Estimation of Photosynthetic Induction Is Significantly Affected by Light Environments of Local Leaves and Whole Plants in Oryza Genus.

Photosynthetic induction and stomatal kinetics are acknowledged as pivotal factors in regulating both plant growth and water use efficiency under fluctuating light conditions. However, the considerable variability in methodologies and light regimes used to assess the dynamics of photosynthesis (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) during light induction across studies poses challenges for comparison across species. Moreover, the influence of stomatal morphology on both steady-state and non-steady-state gs remains poorly understood. In this study, we show the strong impact of IRGA Chamber Illumination and Whole Plant Illumination on the photosynthetic induction of two rice species. Our findings reveal that these illuminations significantly enhance photosynthetic induction by modulating both stomatal and biochemical processes. Moreover, we observed that a higher density of smaller stomata plays a critical role in enhancing the stomatal opening and photosynthetic induction to fluctuating light conditions, although it exerts minimal influence on steady-state gs and A under constant light conditions. Therefore, future studies aiming to estimate photosynthetic induction and stomatal kinetics should consider the light environments at both the leaf and whole plant levels.

Preparation of Polydopamine Functionalized HNIW Crystals and Application in Solid Propellants.

The application of hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) as an oxidizer in solid propellants aligns with the pursuit of high-energy materials. However, the phase transformation behavior and high impact sensitivity of HNIW are its limitations. Due to the strong adhesion and mild synthesis conditions, polydopamine (PDA) has been employed to modify HNIW. However, the method suffers from a slow coating process and a non-ideal coating effect under short reaction time. Herein, oxygen-accelerated dopamine in situ polymerization coating method was developed. It was found that oxygen not only reduced the coating time but also contributed to forming a dense and uniform PDA layer. HNIW@PDA coated in oxygen for 6 h exhibited the most favorable performance, with a delay of 20.8 °C in the phase transition temperature and a reduction of 145.45% in the impact sensitivity. The -OH groups on the surface of PDA enhanced the interaction between HNIW and polymer binders, resulting in a 20.36% reduction in the dewetting percentage. The lower content of PDA in HNIW@PDA (1.17%) resulted in minimal variation in the heat of explosion for HNIW@PDA-based HTPB propellant (6287 kJ/kg) in comparison to HNIW-based HTPB propellant (6297 kJ/kg). Hence, HNIW@PDA-based propellants are expected to offer an alternative with promising safety and mechanical performance compared to existing HNIW-based propellants, thus facilitating the application of HNIW in high-energy propellants. This work presents a low-cost method for efficiently inhibiting the phase transformation of polycrystalline explosives and reducing the impact sensitivity. It also offers a potential approach to enhance the interfacial interaction between nitro-containing explosives and polymer binders.

Research on the Thermal Aging Performance of a GAP-Based Polyurethane Elastomer.

Glycidyl azide polymer (GAP)-based polyurethane is an ideal elastomeric matrix for high-energy, low-smoke, and insensitive solid propellants. As the skeleton structure of GAP propellants, changes in the structure and properties of GAP elastomers during aging lead to the deterioration of propellant performance (especially in relation to mechanical properties), which causes safety risks. A high-temperature-accelerated aging experiment (70 °C) on a GAP elastomer was conducted. The evolution of the microstructure of the GAP elastomer system was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and variations in the macroscopic properties were analyzed by the hardness test and the uniaxial tensile test. The experimental results showed that thermal aging of the GAP elastomer is a coupled process of multiple chemical reactions. The azide groups, urethane groups, and ether bonds were the weak links in the network structure, breaking during the aging process, and the crosslinking density rose and then decreased. Macroscopic properties also showed segmented changes. The aging process was divided into three stages: post-curing (stage one); when the crosslinked network began to break (stage two), and when the crosslinked network was destroyed (stage three). Changes in the microstructure and macroscopic properties were consistent. This work is of great significance for exploring the aging mechanism of GAP propellants and extending their storage life.

Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene modified low temperature adaptive self-matting waterborne polyurethane.

Hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) is a flexible telechelic compound with a main chain containing a slightly cross-linked activated carbon-carbon double bond and a hydroxyl group at the end. Therefore, in this paper, HTPB was used as a terminal diol prepolymer, and sulfonate AAS and carboxylic acid DMPA were used as hydrophilic chain extenders to prepare low-temperature adaptive self-matting waterborne polyurethane (WPU). Due to the fact that the non-polar butene chain in the HTPB prepolymer cannot form a hydrogen bond with the urethane group, and the solubility parameter difference between the hard segment formed by the urethane group is large, the gap of T g between the soft and hard segments of the WPU increases by nearly 10 °C, with more obvious microphase separation. At the same time, by adjusting the HTPB content, WPU emulsions with different particle sizes can be obtained, thereby obtaining WPU emulsions with good extinction properties and mechanical properties. The results show that HTPB-based WPU with a certain degree of microphase separation and roughness obtained by introducing a large number of non-polar carbon chains has good extinction ability, and the 60° glossiness can be as low as 0.4 GU. Meanwhile, the introduction of HTPB can improve the mechanical properties and low temperature flexibility of WPU. The T g,s (the glass transition temperature of soft segment) of WPU modified by the HTPB block decreased by 5.82 °C, and the ΔT g increased by 21.04 °C, indicating that the degree of microphase separation increased. At -50 °C, the elongation at break and tensile strength of WPU modified by HTPB can still maintain 785.2% and 76.7 MPa, which are 1.82 times and 2.91 times those of WPU with only PTMG as soft segment, respectively. The self-matting WPU coating prepared in this paper can meet the requirements of severe cold weather and has potential application prospects in the field of finishing.

A peptide encoded by lncRNA MIR7-3 host gene (MIR7-3HG) alleviates dexamethasone-induced dysfunction in pancreatic ß-cells through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Dysfunction of pancreatic ß-cells induced by glucocorticoids contributes to diabetes mellitus development. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been recognized to contain short open reading frames (ORFs) that can be translated into functional small peptides. Here, we investigated whether the short peptide encoded by the lncRNA MIR7-3 host gene (MIR7-3HG) can affect dexamethasone (DEX)-induced ß-cell dysfunction. METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis was used for selection of MIR7-3HG and prediction of its protein encoding potential. The small peptide was identified by a western blot method. The cell-permeable TAT was fused into MIR7-3HG ORF to produce the cell-permeable fusion peptide (TAT-MIR7-3HG-ORF). The effects of TAT-MIR7-3HG-ORF on DEX-induced ß-cell dysfunction were evaluated by examining cell viability, apoptosis, insulin secretion, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. RESULTS: DEX induced ß-TC6 cell dysfunction by impairing cell viability, insulin secretion and promoting cell apoptosis and ROS generation. The MIR7-3HG ORF could encode a 125-amino-acid-long short peptide. TAT-MIR7-3HG-ORF effectively transduced into ß-TC6 cells and attenuated DEX-induced dysfunction in ß-TC6 cells. Moreover, transduced TAT-MIR7-3HG-ORF reversed DEX-mediated inhibition of the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT pathway partially abolished the alleviative effect of transduced TAT-MIR7-3HG-ORF on DEX-induced ß-TC6 cell dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The lncRNA MIR7-3HG encodes a short peptide, which can protect pancreatic ß-cells from DEX-induced dysfunction by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Our study broadens the diversity and breadth of lncRNAs in human disorders.

Comparison of grain cadmium and arsenic concentration between main and ratoon crop in rice ratooning system.

Rice ratooning system is becoming increasingly important for food security in China, however, information on grain cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) levels is lacking. We collected grain samples of main crop (MC) and ratoon crop (RC) from five sites, where the same eleven varieties were planted, and determined the Cd and As concentration in brown rice. Results showed that differences in grain Cd level between MC and RC were inconsistent across experimental sites, although the average value was comparable. In contrast, the grain As level was significantly higher in MC than in RC by 99.8% on average, which was consistent across all sites. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation in grain Cd concentration between RC and MC. Overall, RC-produced rice is safer than MC with dramatically lower As concentration, and planting rice varieties with low Cd accumulation capacity is important for production of safe rice in rice ratooning system.

Preparation of different morphology Cu/GO nanocomposites and their catalytic performance for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate.

