A Phosphorylated Dendrimer-Supported Biomass-Derived Magnetic Nanoparticle Adsorbent for Efficient Uranium Removal.

A novel biomass-based magnetic nanoparticle (Fe3O4-P-CMC/PAMAM) was synthesized by crosslinking carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM), followed by phosphorylation with the incorporation of magnetic ferric oxide nanoparticles. The characterization results verified the successful functionalization and structural integrity of the adsorbents with a surface area of ca. 43 m2/g. Batch adsorption experiments revealed that the adsorbent exhibited a maximum adsorption capacity of 1513.47 mg·g-1 for U(VI) at pH 5.5 and 298.15 K, with Fe3O4-P-CMC/G1.5-2 showing the highest affinity among the series. The adsorption kinetics adhered to a pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.99, qe,exp = 463.81 mg·g-1, k2 = 2.15×10-2 g·mg-1·min-1), indicating a chemically driven process. Thermodynamic analysis suggested that the adsorption was endothermic and spontaneous (ΔH° = 14.71 kJ·mol-1, ΔG° = -50.63 kJ·mol-1, 298. 15 K), with increasing adsorption capacity at higher temperatures. The adsorbent demonstrated significant selectivity for U(VI) in the presence of competing cations, with Fe3O4-P-CMC/G1.5-2 showing a high selectivity coefficient. The performed desorption and reusability tests indicated that the adsorbent could be effectively regenerated using 1M HCl, maintaining its adsorption capacity after five cycles. XPS analysis highlighted the role of phosphonate and amino groups in the complexation with uranyl ions, and validated the existence of bimodal U4f peaks at 380.1 eV and 390.1 eV belonging to U 4f7/2 and U 4f5/2. The results of this study underscore the promise of the developed adsorbent as an effective and selective material for the treatment of uranium-contaminated wastewater.

Baricitinib Improvement Across Regions in Atopic Dermatitis Patients with Baseline Body Surface Area up to 40% and Severe Itch.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD) who are most likely to respond to the Janus kinase (JAK) 1/2 inhibitor baricitinib (BARI) are known to have an impacted body surface area (BSA) ≤ 40% and severe itch (numerical rating scale [NRS] ≥ 7], collectively termed 'BARI itch-dominant' patients. Our objective is to build on our previous work by providing a body region-specific, clinical characterization of the BARI itch-dominant patient at baseline and their response to BARI 4 mg. METHODS: BREEZE-AD7 was a phase 3 trial in adults with moderate-to-severe AD receiving placebo or 2 mg or 4 mg BARI in combination with topical corticosteroids. Assessing only data from BARI itch-dominant patients, we summarized the baseline characteristics and conducted body region-specific analyses on Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) data in order to report the response to placebo versus BARI 4 mg within this patient subtype. RESULTS: BARI 4 mg was highly effective across all body regions; at week 16, 75% improvement was seen in EASI scores (EASI75), and response rates with BARI 4 mg (head/neck, 58.3%; trunk, 69.2%; upper extremities, 61.5%; lower extremities, 87.5%) all exceeded those with placebo (head/neck: 37.5%; trunk, 40.6%; upper extremities, 18.8%; lower extremities, 40.6%) as well as the overall EASI75 rates of the intent-to-treat (ITT) population (BARI, 48.0%; placebo, 23.0%). At baseline, most BARI itch-dominant patients presented with involvement of all regions (mean regional BSA 22.7%-40.3%), highest in the head and neck, mean EASI region scores of 15.7-24.0, and considerably severe sign ratings (mean EASI sub-scores: 1.4-2.3, out of 3), especially for erythema. CONCLUSION: BARI itch-dominant patients exhibit AD involvement across all body regions and considerable sign severity, especially erythema. In response to BARI 4 mg, EASI quickly improved across regions, substantially more so in this subtype than in the ITT population.

Analysis of the current situation and factors influencing bullying in junior high schools in backward areas of Western, China & A case study of Qingyang City in Gasu.

