 23.61%, MFPS 20.74% and SFPS 20.48%). The water solubility was positively corelated with the granule size, while the swelling power showed a negative relationship with the granule size. For the rheological properties, all the three fractions showed a shear-shinning behavior; and SFPS had the highest peak temperature. However, the MFPS showed the lowest storage modulus during the temperature sweep. The granule size didn't influence the nutritional properties of potato starch and LFPS had the highest slowly digestible starch (SDS) (83.77%) and resistant starch (RS) (13.66%) contents. Some of the properties are different from the previous studies.

Toward ultra-tough and heat-resistant biodegradable polylactide/core-shell rubber blends by regulating the distribution of rubber particles with stereocomplex crystallites.

Ultra-tough and heat-resistant poly(l-lactide)/core-shell rubber (PLLA/CSR) blends were fabricated by utilizing stereocomplex (SC) crystallites to effectively regulate the CSR distribution in PLLA matrix. Linear and 3-11 armed poly(d-lactide)s (PDLAs) were synthesized and then melt-mixed with PLLA/CSR blend. Interestingly, the incorporated PDLA chains could collaborate with PLLA chains to form dense SC crystallites network in PLLA/PDLA/CSR blends, thus inducing the CSR particles to transform from uniform distribution structure to network-like structure. With increasing the PDLA arm numbers, the size of CSR clusters in the network-like structure first increased and then decreased, and the continuity of the network-like structure first remained at a high level and then decreased obviously. The formation of CSR network-like structure could remarkably improve the impact strength of PLLA/PDLA/CSR blends without deteriorating their strength and modulus (compared with PLLA/CSR blend), and the CSR network-like structure with larger-sized CSR clusters and higher continuity could help obtain higher impact strength (78.3 kJ/m2). Moreover, the heat resistance of PLLA/PDLA/CSR blends could also be significantly improved (the highest Vicat softening temperature was 131 °C) by the SC crystallites network and CSR network-like structure. This work provides an effective strategy for controlling the rubber network-like morphology and thereby preparing high-performance PLLA materials.

Single-cell-resolution transcriptome map revealed novel genes involved in testicular germ cell progression and somatic cells specification in Chinese tongue sole with sex reversal.

Female-to-male sex reversals (pseudomales) are common in lower vertebrates and have been found in natural populations, which is a concern under rapid changes in environmental conditions. Pseudomales can exhibit altered spermatogenesis. However, the regulatory mechanisms underlying pseudomale spermatogenesis remain unclear. Here, we characterized spermatogenesis in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis), a species with genetic and environmental sex determination, based on a high-resolution single-cell RNA-seq atlas of cells derived from the testes of genotypic males and pseudomales. We identified five germ cell types and six somatic cell types and obtained a single-cell atlas of dynamic changes in gene expression during spermatogenesis in Chinese tongue sole, including alterations in pseudomales. We detected decreased levels of Ca2+ signaling pathway-related genes in spermatogonia, insufficient meiotic initiation in spermatocytes, and a malfunction of somatic niche cells in pseudomales. However, a cluster of CaSR genes and MAPK signaling factors were upregulated in undifferentiated spermatogonia of pseudomales. Additionally, we revealed that Z chromosome-specific genes, such as piwil2, dhx37, and ehmt1, were important for spermatogenesis. These results improve our understanding of reproduction after female-to-male sex-reversal and provide new insights into the adaptability of reproductive strategies in lower vertebrates.

Echinacoside exerts its protective effects in a type 2 diabetes mellitus injury model via the AKT pathway.

Echinacoside (ECH) is the main compound of Cistanche deserticola, which possesses antioxidant, antitumor, antifatigue, and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study investigated the protective effects of echinacoside on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)-induced injury in T2DM injury db/db mice model and insulin-resistant LO2 cell model. The results demonstrated that ECH probably alleviated T2DM-induced injury by mediating the AKT pathway, which provided a new direction for the treatment of T2DM-induced injury.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing of the Testis of Ciona intestinalis Reveals the Dynamic Transcriptional Profile of Spermatogenesis in Protochordates.

