Multiscale CO2 Electrocatalysis to C2+ Products: Reaction Mechanisms, Catalyst Design, and Device Fabrication.

Electrosynthesis of value-added chemicals, directly from CO2, could foster achievement of carbon neutral through an alternative electrical approach to the energy-intensive thermochemical industry for carbon utilization. Progress in this area, based on electrogeneration of multicarbon products through CO2 electroreduction, however, lags far behind that for C1 products. Reaction routes are complicated and kinetics are slow with scale up to the high levels required for commercialization, posing significant problems. In this review, we identify and summarize state-of-art progress in multicarbon synthesis with a multiscale perspective and discuss current hurdles to be resolved for multicarbon generation from CO2 reduction including atomistic mechanisms, nanoscale electrocatalysts, microscale electrodes, and macroscale electrolyzers with guidelines for future research. The review ends with a cross-scale perspective that links discrepancies between different approaches with extensions to performance and stability issues that arise from extensions to an industrial environment.

A Novel Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Specifically Improving the Solubility and Antioxidant Activities of Edible Bird's Nest.

Edible bird's nest (EBN), a most highly priced and valuable foodstuff, contains high percentage of proteins and carbohydrates. However, proteins adhering to these carbohydrates make the EBN hard and tough, which need to be boiled as the bird's nest soup to make the Chinese cuisine. To overcome the hard and tough texture of EBN and improve the digestion degrees, the present study screened and identified a probiotic strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YZW02 from 5-year stored EBN sample completely solubilizing EBN for the first time. The 24-h B. amyloliquefaciens fermented EBN contained 20.30-21.48 mg/mL of the soluble protein contents with a recovery rate of 98-100%, DPPH radical scavenging rate of 84.76% and ABTS radical scavenging capacity of 41.05%. The mixed fermentation of B. amyloliquefaciens YZW02 and Bacillus natto BN1 were further applied to improve the low-MW peptide percentages and antioxidant activities. The mixed-fermentation of B. natto BN1 with 4-h cultured B. amyloliquefaciens YZW02 had the lowest percentage (82.23%) of >12-kDa proteins/peptides and highest percentages of 3-12 kDa, 1-3 kDa and 0.1-1 kDa peptides of 8.6% ± 0.08, 7.57% ± 0.09, 1.77% ± 0.05 and 0.73% ± 0.05, with the highest DPPH, ABTS and •OH scavenging capacity of 90.23%, 46.45% and 49.12%, respectively. These findings would provide an efficient strategy for improving the solubility and antioxidant activities of EBNs.

CO2 Reduction: From Homogeneous to Heterogeneous Electrocatalysis.

Due to increasing worldwide fossil fuel consumption, carbon dioxide levels have increased in the atmosphere with increasingly important impacts on the environment. Renewable and clean sources of energy have been proposed, including wind and solar, but they are intermittent and require efficient and scalable energy storage technologies. Electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) provides a valuable approach in this area. It combines solar- or wind-generated electrical production with energy storage in the chemical bonds of carbon-based fuels. It can provide ways to integrate carbon capture, utilization, and storage in energy cycles while maintaining controlled levels of atmospheric CO2. Electrochemistry allows for the utilization of an electrical input to drive chemical reactions. Because CO2 is kinetically inert, highly active catalysts are required to decrease reaction barriers sufficiently so that reaction rates can be achieved that are sufficient for electrochemical CO2 reduction. Given the reaction barriers associated with multiple electron-proton reduction of CO2 to CO, formaldehyde (HC(O)H), formic acid, or formate (HC(O)OH, HC(O)O-), or more highly reduced forms of carbon, there is also a demand for high selectivity in catalysis. Catalysts that have been explored include homogeneous catalysts in solution, catalysts immobilized on surfaces, and heterogeneous catalysts. In homogeneous catalysis, reduction occurs following diffusion of the catalyst to an electrode where multiple proton coupled electron transfer reduction occurs. Useful catalysts in this area are typically transition-metal complexes with organic ligands and electron transfer properties that utilize combinations of metal and ligand redox levels. As a way to limit the amount of catalyst, in device-like configurations, catalysts are added to the surfaces of conductive substrates by surface binding, in polymeric films, or on carbon electrode surfaces with molecular structures and electronic configurations related to catalysts in solution. Immobilized, homogeneous catalysts can suffer from performance losses and even decomposition during long-term CO2 reduction cycles, but they are amenable to detailed mechanistic investigations. In parallel efforts, heterogeneous nanocatalysts have been explored in detail with the development of facile synthetic procedures that can offer highly active catalytic surface areas. Their high activity and stability have attracted a significant level of investigation, including possible exploitation for large-scale applications. However, translation of catalytic reactivity to the surface creates a new reactivity environment and complicates the elucidation of mechanistic details and identification of the active site in exploring reaction pathways. Here, the results of previous studies based on transition-metal complex catalysts for CO2 electroreduction are summarized. Early studies showed that transition-metal complexes of Ru, Ir, Rh, and Os, with well-defined structures, are all capable of catalyzing CO2 reduction to CO or formate. Derivatives of the complexes were surface attached to conducting electrodes by chemical bonding, noncovalent bonding, or polymerization. The concept of surface binding has also been extended to the preparation of surface area electrodes by the chemically controlled deposition of nanostructured catalysts such as nano tin, nano copper, and nano carbon, all of which have been shown to have high selectivities and activities toward CO2 reduction. In our presentation, we end this Account with recent advances and a perspective about the application of electrocatalysis in carbon dioxide reduction.