Cu nanoparticles are more active catalytically than CuO nanoparticles, which have been widely studied as catalysts for organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and optics. However, Cu nanoparticles are easily agglomerated and oxidized in air. In this research, columnar, flower-like, bubble-like and teardrop-shaped Cu/GO nanocomposites were fabricated via a water-solvent thermal method and high temperature calcination technique using deionized water (H2O), methanol (CH3OH), ethanol (CH3CH2OH) and ethylene glycol (EG) as the solvent, respectively. The structures, the morphology and the catalytic performance and catalytic mechanism for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) of the Cu/GO nanocomposites have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), nitrogen adsorption tests (BET), simultaneous thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry (TGA/DSC) and thermogravimetric couplet with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR), respectively. The experimental results show that the morphology of the Cu/GO nanocomposites has a significant effect on the surface area and the teardrop-shaped Cu/GO nanocomposites have the largest specific surface area and the best catalytic performance among them. When 5 wt% of the Cu/GO nanocomposites was added, the decomposition temperature of AP decreased from 426.3 °C to 345.5 °C and the exothermic heat released from the decomposition of AP increased from 410.4 J g-1 to 4159.4 J g-1. In addition, the four morphological Cu/GO nanocomposites exhibited good stability, their catalytic performance for thermal decomposition of AP remained stable after 1 month in air. Excellent catalytic performance and stability were attributed to the strong catalytic activity of pure metal nanoparticles, and GO can accelerate electron movement and inhibit the agglomeration of nanoparticles, as well as the multiple effects of inhibiting the oxidation of Cu nanoparticles in air. Therefore, it has important application potential in high-energy solid propellant.

Biomass, Radiation Use Efficiency, and Nitrogen Utilization of Ratoon Rice Respond to Nitrogen Management in Central China.

Ratoon rice is proposed as a promising way to improve rice productivity via increasing harvest frequency. Nitrogen (N) is the most effective in promoting the development and growth of ratoon plants. However, limited information is available on how different N management practices affect the biomass production of the ratoon crop (RC) through influencing canopy light interception, radiation use efficiency (RUE), and N utilization. Field experiments were conducted in central China in 2016 and 2017 to examine the effects of N management practices on the biomass accumulation of RC and the underlying physiological mechanisms. The N rates (100 vs. 200 kg N ha-1) in the main crop (MC) had a small and inconsistent effect on the biomass accumulation of RC. N application at 15 days after heading of MC for promoting bud development (Nbud, 100 kg N ha-1) increased total biomass production of RC by 17.2-19.1%, due to the improvements in both pre- and post-heading biomass production during the ratoon season (BPratoon). N application at 1-2 days after harvesting of MC for promoting the growth of regenerated tillers (Ntiller, 100 kg N ha-1) increased total biomass production of RC by 7.8-15.9% due to the improvements in post-heading BPratoon alone or both pre- and post-heading BPratoon. The differences in BPratoon caused by Nbud and Ntiller were associated with crop growth rate, leaf area index, RUE, and N uptake of RC. Total N uptake of RC was improved by Nbud through increasing stubble N content at harvest of MC and by Ntiller through increasing plant N uptake during the ratoon season. N use efficiency for BPratoon was reduced by Ntiller but not by Nbud. These results suggest that both Nbud and Ntiller play important roles in improving biomass production in RC, although Nbud was more efficient than Ntiller.

Effects of contrasting N supplies on leaf photosynthetic induction under fluctuating light in rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important nutrients for crop growth and yield formation, as it is an important constituent in a large amount of proteins, cell walls, and membranes related to photosynthesis. Recently, increasing studies have suggested the important roles of photosynthetic induction and stomatal movement under fluctuating light in regulating plant carbon assimilation and water use efficiency. How leaf N content affects photosynthetic induction remains uncertain. Here, we observed a significantly faster photosynthetic induction with the increasing supply of N under fluctuating light conditions. Photosynthetic induction was mainly limited by biochemical processes but not stomatal opening after a stepwise increase in irradiance across different N supplies. Higher N supply enhanced photosynthetic efficiency under constant and fluctuating light conditions but reduced leaf intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEi ). This study is mainly focused on clarifying the crucial limitation of photosynthetic induction under different N treatments, which may facilitate the improvement of photosynthetic efficiency under complicated environments in the future.

m6 A transferase KIAA1429-stabilized LINC00958 accelerates gastric cancer aerobic glycolysis through targeting GLUT1.

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that N6 -methyladenosine (m6 A) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are both crucial regulators in gastric cancer (GC) tumorigenesis. However, the interaction of m6 A and lncRNAs in GC progression are still unclear. Here, our team discovered that lncRNA LINC00958 expression up-regulated in GC tissue and cells. Clinically, high-expression of LINC00958 was clinically correlated to lower survival of GC patients. Functionally, in vitro assays demonstrated that LINC00958 promoted the GC cells' aerobic glycolysis. Mechanistically, methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-Seq) found that there were m6 A-modificated sites in LINC00958, and moreover m6 A methyltransferase KIAA1429 catalyzed the m6 A modification on LINC00958 loci. Moreover, LINC00958 interacted with GLUT1 mRNA via the m6 A-dependent manner to enhance GLUT1 mRNA transcript stability, thereby positively regulating the aerobic glycolysis of GC. In conclusion, our findings reveal the function and mechanism of KIAA1429-induced LINC00958 in GC, delineating novel understanding of m6 A-lncRNA in cancer biology.

