Selective Adsorption Behavior of Sulfuric Acid Oxidized and Doped Conjugated Microporous Poly(aniline)s toward Lead Ions in an Aqueous Environment.

The coexistence of lead, zinc, and copper ions in wastewater constitutes an environmental challenge of pressing concern. This research delves into the preparation of innovative oxidation-doped conjugated microporous poly(aniline) frameworks, exploring their prospective efficacy in regulating lead ion adsorption from aqueous solutions. H2SO4-CMPTA demonstrates the capability to reach adsorption equilibrium within 15 min at a lead concentration of 50 ppm. Even at a lead concentration of 20 ppm, it still efficaciously attenuates these levels to sub-10 ppb, a value surpassing extant standard. H2SO4-CMPTA retains over 78.8% adsorption efficiency after six cycles. Analytical characterization coupled with computational calculations suggests that sulfate-coordinated nitrogen cationic structure plays a crucial role in adsorption. A deeper investigation reveals the cardinal role of electrostatic attraction and exclusive chelation adsorption underpinning the efficient capture of lead ions by doped sulfate ions. Intriguingly, in a mixed heavy metal solution containing lead, zinc, and copper ions, H2SO4-CMPTA exhibits an initial predilection toward zinc ions, yet an eventual ion-exchange adsorption gravitating toward lead ions was discerned, governed by the latter's superior binding energy. Our study elucidates a promising material as an efficacious tool for the remediation of aquatic environments tainted with lead contaminants.

Evolution of Local Structural Motifs in Colloidal Quantum Dot Semiconductor Nanocrystals Leading to Nanofaceting.

Colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) have shown remarkable promise for optoelectronics, energy harvesting, photonics, and biomedical imaging. In addition to optimizing quantum confinement, the current challenge is to obtain a better understanding of the critical processing steps and their influence on the evolution of structural motifs. Computational simulations and electron microscopy presented in this work show that nanofaceting can occur during nanocrystal synthesis from a Pb-poor environment in a polar solvent. This could explain the curved interfaces and the olivelike-shaped NCs observed experimentally when these conditions are employed. Furthermore, the wettability of the PbS NCs solid film can be further modified via stoichiometry control, which impacts the interface band bending and, therefore, processes such as multiple junction deposition and interparticle epitaxial growth. Our results suggest that nanofaceting in NCs can become an inherent advantage when used to modulate band structures beyond what is traditionally possible in bulk crystals.

Ideal vitamin D and handgrip strength counteracts the risk effect of APOE genotype on dementia: a population-based longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Higher vitamin D concentrations and grip strength contribute to lower individual-level risk of dementia, while apolipoprotein 4 (APOE e4) genotype carries increases dementia risk, but whether combination of ideal vitamin D and grip strength counteracts the risk effect of dementia related to APOE e4 genotype remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the interactions between vitamin D/grip strength and APOE e4 genotype and their association with dementia. METHODS: The UK Biobank cohort comprised 165,688 dementia-free participants (aged at least 60 years) for the dementia analysis. Dementia was ascertained using hospital inpatient, mortality, and self-reported data until 2021. Vitamin D and grip strength were collected at baseline and divided into tertiles. APOE genotype was coded as APOE e4 non-carries and APOE e4 carries. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard models and restricted cubic regression splines, with adjusted for known confounders. RESULTS: Over the follow-up (median: 12.0 years), 3917 participants developed dementia. In women and men, respectively, compared with to the lowest tertile of vitamin D, the HRs (95% CIs) of dementia were lower in the middle [0.86 (0.76-0.97)/0.80 (0.72-0.90)] and the highest tertile [0.81 (0.72-0.90)/0.73 (0.66-0.81)]. Tertiles of grip strength showed similar patterns. In women and men, respectively, participants who had both highest tertile of vitamin D and grip strength was associated with a lower risk of dementia compared to those with both lowest tertile of these two exposures among APOE e4 genotype carries (HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.42-0.76, and HR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.36-0.64) and APOE e4 genotype non-carries (HR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38-0.81, and HR = 0.34, 95% CI 0.24-0.47). There were significant additive interactions between lower vitamin D/grip strength and APOE e4 genotype on dementia among women and men. CONCLUSIONS: Higher vitamin D and grip strength were associated with a lower risk of dementia, and seemed to halve the adverse effects of APOE e4 genotype on dementia. Our findings suggested that vitamin D and grip strength may be imperative for estimating the risks of dementia, especially among APOE e4 genotype carries.