BACKGROUND: Qingyang is located in the northwest of China. By analyzing the current situation and risk factors of bullying in junior high schools in Qingyang City, and identify relevant data for formulating prevention and control measures of bullying in western backward areas. METHODS: Qingyang City is divided into four regions based on economic level and population quality. One junior high school is randomly selected from each region, a total of 1200 students from 4 junior high schools of different levels in Qingyang City were randomly selected, and the "Questionnaire on Middle School Students' School bullying" was administered between December 2021 and February 2022. RESULTS: The reporting rate of bullying in junior high schools in Qingyang was 47.35%. The incidence of campus bullying among urban-rural integration junior high schools, senior students, and male students is higher than that of municipal -level junior high schools, junior students, and female students (P< 0.05). The results of binary logistic regression showed that the second grade of junior high school (OR = 1.39,95% CI: 1.022-1.894), poor student performance (OR = 1.744,95% CI: 1.09-2.743), external dissatisfaction (OR = 2.09,95% CI: 1.177-3.427), mother working in an enterprise (OR = 1.623,95% CI: 1.074-2.453), and urban-rural integration middle school (OR = 3.631,95% CI: 2.547-5.177) were factors affecting bullying in junior high school campus. CONCLUSION: The reporting rate of bullying in junior high schools in Qingyang City was relatively high, mostly occurring in places lacking supervision and after-school hours. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Effectiveness of WeChat-assisted preoperative education to reduce perioperative anxiety in breast cancer patients: a prospective randomized controlled study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally, and surgical procedures continue to be the primary treatment. However, over 50% of patients experience preoperative anxiety due to the unknown and fear associated with surgery. Although drug therapy is commonly used to address this anxiety, its side effects have led to a heated debate regarding its effectiveness. Consequently, non-pharmacological therapies, such as preoperative education, have emerged as an alternative approach to alleviate anxiety. WeChat, a widely popular social media platform, offers a public platform that can potentially be utilized for effective preoperative education. This study aims to evaluate the use of WeChat public platform as a tool for preoperative education in patients undergoing breast surgery. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, and controlled trial will involve 392 adult women scheduled for breast cancer resection. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the WeChat education group or the regular group. In addition to regular preoperative visits, the WeChat education group will also watch science videos through the WeChat public platform. The regular group will only receive education from ward nurses during preoperative visits. The primary outcome measure will be the incidence of preoperative anxiety, defined by scores of the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI) exceeding 40 points. Secondary outcome measures include the incidence of severe anxiety (SAI > 44) on the day before surgery, incidence of anxiety 72 h after surgery, incidence of severe anxiety 72 h after surgery, NRS scores for pain at rest and during activity 24, 48, and 72 h after surgery, incidence of nausea and vomiting within 24 h after surgery, subjective sleep score at 1 week postoperatively, quality of life QoR-15 scores at 1 and 3 months postoperatively, incidence of chronic pain at 3 months postoperatively, bowel function recovery, length of hospital stay, and hospitalization expenses. DISCUSSION: This is the first clinical trial to investigate the use of WeChat public platform for delivering preoperative education on perioperative anxiety in breast cancer patients. By utilizing the renowned WeChat public platform, our study aims to improve patient outcomes by providing video education that explains the disease, surgery, and anesthesia in a more accessible manner, thereby reducing the incidence of perioperative anxiety. If our hypothesis is confirmed, this non-pharmacological approach can be universally acknowledged as a cost-effective and practical method in clinical care. Its application can also be extended to other medical fields beyond breast cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05291494. Registered on 29 December 2021.

Baseline Body Surface Area and Itch Severity Define Response to Baricitinib in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis at Week 16.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by heterogeneous clinical phenotypes and high symptom burden, especially through itch. Baricitinib (BARI), an oral Janus Kinase 1/2 inhibitor, is approved in Europe, Japan, and other countries, for treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe AD who are candidates for systemic therapy. This post hoc analysis of a Phase 3 topical corticosteroid (TCS) combination therapy trial (BREEZE-AD7) aims to characterize patients who might benefit most from BARI. METHOD: Classification and regression tree (CART) analysis was used to identify baseline predictors for patients treated with BARI 4-mg, who achieved ≥ 75% improvement in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI75), or EASI75 or Itch Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) ≥ 4-point improvement at week 16 (responders), versus non-responders. Subgroup efficacy analyses were performed based on identified predictor variables, combined with Itch NRS < 7/ ≥ 7. Missing data were imputed as non-responder. RESULTS: Baseline body surface area (BSA) was identified by CART as strongest variable predicting response to BARI at week 16, with a cut-off around 40% (BSA ≤ 40%). When combining BSA with itch severity, highest response rates were achieved by BARI patients with BSA ≤ 40%/Itch NRS ≥ 7 at baseline. In this subgroup, 69% and 58% of patients treated with BARI 4-mg achieved EASI75 and Itch NRS ≥ 4-point response at week 16, respectively. While these response rates were 65% and 50% for BARI 4-mg patients with baseline BSA ≤ 40%/Itch NRS < 7, they were 33% and 11% in BSA > 40%/Itch NRS < 7, and 32% and 49% in BSA > 40%/Itch NRS ≥ 7 subgroups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Using a machine learning approach, patients with moderate-to-severe AD and a BSA affecting 10-40% and Itch NRS ≥ 7 were characterized as likely to benefit most from BARI 4-mg TCS combination therapy. This was confirmed by subgroup analyses, which showed that these patients are most likely to show favorable response rates in improving AD signs and symptoms, specifically itch, after 16 weeks of treatment.