Spermatogenesis is a complex and continuous process of germ-cell differentiation. This complex process is regulated by many factors, of which gene regulation in spermatogenic cells plays a decisive role. Spermatogenesis has been widely studied in vertebrates, but little is known about spermatogenesis in protochordates. Here, for the first time, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on 6832 germ cells from the testis of adult Ciona intestinalis. We identified six germ cell populations and revealed dynamic gene expression as well as transcriptional regulation during spermatogenesis. In particular, we identified four spermatocyte subtypes and key genes involved in meiosis in C. intestinalis. There were remarkable similarities and differences in gene expression during spermatogenesis between C. intestinalis and two other vertebrates (Chinese tongue sole and human). We identified many spermatogenic-cell-specific genes with functions that need to be verified. These findings will help to further improve research on spermatogenesis in chordates.

Eight-Element Communication Model for Internet Health Rumors: A New Exploration of Lasswell's "5W Communication Model".

(1) Background: Rumors are a special type of information. Based on the classic theory of the communication of information, the "5W" communication model, this article aims to build a new model and thus explains the generation and communication of Internet health rumors. (2) Methods: The authors selected 50 Internet health rumors, which were widely spread in widely used websites and social media in China, then grounded theory is used to perform the qualitative analysis of the Internet health rumors. (3) Results: Three Core Concepts are abstracted after qualitative analysis. An internal dynamic mutual assistance mechanism of the communication of rumors is built and illustrated. Based on Lasswell's "5W" communication model, the authors develop an eight-element communication model for Internet health rumors to illustrate the generation and communication of Internet health rumors. (4) Conclusions: By removing one or several elements of this new model, the chain of the communication of Internet health rumors could be cut off, which is valuable information for the government or websites to manage communication of Internet health rumors.

Calculation Method of Productivity for Shale Oil in Volumetric Fractured Horizontal Wells.

In order to evaluate quantitatively the productivity of shale oil in fractured horizontal wells and in view of the influence of non-Darcy seepage and pressure sensitivity on shale oil productivity, the methods of conformal transformation and superposition theory of complex potential are used to deduce the productivity formula in volumetric fractured horizontal wells with start-up pressure gradient and pressure sensitivity and to calculate quantitatively the productivity of each fracture. In addition, the influence factors on productivity, such as the fracture length, number of fractures, pressure sensitivity coefficient, starting pressure gradient, and other factors, have been analyzed as well. The study results indicate that the productivity of horizontal wells decreases with the increase of the start-up pressure gradient and pressure sensitivity coefficient. With the increase of the half-length and number of fractures, the productivity of fractured horizontal wells will increase, but the amplitude of increase decreases gradually. This method can be used for productivity calculation and optimization design of the fracturing parameter in volumetric fractured horizontal wells.

Slc38a9 Deficiency Induces Apoptosis and Metabolic Dysregulation and Leads to Premature Death in Zebrafish.

Eukaryotic cells control nutritional homeostasis and determine cell metabolic fate through a series of nutrient transporters and metabolic regulation pathways. Lysosomal localized amino acid transporter member 9 of the solute carrier family 38 (SLC38A9) regulates essential amino acids' efflux from lysosomes in an arginine-regulated fashion. To better understand the physiological role of SLC38A9, we first described the spatiotemporal expression pattern of the slc38a9 gene in zebrafish. A quarter of slc38a9-/- mutant embryos developed pericardial edema and died prematurely, while the remaining mutants were viable and grew normally. By profiling the transcriptome of the abnormally developed embryos using RNA-seq, we identified increased apoptosis, dysregulated amino acid metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis disorders that occurred in slc38a9-/- mutant fish. slc38a9 deficiency increased whole-body free amino acid and lactate levels but reduced glucose and pyruvate levels. The change of glycolysis-related metabolites in viable slc38a9-/- mutant fish was ameliorated. Moreover, loss of slc38a9 resulted in a significant reduction in hypoxia-inducible gene expression and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif1α) protein levels. These results improved our understanding of the physiological functions of SLC38A9 and revealed its indispensable role in embryonic development, metabolic regulation, and stress adaption.

Single-Cell Atlas of the Chinese Tongue Sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis) Ovary Reveals Transcriptional Programs of Oogenesis in Fish.