Association of laxatives use with incident dementia and modifying effect of genetic susceptibility: a population-based cohort study with propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Constipation was associated with incidence of dementia and cognitive decline. Laxatives are the mainstay of constipation management and are commonly used among older populations for both treatment and prevention of constipation. However, the association between use of laxatives and incident dementia, and whether laxatives use may modify the effect of genetic predisposition on dementia remains unclear. METHODS: We applied 1:3 propensity score matching to balance the baseline characteristics of the laxative users versus non-users and to reduce potential confounders using multi-variates adjusted Cox hazards regression models. We categorized genetic risk into three groups (low, middle, and high) through a genetic risk score of common genetic variants. Information on laxatives use was assessed at baseline and categories into four varieties, including bulk forming laxatives, softeners and emollients, osmotic laxatives, and stimulant laxatives. RESULTS: Of 486,994 participants, there were 14,422 laxatives users in UK Biobank. After propensity score matching, participants with use of laxatives (n = 14,422) and matched non-laxative (n = 43,266) exposed individuals were enrolled. Over follow-up to 15 years, there were 1377 participants developed dementia (539 for Alzheimer's disease, and 343 for vascular dementia). The use of laxatives had greater risk of dementia (HR, 1.72; 95% CI:1.54-1.92), Alzheimer's disease (HR, 1.36; 95% CI: 1.13-1.63), and vascular dementia (HR, 1.53; 95% CI: 1.23-1.92). Compared to non-laxative exposed participants, those with use of softeners and emollients drugs, stimulant laxatives, and osmotic laxatives were associated with 96% (HR, 1.96; 95 CI: 1.23-3.12; P = 0.005), 80% (HR, 1.80; 95% CI: 1.37-2.37; P < 0.001), and 107% (HR, 2.07; 95% CI: 1.47-2.92; P < 0.001) higher risk of developed incident dementia, respectively. In joint effect analysis, compared to participants with low/middle genetic susceptibility and non-laxatives use, the HR (95% CIs) of dementia was 4.10 (3.49-4.81) for those with high genetic susceptibility plus use of laxatives. There was an additive interaction between laxatives use and genetic susceptibility on dementia (RERI: 0.736, 95% CI: 0.127 to 1.246; AP: 0.180, 95% CI: 0.047 to 0.312). CONCLUSIONS: Use of laxatives was associated with higher risk of dementia and modify the effect of genetic susceptibility on dementia. Our findings suggested that attention should be paid to the relationship between laxatives use and dementia, especially in people at high genetic susceptibility.

Design, synthesis, high algicidal potency, and putative mode of action of new 2-cyclopropyl-4-aminopyrimidine hydrazones.

Control of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms remains a global challenge. In the present study, a series of novel 2-cyclopropyl-4-aminopyrimidine hydrazones were designed and synthesized as potential algicides. Compounds 4a, 4b, 4h, 4j, 4k, 4l, and 4m showed potent inhibition against Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 (median effective concentration, EC50 = 1.1 to 1.7 µM) and Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB905 (EC50 = 1.2 to 2.0 µM), more potent than, or comparably with, copper sulfate (PCC6803, EC50 = 1.8 µM; FACHB905, EC50 = 2.2 µM) and prometryne (PCC6803, EC50 = 12.3 µM; FACHB905, EC50 = 7.2 µM). Compound 4k exhibited algicidal activity in an expanded culture system, and was less toxic than copper sulfate to zebrafish. Electron microscope analyses showed that 4k damaged cyanobacterial cells and decreased the number of thylakoid lamellae. Transcriptomic and qPCR analyses suggest that 4k interfered photosynthesis-related pathways. Treatment with 4k significantly decreased the maximum quantum yield of photosystem II and the photosynthetic electron transfer rate, and the resulting reactive oxygen species damaged thylakoid membranes and photosystem I. The results suggest that 4k is a potential lead for further development of effective and safe algicides.

