Mobile device use and the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in residential care homes.

BACKGROUND: With the fast-paced aging and increasing digitalization of society, there has been a growing interest in the effect of mobile device use on cognitive function and depression in older adults. However, research examining this issue among older adults in residential care homes (RCHs) is scant. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the impact of mobile device use on the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15). RESULTS: A total of 235 senior residents (aged 82.58 ± 5.54) in four RCHs were surveyed. Users of mobile devices had a significantly higher total MoCA score (25.02 ± 4.14) and a significantly lower GDS-15 score (3.28 ± 2.74) than non-users (MoCA: 19.34 ± 5.21, GDS-15: 4.69 ± 2.90). Multivariate linear regression indicate that mobile device use is significantly associated with total MoCA score, six of the seven sub-scores (visuospatial abilities and execution functions, attention, language, abstraction, delayed recall, and orientation)(P < 0.05). Logistic regression showed that mobile device use was significantly associated with the level of depressive symptoms (OR = 0.458, 95%CI = 0.249-0.845). CONCLUSIONS: Use of mobile devices has a significant association with the cognitive function and depressive symptoms of older adults living in RCHs, and thus should be encouraged as a measure to maintain and improve cognition and prevent depression.

Influences of nitrite on paracetamol degradation in dielectric barrier discharge reactor.

The frequent detection of paracetamol in natural water increased environmental concerns. The dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) technology is an effective paracetamol removing method, however, this research showed that the removal of paracetamol using DBD technology at 30 min dropped from 100% to 53.3% as the initial paracetamol concentration increased from 10 mg/L to 100 mg/L, due to the formation of more competitive intermediate products at higher paracetamol concentration. The removal of TOC was found to be much slower than that of paracetamol, as paracetamol was removed completely after 5 min treatment, the removal rate of TOC was 46.3% after 20 min treatment under 500 W discharge power and 50 mL/min air flow rate. The orthogonal experiment showed that the removal of TOC was significantly influenced by the treatment time, discharge power and recirculating flow rate, while less influenced by the discharge frequency. In the removal process of paracetamol, nitrite ion that generated during DBD treatment reacted with paracetamol to form an intermediate product of 3-nitro-4-acetamidophenol. The presence of nitrite ion retarded the removal of 3-nitro-4-acetamidophenol and thus the TOC, however, the nitrate ion did not. The degradation of paracetamol followed a sequence of 3-nitro-4-acetamidophenol, nitrosophenol/acetamide, N-methylacetamide, acetamide and small molecule organic acids in the DBD reactor, and these intermediates were finally oxidized to CO2, H2O and NO3-.

Mitochondrial Fission Inhibitors Suppress Endothelin-1-Induced Artery Constriction.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endothelin-1 is implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms remained elusive. Our previous study found that inhibition of mitochondrial fission of smooth muscle cells suppressed phenylephrine- and high K+-induced artery constriction. Here, we studied the effects of mitochondrial fission inhibitors on endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction. METHODS: The tension of rat mesenteric arteries and thoracic aorta was measured by using a multi-wire myograph system. Mitochondrial morphology of aortic smooth muscle cells was observed by using transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Dynamin-related protein-1 selective inhibitor mdivi-1 relaxed endothelin-1-induced constriction, and mdivi-1 pre-treatment prevented endothelin-1-induced constriction of rat mesenteric arteries with intact and denuded endothelium. Mdivi-1 had a similar inhibitory effect on rat thoracic aorta. Another mitochondrial fission inhibitor dynasore showed similar effects as mdivi-1 in rat mesenteric arteries. Mdivi-1 inhibited endothelin-1-induced increase of mitochondrial fission in smooth muscle cells of rat aorta. Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitor Y-27632 which relaxed endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction inhibited endothelin-1-induced mitochondrial fission in smooth muscle cells of rat aorta. CONCLUSION: Endothelin-1 increases mitochondrial fission in vascular smooth muscle cells, and mitochondrial fission inhibitors suppress endothelin-1-induced vasoconstriction.

Screening of specific nucleic acid aptamers binding tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients and identification of their activities.

Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the world. Despite the improvements in diagnostic methods, the status of early detection was not achieved. So, a new diagnostic method is needed. The aim of this study is to obtain the highly specific nucleic acid aptamers with strong affinity to tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients for targeting the serum. Aptamers specifically binding to tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients were screened from the random single-stranded DNA library with agarose beads as supports and the serum as a target by target-substituting subtractive SELEX technique and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique. Subsequently, the secondary single-stranded DNA library obtained by 10 rounds of screening was amplified to double-stranded DNA, followed by high-throughput genome sequence analysis to screen aptamers with specific affinity to tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients. Finally, six aptamers obtained by 10 rounds of screening were identified with high specific affinity to tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients. Compared with other five aptamers, the aptamer 43 was identified both with the highest specificity to bind target molecule and without any obvious affinity to non-specific proteins. The screened aptamers have relatively high specificity to combine tumor markers in the serum of the lung cancer patients, which provides breakthrough points for early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Krüppel-like factor 5: a novel biomarker for lymph node metastasis and recurrence in supraglottic squamous cell laryngeal carcinoma.

Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5), a zinc finger-containing transcription factor, is involved in important biological processes including cell transformation, proliferation, and carcinogenesis. However, its clinical significance has remained largely unknown in laryngeal cancer. Here, specimens from 144 patients with laryngeal tumors were investigated by immunohistochemical staining for KLF5, integrin-linked kinase (ILK), and E-cadherin expressions. A clinicopathological study revealed that the KLF5 expression level in tumor cells was significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.05) and local recurrence (P < 0.05). In addition, KLF5, ILK, and E-cadherin (epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarker) expressions were correlated with each other. These findings suggest that KLF5 may be an epithelial-mesenchymal transition-associated biomarker in human laryngeal carcinomas and play important roles in the progression of laryngeal carcinomas. KLF5 immunoreactivity is therefore considered a potential lymph node metastasis and recurrence factor in human laryngeal cancers. In addition, the KLF5-mediated pathway is a potential target for elimination of laryngeal cancer in the future.

Allergic transfusion reaction caused by the shrimp allergen of donor blood: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to analyze the cause of allergic transfusion reaction. METHODS: The methods of immunoblot and immunonephelometry were applied to detect the levels of the immunoglobulins of IgA (Immunoglobulin A) and IgE (Immunoglobulin E) and the level of sIgE (specific Immunoglobulin E) to shrimp allergen both in the patient's pre and post transfusion blood samples, respectively. RESULTS: After transfusion, The level of sIgE to shrimp showed "increase" corresponding to the concentration of 0.70-3.5 IU/ml. CONCLUSION: The allergic transfusion reaction was very likely caused by passive transfer of shrimp antigen to the patient allergic to shrimp.

A novel approach for recovery of iron from copper slag using calcium salts.

Copper slag is not only a waste but it has many valuable and recoverable metals present in it such as iron. Therefore, this study focuses on the utilization of waste materials i.e., copper slag and tire char for iron recovery. Four calcium salts, i.e., CaCO3, Ca(OH)2, CaCl2, and CaSO4, with different dosages, reduction temperature, reduction time, and atmospheric conditions were investigated in order to find best reaction mechanism for iron recovery. Among these salts, the optimum conditions were determined: using CaCO3 under 0.384 of CaO/SiO2 molar ratio in a 60-min reduction period at 1473.15K temperature, that gives 91.14% iron recovery. Both FESEM-EDS data and chemical titration showed more than 70% of the highest iron grade in the recovered product. The analysis results indicate that main impurity in the whole procedure was carbon from coal char that reduces the iron grade. This research not only provides a novel way to recover iron from copper slag, but also provides a future direction to handle copper slag and tire char waste materials.

Non-thermal plasma activated peroxide and percarbonate for tetracycline and oxytetracycline degradation: Synergistic performance, degradation pathways, and toxicity evaluation.