Effect of Stomatal Morphology on Leaf Photosynthetic Induction Under Fluctuating Light in Rice.

Plants are often confronted with light fluctuations from seconds to minutes due to altering sun angles, mutual shading, and clouds under natural conditions, which causes a massive carbon loss and water waste. The effect of stomatal morphology on the response of leaf gas exchange to fluctuating light remains disputable. In this study, we investigated the differences in leaf stomatal morphology and photosynthetic induction across twelve rice genotypes after a stepwise increase in light intensity. A negative correlation was observed between stomatal size and density across rice genotypes. Smaller and denser stomata contributed to a faster stomatal response under fluctuating light. Plants with faster stomatal opening also showed faster photosynthetic induction and higher biomass accumulation but lower intrinsic water use efficiency ( i WUE) under fluctuating light. Moreover, stomatal morphology seemed to have less effect on the initial and final stomatal conductance, and there was a minimal correlation between steady-state and non-steady-state stomatal conductance among different rice genotypes. These results highlight the important role of stomatal morphology in regulating photosynthetic efficiency and plant growth under fluctuating light conditions. To simultaneously enhance leaf i WUE when improving the photosynthetic efficiency under fluctuating light, it may be necessary to take biochemical processes into account in the future.

Clinical usefulness of high levels of C-reactive protein for diagnosing epithelial ovarian cancer.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of CRP in ovarian cancer and to assess whether CRP can be combined with tumor markers to enhance the diagnostic efficacy toward ovarian cancer. Area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated to access the diagnostic ability of each singly and combined as markers for ovarian cancer. The CRP cut-off value was then calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of CRP for ovarian cancer. Our results showed that values for all markers were significantly higher in the cancer group than in the control group. Receiver operating characteristic curve results showed that CA125 had the highest diagnostic efficacy for ovarian cancer, while the sensitivity for CRP was higher than for CA125, and the specificity for CRP was equal to that of CA125. The combination of CRP, CA125, and HE4, however, provided the strongest diagnostic capability. Furthermore, the diagnostic cut-off value for CRP with regard to ovarian cancer was 9.8 mg/L, and high levels of CRP were correlated with stage and tumor size of ovarian cancer. Our study indicated that CRP is valuable in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, and that combining CRP with CA125 and HE4 improved the diagnostic efficacy with respect to ovarian cancer.

Carbon dots derived from flax straw for highly sensitive and selective detections of cobalt, chromium, and ascorbic acid.

Fluorescent detections of cobalt, chromium, and ascorbic acid by carbon dots are of importance for human health and environment. Green synthesis of fluorescent carbon dots from biomass is essential for their sustainable applications. Herein, carbon dots were successfully prepared by a simple hydrothermal method using flax straw as carbon source. The obtained carbon dots possess a much higher quantum yield (20.7%) and excitation-dependent photoluminescence behavior. The "on-off" fluorescence principle, quenching of the fluorescence intensity of the carbon dots in the presence of Co2+ or Cr6+ based on static quenching effect and inner filter effect, is extended to "on-off-on" principle for detection of ascorbic acid based on the reduction of Cr6+ to Cr3+ by ascorbic acid. The linear ranges for detections of Co2+, Cr6+, and ascorbic acid are 0-500, 0.5-80, and 0-200 µM, and the limits of the corresponding detections are 0.38, 0.19, and 0.35 µM, respectively. Compared with most reported fluorescence detections, our linear ranges are significantly wider and our detection limits are much lower for the detections of Co2+, Cr6+, and ascorbic acid. This sensing platform is highly sensitive and selective to monitor Co2+ and Cr6+ in real water and ascorbic acid in vitamin C tablets with remarkable practicality.

