Large Polarization Near 50 µC/cm2 in a Single Unit Cell Layer SrTiO3.

The generally nonpolar SrTiO3 has attracted more attention recently because of its possibly induced novel polar states and related paraelectric-ferroelectric phase transitions. By using controlled pulsed laser deposition, high-quality, ultrathin, and strained SrTiO3 layers were obtained. Here, transmission electron microscopy and theoretical simulations have unveiled highly polar states in SrTiO3 films even down to one unit cell at room temperature, which were stabilized in the PbTiO3/SrTiO3/PbTiO3 sandwich structures by in-plane tensile strain and interfacial coupling, as evidenced by large tetragonality (∼1.05), notable polar ion displacement (0.019 nm), and thus ultrahigh spontaneous polarization (up to ∼50 µC/cm2). These values are nearly comparable to those of the strong ferroelectrics as the PbZrxTi1-xO3 family. Our findings provide an effective and practical approach for integrating large strain states into oxide films and inducing polarization in nonpolar materials, which may broaden the functionality of nonpolar oxides and pave the way for the discovery of new electronic materials.

Atomic Insight into the Successive Antiferroelectric-Ferroelectric Phase Transition in Antiferroelectric Oxides.

Antiferroelectrics characterized by voltage-driven reversible transitions between antiparallel and parallel polarity are promising for cutting-edge electronic and electrical power applications. Wide-ranging explorations revealing the macroscopic performances and microstructural characteristics of typical antiferroelectric systems have been conducted. However, the underlying mechanism has not yet been fully unraveled, which depends largely on the atomistic processes. Herein, based on atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy, the deterministic phase transition pathway along with the underlying lattice-by-lattice details in lead zirconate thin films was elucidated. Specifically, we identified a new type of ferrielectric-like dipole configuration with both angular and amplitude modulations, which plays the role of a precursor for a subsequent antiferroelectric to ferroelectric transformation. With the participation of the ferrielectric-like phase, the phase transition pathways driven by the phase boundary have been revealed. We provide new insights into the consecutive phase transformation in low-dimensional lead zirconate, which thus would promote potential antiferroelectric-based multifunctional devices.

Interactions of diclazuril enantiomers with serum albumins: Multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking approaches.

In this work, multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking methods have been conducted in the investigation of enantioselective interactions between diclazuril enantiomers and human/bovine serum albumins (HSA/BSA). The binding constants between serum albumins (SAs) and diclazuril enantiomers revealed that SAs exhibited stronger binding affinity for (R)-diclazuril than (S)-enantiomer. In addition, the fluorescence quenching of SAs induced by diclazuril enantiomers was ascribed to static quenching mechanism, in which hydrogen bonds and Van der Waals forces were the main interactions. According to the thermodynamic study, binding of diclazuril enantiomers and SAs was an exothermic process driven by enthalpy change. Then, circular dichroism spectroscopy of SAs with diclazuril enantiomers revealed that the SAs conformation had changed in the presence of diclazuril. Moreover, molecular docking technology was applied in exploration of interactions between SAs and diclazuril enantiomers. The docking energy between SAs and (R)-diclazuril was larger than (S)-diclazuril, which indicated that the affinity of SAs with (R)-diclazuril was stronger than (S)-enantiomer. This work may provide valuable information for explaining differences in pharmacokinetics and residue elimination of diclazuril enantiomers in living organisms.

Efficient and stretchable organic light-emitting devices based on spontaneously formed disordered wrinkles.

We propose a facile, scalable strategy to introduce spontaneously formed disordered wrinkles into organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) to enhance light extraction and realize stretchability of the devices. The luminance and current efficiency of the wrinkled OLEDs are improved by 37% and 18%, respectively, compared to the planar device. Meanwhile, broadband light scattering induced by the disordered wrinkles results in angle-stable electroluminescent spectra at wide viewing angles for the wrinkled OLEDs. The disordered wrinkles enable the OLEDs to be stretchable and withstand hundreds of stretching-releasing cycles at strain between 0% and 5%. This study provides a simple method to realize stretchable OLEDs with high efficiency.

Silver-mediated radical oxytrifluoromethylation of unsaturated carboxylic acids for the synthesis of γ-trifluoromethylthio lactones.

An efficient silver-mediated oxidative trifluoromethylthiolation of unsaturated carboxylic acids to construct trifluoromethylthiol-containing lactones has been disclosed. In this protocol no metal-catalysts was added, and preliminary mechanism investigations suggested that a free-radical pathway should be involved in the process. High functional group tolerance and excellent yields were demonstrated by the efficient preparation of a wide range of γ-trifluoromethylthiolated phthalides.