Theoretical analysis and optimization of highly efficient multilayer-coated blazed gratings with high fix-focus constant for the tender X-ray region.

The problem of X-ray diffraction from multilayer-coated blazed diffraction gratings is analyzed. Invalidity of the conventional condition of maximal diffraction efficiency observed in previous experiments is explained theoretically. This is attributed to two factors: contribution of anti-blaze facets to diffraction efficiency and effect of strongly asymmetric diffraction. We demonstrate that a proper choice of the multilayer d-spacing allows to design grating with the diffraction efficiency close to the maximal possible one throughout the tender X-ray range (E∼1-5 keV). An optimization procedure is suggested for the first time to choose the optimal grating parameters and the operation diffraction order to obtain a high fix-focus constant and high diffraction efficiency simultaneously in a wide spectral range.

Efficacy and safety of bone substitutes in lumbar spinal fusion: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: A variety of alternative grafts to autologous iliac crest bone (ICBG) have been developed for lumbar spondylodesis, due to frequent complications following ICBG harvest. The optimal alternative graft to ICBG, however, remains elusive till now. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of fusion materials in lumbar degeneration diseases and to provide a ranking spectrum of the grafts. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different bone grafts in lumbar arthrodesis were eligible for inclusion. A network meta-analysis was performed for endpoints including fusion rate and incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: Twenty-seven RCTs involving 2488 patients and 13 available interventions were included. rhBMP-2 provided the highest fusion rate, being significantly superior to that of ICBG (OR = 0.21, p < 0.001), autograft local bone (ALB) (OR = 0.18, p = 0.022), rhBMP-7 (OR = 0.15, p < 0.001), allograft (OR = 0.13, p = 0.009), and DBM + ALB (OR = 0.07, p = 0.048). The treatment efficacy of allograft could be significantly enhanced by bone marrow concentrate (BMC) supplying (OR = 0.16, p = 0.010). ICBG ranks second on the frequency of complications, which is significantly higher than that of allograft (OR = 0.14, p = 0.041) and ALB (OR = 0.14, p = 0.030). All of the other comparisons showed similar efficacy and safety profiles between groups. CONCLUSION: Ranking spectrums of the efficacy and safety for various bone grafts were provided graphically. Though rhBMP-2 was of the highest success rate, the application should be taken with proper caution because of the widely proposed life-threatening adverse events. ALB, ALB plus synthetic ceramic materials and allograft mixed with BMC were also proved to be potentially effective alternative graft to ICBG. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Graphene/aptamer probes for small molecule detection: from in vitro test to in situ imaging.

Small molecules are key targets in molecular biology, environmental issues, medicine and food industry. However, small molecules are challenging to be detected due to the difficulty of their recognition, especially in complex samples, such as in situ in cells or animals. The emergence of graphene/aptamer probes offers an excellent opportunity for small molecule quantification owing to their appealing attributes such as high selectivity, sensitivity, and low cost, as well as the potential for probing small molecules in living cells or animals. This paper (with 130 refs.) will review the application of graphene/aptamer probes for small molecule detection. We present the recent progress in the design and development of graphene/aptamer probes enabling highly specific, sensitive and rapid detection of small molecules. Emphasis is placed on the success in their development and application for monitoring small molecules in living cells and in vivo systems. By discussing the key advances in this field, we wish to inspire more research work of the development of graphene/aptamer probes for both on-site or in situ detection of small molecules and its applications for investigating the functions of small molecules in cells in a dynamic way. Graphical abstract Graphene/aptamer probes can be used to construct different platforms for detecting small molecules with high specificity and sensitivity, both in vitro and in situ in living cells and animals.