Heterogeneous electrochemical CO2 reduction using nonmetallic carbon-based catalysts: current status and future challenges.

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) offers an important pathway for renewable energy storage and fuels production. It still remains a challenge in designing highly selective, energy-efficient, robust, and cost-effective electrocatalysts to facilitate this kinetically slow process. Metal-free carbon-based materials have features of low cost, good electrical conductivity, renewability, diverse structure, and tunability in surface chemistry. In particular, surface functionalization of carbon materials, for example by doping with heteroatoms, enables access to unique active site architectures for CO2 adsorption and activation, leading to interesting catalytic performances in ECR. We aim to provide a comprehensive review of this category of metal-free catalysts for ECR, providing discussions and/or comparisons among different nonmetallic catalysts, and also possible origin of catalytic activity. Fundamentals and some future challenges are also described.

[Studies on the Analytical Potential Energies for Partial Electronic States of Li(2) with Variational Algebraic Energy Consistent Method].

The full vibrational spectra especially those high-lying vibrational energies in the dissociation region of four specific electronic states 1(3)Δ(g), 33Σ(+)(g), 1(3)Σ-(g) and b(3)Π(u) have been obtained by using the improved variational algebraic method (VAM). The analytical potential energy functions (APEFs) of these electronic states are also determined with corresponding adjustable parameter λ by using the variational algebraic energy consistent method (VAECM) based on the VAM vibrational spectra. The full vibrational energies, vibrational spectroscopic constants, force constants f(n), and expansion coefficients a(n) of the VAECM potential are also tabulated for each electronic state in this study. The results show that the VAECM analytical potentials are superior to some other widely used analytical ones, and do not have the unphysical tiny barriers existing in the precious AECM potentials.

Boosting CO2 electrocatalysis through electrical double layer regulations.

Interfacial investigation for fine-tuning microenvironment has recently emerged as a promising method to optimize the electrochemical CO2 reduction system. The electrical double layer located at the electrode-electrolyte interface presents a particularly significant impact on electrochemical reactions. However, its effect on the activity and selectivity of CO2 electrocatalysis remains poorly understood. Here, we utilized two-dimensional mica flakes, a material with a high dielectric constant, to modify the electrical double layer of Ag nanoparticles. This modification resulted in a significant enhancement of current densities for CO2 reduction and an impressive Faradaic efficiency of 98% for CO production. Our mechanistic investigations suggest that the enhancement of the electrical double layer capacitance through mica modification enriched local CO2 concentration near the reaction interface, thus facilitating CO2 electroreduction.

[Vibrational levels and dissociation energies of diatomic systems using algebraic method].

The fixed order in the algebraic method (AM) suggested by Sun et al. is changed to be a flexible one in the vibrational energy expansion because the order of diatomic potential energy expansion may not be a constant. The AM with a flexible order was used to tackle the possible "butterfly effect" that may be encountered in spectroscopic computations, and to study the full vibrational levels {E(v)} and the dissociation energies D(e) for N2 - a'(1) sigma(u)(-), Li2(+) - 2 2sigma(g)(+), 4HeD(+) - X 1sigma(-) and 39K 85Rb- (2) 3sigma(+) electronic systems. The results reproduced all known experimental vibrational energies, and predicted correct dissociation energies and all unknown high-lying levels that may not be given if one uses original AM. The calculations showed that the modified AM can be extended to study the full vibrational spectra for many more diatomic systems.