SoySNP618K array: A high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism platform as a valuable genomic resource for soybean genetics and breeding.

Innovations in genomics have enabled the development of low-cost, high-resolution, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping arrays that accelerate breeding progress and support basic research in crop science. Here, we developed and validated the SoySNP618K array (618,888 SNPs) for the important crop soybean. The SNPs were selected from whole-genome resequencing data containing 2,214 diverse soybean accessions; 29.34% of the SNPs mapped to genic regions representing 86.85% of the 56,044 annotated high-confidence genes. Identity-by-state analyses of 318 soybeans revealed 17 redundant accessions, highlighting the potential of the SoySNP618K array in supporting gene bank management. The patterns of population stratification and genomic regions enriched through domestication were highly consistent with previous findings based on resequencing data, suggesting that the ascertainment bias in the SoySNP618K array was largely compensated for. Genome-wide association mapping in combination with reported quantitative trait loci enabled fine-mapping of genes known to influence flowering time, E2 and GmPRR3b, and of a new candidate gene, GmVIP5. Moreover, genomic prediction of flowering and maturity time in 502 recombinant inbred lines was highly accurate (>0.65). Thus, the SoySNP618K array is a valuable genomic tool that can be used to address many questions in applied breeding, germplasm management, and basic crop research.

Copper-catalyzed ortho-selective direct sulfenylation of N-aryl-7-azaindoles with disulfides.

A copper-catalyzed direct C-H chalcogenation of N-aryl-azaindoles with disulfides is described. This transformation was performed using Earth abundant Cu(OAc)2 as a catalyst, benzoic acid as an additive, air as a terminal oxidant, and readily available diaryl and dialkyldisulfides (or diselenide) as chalcogenation reagents. High functional group tolerance and excellent regioselectivity are demonstrated by the efficient preparation of a wide range of ortho-sulfenylation-7-azaindoles.

Epidemic investigation of benign prostatic obstruction with coexisting overactive bladder in Shanghai Pudong New Area and its impact on the health-related quality of life.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the prevalence, relative risk factors, and the impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) with coexisting overactive bladder (OAB) in men aged over 50 and living in Shanghai Pudong New Area. METHODS: Using a multi-stage sampling and descriptive epidemiological method, 1632 men were selected from among the general population. Participants completed an evaluation of lower urinary tracts symptoms (LUTS), including international prostate symptom score (IPSS) and quality of life (QoL) questionnaires. Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5) questionnaire. In addition, the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and King's health questionnaire (KHQ) were used to assess the impact of BPO with coexisting OAB on the HRQoL. Maximum flow rate (Qmax), postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 1476 men with complete data were analyzed. The overall prevalence of BPO with coexisting OAB was 39.6%. Age and prostate volume were associated risk factors for BPO with coexisting OAB. In addition, BPO with coexisting OAB negatively impacted the HRQoL, with increased IPSS, QoL, OABSS, and KHQ scores and decreased IIEF-5 scores compared to that in patients with BPO without OAB. CONCLUSIONS: Qmax, PVR and serum PSA did not predict whether the patients had a combined BPO + OAB or not. The prostate volume and age were associated risk factors for BPO with coexisting OAB. BPO is a progressive disease and may be one of the risk factors for OAB.

Upregulation of TRPV1 in spinal dorsal root ganglion by activating NGF-TrkA pathway contributes to pelvic organ cross-sensitisation in rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis.

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is the prostate gland inflammation characterised as genitourinary pain in the pelvic region. The rat experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) was achieved to mimic CP/CPPS. The expressions of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in the prostate, bladder and spinal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were analysed by Western blotting. Tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and nerve growth factor (NGF) in the DRG were also analysed by Western blotting. Measurements of inflammatory cytokines were carried out according to the instructions of the corresponding kits. The expressions of TRPV1 in the prostate, bladder and DRG in the EAP group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The expressions of NGF and TrkA in the DRG in the EAP group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The levels of serum TNF-α and IL-1ß in the EAP group were significantly higher than those in the control group. We conclude that CP/CPPS may participate in the pathological activation of neurons in the L5-S1 segment of DRG by activating NGF-TrkA pathway and cause pelvic organ cross-sensitisation by upregulating the expression of TRPV1 in the prostate, bladder and DRG.

Reliable HPLC separation, vibrational circular dichroism spectra, and absolute configurations of isoborneol enantiomers.