The Knowledge Profile, Competence and Pending Problems of Chinese Anesthesiologists in Dealing with Malignant Hyperthermia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Purpose: The National Remote Emergency System for Malignant Hyperthermia (MH-NRES) is an applet in China, designed to help anesthesiologists manage MH crisis. However, there is limited information about encountered difficulties in dealing with MH among Chinese anesthesiologists. The purpose of the study was to explore the current competency and encountered difficulties in the management of MH, as a key first step for assessing the potential user needs to develop the MH-NRES. Methods: The hospitals of different levels in different provinces across China were invited to participate in an online survey from November to December 2021. Anesthesiologists completed the online questionnaire containing four sections including demographic information, knowledge, competency, and continuing education about MH. Results: A total of 1357 valid questionnaires were completed from anesthesiologists, most respondents (66.7%, n = 905) correctly answered the MH trigger drugs included volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine. However, most respondents (77.0%, n = 1045) did not know that the recommended initial dose of domestic dantrolene. Up to 83.9% (n = 1138) stated that their hospitals did not store dantrolene for MH emergency. More than half of respondents thought that it would take more than one hour to obtain dantrolene in emergency. Less work experiences, lower levels of hospital and educations and professional titles were associated with lower competency scores in managing MH. Only 31.0% (n = 936) reported that their hospital had ever conducted MH continuing education curricula. Scenario simulation is the training method that most interests the participants (79.0%, n = 1072) but a whopping 46.9% (n = 637) never received simulation. Conclusion: The study indicated that difficulty in obtaining dantrolene, lack of competency in management of MH, difficulty in obtaining professional help, and poor teamwork were the main problems of most anesthesiologists in face of MH.

Development of Inhalable Chitosan-Coated Oxymatrine Liposomes to Alleviate RSV-Infected Mice.

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is the most important cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants, neonates, and young children, even leading to hyperinflation and atelectasis. Oxymatrine (OMT), originating from natural herbs, possessed potential antivirus activity against influenza A virus, Coxsackie B3 virus, and RSV, whereas the absence of an in vivo study indicated the difficulties in overcoming the physiological obstacles. Since RSV basically replicated in lung tissue, in this study, we fabricated and characterized a chitosan (CS)-coated liposome with OMT loaded for the treatment of lethal RSV infection via inhalation. The results uncovered that OMT, as a hydrophilic drug, was liable to diffuse in the mucus layer and penetrate through the gas-blood barrier to enter systemic circulation quickly, which might restrict its inhibitory effect on RSV replication. The CS-coated liposome enhanced the distribution and retention of OMT in lung tissue without restriction from mucus, which contributed to the improved alleviative effect of OMT on lethal RSV-infected mice. Overall, this study provides a novel inhalation therapy for RSV infection, and the CS-coated liposome might be a potential inhalable nanocarrier for hydrophilic drugs to prevent pulmonary infections.

Identification of PDCD2 as a Candidate Target of Andrographolide That Arrests the Tumor Cell Cycle by Human Proteome-Scale Screening.

Andrographolide (andro) and its derivatives have been reported to have antitumor activity by arresting the cell cycle. However, the more precise mechanism has been controversial. Here, a proteome chip was used to screen drug targets in cells, and we discovered that andro can bind to PDCD2 (PD2), which has been shown to be associated with the cell cycle and mRNA nuclear export. Then, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation for PD2 was used to detect the quantity of cell cycle-related mRNAs, and the nuclear distribution difference analyses of these mRNAs in tumor cells after andro intervention, followed by systematic experiments, were performed to assess the downstream effects of this event in vivo and in vitro. Thus, the target spectrum of andro was revealed at the level of the human proteome chip for the first time, and this work demonstrated that andro, through targeting PD2, blocks the nuclear output of CDK mRNAs in the nucleus of tumor cells, further reduces the expression of cell CDK proteins, and finally causes tumor cell cycle arrest in phenotype and tumor tissue growth arrest in vivo.