Network meta-analysis of knee outcomes following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with various types of tendon grafts.

PURPOSE: Various grafts were selected for restoring knee stability and regaining pre-injury activity levels after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. This review aimed to compare the short-term knee outcomes of different tendon grafts for primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: Databases of PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL were retrieved for identifying the published RCT comparing the short-term (≤ 2 years) knee outcomes of different tendon grafts for ACLR. The main outcomes include the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective and objective scores, side-to-side difference on knee laxity, Lachman test, pivot-shift test, Lysholm score, Tegner score, all recorded complications and graft re-ruptures. RESULTS: A total of 32 trials involving 2962 patients and 17 grafts were included. Superior IKDC subjective score was found for quadriceps tendon autograft (QTB) when compared with autografts including bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB), four-strand hamstring tendon (4S-HT), and double-bundle HT. The 4S-HT autograft was associated with poorer anteroposterior and rotational knee stability than the BPTB autograft. Artificial ligament also was found to provide lower knee stability compared with the autografts including the BPTB, patellar tendon, 4S-HT, 4S-HT with preserved tibial insertion, 6S-HT, and four-strand semitendinosus tendon. Additionally, the BPTB allograft showed a statistically higher knee laxity than 6S-HT allograft, while no difference was found between the genuine autografts and non-irradiated allografts. CONCLUSIONS: QTB was recommended to be used even over the BPTB and 4S-HT autografts. BPTB autograft was more effective on restoring the knee stability than 4S-HT autograft. Non-irradiated allografts could be safely used as alternatives to autografts. However, artificial ligaments were not recommended for primary ACLR for significantly increased risk of knee laxity.

Structure, stress and optical properties of Cr/C multilayers for the tender X-ray range.

Cr/C multilayer optics are a suitable choice for the tender X-ray range (1-4 keV) that covers the K absorption edges of P, S, Cl and 3d transition metals as well as the L absorption edges of 4d transition metals. In particular, these optics are studied in order to optimize the optical properties of collimated plane-grating monochromators. In this paper, the structure, stress and optical properties of Cr/C multilayers (fabricated using direct-current magnetron sputtering) with bi-layer number of 20 and the same period (about 11.64 nm) but different Cr thickness ratio (0.20-0.80) are investigated. Firstly, the grazing-incidence X-ray reflectivity at 8.04 keV was measured. These measurements were fitted assuming a multilayer structure with a four-layer and non-periodic model. Results and fitting show that interface widths increase with the Cr thickness ratio. The results obtained from X-ray diffraction at 8.04 keV were consistent with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy which showed an increase in grain size of the Cr layers. In addition, the stresses of the Cr/C multilayers have been measured and the results show that the stress value approaches zero when the Cr thickness ratio is about 0.45. The reflectivity of a Cr/C multilayer with Cr thickness ratio of 0.37 was measured and reaches 26.6% at 1.04 keV. The measured reflectivity matches very well with the predicted value using the four-layer and non-periodic model, which confirmed the viability of the prediction. Thus, the reflectivity at 1.04 keV of a Cr/C multilayer with different Cr thickness ratio was predicted and was found to drastically decrease when the Cr thickness ratio is larger than 0.37. It has been determined that a Cr thickness ratio value of 0.37 is the best choice for a Cr/C multilayer in view of high reflectivity and low stress.

Stability of Cr/C multilayer during synchrotron radiation exposure and thermal annealing.

The stability of Cr/C multilayer during irradiation or thermal annealing was investigated using grazing incidence X-ray reflectivity measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering analysis, and soft X-ray reflectivity measurement. One sample was irradiated with a white beam of synchrotron radiation and five other samples were annealed at various temperatures. The 18-h irradiation treatment caused local surface contaminants but did not affect the buried stacks. The annealing treatment resulted in increased reflectivity at approximately 1.2 keV, and the multilayer remained stable for temperature up to 700 °C. Thus, the Cr/C multilayers exhibited excellent stability during irradiation and thermal treatments and can be used for the mirrors and multilayer gratings of third-generation synchrotron radiation systems.

