S100A11 promotes focal adhesion disassembly via myosin II-driven contractility and Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ entry.

S100A11 is a small Ca2+-activatable protein known to localize along stress fibers (SFs). Analyzing S100A11 localization in HeLa and U2OS cells further revealed S100A11 enrichment at focal adhesions (FAs). Strikingly, S100A11 levels at FAs increased sharply, yet transiently, just before FA disassembly. Elevating intracellular Ca2+ levels with ionomycin stimulated both S100A11 recruitment and subsequent FA disassembly. However, pre-incubation with the non-muscle myosin II (NMII) inhibitor blebbistatin or with an inhibitor of the stretch-activatable Ca2+ channel Piezo1 suppressed S100A11 recruitment, implicating S100A11 in an actomyosin-driven FA recruitment mechanism involving Piezo1-dependent Ca2+ influx. Applying external forces on peripheral FAs likewise recruited S100A11 to FAs even if NMII activity was inhibited, corroborating the mechanosensitive recruitment mechanism of S100A11. However, extracellular Ca2+ and Piezo1 function were indispensable, indicating that NMII contraction forces act upstream of Piezo1-mediated Ca2+ influx, in turn leading to S100A11 activation and FA recruitment. S100A11-knockout cells display enlarged FAs and had delayed FA disassembly during cell membrane retraction, consistent with impaired FA turnover in these cells. Our results thus demonstrate a novel function for S100A11 in promoting actomyosin contractility-driven FA disassembly.

Genotypic diversity and immunological implications of porcine circovirus: Inspiration from PCV1 to PCV4.

Porcine circovirus (PCV) is a group of DNA viruses that cause diseases in pigs, with multiple genotypes ranging from PCV1 to PCV4. PCV1 is generally considered non-pathogenic, while PCV2 can cause severe immune system damage, especially associated with porcine multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). PCV2 has a genetic homology of about 68 % but differs from PCV1 in antigenicity and phenotype. PCV3 and PCV4 have lower genetic homology with PCV1 and PCV2, with limited research available on their pathogenicity. During virus infection, the host's innate immune system detects PCVs through pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like TLRs and NLRs. PCV disrupts immune pathways, including interferon and NF-κB pathways, aiding viral replication and causing immunosuppression. This review systematically compares the characteristics and pathogenicity of different genotypes of PCV and their interactions with the host's immune system, aiming to better understand the mechanisms of PCV infection and provide a theoretical basis for prevention and treatment.

GLUT3-mediated cigarette smoke-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through the NF-kB/ZEB1 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Airway remodelling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a significant process during the occurrence of airway remodelling. Increasing evidence suggests that glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) is involved in the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process of various diseases. However, the role of GLUT3 in EMT in the airway epithelial cells of COPD patients remains unclear. METHODS: We detected the levels of GLUT3 in the peripheral lung tissue of COPD patients and cigarette smoke (CS)-exposed mice. Two Gene Expression Omnibus GEO datasets were utilised to analyse GLUT3 gene expression profiles in COPD. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect GLUT3 expression. In addition, we used the AAV9-GLUT3 inhibitor to reduce GLUT3 expression in the mice model. Masson's staining and lung function measurement were used detect the collagen deposition and penh in the mice. A cell study was performed to confirm the regulatory effect of GLUT3. Inhibition of GLUT3 expression with siRNA, Western blot, and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, vimentin, p65, and ZEB1. RESULTS: Based on the GEO data set analysis, GLUT3 expression in COPD patients was higher than in non-smokers. Moreover, GLUT3 was highly expressed in COPD patients, CS exposed mice, and BEAS-2B cells treated with CS extract (CSE). Further research revealed that down-regulation of GLUT3 significantly alleviated airway remodelling in vivo and in vitro. Lung function measurement showed that GLUT3 reduction reduced airway resistance in experimental COPD mice. Mechanistically, our study showed that reduction of GLUT3 inhibited CSE-induced EMT by down-regulating the NF-κB/ZEB1 pathway. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that CS enhances the expression of GLUT3 in COPD and further confirm that GLUT3 may regulate airway remodelling in COPD through the NF-κB/ZEB1 pathway; these findings have potential value in the diagnosis and treatment of COPD. The down-regulation of GLUT3 significantly alleviated airway remodelling and reduced airway resistance in vivo. Our observations uncover a key role of GLUT3 in modulating airway remodelling and shed light on the development of GLUT3-targeted therapeutics for COPD.