Resolution of chiral compounds has played an important role in the pharmaceutical field, involving detailed studies of pharmacokinetics, physiological, toxicological, and metabolic activities of enantiomers. Herein, a reliable method by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with an optical rotation detector was developed to separate isoborneol enantiomers. A cellulose tris(3, 5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)-coated chiral stationary phase showed the best separation performance for isoborneol enantiomers in the normal phase among four polysaccharide chiral packings. The effects of alcoholic modifiers and column temperature were studied in detail. Resolution of the isoborneol racemate displayed a downward trend along with an increase in the content of ethanol and column temperature, indicating that less ethanol in the mobile phase and lower temperature were favorable to this process. Moreover, two isoborneol enantiomers were obtained via a semipreparative chiral HPLC technique under optimum conditions, and further characterized by analytical HPLC, and experimental and calculated vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy, respectively. The solution VCD spectrum of the first-eluted component was consistent with the Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculated pattern based on the SSS configuration, indicating that this enantiomer should be (1S, 2S, 4S)-(+)-isoborneol. Briefly, these results have provided reliable information to establish a method for analysis, preparative separation, and absolute configuration of chiral compounds without typical chromophoric groups.

Cyclohexenones and isocoumarins from an endophytic fungus of Sarcosomataceae sp.

Three new cyclohexenones (1-3, named sarcosones A-C) and two new isocoumarins (4 and 5), together with five known isocoumarins (6-10), were isolated from the solid cultures of an endophytic fungus Sarcosomataceae sp. NO.49-14-2-1. Their chemical structures were elucidated by analyses of HR-ESI-TOF-MS, (1)H, (13)C NMR, (1)H-(1)H COSY, HSQC, and HMBC spectra. Their absolute configurations were determined via modified Mosher's method and circular dichroism spectra method.

Hydrangeaxinfeniae (Hydrangeaceae), a new species from Sichuan, China.

Hydrangeaxinfeniae W.B.Ju & J.Ru, a new species of Hydrangeaceae from Sichuan Province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to Hydrangeasect.Dichroa (Lour.) Y.De Smet & Samain, with its distinctive characteristic being the nearly superior ovary. It shares morphological similarities with H.yaoshanensis (Y.C.Wu) Y.De Smet & C.Granados, but can be distinguished by its hirsute trichomes densely covered on the branchlets, leaves, peduncles and pedicels, broadly elliptic to rectangular-elliptic leaf blade with nearly rounded base, coarse teeth leaf margins, 3-4 pairs of lateral veins, corymbose cyme with few and loose branches, lanceolate bract, the calyx tube and lobes margin with sparsely hirsute trichomes, adaxially glabrous and abaxially sparsely hirsute petal, outer whorl filaments are linear, inner ones are awl-shaped, glabrous styles, and the nearly superior ovary. H.xinfeniaesp. nov. currently known from only three relatively small populations of the type locality, and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Discovery of quaternized pyridine-thiazole-ruthenium complexes as potent anti-Staphylococcus aureus agents.

Quaternization of ruthenium complexes may be a promising strategy for the development of new antibiotics. In response to the increasing bacterial resistance, we integrated the quaternary amine structure into the design of ruthenium complexes and evaluated their antibacterial activity. All the ruthenium complexes showed good antibacterial activity against the tested Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Ru-8 was the most effective antibacterial agent that displayed excellent antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC = 0.78-1.56 µg/mL). In vitro experiments showed that all nine ruthenium complexes had low hemolytic toxicity to rabbit erythrocytes. Notably, Ru-8 was found to disrupt bacterial cell membranes, alter their permeability, and induce ROS production in bacteria, all the above leading to the death of bacteria without inducing drug resistance. To further explore the antibacterial activity of Ru-8in vivo, we established a mouse skin wound infection model and a G. mellonella larvae infection model. Ru-8 exhibited significant antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus in vivo and low toxicity to mouse tissues. The Ru-8 showed low toxicity to Raw264.7 cells (mouse monocyte macrophage leukemia cells). This study indicates that the ruthenium complex ruthenium quaternary was a promising strategy for the development of new antibacterial agents.

Polypyridyl ruthenium complexes with benzothiazole moiety as membrane disruptors and anti-resistance agents for Staphylococcus aureus.