Optimized highly efficient multilayer-coated blazed gratings for the tender X-ray region.

The optimized design of multilayer-coated blazed gratings (MLBG) for high-flux tender X-ray monochromators was systematically studied by numerical simulations. The resulting correlation between the multilayer d-spacing and grating blaze angle significantly deviated from the one predicted by conventional equations. Three high line density gratings with different blaze angles were fabricated and coated by the same Cr/C multilayer. The MLBG with an optimal blaze angle of 1.0° showed a record efficiency reaching 60% at 3.1 keV and 4.1 keV. The measured efficiencies of all three gratings were consistent with calculated results proving the validity of the numerical simulation and indicating a more rigorous way to design the optimal MLBG structure.

Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram for the overall survival of patients living with spinal metastases.

INTRODUCTION: The primary goal of treatment in spinal metastasis is typically to extend patients' lifespan as much as possible, and optimally to relieve the symptoms and so improve quality of life. It is crucial to avoid over- or under-treatment, according to each patient's individual situation. Thus, this study aimed to identify significant prognostic factors for patients living with metastatic spine disease, and create a new nomogram for the prediction of survival rates. METHODS: Data from patients who had undergone operations for spinal metastasis between 2005 and 2016 were retrieved retrospectively, and randomized into training (70%) and validation groups (30%). A selection of pre-operative factors was analyzed using univariable and multivariable COX model for the training group. A nomogram was then developed using significant predictors in multivariable analysis. Accuracy was validated using a concordance index (C-index) and calibration curve for the training and validation groups, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 244 participants were enrolled, including 171 in the training group and 73 in the validation group. Primary tumor, Frankel Grade, Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) and adjuvant therapy were found to be significant for predicting survival rates. A nomogram was developed by utilizing these predictors. The C-indexes for the two groups were 0.711 and 0.703 respectively. Moreover, a favorable consistency between the predicted and actual survival probabilities was demonstrated using calibration curves. CONCLUSIONS: A user-friendly nomogram model for facilitating medical procedures during clinical encounters was established to aid clinical decision making for individual patients.

Structure optimization and bioactivity evaluation of ThDP analogs targeting cyanobacterial pyruvate dehydrogenase E1.

Harmful cyanobacteria bloom (HCB) has occurred frequently in recent years and it is urgent to develop novel algicides to deal with this problem. In this paper, a series of novel thiamin diphosphate (ThDP) analogs 5a-5g were designed and synthesized targeting cyanobacterial pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E1 (Cy-PDHc E1). Our results showed that compounds 5a-5g have higher inhibitory activities against Cy-PDHc E1 (IC50 9.56-3.48 µM) and higher inhibitory activities against two model cyanobacteria strains Synechocystis sp PCC6803 (EC50 2.03-1.58 µM) and Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB905 (EC50 1.86-0.95 µM). Especially, compound 5b displayed highest inhibitory activities (IC50 = 3.48 µM) against Cy-PDHc E1 and powerful inhibitory activities against cyanobacteria Synechocystis sp PCC6803 (EC50 = 1.58 µM) and Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB905 (EC50 = 1.04 µM). Moreover, the inhibitory activities of compound 5b were even higher than those of copper sulfate (EC50 = 2.02 and 1.71 µM separately) which has been widely used as algicide against cyanobacteria PCC6803 and FACHB905. The more important was that compound 5b display much higher inhibitory selectivity between Cy-PDHc E1 (Inhibitory rate 97.4%) and porcine PDHc E1 (Inhibitory rate 11.8%) under the same concentration (100 µM). The inhibition kinetic experiment and molecular docking research showed that compound 5b can inhibit Cy-PDHc E1 by occupying the ThDP-binding pocket and then blocking Cy-PDHc E1 bound to ThDP as competitive inhibitor. The imagines of SEM and TEM showed that cellular microstructures were heavily destroyed under compound 5b stress. Our results demonstrated compound 5b could be taken as a potential lead compound targeting Cy-PDHc E1 to obtain environment-friendly algicide for harmful cyanobacterial blooms control.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel inhibitors against cyanobacterial pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex E1.