[Studies on the Q-branch spectral lines of high-lying rovibrational transitions of diatomic system].

An analytical formula was proposed recently to predict the accurate P-branch spectral lines of rovibrational transitions for diatomic systems by taking multiple spectral differences. A similar analytical expression was suggested here to predict the Q-branch spectral lines of rovibrational transitions. This formula was applied to study the high-lying Q-branch emission spectra of the (4,1) and (3,1) bands of the A 1Π - X1 Σ+ system of IrN molecule using fifteen known accurate experimental transition data. The results show that not only the known experimental transition lines were reproduced but also the correct values of the unknown spectral lines were predicted.

Triglyceride-Glucose Index and New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Background: New-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) is associated with worse prognostic outcomes in cases diagnosed with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, as a credible and convenient marker of insulin resistance, has been shown to be predictive of outcomes for STEMI patients following revascularization. The association between TyG index and NOAF among STEMI patients following PCI, however, has not been established to date. Objective: To assess the utility of the TyG index as a predictor of NOAF incidence in STEMI patients following PCI, and to assess the relationship between NOAF and long-term all-cause mortality. Methods: This retrospective cohort research enrolled 549 STEMI patients that had undergone PCI, with these patients being clustered into the NOAF group and sinus rhythm (SR) group. The predictive relevance of TyG index was evaluated through logistic regression analyses and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Kaplan-Meier curve was employed to explore differences in the long-term all-cause mortality between the NOAF and SR group. Results: NOAF occurred in 7.7% of the enrolled STEMI patients after PCI. After multivariate logistic regression analysis, the TyG index was found to be an independent predictor of NOAF [odds ratio (OR): 8.884, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.570-50.265, P = 0.014], with ROC curve analyses further supporting the predictive value of this parameter, which exhibited an area under ROC curve of 0.758 (95% CI: 0.720-0.793, P < 0.001). All-cause mortality rates were greater for patients in the NOAF group in comparison with the SR group over a median 35-month follow-up period (log-rank P = 0.002). Conclusions: The TyG index exhibits values as an independent predictor of NOAF during hospitalization, which indicated a poorer prognosis after a relatively long-term follow-up.

A method for predicting the molar heat capacities of HBr and HCl gases based on the full set of molecular rovibrational energies.

A new method is presented for one to obtain the molar heat capacities of diatomic macroscopic gas with a full set of microscopic molecular rovibrational energies. Based on an accurate experimental vibrational energies subset of a diatomic electronic ground state, the full vibrational energies can be obtained by using the variational algebraic method (VAM), the potential energy curves (PECs) will be constructed by the Rydberg-Klein-Rees (RKR) method, the full set of rovibrational energies will be calculated by the LEVEL program, and then the partition functions and the molar heat capacities of macroscopic gas can be calculated with the help of the quantum statistical ensemble theory. Applying the method to the ground state HBr and HCl gases, it is found that the relative errors of the partition functions calculated in the temperature range of 300 âˆ¼ 6000 K are in excellent agreement with those obtained from TIPS database, and the calculated molar heat capacities are closer to the experimental values than those calculated by other methods without considering the energy levels of highly excited quantum states. The present method provides an effective new way for one to obtain the full set of molecular rovibrational energies and the molar heat capacities of macroscopic gas through the microscopic spectral information of a diatomic system.

The Relationship between Red Cell Distribution Width and Residual SYNTAX Scores in ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

OBJECTIVE: Residual SYNTAX score (rSS) values have been suggested to serve as an independent predictor of mortality in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Prior work has also indicated that red cell distribution width (RDW) can predict the incidence of major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) in STEMI patients. As such, we sought to explore the relationship between RDW and rSS in STEMI patients that have undergone PCI. METHODS: In total, 456 eligible patients were recruited for this study. Youden's index was used to calculate the optimal RDW cut-off value, after which the relationship between RDW and rSS values was assessed through Spearman's correlation analyses. Independent predictors of high rSS levels were then identified via multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Patients were separated into two groups based upon whether they exhibited high RDW levels (>13.9, Group 1) or low RDW levels (<13.9, Group 2). The average rSS value of patients in Group 2 was found to be significantly decreased compared to patients in Group 1 (P < 0.001). RDW values were found to be positively correlated with rSS (r = 0.604, P < 0.001), and multivariate logistic regression analysis determined that high RDW levels were independently predictive of higher rSS (OR = 27.1 [14.8-51.7]; P < 0.001). Additionally, a nomogram incorporating RDW exhibited good calibration, discriminative capacity, and clinical utility. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, RDW is strongly correlated with rSS in STEMI patients following PCI, with high RDW levels serving as an independent predictor of high rSS in this patient population.