Response of Photosynthesis to High Growth Temperature Was Not Related to Leaf Anatomy Plasticity in Rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Photosynthesis is highly sensitive to high temperature stress, and with the rising global temperature, it is meaningful to investigate the response of photosynthesis to growth temperature and its relationship with leaf anatomy plasticity. We planted 21 cultivars including eight indica cultivars, eight japonica cultivars, and five javanica cultivars in pot experiments under high growth temperature (HT, 38/28°C, day/night) and control treatment (CK, 30/28°C, day/night). Photosynthetic rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs ), transpiration rate (E), stomatal density (SD), vein density (VD), minor vein area (SVA), and major vein area (LVA) were measured after 30 treatment days. Results showed HT significantly increased A, gs , and E, while significantly decreased SD and LVA. There was no significant difference in A among the three subspecies both under CK and HT, while the javanica subspecies had higher gs , E, SVA, and LVA under HT, and the indica cultivars had higher VD and SD both under CK and HT. The javanica subspecies had higher relative value (HT/CK) of A, gs , and E, while difference was not observed in the relative value of SD, VD, and LVA among the three subspecies. The relative value of A was positively related to that of gs , while the latter was not correlated with the relative value of SD, VD, SVA, and LVA. Overall, the results suggested the increase of A and gs at HT was not attributed to leaf anatomy plasticity in respect of stomata and vein under HT.

Long non-coding RNA DDX11-AS1 facilitates gastric cancer progression by regulating miR-873-5p/SPC18 axis.

Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignant tumour with high lethality. Accruing evidence elucidates the critical adjusting role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) in human cancers. DDX11 antisense RNA 1 (DDX11-AS1) was previously found to be involved in GC pathogenesis. However, the precise molecular mechanisms of DDX11-AS1 need to be further investigated. In this study, we found that DDX11-AS1 expression was up-regulated in GC tumour tissues and cells. Increased DDX11-AS1 expression was associated with advanced TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Functionally, knockdown of DDX11-AS1 repressed cell proliferation and clone formation, while induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. As expected, DDX11-AS1 overexpression displayed the opposite effect. Mechanically, DDX11-AS1 enhanced SPC18 expression through acting as a ceRNA for miR-873-5p. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of DDX11-AS1 silencing on malignant biological behaviour of GC cells was attenuated by either miR-873-5p inhibitor or SEC11A up-regulation. Moreover, suppression of DDX11-AS1 also decreased GC tumorigenesis in vivo. In conclusion, DDX11-AS1 may serve as an oncogene in GC progression by sponging miR-873-5p and promoting SPC18 expression, providing a new insight into the mechanisms of DDX11-AS1 and elucidating a promising therapy target in GC.

IGF2-AS knockdown inhibits glycolysis and accelerates apoptosis of gastric cancer cells through targeting miR-195/CREB1 axis.

Dysregulation of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) insulin growth factor 2 antisense (IGF2-AS) is being found to have relevance to tumorigenesis, including gastric cancer (GC). The purpose of this study was to further explore the detailed role and molecular mechanism of IGF2-AS in GC progression. The expression levels of IGF2-AS, miR-195 and cAMP responsive element binding protein 1 (CREB1) mRNA were assessed by qRT-PCR. Glucose consumption and lactate production were determined using a corresponding Commercial Assay Kit. Hexokinase 2 (HK2) and CREB1 protein levels were detected using western blot. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. The targeted interaction between miR-195 and IGF2-AS or CREB1 was validated using dual-luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. Our data revealed that IGF2-AS was upregulated in GC tissues and predicted poor prognosis. IGF2-AS knockdown hampered glycolysis and accelerated apoptosis of GC cells. Moreover, IGF2-AS acted as a sponge of miR-195 and CREB1 was a direct target of miR-195. MiR-195 mediated the regulatory effect of IGF2-AS knockdown on GC cell glycolysis and apoptosis. MiR-195 exerted its regulatory effect on GC cell glycolysis and apoptosis by CREB1. Furthermore, IGF2-AS regulated CREB1 expression via sponging miR-195. In conclusion, our study suggested that IGF2-AS knockdown suppressed glycolysis and facilitated apoptosis in GC cells at least partly through sponging miR-195 and modulating CREB1 expression, highlighting a novel therapeutic strategy for GC treatment.

PCAT-1 contributes to cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer through epigenetically silencing PTEN via recruiting EZH2.