Cyanobacterial pyruvate dehydrogenase multienzyme complex E1 (PDHc E1) is a potential target enzyme for finding inhibitors to control harmful cyanobacterial blooms. In this study, a series of novel triazole thiamin diphosphate (ThDP) analogs were designed and synthesized by modifying the substituent group of triazole ring and optimizing triazole-benzene linker as potential cyanobacterial PDHc E1 (Cy-PDHc E1) inhibitors. Their inhibitory activities against Cy-PDHc E1 in vitro and algicide activities in vivo were further examined. Most of these compounds exhibited prominent inhibitory activities against Cy-PDHc E1 (IC50 1.48-4.48 µM) and good algicide activities against Synechocystis PCC6803 (EC50 0.84-2.44 µM) and Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB905 (EC50 0.74-1.77 µM). Especially, compound 8d showed not only the highest inhibitory activity against Cy-PDHc E1 (IC50 1.48 µM), but also the most powerful inhibitory selectivity between Cy-PDHc E1 (inhibitory rate 98.90%) and porcine PDHc E1 (inhibitory rate only 9.54%). Furthermore, the potential interaction between compound 8d and Cy-PDHc E1 was analyzed by a molecular docking method and site-directed mutagenesis and enzymatic analysis and fluorescence spectral analysis. These results indicated that compound 8d could be used as a hit compound for further optimization and might have potential to be developed as a new algicide.

Irradiation sterilization used for allogenetic tendon: a literature review of current concept.

Tendon injury is a very common type of sports trauma, and its incidence has increased over the past decades. Surgical reconstruction with tendon allograft has been increasingly used to restore the motor function and stability of the injured site. However, the risk of disease transmission caused by allogeneic tendon transplantation has been a major problem for tissue bank researchers and clinicians. In order to eliminate the risk of disease transmission, a process of terminal sterilization is necessary. Ionizing irradiation, including gamma irradiation and electron beam irradiation is the most commonly used method for the terminal sterilization, which has been widely proved to be able to effectively inactivate the contained pathogens. Nevertheless, some accompanying damage to the mechanical and histological properties of collagen fibers in tendons will be caused. Therefore, more and more studies have begun to pay attention to the protective effect of radiation protection agents, including the radical scavengers and cross-linking agents, in the irradiation sterilization of allogeneic tendons.

Tunable Surface Area, Porosity, and Function in Conjugated Microporous Polymers.

Simple inorganic salts are used to tune N-containing conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs) synthesized by Buchwald-Hartwig (BH) cross-coupling reactions. Poly(triphenylamine), PTPA, initially shows a broad distribution of micropores, mesopores, and macropores. However, the addition of inorganic salts affects all porous network properties significantly: the pore size distribution is narrowed to the microporous range only, mimicking COFs and MOFs; the BET surface area is radically improved from 58 m2 g-1 to 1152 m2 g-1 ; and variations of the anion and cation sizes are used to fine-tune the surface area of PTPA, with the surface area showing a gradual decrease with an increase in the ionic radius of salts. The effect of the salt on the physical properties of the polymer is attributed to adjusting and optimizing the Hansen solubility parameters (HSPs) of solvents for the growing polymer, and named the Beijing-Xi'an Jiaotong (BXJ) method.