Sildenafil improves right ventricular remodelling in monocrotaline-induced rats by decreasing myocardial apoptosis and activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of sildenafil on monocrotaline-induced right ventricular (RV) remodeling and investigate the possible mechanism. METHODS: Rats were subcutaneously injected with monocrotaline to establish an RV remodeling model and then administered sildenafil (25 mg/kg) from days 1 to 28. After 28 days of administration, the RV systolic pressure and the RV hypertrophy index (RVHI) were measured. The morphology of the right ventricle was observed by H&E staining. The ultrastructure of the right ventricle was observed using a transmission electron microscope. The myocardial apoptosis of the right ventricle was evaluated by TUNEL staining. The protein expression of apoptosis-related proteins and PPARs were examined by western blotting. KEY FINDINGS: The results indicated that sildenafil decreased the RV systolic pressure and RVHI, and improved the microstructure and ultrastructure of the right ventricle in monocrotaline-induced rats. In addition, sildenafil suppressed myocardial apoptosis and promoted the protein expression of PPARs of the right ventricle in monocrotaline-induced rats. CONCLUSION: Sildenafil inhibits RV remodeling in monocrotaline-induced rats, which might be partially mediated by reducing myocardial apoptosis and activating PPARs.

Combined effects of all-trans-retinoic acid and trichostatin A on the induction of differentiation of thyroid carcinoma cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The effectiveness rate of all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) is only about 30% in the clinical application of inducing thyroid carcinoma differentiation. In addition, there are severe toxic side effects, which limit its clinical application. Phase I-III clinical studies have been conducted on the combined application of two or more kinds of inductors in tumors. Nevertheless, the combination of RA with histone deacetylase inhibitors is rarely reported. This article studied the effects of differentiation for papillary thyroid carcinoma and follicular thyroid carcinoma cell lines induced by RA combined with trichostatin A (TSA), enhancing the effect of induction, while reducing the toxic side effects of a single drug, to provide a theoretical basis for preclinical trials. METHODS: After incubation with RA combined with TSA, K1 and FTC-133 were grouped into Group 1 (RA 10(-4) mol/L plus TSA 1.65 x 10(-7) mol/L), Group 2 (RA 1 x 10(-4) mol/L plus TSA 3.31 x 10(-7) mol/L), Group 3 (RA 10(-5) mol/L plus TSA 1.65 x 10(-7) mol/L), Group 4 (RA 1 x10(-5) mol/L plus TSA 3.31 x 10(-7) mol/L) by four varied concentrations and three time points (12 h, 24 h, and 48 h). The cell proliferation, conformation, toxic effect, and induced differentiation on K1 and FTC-133 cell lines were studied microscopically with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) to observe cell quantity and morphology, methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium (MTT) to calculate cell survival rates, and electrochemiluminescence analysis measuring in vitro thyroglobulin (Tg) levels. RESULTS: The research showed that K1 and FTC-133 cells had cell spacing increases, with an outer edge of smooth, nuclear chromatin condensation after RA combined TSA. Survival rate were assessed by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) by concentration and time point, F values of K1 and FTC-133 were 23.52 and 170.14, and 57.09 and 224.35, respectively. There were significant differences for both cells (P < 0.01). The SNK analysis indicated that survival rates were in the order of Group 2 < Group 1 < Group 4 < Group 3. Tg was also assessed by ANOVA, F values of K1 were 69.63 and 101.07, and F values of FTC-133 were 79.77 and 81.72 (P < 0.01). Group 1 was compared with Group 3 of K1 and FTC-133 by the least significant difference (LSD) method, and there was no statistical difference between the two group (P = 0.06, 0.2, respectively; P > 0.05), yet a significant difference was seen between the other Groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lower concentrations of RA combined with lower concentrations of TSA have both inhibited cell proliferation, decreased toxicity of the drugs, and increased the effect of K1 and FTC-133 cell differentiation. The mechanism of action may be that TSA has pretranscription DNA regulation and that RA has posttranscriptional signal regulation to enhance the effects of inhibited proliferation and differentiation of cells by transcription systems.