Integration of molecular docking, molecular dynamics and network pharmacology to explore the multi-target pharmacology of fenugreek against diabetes.

Fenugreek is an ancient herb that has been used for centuries to treat diabetes. However, how the fenugreek-derived chemical compounds work in treating diabetes remains unclarified. Herein, we integrate molecular docking and network pharmacology to elucidate the active constituents and potential mechanisms of fenugreek against diabetes. First, 19 active compounds from fenugreek and 71 key diabetes-related targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Then, molecular docking and simulations results suggest diosgenin, luteolin and quercetin against diabetes via regulation of the genes ESR1, CAV1, VEGFA, TP53, CAT, AKT1, IL6 and IL1. These compounds and genes may be key factors of fenugreek in treating diabetes. Cells results demonstrate that fenugreek has good biological safety and can effectively improve the glucose consumption of IR-HepG2 cells. Pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the anti-diabetic effect of fenugreek was regulated by the AGE-RAGE and NF-κB signalling pathways. It is mainly associated with anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory response and ß-cell protection. Our study identified the active constituents and potential signalling pathways involved in the anti-diabetic effect of fenugreek. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanism of the anti-diabetic effect of fenugreek. Finally, this study may help for developing anti-diabetic dietary supplements or drugs based on fenugreek.

Determination of the surface properties and adsorption states of nanoporous materials using the zeta adsorption isotherm.

The adsorption process of porous materials has always been a popular field of research in interfacial physics, and the surface physical parameters of materials can be obtained from their adsorption characteristics, which has a great influence on the performance of materials. Based on the zeta adsorption isotherm, we propose a method based on the zeta adsorption isotherm to predict the entire adsorption process of porous materials and determine material surface properties from the measured isotherm data in the heterogeneity-free range. We applied the zeta constants of the silica adsorption system to the corresponding adsorption isotherm of the porous material. The results showed that the predicted adsorption isotherms are in good agreement with the experimental measurements before pore filling and can effectively identify the pressure ratios at the beginning and end of pore filling. In the region of high-pressure ratios, the Kelvin equation was utilized to calculate the pressure ratio at a contact angle of 0°. The surface parameters of the materials were determined by geometrically calculating the variation of the adsorption amount and the desorption isotherms in the high-pressure ratio range were calculated from these surface parameters. The predicted desorption isotherms can well reflect the adsorption process of silica porous materials in the region of a high-pressure ratio. In addition, for the surface parameters of the materials, the specific surface area calculated from the adsorption and desorption isotherms, respectively, differed by less than 7.9%, and the reliability of the method was verified by comparing the results with those of the argon adsorption systems.

Fatal Chryseobacterium indologenes infection in a captive red-shanked Douc langur (Pygathrix nemaeus).

We report a case of fatal Chryseobacterium indologenes infection in a captive juvenile red-shanked Douc langur in Singapore Zoo. The animal was treated for suspected melioidosis but died within 48 h. Chryseobacterium indolegenes was isolated from the liver and should be included as a differential for bacterial infections in the tropics.

[Historical evolution of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction].

Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction, first seen in Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Cold Damage Diseases, was composed of seven medicinal materials: Inulae Flos, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Ginseng Radix, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Haematitum, Pinelliae Rhizoma and Jujubae Fructus. It was used to treat gastric fullness and hardness and belching due to the wrong treatment of typhoid fever and sweating. With detailed records and description in ancient medical books, Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction was widely adopted in clinical practice by physicians of later generations, which expanded its main therapeutic functions. By comprehensive collation of ancient and modern literature on Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction, this paper systematically explored the historical evolution of the prescription from the source, composition, dosage, processing, clinical application, function interpretation and decocting method. It was found that the composition and processing method of the prescription in the past dynasties were relatively consistent, and there was a gradual decrease in dosage in clinical application. In ancient times, Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction was mainly used to treat nausea, vomiting, hiccups, constipation, etc., while modern clinicians mainly used it for digestive diseases such as reflux esophagitis and gastritis. Through the analysis and textual research, the composition, dosage, processing, function evolution and decocting method of this prescription were determined, which provided reference for the research and development of compound preparations of Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction.

[Anti-tumor and analgesic activity evaluation and mechanism of Compound Kushen Injection].

This study aims to evaluate the anti-tumor and analgesic activities of Compound Kushen Injection(CKI) based on zebrafish model in vivo and investigate the anti-tumor mechanism. To be specific, zebrafish tumor xenotransplantation model was established by microinjection of murine LPC H12 cells into yolk sac. Then the high-dose CKI(H-CKI), medium-dose CKI(M-CKI), low-dose CKI(L-CKI) groups, and the model group were set. The anti-tumor activity of CKI was evaluated with the tumor area growth fold and integral absorbance(IA) growth fold 72 h after administration. The peripheral pain and central pain in zebrafish were respectively induced with acetic acid(AA) and phorbol myristate acetate(PMA). Zebralab ViewPoint system was employed to monitor behavioral trajectory of zebrafish, and movement times, movement time, movement distance, and movement velocity were used to evaluate the analgesic activity of CKI. Finally, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of apoptosis-related B lymphocyte tumor-2(Bcl-2) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3 K)/protein kinase B(Akt or PKB) pathway-related genes, for the verification of the anti-tumor mechanism. Compared with the model group, M-CKI and H-CKI significantly reduced the growth folds of tumor area and IA, relief the peripheral pain and central pain. The mechanism was that CKI can up-regulate the expression of cysteine aspartic acid specific protease-3(caspase-3, Casp3) and caspase-9(Casp9), down-regulate the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3 K) and Akt, and significantly reduce the expression of Bcl-2, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). In conclusion, CKI has significant inhibitory effect on tumor growth and pain, which is related to the PI3 K/Akt signaling pathway. The pathway mediates cell apoptosis, suppresses tumor growth, and alleviates tumor pain.

Atomistic investigation on the kinetic behavior of vapour adsorption and cluster evolution using a statistical rate theory approach.

The kinetic behavior of vapor adsorption on a solid surface in an isobaric-isothermal system is investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulations combined with theoretical studies through a statistical rate theory approach. The molecular insights into the formation and evolution of clusters in the adsorbate are presented. Results show that the argon vapor is adsorbed on the silicon surface as different types of clusters. In the initial stage of adsorption, the empty adsorption sites on the surface decrease, and the adsorbed single-molecule-cluster grows rapidly and dominates the interface. The increasing rate of the adsorbed cluster and the declining rate of the empty adsorption site are dependent on the pressure ratio. For a large pressure ratio, the single-molecule-clusters are aggregated to incubate large clusters, and the fraction of a single-molecule-cluster is decreased with time. When the adsorption isotherm is determined, the chemical potential of the adsorbed cluster is expressed from the zeta isotherm model. Then the adsorption kinetics are analyzed through the statistical rate theory. The molecular exchange rate and the instantaneous driving force are calculated. The higher pressure ratio induces the larger chemical potential difference and accelerates the net adsorption rate. The adsorption kinetics derived from MD simulations are in close agreement with the theoretical analysis of the statistical rate theory.

Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy May Not Provide Additional Benefit in Treating Patellar Dislocation With Increased Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove Distance: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To examine the indications and outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) with or without tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) in treating recurrent or habitual patellar dislocation with an increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. METHODS: We performed a literature search of the established medical databases Cochrane Central, PubMed-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science. The inclusion criteria were as follows: skeletally mature patients with recurrent or habitual patellar dislocation and an increased TT-TG distance, treatment with MPFLR combined with a TTO procedure or isolated MPFLR, and reporting of clinical outcomes and complications. Each study was assessed for quality and the level of evidence. The general characteristics, indications, surgical techniques, TT-TG distance, clinical results, imaging evaluation findings, and complications of each study were recorded. RESULTS: Nine studies consisting of 288 knees met the inclusion criteria. The average Coleman score was 71.56 (range, 55-83). The threshold for an increased TT-TG distance ranged from 16 to 20 mm in the included studies. Similar good postoperative outcomes were reported in patients with an increased TT-TG distance treated with MPFLR with versus without a TTO procedure. The mean postoperative Lysholm score ranged from 75.0 to 94.7 (I2 = 87.6%) in the isolated MPFLR group and from 85.0 to 87.6 (I2 = 16.3%) in the TTO-with-MPFLR group. Similar postoperative congruence angles were reported in both groups. The postoperative redislocation rate ranged from 0% to 4.2% in the TTO-with-MPFLR group, and no redislocation was found in the isolated MPFLR group. The postoperative apprehension sign was only reported in isolated MPFLR patients. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of MPFLR with or without TTO to treat recurrent or habitual patellar dislocation with an increased TT-TG distance appeared similar. However, this study was limited by the considerable heterogeneity, variety of techniques, variety of TT-TG distances, and variability in patella alta and trochlear dysplasia among the included studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of Level II to IV studies.

Molecular insight into the formation of adsorption clusters based on the zeta isotherm.

This work presents a series of molecular dynamics simulations of argon adsorption on a silicon substrate with different lattice orientations. From the simulation results, the density profiles are discussed and the amount of adsorbed particles is obtained at different pressures. It is found that the solid surface orientation has a great influence on the density distributions and atomic arrangements near the surface. With the collected data, the thermal constants derived from the expression of zeta adsorption isotherms are determined. The calculated isotherms agree well with the simulation results. Also, from a microscopic point of view, the molecular insights show that the structures of the adsorbates are present as clusters with different numbers of particles. The size of the clusters changes with pressure. At a relatively small pressure ratio, most of the clusters consist of a single molecule. As the pressure ratio increases, larger sized clusters appear, forming various cluster-types. The molecular cluster distributions are closely consistent with the basic approximation of the zeta adsorption isotherm. Furthermore, the surface adsorption sites determined from molecular dynamics simulation show good agreement with that predicted by the zeta isotherm model, which reaffirms the effectiveness of the theoretical model. When the isotherm is extended to a pressure ratio greater than unity, a finite amount of adsorption is predicted and the wetting conditions are obtained. Affected by the solid surface orientations, the pressure ratio at wetting for the silicon substrate with the (111) surface plane is larger than those of the (100) and (110) surfaces, indicating that a higher subcooling is required for the wetting transition.

Exosomes derived from hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate cognitive decline by rescuing synaptic dysfunction and regulating inflammatory responses in APP/PS1 mice.