Helitron and CACTA DNA transposons actively reshape the common wheat - AK58 genome.

Transposable elements (TEs) play a pivotal role in reshaping the plant genome. Helitrons represent a new class of transposable elements recently discovered in animals and plants. Helitrons, DNA transposons that replicate via a rolling-circle replication mechanism, are a major driving force behind genome evolution. Since the recent divergence of the modern cultivars (e.g., AK58) and landraces (e.g., Chinese Spring), Helitrons appear to have contributed greatly to genome variability. We first identified 214,665 Helitrons in AK58 by HelitronScanner software and further detected 18,668 tandem duplicated Helitron regions (TDHRs) from all the Helitrons identified. There are 39% of TDHRs (7289) translocated since the divergence of the AK58 and Chinese Spring genomes. What interested us even more are the 462 TDHRs exclusive to the AK58 genome. We also found 235 TDHRs in the 21 centromeric regions and these TDHRs contributed to centromere plasticity. Another very interesting DNA transposon, CACTA, accounting for 15% of AK58 genome, was also the focus of this study because they often inserted into gene rich regions. We found that CACTAs have inserted into many agronomically important genes, such as seed dormancy gene TaMFT and vernalization gene TaVrn1, indicating the important role of CACTAs in modern wheat adaptation.

Clinical Features of Suspected Malignant Hyperthermia in China from 2015 to 2020: A Retrospective Study from China Malignant Hyperthermia Emergency Assistance Group.

Purpose: Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a rare but fatal pharmacogenetic disorder, triggered by inhalational anesthetics or succinylcholine. Since the first nonprofit academic organization China Malignant Hyperthermia Emergency Assistance WeChat-based Group (CMHEA Group) was established in 2015, they have actively participated in the diagnosis and treatment of MH patients. Based on the CMHEA Group, the aim of the study was to retrospectively analyze the characteristics of suspected MH in China from 2015 to 2020. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the suspected MH patients from 2015 to 2020, for analyzing the current clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of MH in China. Results: A total of 58 suspected MH cases occurred from 2015 to 2020, of these, 36 cases were collected with detailed data. The MH clinical grading score of 36 patients ranged from 33 to 73, with a median of 55. Abnormal hyperthermia and hypercarbia were the most common early signs of MH. Four patients were confirmed carrying six different potential MH-causative mutations. Of the total 58 cases, 14 patients (24.1%) received dantrolene and the whole mortality rate was 53.4%. Compared to the patients not receiving dantrolene treatment, the survival rate of patients receiving dantrolene treatment was significantly higher than that of patients not receiving dantrolene (78.6% vs 36.4%, p = 0.007). Conclusion: The current main diagnostic methods of suspected MH in China are still clinical diagnosis. Hence, it is critical to keep dantrolene for immediate accessibility with the introduction of domestic dantrolene to China. The WeChat group model has played an important but limited role in quick diagnosis and treatment of MH.

Why is the labor epidural rate low and cesarean delivery rate high? A survey of Chinese perinatal care providers.

OBJECTIVE: China has a high cesarean delivery (CD) and low labor epidural analgesia (LEA) rate. This online survey was conducted to explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and potential solutions. METHODS: A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed via both WeChat and professional websites for 4 months amongst groups of Chinese perinatal professionals. Data was collected and analyzed using a Chi-square test and presented as percentages of respondents. RESULTS: 1412 respondents were recorded (43% anesthesiologists, 35% obstetricians, 15.5% midwives or labor and delivery nurses, and 6.5% others), and 1320 respondents were care providers. It was found that 82.7% (1092/1320) of the provider respondents used CD per patient request in fear of lawsuits or yinao/yibao and 63.4% (837/1320) used CD for respecting superstitious culture. The number one reason (noted by 60.2% (795/1320) of all the three specialties) for low LEA use was lack of anesthesia manpower without statistical difference among specialties. The most recommended solution was increasing the anesthesia workforce, proposed by 79.8% (1053/1320) of the three specialties. However, the top solution provided by the two non-anesthesia specialties is different from the one proposed by anesthesiologists. The later (83%, 504/606) suggested increasing the incentive to provide the service is more effective. The answers to questions related to medical knowledge about CD and LEA, and unwillingness of anesthesiologists, parturients and their family members to LEA were similar for the most part, while the opinions regarding low LEA use related to poor experiences and unwillingness of obstetricians and hospital administrators were significantly divided among the three specialties. In the providers' point of view, the unwillingness to LEA from parturient's family members was the most salient (26.1%, 345/1320), which is more than all care providers, hospital administrators, and parturients themselves (16.8%, 222/1320). CONCLUSION: The reasons for high CD rate and low LEA use are multifactorial. The sociological issues (fear of yinao/yibao and superstitious culture) were the top two contributing factors for the high CD rate in China, while lack of anesthesia manpower was the top response for the low LEA use, which contributes to its being the most recommended solution overall from the three specialties. An incentive approach to providers is a short-term solution while training more perinatal care providers (especially among anesthesiologists and midwives), improving billing systems, and reforming legal systems are 3 systemic approaches to tackling this problem in the long-term.