Developing new antimicrobials to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections is necessary due to the increasing problem of bacterial resistance. In this study, four metallic ruthenium complexes modified with benzothiazoles were designed, synthesized and subjected to bio-evaluated. Among them, Ru-2 displayed remarkable inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.56 µg/mL. Additionally, it showcased low hemolytic toxicity (HC50 > 200 µg/mL) and the ability to effectively eradicate S. aureus without fostering drug resistance. Further investigation into the antibacterial mechanism suggested that Ru-2 may target the phospholipid component of S. aureus, leading to the disruption of the bacterial cell membrane and subsequent leakage of cell contents (nucleic acid, protein, and ONPG), ultimately resulting in the death of the bacterial cell. In vivo studies, both the G. mellonella larvae and the mouse skin infection models were conducted, indicated that Ru-2 could potentially serve as a viable candidate for the treatment of S. aureus infection. It exhibited no toxic or side effects on normal tissues. The results suggest that benzothiazole-modified ruthenium complexes may have potential as membrane-active antimicrobials against drug-resistant bacterial infections.

Fatal Orbital Cellulitis With Intracranial Abscess: A Case Report.

Orbital cellulitis is a sight- and life-threatening condition. Prompt diagnosis and immediate intervention are required. We report a case of fatal odontogenic orbital cellulitis complicated with intracranial abscesses in a 55-year-old gentleman. The patient presented with painful swelling of the left eye associated with reduced eye movement, blurry vision, and a headache. There was generalized periodontitis. Initial imaging was suggestive of left eye orbital cellulitis with intracranial abscess, and intensive systemic antibiotic therapy was initiated. After six weeks of antibiotic therapy, there was an improvement in ocular signs and symptoms. However, the patient developed signs of meningism with a persistent fever. Serial brain imaging demonstrated worsening intracranial abscesses. The patient died eight weeks after the initial onset of presentation. This case emphasized that brain abscesses could be a fatal complication of odontogenic orbital cellulitis. A high index of suspicion is important in diagnosing orbital cellulitis and its complications. Early consideration of surgical intervention is necessary in cases not responding to antibiotic therapy.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of ruthenium complexes containing phenylseleny against Gram-positive bacterial infection by damage membrane integrity and avoid drug-resistance.

Compounds modified with selenium atom as potential antibacterial agents have been exploited to combat the nondrug-resistant bacterial infection. In this study, we designed and synthesized four ruthenium complexes retouching of selenium-ether. Fortunately, those four ruthenium complexes shown excellent antibacterial bioactive (MIC: 1.56-6.25 µg/mL) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and the most active complex Ru(II)-4 could kill S. aureus by targeting the membrane integrity and avoid the bacteria to evolve drug resistance. Moreover, Ru(II)-4 was found to significantly inhibit the formation of biofilms and biofilm eradicate capacity. In toxicity experiments, Ru(II)-4 exhibited poor hemolysis and low mammalian toxicity. To illustrate the antibacterial mechanism: we conducted scanning electron microscope (SEM), fluorescent staining, membrane rupture and DNA leakage assays. Those results demonstrated that Ru(II)-4 could destroy the integrity of bacterial cell membrane. Furthermore, both G. mellonella wax worms infection model and mouse skin infection model were established to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Ru(II)-4 in vivo, the results indicated that Ru(II)-4 was a potential candidate for combating S. aureus infections, and almost non-toxic to mouse tissue. Thus, all the results indicated that introducing selenium-atom into ruthenium compounds were a promising strategy for developing interesting antibacterial agents.

Coumarin-modified ruthenium complexes by disrupting bacterial membrane to combat Gram-positive bacterial infection.

Antibiotic abuse has caused the generation of drug-resistant bacteria and a series of infections induced by multidrug-resistant bacteria have become a threat to human health. Facing the failure of traditional antibiotics, antibacterial drugs with new molecular and action modes urgently need to be developed. In this study, ruthenium complexes containing coumarin were designed and synthesized. By altering the structure of the ancillary ligand, we explored the biological activities of four ruthenium complexes against Staphylococcus aureus. Among them, Ru(II)-1 with the best antibacterial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration: 1.56 µg mL-1) was used for further investigations. Surprisingly, Ru(II)-1 could significantly inhibit the formation of biofilm and hinder the development of drug-resistant bacteria. Besides, Ru(II)-1 also exhibited excellent biocompatibility. Antibacterial mechanism studies suggested that Ru(II)-1 could target the bacterial cell membrane and combine with the phospholipid component of the membrane (phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine) and generate reactive oxygen species to induce an oxidative stress response, which resulted in the damage of membrane integrity, finally leading bacteria death. Moreover, antibacterial tests in G. mellonella larvae and mice in vivo model indicated that Ru(II)-1 had the potential to combat S. aureus infection. Therefore, all the above results showed that ruthenium complexes modified with coumarin could be a promising antibacterial agent to tackle bacterial infection problems.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of ruthenium complexes bearing the 1,2,4-triazole group as potential membrane-targeting antibacterial agents towards Staphylococcus aureus.