Administration of exosomes derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) could improve some neurologic conditions by transferring functional biomolecules to recipient cells. Furthermore, exosomes from hypoxic progenitor cells exerted better therapeutic effects in organ injury through specific cargoes. However, there are no related reports about whether exosomes derived from MSCs or hypoxia-preconditioned MSCs (PC-MSCs) could prevent memory deficits in Alzheimer disease (AD). In this study, the exosomes derived from MSCs or PC-MSCs were systemically administered to transgenic APP/PS1 mice. The expression of miR-21 in MSCs was significantly increased after hypoxic treatment. Injection of exosomes from normoxic MSCs could rescue cognition and memory impairment according to results of the Morris water maze test, reduced plaque deposition, and Aß levels in the brain; could decrease the activation of astrocytes and microglia; could down-regulate proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1ß); and could up-regulate anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and -10) in AD mice, as well as reduce the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and NF-κB. Compared to the group administered exosomes from normoxic MSCs, in the group administered exosomes from PC-MSCs, learning and memory capabilities were significantly improved; the plaque deposition and Aß levels were lower, and expression of growth-associated protein 43, synapsin 1, and IL-10 was increased; and the levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and activation of STAT3 and NF-κB were sharply decreased. More importantly, exosomes from PC-MSCs effectively increased the level of miR-21 in the brain of AD mice. Additionally, replenishment of miR-21 restored the cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice and prevented pathologic features. Taken together, these findings suggest that exosomes from PC-MSCs could improve the learning and memory capabilities of APP/PS1 mice, and that the underlying mechanism may lie in the restoration of synaptic dysfunction and regulation of inflammatory responses through regulation of miR-21.-Cui, G.-H., Wu, J., Mou, F.-F., Xie, W.-H., Wang, F.-B., Wang, Q.-L., Fang, J., Xu, Y.-W., Dong, Y.-R., Liu, J.-R., Guo, H.-D. Exosomes derived from hypoxia-preconditioned mesenchymal stromal cells ameliorate cognitive decline by rescuing synaptic dysfunction and regulating inflammatory responses in APP/PS1 mice.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Heat Transport through Solid-Liquid Interface during Argon Droplet Evaporation on Heated Substrates.

This paper presents a series of molecular dynamics simulations of the evaporating process of an argon droplet on heated substrates and the energy transport mechanism through the solid-liquid interface. Results indicate that the mass density through the liquid-vapor interface decreases sharply when the evaporation is in the steady state. Meanwhile, there is an adsorption layer in the form of clusters at the solid-liquid interface, which has a higher mass density than the droplet inside. Furthermore, the wetting property of the solid substrate is related to the system's initial temperature and the solid-liquid potential energy parameter. The contact angle decreases with the increase of initial temperature and solid-liquid potential energy parameter. During the accelerated evaporation process, small part of energy transports into the liquid in the perpendicular direction to the solid-liquid interface and most of the energy transports along the parallel direction to the solid-liquid interface in the adsorption layer to the three-phase contact line. The heat-transfer process from the solid substrate to the droplet inside is hindered by the Kapitza resistance at the solid-liquid interface, no matter the solid substrate is hydrophilic or hydrophobic. Meanwhile, the Kapitza resistance gradually increases with the increase of the initial temperature and decreases with the increase of the solid-liquid energy parameter.

RVG-modified exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells rescue memory deficits by regulating inflammatory responses in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.

BACKGROUND: Exosomes are lipid-bilayer enclosed nano-sized vesicles that transfer functional cellular proteins, mRNA and miRNAs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived exosomes have been demonstrated to prevent memory deficits in the animal model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the intravenously injected exosomes could be abundantly tracked in other organs except for the targeted regions in the brain. Here, we proposed the use of central nervous system-specific rabies viral glycoprotein (RVG) peptide to target intravenously-infused exosomes derived from MSCs (MSC-Exo) to the brain of transgenic APP/PS1 mice. MSC-Exo were conjugated with RVG through a DOPE-NHS linker. RESULTS: RVG-tagged MSC-Exo exhibited improved targeting to the cortex and hippocampus after being administered intravenously. Compared with the group administered MSC-Exo, in the group administered RVG-conjugated MSC-Exo (MSC-RVG-Exo) plaque deposition and Aß levels were sharply decreased and activation of astrocytes was obviously reduced. The brain targeted exosomes derived from MSCs was better than unmodified exosomes to improve cognitive function in APP/PS1 mice according to Morris water maze test. Additionally, although MSC-Exo injected intravenously reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators TNF-α, IL-ß, and IL-6, but the changes of anti-inflammatory factors IL-10 and IL-13 were not obvious. However, administration of MSC-RVG-Exo significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α, IL-ß, and IL-6 while significantly raised the levels of IL-10, IL-4 and IL-13. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our results demonstrated a novel method for increasing delivery of exosomes for treatment of AD. By targeting exosomes to the cortex and hippocampus of AD mouse, there was a significant improvement in learning and memory capabilities with reduced plaque deposition and Aß levels, and normalized levels of inflammatory cytokines.