The aim of this study was to investigate the functional role and the underlying molecular mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) prostate cancer-associated transcript 1 (PCAT-1) in cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer (GC). Our results indicated that PCAT-1 was overexpressed in CDDP-resistant GC tumor tissues and cell lines. High expression of PCAT-1 was closely correlated with short overall survival in patients with GC. Downregulation of PCAT-1 resensitized CDDP-resistant GC cells to cisplatin. In addition, PCAT-1 epigenetically silenced PTEN through binding to the histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), thus increasing H3K27me3. More importantly, PTEN silencing counteracted PCAT-1 knockdown-mediated enhancement in cisplatin sensitivity of CDDP-resistant GC cells. In summary, PCAT-1 led to cisplatin resistance in GC cells through epigenetically suppressing PTEN expression, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for GC patients with chemoresistance.

Effect of Mannitol plus Vitamins B in the management of patients with piriformis syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Piriformis syndrome (PS) is an entrapment of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle, or myofascial pain from the piriformis muscle. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Mannitol plus Vitamins B regime in the management of PS. METHODS: Twenty two patients were included in this study and received 250 ml of mannitol 20% intravenous infusion for 5 days + Vitamins B (vitamin B1 10 mg + vitamin B2 10 mg + vitamin B12 50 µg PO) for 6 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed systematically by clinical tests (tenderness, FAIR test, Beatty's, Freiberg's and Pace's maneuver), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Likert Analogue Scale (LAS), and MR examination. RESULTS: The clinical evaluations showed a significant reduction (p< 0.05) of tenderness, FAIR test, Beatty's maneuver, Freiberg's maneuver and Pace's maneuver when compared with baseline evaluation during the 3rd and 6th month follow-ups. A statistically significant improvement of pain was measured by NRS at resting (p< 0.001), at night (p< 0.001) and during activities (p< 0.001) and LAS with prolonged sitting (p< 0.001), standing (p< 0.001) and lying (p< 0.001). Concomitantly, swelling of SN revealed a significant reduction (p= 0.003) from 86.4% to 18.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Mannitol plus Vitamins B is effective in the management of piriformis syndrome and it could be an alternative regime in treating PS.

A recoverable dendritic polyamidoamine immobilized TEMPO for efficient catalytic oxidation of cellulose.

Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers of G1.0 and 2.0 were synthesized by the repeated Michael addition and ester aminolysis of ethylenediamine and methyl acrylate. Through the reductive amination reaction of primary amines in PAMAM and carbonyl groups in 4-oxo-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (4-oxo-TEMPO), the water-soluble PAMAM immobilized TEMPO (PAMAM-TEMPO) was successfully prepared. The obtained PAMAM-TEMPO was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV-vis). PAMAM-TEMPO was used as catalyst instead of free TEMPO for selective catalytic oxidation of primary hydroxyl groups in cellulose with water as reaction medium. The results showed that the catalytic performance of G1.0 PAMAM-TEMPO with 28.8% TEMPO loading was equivalent to free TEMPO. After salting out the supernatant of oxidation mixture, PAMAM-TEMPO was recovered by extraction with N,N-dimethylformamide and reused for further oxidation cycles. No significant reduction in catalytic performance was found after 4 oxidation cycles. The recovery of PAMAM-TEMPO after each cycle was about 90%. By sonication of oxidized cellulose obtained with G1.0 PAMAM-TEMPO as catalyst, the individualized cellulose nanofibers with approximately 10 nm in diameter were successfully prepared. This is the first report on the use of immobilized TEMPO catalysts comparable to the performance of free TEMPO to oxidize cellulose in water.

Overexpression of MEG3 sensitizes colorectal cancer cells to oxaliplatin through regulation of miR-141/PDCD4 axis.

The existence of drug resistance is the main reason for chemotherapeutic failure in malignancies. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) is implicated with tumorigenesis and chemoresistance. In the present study, we aimed to identify the role of MEG3 in oxaliplatin-resistant colorectal cancer (CRC) and its potential mechanisms. MEG3 was down-regulated in oxaliplatin-resistant CRC tissues and cell lines. Low MEG3 expression was correlated with poor prognosis of CRC patients. Overexpression of MEG3 improved oxaliplatin sensitivity of HT29/OXA and HCT116/OXA cells. MEG3 suppressed miR-141 expression in HCT116/OXA cells. Moreover, MEG3 elevated PDCD4 expression through targeting miR-141, acting as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). miR-141 inhibition or PDCD4 up-regulation could mimic the functional role in oxaliplatin resistance, which was counteracted by overexpression of MEG3. Collectively, MEG3 facilitated the sensitivity of CRC cells to oxaliplatin by regulating miR-141/PDCD4 axis, providing a novel therapeutic strategy for CRC.