Application of Neuromuscular Monitoring in Pediatric Anesthesia: A Survey in China.

PURPOSE: To determine the popularity of neuromuscular monitoring in pediatric anesthesia. DESIGN: Self-filled electronic questionnaire survey. METHODS: Anesthesiologists were notified through a professional network platform of anesthesiology by mobile phone. The survey deadline was December 23, 2019. FINDINGS: A total of 883 valid questionnaires were collected. A total of 738 (83%) anesthesiologists stated that they had never used neuromuscular monitoring in pediatric anesthesia, and 638 (72%) anesthesiologists stated that they were not equipped with neuromuscular monitors. A total of 869 (98.75%) anesthesiologists had used neostigmine, but only 291 (33%) anesthesiologists reported routine postoperative administration for the reversal of neuromuscular block. CONCLUSIONS: Neuromuscular monitoring in pediatric anesthesia needs to be further popularized. However, how to effectively and safely use neuromuscular antagonists are also important issues that require attention from anesthesiologists.

Cytotoxicity of vanadium oxide nanoparticles and titanium dioxide-coated vanadium oxide nanoparticles to human lung cells.

Due to excellent metal-insulator transition property, vanadium dioxide nanoparticles (VO2 NPs)-based nanomaterials are extensively studied and applied in various fields, and thus draw safety concerns of VO2 NPs exposure through various routes. Herein, the cytotoxicity of VO2 NPs (N-VO2 ) and titanium dioxide-coated VO2 NPs (T-VO2 ) to typical human lung cell lines (A549 and BEAS-2B) was studied by using a series of biological assays. It was found that both VO2 NPs induced a dose-dependent cytotoxicity, and the two cell lines displayed similar sensitivity to VO2 NPs. Under the same conditions, T-VO2 NPs showed slightly lower cytotoxicity than N-VO2 in both cells, indicating the surface coating of titanium dioxide mitigated the toxicity of VO2 NPs. Titanium dioxide coating changed the surface property of VO2 NPs and reduced the vanadium release of particles, and thus helped lowing the toxicity of VO2 NPs. The induced cell viability loss was attributed to apoptosis and proliferation inhibition, which were supported by the assays of apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane damage, caspase-3 level, and cell cycle arrest. The oxidative stress, i.e., enhanced reactive oxygen species generation and suppressed reduced glutathione , in A549 and BEAS-2B cells was one of the major mechanisms of the cytotoxicity of VO2 NPs. These findings provide safety guidance for the practical applications of vanadium dioxide-based materials.

Dirhodium (II) complex interferes with iron-transport system to exert antibacterial action against Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Drug resistance in bacteria is becoming a significant threat to global public health, and the development of novel and efficient antibacterial compounds is urgently needed. Recently, rhodium complexes have attracted attention as antimicrobial agents, yet their antibacterial mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we observed that the dirhodium (II) complex Rh2Ac4 inhibited Streptococcus. pneumoniae growth without significant cytotoxic side-effects on host cells in vitro. We subsequently investigated the antibacterial mechanism of Rh2Ac4 using iTRAQ-based proteomics combined with cellular and biochemical assays. Bioinformatics analysis on the proteomic alterations demonstrated that six molecular functional groups, including metal ion binding and twelve metabolic pathways, were significantly affected after treatment with Rh2Ac4. The interaction network analysis of metal ion binding proteins suggested that Rh2Ac4 decreased the protein expression levels of SPD_1652, SPD_1590 and Gap, which are associated with haem uptake/metabolism. Cellular and biochemical assays further confirmed that Rh2Ac4 could be taken up by bacteria via the PiuABCD haem-uptake system. The structurally similar Rh complex may compete with Fe-haem to decrease Fe-uptake via the PiuABCD system, disrupting iron metabolism to exert its antibacterial activity against S. pneumoniae. These data indicate that Rh2Ac4 is a promising new drug for the treatment of S. pneumoniae infections.