[Multi-dimensional mining and analysis of core prescriptions in launched Chinese patent medicine for treatment of influenza].

Through the multi-dimensional mining and analysis of launched anti-influenza proprietary Chinese medicines,this paper explores the study of the prescriptions and pharmacodynamics of traditional Chinese medicines for influenza. We established a standardized database by collecting and excavating the launched Chinese patent medicines that clearly describe the treatment of influenza. Frequency analysis and association rules were used to analyze the frequency of Chinese patent medicines for the treatment of influenza in the aspects of dosage form,category and prescription drugs. The network module partitioning method was used to excavate the core drug combination for influenza. The relationship between functional nouns was used to construct a network of functional terminology and analyze the relationship between its main functions. The pharmacological characteristics quantitative method was used to analyze the pharmacological characteristics of three heat-clearing and detoxifying type Chinese patent medicines for influenza. This article shows the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation ideas and medication rules for influenza treatment in many aspects and from multiple perspectives,so as to provide a certain reference for the clinical application of proprietary Chinese medicines for influenza and the development of new influenza drugs.

Cytokine and soluble adhesion molecule profiles and biomarkers for treatment monitoring in Re-treated smear-positive patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Relapse of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is associated with a failure of the host immune system to control the invading Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Severe immunodeficiency or immune disorders may be the main reason for TB recurrence. This study aimed to quantify serum inflammatory cytokine and soluble adhesion molecule levels in Re-treated smear-positive PTB patients before and after re-anti-TB drug therapy. Serum samples were collected from 30 healthy controls and 215 Treated active PTB patients at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 months post-re-treatment. Levels of 18 serum cytokines and soluble adhesion molecules were measured by a high-throughput Cytometric Bead Array. At baseline, IL-1, IL-2, IL-12P70, and soluble CD62E levels were significantly higher in PTB patients than those in the healthy controls (p < 0.05); IL-4, IL-5, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-21, soluble CD54, MIG, and TGF-ß levels in PTB patients were significantly lower than those in the healthy controls (p < 0.05), of which TGF-ß, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, soluble CD54, and MIG were most notably (p < 0.0005). After re-treatment, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, and soluble CD54 levels and IL-2/IL-10 and IFN-γ/IL-10 ratios showed an upward trend during the re-treatment period. They were more sensitive than other cytokines and adhesion molecules and could be effective as serum indicators for re-treatment response. The immune response was imbalance in treated smear-positive PTB patients: Th1 response was elevated, but Th2 and Th17 responses were reduced. Systematic and comprehensive understanding of the cytokine and soluble adhesion molecule profiles provides a theoretical basis for immuno-diagnosis, immunotherapy, and immuno-monitoring of Re-treated PTB patients.

Noninvasive Glucose Monitoring with a Contact Lens and Smartphone.

Diabetes has become a chronic metabolic disorder, and the growing diabetes population makes medical care more important. We investigated using a portable and noninvasive contact lens as an ideal sensor for diabetes patients whose tear fluid contains glucose. The key feature is the reversible covalent interaction between boronic acid and glucose, which can provide a noninvasive glucose sensor for diabetes patients. We present a phenylboronic acid (PBA)-based HEMA contact lens that exhibits a reversible swelling/shrinking effect to change its thickness. The difference in thickness can be detected in a picture taken with a smartphone and analyzed using software. Our novel technique offers the following capabilities: (i) non-enzymatic and continuous glucose detection with the contact lens; (ii) no need for an embedded circuit and power source for the glucose sensor; and (iii) the use of a smartphone to detect the change in thickness of the contact lens with no need for additional photo-sensors. This technique is promising for a noninvasive measurement of the glucose level and simple implementation of glucose sensing with a smartphone.