Tetracycline (TC) and Oxytetracycline (OTC) are common antibiotics increasingly detected in the environment, posing a potential risk to human and aquatic lives. Although conventional methods such as adsorption and photocatalysis are used for the degradation of TC and OTC, they are inefficient in removal efficiency, energy yield, and toxic byproduct generation. Herein, a falling-film dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor coupled with environmentally friendly oxidants (hydrogen peroxide (HPO), sodium percarbonate (SPC), and HPO + SPC) was applied, and the treatment efficiency of TC and OTC was investigated. Experimental results showed that moderate addition of the HPO and SPC exhibited a synergistic effect (SF > 2), significantly improving the antibiotic removal ratio, total organic removal ratio (TOC), and energy yield by more than 50%, 52%, and 180%, respectively. After 10 min of DBD treatment, the introduction of 0.2 mM SPC led to a 100% antibiotic removal ratio and a TOC removal of 53.4% and 61.2% for 200 mg/L TC and 200 mg/L OTC, respectively. Also, 1 mM HPO dosage led to 100% antibiotic removal ratios after 10 min of DBD treatment and a TOC removal of 62.4% and 71.9% for 200 mg/L TC and 200 mg/L OTC, respectively. However, the DBD + HPO + SPC treatment method had a detrimental effect on the performance of the DBD reactor. After 10 min of DBD plasma discharge, the removal ratios for TC and OTC were 80.8% and 84.1%, respectively, when 0.5 mM HPO + 0.5 mM SPC was added. Moreover, principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis confirmed the differences between the treatment methods. Furthermore, the concentration of oxidant-induced in-situ generated ozone and hydrogen peroxide were quantitatively determined, and their indispensable roles during the degradation process were established via radical scavenger tests. Finally, the synergetic antibiotic degradation mechanisms and pathways were proposed, and the toxicities of the intermediate byproducts were evaluated.

Advances of non-thermal plasma discharge technology in degrading recalcitrant wastewater pollutants. A comprehensive review.

With development and urbanization, the amount of wastewater generated due to human activities drastically increases yearly, causing water pollution and intensifying the already worsened water crisis. Although convenient, conventional wastewater treatment methods such as activated sludge, stabilization ponds, and adsorption techniques cannot fully eradicate the complex and recalcitrant contaminants leading to toxic byproducts generation. Recent advancements in wastewater treatment techniques, specifically non-thermal plasma technology, have been extensively investigated for the degradation of complex pollutants in wastewater. Non-thermal plasma is an effective alternative for degrading and augmenting the biodegradability of recalcitrant pollutants due to its ability to generate reactive species in situ. This article critically reviews the non-thermal plasma technology, considering the plasma discharge configuration and reactor types. Furthermore, the influence of operational parameters on the efficiency of the plasma systems and the reactive species generated by the system during discharge has gained significant interest and hence been discussed. Also, the application of non-thermal plasma technology for the degradation of pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and dyes and the inactivation of microbial activities are outlined in this review article. Additionally, optimistic applications involving the combination of non-thermal plasma and catalysts and pilot and industrial-scale projects utilizing non-thermal plasma technology have been addressed. Concluding perceptions on the challenges and future perspectives of the non-thermal technology on wastewater treatment are accentuated. Overall, this review outlines a comprehensive understanding of the non-thermal plasma technology for recalcitrant pollutant degradation from a scientific perspective providing detailed instances for reference.

Investigation of the biological activity of hydroxyapatite on vascular endothelial cells.