Oogenesis is a highly orchestrated process that depends on regulation by autocrine/paracrine hormones and growth factors. However, many details of the molecular mechanisms that regulate fish oogenesis remain elusive. Here, we performed a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis of the molecular signatures of distinct ovarian cell categories in adult Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). We characterized the successive stepwise development of three germ cell subtypes. Notably, we identified the cellular composition of fish follicle walls, including four granulosa cell types and one theca cell type, and we proposed important transcription factors (TFs) showing high activity in the regulation of cell identity. Moreover, we found that the extensive niche-germline bidirectional communications regulate fish oogenesis, whereas ovulation in fish is accompanied by the coordination of simultaneous and tightly sequential processes across different granulosa cells. Additionally, a systems biology analysis of the homologous genes shared by Chinese tongue sole and macaques revealed remarkably conserved biological processes in germ cells and granulosa cells across vertebrates. Our results provide key insights into the cell-type-specific mechanisms underlying fish oogenesis at a single-cell resolution, which offers important clues for exploring fish breeding mechanisms and the evolution of vertebrate reproductive systems.

Clinical Study on the Relationship between the SNP rs8192675 (C/C) Site of SLC2A2 Gene and the Hypoglycemic Effect of Metformin in Type 2 Diabetes.

This study investigates the correlation between the gene polymorphism of rs8192675 (C/C) locus of SLC2A2 in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and the efficacy of metformin. For this purpose, we have selected 110 T2DM patients (T2DM group) and 110 healthy people (control group) who were treated in our hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 as the research subjects. PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method detects the distribution frequency of gene polymorphism. The patients in the T2DM group were treated with metformin and followed up for 90 days to analyze the relationship between the efficacy of metformin and the SLC2A2 gene polymorphism. The genotypes of SLC2A2 rs8192675 in the control group and in the T2DM group conformed to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium law. Compared with the control group, the CT type and the CC type at rs8192675 in the T2DM group were significantly higher (P < 0.05). For rs8192675, there was no significant difference in TT, CT, CC FPG, 2hPBG, and HbA1c levels before treatment (P > 0.05); after metformin treatment, the reduction in FPG, 2hPBG, and HbA1c in CC patients was lower than that of TT and CT patients (P < 0.05). SLC2A2 gene polymorphism site rs8192675 CC type T2DM patients are sensitive to metformin and have a better hypoglycemic effect.

Facile one-pot synthesis of diarylacetylenes from arylaldehydes via an addition-double elimination process.

A practical one-pot protocol has been developed to synthesize diarylacetylenes from arylaldehydes by treatment with 1-(arylmethyl)benzotriazoles and LiN(SiMe3)2. The reaction proceeded through imine formation, Mannich-type addition and double elimination to deliver products in up to 99% yields with broad substrate scope. In addition, gram-scale synthesis of 1-bromo-4-(phenylethynyl)benzene has been demonstrated.

Identification of 2-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine derivatives as new PARP-1 inhibitors.

A library of new 2-substituted pyrrolo[1,2-b]pyridazine derivatives were rapidly assembled and identified as PARP inhibitors. Structure-activity relationship for this class of inhibitor resulted in the discovery of most potent compounds 15a and 15b that exhibited about 29- and 5- fold selective activity against PARP-1 over PARP-2 respectively. The antiproliferative activity of the as-prepared compounds were demonstrated by further celluar assay in BRCA2-deficient V-C8 and BRCA1-deficient MDA-MB-436 cell lines, displaying that compound 15b could robustly reduce the corresponding cell proliferation and growth with CC50s of 340 and 106 nM respectively. The PK property of 15b was also investigated here.

Retraction Note to: miR-376a inhibits the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma by targeting FBXO11.

This article has been retracted by the editors because the data are unreliable. It appears that the images in Figure 4c have been re-used but labelled as different conditions. The authors were asked to provide raw data for this figure, but were unable to do so. Author Jianyang Chen stated on behalf of all co-authors that they agree to this retraction.

miR-376a inhibits the proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma by targeting FBXO11.

Dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is frequently found in the tumorigenesis of osteosarcoma (OS). miR-376a was found to play tumor suppressive roles in human cancers. However, the role of miR-376a in OS remains unclear. The expression of miR-376a was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in OS cell lines. Cell proliferation assay, cell invasion assay, and cell apoptosis assay were performed to detect the biological function of miR-376a after synthetic miRNA transfection. The target of miR-376a was predicted by TargetScan and miRDB, and further validated by luciferase activity reporter assay and western blot. miR-376a expression was revealed to be decreased in OS cell lines. In vitro experiments showed that overexpression of miR-376a inhibits OS cell proliferation and invasion but promotes apoptosis. Luciferase activity reporter assay and western blot assay showed F-box protein 11 (FBXO11) was a direct target of miR-376a. Furthermore, FBXO11 mediated the role of miR-376a on the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of OS cells. Collectively, these results revealed miR-376a functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting FBXO11 in OS. It may be developed as a therapeutic target for OS patients.

Comparison of platelet rich plasma and corticosteroids in the management of lateral epicondylitis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections with that of corticosteroids in patients with lateral epicondylitis (LE). METHODS: We searched for relevant studies on the comparison of PRP and corticosteroids in the management of lateral epicondylitis in electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Wan Fang and China National Knowledge Internet, up to March 2019. The outcomes were pain score, elbow joint function and adverse effects after local injection. For continuous data, the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used. Risk difference (RD) with a 95% CI were calculated for dichotomous outcomes. Cochrane Collaboration's tool was used to assess the risk of bias. The data were collected and input into the STATA software. RESULTS: A total of seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 515 patients were finally included in our study. The present meta-analysis indicated that PRP injection yielded statistically significant superior in pain scores and elbow joint function at a 6-month follow up compared with local corticosteroid injection. No significant difference was identified between two groups regarding the post-injection adverse events. CONCLUSION: Local PRP injections was associated with superior outcomes for reducing pain and improving elbow joint function compared with local corticosteroids treatment for LE at a follow-up of 6 months.

Switching Lamivudine with Adefovir Dipivoxil Combination Therapy to Entecavir Monotherapy Provides Better Viral Suppression and Kidney Safety.

Introduction: Most chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in China are primitively treated with a combination of lamivudine (LAM) and adefovir dipivoxil (ADV). Although antiviral resistance can be avoided with this combination therapy, using it can have harmful side effects related to ADV, specifically kidney and bone injury. This study was designed to compare viral suppression and kidney safety when switching LAM and ADV combination therapy de novo to entecavir (ETV) monotherapy in patients with CHB and compensated hepatic cirrhosis. Materials and methods: In total, 360 CHB and compensated liver cirrhosis patients who received treatment of LAM and ADV combination therapy for more than 1 year were included in this study. One hundred and eighty patients continued combination therapy to serve as a control group and the other 180 patients were switched to ETV monotherapy to serve as the experimental group. The total course of therapy was 3 years. Laboratory studies were done every 3 months to measure liver and kidney function. Studies included glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), HBV-DNA, urine ß2-microglobulin (ß2-M) and retinol binding protein (RBP). Results: In the experimental group, an HBV-DNA level below 20 IU/ml was found in 77.65%, 85.88%, and 94.77% in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In the control group, HBV-DNA levels were below 20 IU/ml in 69.66%, 75.42%, and 85.80% in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Low HBV-DNA levels in the experimental group were significantly less common than in the control group on the second and third year; P values were 0.009 and 0.006 for years 2 and 3, respectively. The cumulative genetic mutation rate was 3.49% in the experimental group and 8.88% in the control group (P=0.044). Decreases in eGFR more than 30% from baseline were found in 0%, 0.56%, and 1.74% of patients in the experimental group and 4.49%, 9.14% and 14.79% in patients in the control group in the first, second, and third year, respectively. Serum creatinine more than 50 µmol/L above baseline was found in 0%, 0% and 1.74% of patients in the experimental group and 1.12%, 4.00% and 5.32% of patients in the control group in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The urine ß2-M and RBP levels were abnormal more often in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion: Switching to ETV monotherapy can decrease HBV-DNA levels, reduce the genetic mutation rate, and prevent renal damage caused by LAM and ADV combination therapy in patients with CHB and compensated liver cirrhosis. Patients receiving LAM and ADV combination therapy de novo should be switched to ETV monotherapy immediately.