Induction, purification, and characterization of a thermo and pH stable laccase from Abortiporus biennis J2 and its application on the clarification of litchi juice.

A fungus J2 producing laccase with high yield was screened in soils and identified as Abortiporus biennis. The production of laccase was induced by 0.1 mM Cu2+, 0.1 mM tannic acid, and 0.5 M ethanol. The laccase from Abortiporus biennis J2 was purified to electrophoretic homogeneity by a couple of steps. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the enzyme was AIGPTADLNISNADI. The properties of the purified laccase were investigated. The result showed the laccase from Abortiporus biennis J2 is a thermo and pH stable enzyme. The laccase activity was inhibited by Hg2+, Cd2+, Fe2+, Ag+, Cu2+, and Zn2+, while promoted by Mg2+, Mn2+ at 10 mM level. Purified laccase was used to the clarification of litchi juice. After treatment with this laccase, the phenolic content of litchi juice had been found to be greatly reduced along with an increase in the clarity of the juice. The result indicated the potential of this laccase for application in juice procession.

[Chemical constituents from petroleum ether fraction of Swertia chirayita and their activities in vitro].

The present work is to study the chemical constituents from petroleum ether fraction of Tibetan medicine Swertia chirayita by column chromatography and recrystallization. The structures were identified by physical and chemical properties and spectral data as swerchirin (1), decussatin (2), 1,8-dihydroxy-3,5,7-trimethoxyxanthone (3), 1-hydroxy-3,5,7,8-tetramethoxyxanthone (4), bellidifolin (5), 1-hydroxy-3, 7-dimethoxyxanthone (6), methylswertianin (7), 1-hydroxy-3,5-dimethoxyxanthone (8), erythrodiol (9), oleanolic acid (10), gnetiolactone (11), scopoletin (12), sinapaldehyde (13), syringaldehyde (14), and ß-sitosterol (15). Compounds 3, 4, 9, 11-14 were isolated from S. chirayita for the first time. Compounds 9 and 12 were firstly isolated from the genus Swertia. The cytotoxic activities of compounds 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 against human pancreatic cancer cell lines SW1990 and BxPC-3,and the protective effects of these compounds against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in human endothelium-derived EA.hy926 were investigated in vitro. The results showed no obvious effect at the high concentration of 50 µmol•L⁻¹.

Visible light nonlinear absorption and optical limiting of ultrathin ZrSe3 nanoflakes.

The nonlinear absorption and nonlinear refractive properties of ZrSe3 nanoflakes were studied with a 6.5 ns pulse laser at 532 nm. Open-aperture Z-scan curves reveal that ZrSe3 nanoflakes have a strong reverse saturable absorption property, and close-aperture Z-scan curves show that ZrSe3 dispersions possess a positive nonlinear refractive index caused by self-focusing. The nonlinear absorption coefficient, the nonlinear refraction coefficient, and the figures of merit (FOM) of ZrSe3 dispersed in water with linear transmittances of 0.86 at input energy of 18 µJ are 6.35 × 10-10 m W-1 15.73 × 10-17 m2 W-1, and 10.09 × 10-11 esu · cm respectively. In addition, nonlinear optical (NLO) performance of ZrSe3 nanoflakes depends on organic solvent dispersions. ZrSe3 nanoflakes in water dispersions have the largest FOM of 10.27 × 10-11 esu · cm, while the FOM in ethanol dispersions is 5.41 × 10-11 esu · cm at the same input energy of 26.5 µJ. The optical limiting threshold Fth of ZrSe3 nanosheet is 2.2 J cm-2 under picosecond laser pulse. The Results imply that ZrSe3 nanoflakes are an extraordinarily promising material for novel nanophotonic devices like optical limiters.