Prognostic effect of factors involved in revised Tokuhashi score system for patients with spinal metastases: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cancer patients' survival time has obviously improved, with the development of systemic treatment techniques. However, the probability of metastases to the vertebrae has also been increased which makes some adverse effects on patients' quality of life. The prediction of survival plays a key role in choosing therapeutic modality, and Tokuhashi Score was established as one of the most commonly used predictive systems for spinal metastases. Thus, this study was conducted to identify the prognostic effect of factors involved in revised Tokuhashi Score (RTS). METHODS: Two investigators independently retrieved relevant literature on platforms of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library. We identified eligible studies through title/abstract and full-text perusing. Data was extracted including general information of studies, participants' characteristics, therapeutic modality, overall survival and prognostic effect of factors. Hazard ratio (HR) for each factor was synthesized if available through fixed- or random-effect models as appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 63 eligible studies with 10,411 participants were identified. Overall, cases with thyroid cancer had the highest survival rate, while the ones with non-small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma lived for the shorted survival time. Performance status, bone metastasis, number of involved vertebrae, visceral metastasis, primary tumor and neurological status were regarded as significant predictors in 71.4, 40.0, 18.2, 63.4, 73.1 and 44.7% of the involved studies respectively. Thirty-eight articles were included in meta-analysis, and prognostic effects of five factors (apart from primary tumor) were analyzed. Factors were all proved to be significant except comparisons between KPS (Karnofsky Performance Status) 10-40 VS. 50-70 and single VS. multiple spinal metastases. CONCLUSION: All factors of RTS were significant on prognosis predicting and should be considered when choosing therapeutic modality for spinal metastases. What's more, we believe that more accurate prognosis may be obtained after removal of the cut-offs for KPS 10-40 VS. 50-70 and single VS. multiple involved vertebrae.

Insight into the Synergistic Effect on Selective Adsorption for Heavy Metal Ions by a Polypyrrole/TiO2 Composite.

Polymer/metal oxide composites are promising candidates for the treatment of water pollution. Adsorption selectivity as well as a large adsorption capacity are two key factors for treating wastewater containing multiple ions. Herein, a PPy+/TiO2(O-) composite with a heterojunction structure was first discovered to have novel selectivity toward heavy metal ions. An interesting self-doping nature of TiO2(O-) together with SO42- for PPy+ was reported. This interesting structure contributed to an impressive selective adsorption capability with an ascending order of Zn2+ > Pb2+ ≫ Cu2+ in a ternary ion system, where the adsorption for Cu2+ could be almost suppressed. Through the designed adsorption experiments and characterization techniques including Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, a universal synergistic mechanism for PPy+/TiO2(O-) composite was first proposed and confirmed. The doping and dedoping of metal oxide (dopant) from the polymer dictates the adsorption selectivity, where the selectivity is determined by the interaction between TiO2 and heavy metal ions. This work may provide some useful guidelines for designing adsorbents with selectivity toward specific heavy metal ions.

Design, Synthesis, and Potency of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex E1 Inhibitors against Cyanobacteria.

Safe and effective algaecides are needed to control agriculturally and environmentally significant algal species. Four series (6, 10, 17, and 21) of 29 novel 4-aminopyrimidine derivatives were rationally designed and synthesized. A part of 10, 17, and 21 displayed potent inhibition of Escherichia coli pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E1 (E. coli PDHc-E1) (IC50 = 2.12-18.06 µM) and good inhibition of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 (EC50 = 0.7-7.1 µM) and Microcystis sp. FACH 905 (EC50 = 3.7-7.6 µM). The algaecidal activity of these compounds positively correlated with their inhibition of E. coli PDHc-E1. In particular, 21l and 10b exhibited potent algaecidal activity against PCC 6803 (EC50 = 0.7 and 0.8 µM, respectively), values that were 2-fold increased compared to that of copper sulfate (EC50 = 1.8 µM), and showed the best inhibition of cyanobacterium PDHc-E1 (IC50 = 5.10 and 6.06 µM, respectively). 17h and 21e, the best inhibitors of E. coli PDHc-E1, were studied by molecular docking, site-directed mutagenesis, and enzymatic assays. These results revealed that the improved inhibition of novel inhibitors compared with that of the lead compound I was due to the formation of a new hydrogen bond with Leu264 at the active site of E. coli PDHc-E1. The results proved the great potential to obtain effective algaecides via the rational design of PDHc-E1 inhibitors.