The mobilization of splenic reservoir myeloid-derived suppressor cells in sepsis-induced myocardial injury.

BACKGROUND: Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play key roles in sepsis, but whether the bone marrow is considered the only source remains unclear. The current knowledge about the mechanism of MDSCs leading to myocardial injury in sepsis is poor. METHODS: In sepsis patients with cardiac dysfunction, the circulating percentage of CD14-CD11b+ and serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1ß were measured. A mouse sepsis model was established through caecum ligation and puncture (CLP). Animals were divided into four groups: control, sham, CLP and CLP+splenectomy (CLPS). Serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-1ß, TnI and NT-proBNP were measured. CD11b+Gr-1+ cells were detected by immunofluorescence staining and RT-PCR. Myocardial injury was detected by HE, Masson and TUNEL staining. The expression of mTOR, P53 and caspase-3 was measured by Western blot. RESULTS: In sepsis patients, circulating MDSCs were increased, and the serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1ß were elevated. The serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1ß were correlated with the ratio of circulating MDSCs. In the mouse sepsis model, the spleen was the major source of CD11b+Gr-1+ cells that migrated into circulation and the heart in sepsis. The serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-1ß were also elevated. Echocardiography and serum biomarkers showed that cardiomyocyte damage and cardiac hypofunction in sepsis-induced myocardial injury. The expression of CD11b, Gr-1 and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the heart was significantly higher in sepsis patients than that in controls. Pathological staining and TUNEL staining showed obvious myocardial damage and cell apoptosis. The Western blot analysis indicated that in the heart, the activation of mTOR was inhibited and that the expression of P53 and caspase-3 was elevated in sepsis-induced myocardial injury. CONCLUSION: In sepsis-induced myocardial injury, splenic reservoir CD11b+Gr-1+ cells rapidly migrated into circulation and the heart, further impairing heart function via the high expression of P53 through the inhibition of mTOR.

Supercritical Fluid-Facilitated Exfoliation and Processing of 2D Materials.

Since the first intercalation of layered silicates by using supercritical CO2 as a processing medium, considerable efforts have been dedicated to intercalating and exfoliating layered two-dimensional (2D) materials in various supercritical fluids (SCFs) to yield single- and few-layer nanosheets. Here, recent work in this area is highlighted. Motivating factors for enhancing exfoliation efficiency and product quality in SCFs, mechanisms for exfoliation and dispersion in SCFs, as well as general metrics applied to assess quality and processability of exfoliated 2D materials are critically discussed. Further, advances in formation and application of 2D material-based composites with assistance from SCFs are presented. These discussions address chemical transformations accompanying SCF processing such as doping, covalent surface modification, and heterostructure formation. Promising features, challenges, and routes to expanding SCF processing techniques are described.

Expression of B2 Receptor on Circulating CD34-Positive Cells and Outcomes of Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Bradykinin B2 receptor (B2R) is a widely expressed cell surface receptor. The relationship between B2R expression on circulating CD34+ cells and prognosis of myocardial infarction remains unknown. METHODS: We analyzed the expression of B2R on circulating CD34-positive cells and plasma VEGF concentration in 174 myocardial infarction patients. All involved patients were divided into two groups: high B2R group and low B2R group according to the median B2R expression percentage. 48 months of follow-up was performed. The endpoints were heart failure and revascularization. RESULTS: The plasma level of VEGF in the low B2R group is 67 ± 12 pg/mL, whereas the high B2R group has significantly elevated VEGF levels of 145 ± 27 pg/mL (P < 0.001). The concentration of VEGF has correlated with expression of B2R (r = 0.574, P < 0.001). During the 48 months of follow-up, low expression of B2 receptor on circulating CD34-positive cells indicates the high incidence of heart failure (hazard ratio: 2.247; 95% confidence interval: 1.110-4.547; P = 0.024) and revascularization (hazard ratio: 2.335; 95% confidence interval: 1.075-5.074; P = 0.032). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the cumulative hazard of heart failure (P = 0.014) and revascularization (P = 0.032) has significant differences between low B2R and high B2R. CONCLUSION: Low expression of B2R on circulating progenitor cells indicated the poor outcomes of myocardial infarction.

High-yield production of few-layer boron nanosheets for efficient electrocatalytic N2 reduction.