Research about the Characteristics of Chaotic Systems Based on Multi-Scale Entropy.

The logistic chaotic system, as a classical complex phenomenon of nonlinear dynamic systems, has received extensive attention in the field of secure communication. It is generally believed that the characteristics of chaos are suitable for the needs of encryption systems. In this paper, a multi-scale entropy theory analysis and statistical analysis are carried out on the chaotic sequences produced by different parameters and different initial values of logistic systems. According to the simulation results, the complexity of the chaotic system represented by the logistic system is mainly decided by parameter µ. Not all characteristic parameters of the chaotic system depend on the initial values. It is possible to make a reasonable estimation and prediction of the chaotic system from a macroscopic level. A variance estimation method for the parameter µ is proposed and applied to a logistic system and to another chaotic system, which is equally effective.

Thin layer chromatography combined with surface-enhanced raman spectroscopy for rapid sensing aflatoxins.

A fast and facile method was developed for on-site detection of aflatoxins (AFs) in moldy agricultural products using thin layer chromatography combined with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TLC-SERS). Four different AFs were successfully separated by TLC and then a small portable Raman spectrometer, with gold colloids as the SERS-active substrate, was applied to identify the separated spots. TLC-SERS application to on-site detection of AFs was systematically investigated. Qualitative and quantitative AF detection was found to be easily accomplished and limits of detection were estimated to be 1.5 × 10-6, 1.1 × 10-5, 1.2 × 10-6, and 6.0 × 10-7 M for AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2, respectively. The proposed method was also highly selective, enabling successful AF identifications in complex extracts from moldy peanuts. The study showed that TLC-SERS could be effectively used for separation and detection of these four AFs, demonstrating good prospects for on-site qualitative screening of agricultural products.

Mechanical and Thermal Insulation Properties of Porous Silica/Polyurethane Composites.

Porous hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene-based polyurethane (HPU) composites containing various hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) up to 75 vol.% were synthesized by one-step bulk polyaddition-type polymerization. An unfilled (non-porous) HPU sample was also prepared as a reference. The thermal conductivity of the HPU/HGM composites, which are considered as a three-phasic material composed of a bulk HPU matrix, silicate thin layer, and pores, could be predicted perfectly by the Felske model. The thermal properties, such as Tg and thermal stability, of the HPU/HGM composites were affected slightly by the addition of HGMs compared to the unfilled HPU. On the other hand, the shell thickness and volume of the HGMs played an important role in determining the mechanical properties of the composites leading to reinforcement with increasing wall thickness and content of HGMs.

Overexpression of Hepatocyte Cell Adhesion Molecule (hepaCAM) Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, and Invasion in Colorectal Cancer Cells.

Hepatocyte cell adhesion molecule (hepaCAM), a new type of CAM, belongs to the immunoglobulin superfamily. Recently, hepaCAM was reported to be implicated in cancer development, and many researchers investigated its biological function in the tumorigenesis of various cancers. However, what kind of role hepaCAM plays in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unknown. In this study, we found that hepaCAM was downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of hepaCAM inhibited CRC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, the tumorigenesis assay showed that increased expression of hepaCAM suppressed CRC tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. We also demonstrated that overexpression of hepaCAM reduced the protein expression levels of ß-catenin, cyclin D1, and c-Myc, indicating its inhibitory effect on the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study results suggest hepaCAM as a promising therapeutic target for CRC and provide a better understanding for the molecular basis of CRC progression.

Comparative Investigation on Thermal Insulation of Polyurethane Composites Filled with Silica Aerogel and Hollow Silica Microsphere.

This paper presents a comparative study on thermal conductivity of PU composites containing open-cell nano-porous silica aerogel and closed-cell hollow silica microsphere, respectively. The thermal conductivity of PU composites is measured at 30 degrees C with transient hot bridge method. The insertion of polymer in pores of silica aerogel creates mixed interfaces, increasing the thermal conductivity of resulting composites. The measured thermal conductivity of PU composites filled with hollow silica microspheres is estimated using theoretical models, and is in good agreement with Felske model. It appears that the thermal conductivity of composites decreases with increasing the volume fraction (phi) when hollow silica microsphere (eta = 0.916) is used.