Bacterial infection is one of the most serious public health problems, being harmful to human health and expensive. Nowadays, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of drug resistance. Therefore, it is an urgent need to develop new antimicrobial agents to address the current situation. In this study, four 1,2,4-triazole ruthenium polypyridine complexes [Ru(bpy)2(TPIP)](PF6)2 (Ru1), [Ru(dmb)2(TPIP)](PF6)2 (Ru2), [Ru(dtb)2(TPIP)](PF6)2 (Ru3) and [Ru(dmob)2(TPIP)](PF6)2 (Ru4) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, dmb = 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine, dtb = 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine, dmob = 4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine and TPIP = 2-(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) were synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial activity. Results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of Ru3 against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was only 0.78 µg mL-1, showing the best antimicrobial activity in vitro. Besides, Ru3 showed low hemolytic activity and good biocompatibility. Due to its ability to damage the cell membrane of Staphylococcus bacteria, Ru3 was able to kill bacteria in a short time. Importantly, by inhibiting bacterial toxins and the formation of biofilm, Ru3 was not susceptible to the development of drug resistance. Moreover, Ru3 revealed excellent therapeutic effects in vivo and showed no irritation to the skin of mice. In conclusion, the four obtained 1,2,4-triazole ruthenium polypyridine complexes show strong antibacterial activity and satisfactory biocompatibility with excellent potential for antibacterial treatment, and provide a new solution for the current antibacterial crisis.

The Phylogenetic Significance of Fruit Structures in the Family Cornaceae of China and Related Taxa.

The fruit morphological structures of the Cornaceae of China and related taxa were studied using the wax GMA semi-thin section method and other methods to identify characters useful in delimiting clades circumscribed in previous molecular phylogenetic studies. Maximum parsimony analyses of 27 fruit structural characters resulted in a generally poorly resolved strict consensus tree, yet one whose major clades matched those revealed previously. Cornaceae of China and related taxa are recognized in four significant clades with the following fruit structural features: (1) Helwingia, fruits lack trichome, the abdominal vascular bundles are close to the endocarp, and the endocarp sclereid is elongated; (2) Aucuba, single-cell lanceolate trichomes, pericarp without secretory structure; (3) Torricellia, polygon and elongated sclereids in the endocarp, pericarp without crystal and tannin; and (4) Cornus sensu lato, the trichome is T-shaped, the abdominal ventral bundle is absent, and the endocarp sclereid is nearly round. In Cornus sensu lato, this document supported that the cornelian cherries (CC, subg. Cornus) and the big-bracted dogwoods (BB, subg. Syncarpea) are sister groups. The dwarf dogwoods (DW, subg. Arctocrania) are sister to them, and the blue- or white-fruited dogwoods (BW, subg. Kraniopsis, subg. Yinquania, and subg. Mesomora) are the base of the Cornus sensu lato clade. The number of cell layers of endocarps and the types of crystals afford sound evidence for identifying their relationship. This study indicated that the fruit structures of Cornaceae might provide morphological and anatomical evidence for molecular phylogeny.

Falls, frailty, and metabolic syndrome in urban dwellers aged 55 years and over in the Malaysian elders longitudinal research (MELoR) study - a cross-sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: While metabolic syndrome, falls, and frailty are common health issues among older adults which are likely to be related, the potential interplay between these three conditions has not previously been investigated. We investigated the relationship between metabolic syndrome with falls, and the role of frailty markers in this potential relationship, among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS: Data from the first wave Malaysian Elders Longitudinal Research (MELoR) study comprising urban dwellers aged 55 years and above were utilized. Twelve-month fall histories were established during home-based, computer-assisted interviews which physical performance, anthropometric and laboratory measures were obtained during a hospital-based health check. Gait speed, exhaustion, weakness, and weight loss were employed as frailty markers. RESULTS: Data were available for 1415 participants, mean age of 68.56 ± 7.26 years, 57.2% women. Falls and metabolic syndrome were present in 22.8% and 44.2%, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and multiple comorbidities, metabolic syndrome was significantly associated with falls in the sample population [odds ratio (OR): 1.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.03; 1.72]. This relationship was attenuated by the presence of slow gait speed, but not exhaustion, weakness, or weight loss. CONCLUSION: Metabolic syndrome was independently associated with falls among older adults, and this relationship was accounted for by the presence of slow gait speed. Future studies should determine the value of screening for frailty and falls with gait speed in older adults with metabolic syndrome as a potential fall prevention measure.