We report ambient electrochemical N2 fixation at low overpotentials by using two-dimensional (2D) ß-boron. The metal-free catalyst afforded both an excellent NH3 yield rate and faradaic efficiency, approximately two times higher than those of bulk boron. We found that several binding sites, especially those involving icosahedral boron in the 2D material, can indeed catalyze N2 reduction efficiently with strong N2 adsorption, thus benefiting initial activation.

Prevalence of gingival recession after orthodontic treatment of infraversion and open bite.

PURPOSE: Aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of gingival recession and related factors in teeth with low occlusal function (open bite and infraversion) after orthodontic treatment. METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2017, 403 patients received orthodontic treatment. Their gingival recession and related factors before and after treatment were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The prevalence of gingival recession in patients with infraversion and open bite after orthodontic treatment were 80.6 and 75.0%, respectively; these values were 43.4 and 47.5% before treatment, respectively. Notably, the Miller index of gingival recession increased after orthodontic treatment (P < 0.05). The risk of gingival recession in patients with infraversion or open bite after orthodontic treatment was remarkably higher than the risk in other patients (odds ratio [OR] = 16.712 and 5.073, respectively); the gingival recession rate was related to treatment with tooth extraction (OR = 2.043), as well as gingival biotype (OR = 0.341) and gingival index (GI) before orthodontic treatment (OR = 97.404; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with these two types of low occlusal function are more likely to exhibit gingival recession after orthodontic treatment. Moreover, the prevalence of gingival recession after orthodontic treatment is higher among patients who have undergone tooth extraction during orthodontic treatment, and among those who exhibit thin gingival biotype and high gingival index before orthodontic treatment.

Long noncoding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 promotes doxorubicin­resistant breast cancer by binding to enhancer of zeste homolog 2.

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the long noncoding RNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 (CASC9) on doxorubicin (DOX)­resistant breast cancer and to reveal the potential underlying mechanisms. The expression of CASC9 in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, in addition to drug­resistant breast cancer cells (MCF­7/DOX), was detected by reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Subsequently, MCF­7/DOX cells were transfected with the silencing vector pS­CASC9, containing enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) or control small interfering (si)RNAs. The viability, apoptosis, migration and invasion of the transfected cells were assessed via an MTT assay, flow cytometry and a Transwell assay, respectively. The expression levels of apoptosis­associated proteins (apoptosis regulator Bcl­2, apoptosis regulator BAX, caspase­3 and caspase­9) were determined by western blotting. An RNA pull­down assay was performed to identify CASC9­binding candidates. In addition, the expression levels of the MDR1 gene and its encoded protein, P­glycoprotein, were detected. CASC9 expression was upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cell lines, and drug­resistant breast cancer cells. CASC9 knockdown significantly inhibited the growth and metastasis of drug­resistant breast cancer cells, and decreased the half­maximal inhibitory concentration DOX in MCF­7/DOX cells. The RNA pull­down assay revealed that CASC9 engaged EZH2; EZH2 siRNA significantly inhibited the cell growth, metastasis and chemoresistance of MCF­7/DOX cells. Additionally, EZH2 may regulate the MDR1 gene. The present study demonstrated the oncogenic role of CASC9 in drug­resistant breast cancer by binding to EZH2 and regulating the MDR1 gene. Modulation of CASC9 expression may be a promising target in the therapy of breast cancer and drug­resistant breast cancer.

Twenty-four-hour blood pressure variability plays a detrimental role in the neurological outcome of hemorrhagic stroke.

Background Blood pressure variability (BPV) is a modifiable risk factor for stroke. This study was performed to determine the prognostic role of BPV in patients with acute hemorrhagic stroke. Methods The data of 131 hospitalized hypertensive patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) were collected. All patients underwent examinations using several neurological scales (Glasgow Coma Scale, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and modified Rankin scale [mRS]) and BP measurements at different time points. Results Sex, age, hematoma volume, and neurological scores were not significantly different between patients with a favorable and unfavorable prognosis for sICH. However, significant differences were found in hypertension, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, atrial fibrillation, smoking, and stroke history. The standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and maximum-minimum range (Max-Min) of diastolic BP and the mean, SD, CV, and Max-Min of systolic BP significantly differed between the groups. Statistical analysis also demonstrated correlations between the 90-day mRS score and BPV and between systolic BPV and the 90-day mRS score. Conclusion High systolic or diastolic BPV within 24 hours of hemorrhagic stroke onset is associated with the 90-day neurological prognosis. The 24-hour BPV plays a critical role in the neurological outcome of hemorrhagic stroke.