Objective: This study aims to explore the impact of nano-hydroxyapatite (na-HA) and micron-hydroxyapatite (mi-HA) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) using in vitro experiments, assessing their influence on cellular biological activity. These findings offer crucial experimental data for informing the development of more vascularized tissue-engineered bone constructs. Methods: We employed the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay to assess the impact of various concentrations of both HA extracts on HUVEC metabolic activity post 48, 72, and 96 h of treatment. Transwell experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of HA extract on HUVEC migratory capabilities. The cell proliferation activity was assessed using the 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay, elucidating the impact of varying concentrations of both HA extracts on cell proliferation. Lumen formation experiments were conducted to assess the capacity of HA-treated HUVECs to form lumen-like structures. The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the impact of HA extract on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) secretion by HUVECs. Western blotting (WB) was utilized to analyze alterations in the expression levels of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related proteins following HA extract treatment of cells. Results: At extract concentrations of 100 g/L and 12.5 g/L, both the mi-HA and na-HA groups demonstrated suppression of cell metabolic activity, migration, and proliferation. Conversely, at 25 g/L, increased cell metabolic activity and proliferative activity were observed. Lumen formation experiments demonstrated that both HA extracts at 100 g/L concentration facilitated lumen formation, with the na-HA group at 25 g/L concentration displaying a more pronounced impact on lumen formation. The ELISA results indicated a notable reduction in VEGF secretion within the mi-HA group at a concentration of 100 g/L. WB experiments revealed that within the na-HA group, treatment of HUVECs with 25 g/L and 12.5 g/L extract concentrations led to upregulation of PI3K and Akt protein expression, while at 100 g/L concentration, Akt protein expression decreased. In the mi-HA group, intracellular expression of both PI3K and Akt proteins exhibited reduction. Conclusion: Hydroxyapatite extract at both high and low concentrations impacts the biological activity of vascular endothelial cells, with the potential mechanism of action involving the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

The Relationship Between Hospitalization Frequency of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Anxiety and Depression.

Depression and anxiety are common in patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and anxiety and depression can increase the risk of hospitalization and the acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The relationship between the frequency of hospitalization for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and the anxiety and depression of patients is not fully understood. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the frequency of hospitalizations and anxiety and depression of patients of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). A collection of 309 AECOPD patients admitted to the emergency department in our hospital from 2019 to 2020 were divided into anxiety group A and depression group D according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) score and divided into A1 and D1 negative groups (≤7 Score), A2 and D2 suspicious groups (8-10 points), A3 and D3 confirmed groups (≥11 points) for paired analysis of anxiety and depression correlation and difference and comparison of the frequency of hospitalization in each group within 2 years. The results found that anxiety and depression were significantly positively correlated (r = 0.654, p = 0.000). Intra-group comparison shows that the difference between the anxiety-diagnosed and non-diagnosed groups and the depression subgroups are statistically p < 0.05; the comparison between the anxiety subgroup and the depression subgroup showed that there was a statistical difference between the confirmed group and the non-diagnosed group (p < 0.01). In short, AECOPD anxiety is positively correlated with depression, and depression is affected by the frequency of hospitalization earlier and gradually, and anxiety should be prioritized in the acute phase.

The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Polyalthiopsis verrucipes (Annonaceae).

Polyalthopsis Chaowasku is a recently newly described genus in Annonaceae. Polyalthopsis verrucipes (C.Y.Wu ex P.T.Li) B.Xue & Y.H.Tan is distributed in Southern Yunnan, China. In this article, we report the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of Polyalthiopsis based on Illumina sequencing data. The whole cp genome of this species is 159,965 bp in length, consisting of two inverted repeat regions (IR, 25,974 bp each), one large single-copy region (LSC, 89,030 bp), and one small single-copy region (SSC, 18,987 bp). A total of 130 genes were annotated for the cp genome, including 83 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that P. verrucipes was closely related to Meiogyne hainanensis.

Adjuvant cytokine-induced killer cells with minimally invasive therapies augmented therapeutic efficacy of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the safety and therapeutic efficacy of adjuvant cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells to minimally invasive therapies in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (u-HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hundred patients diagnosed with having u-HCC in our department from January 1, 2001, to July 31, 2018, were recruited. Forty-three patients received microwave ablation (MWA) and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) together with autologous CIK cell treatment (TACE + MWA + CIK group), whereas 57 patients received TACE and MWA only (TACE + MWA group). Postprocedural complications and cumulative therapeutic effects were assessed in all patients. The disease control rate, median survival time (MST), and cumulative survival rate were compared between the cohorts using the Kaplan-Meier method and unpaired Student's t-tests. RESULTS: The overall response (complete response [CR] + partial response [PR]) rate was 74.42% (32/43) and 77.19% (44/57) for TACE + MWA + CIK and TACE + MWA groups, respectively (P = 0.243). Those of the TACE + MWA + CIK group had better rates of disease control (CR + PR + stable disease) in contrast to the TACE + MWA group (87.72% vs. 79.07%, respectively) but this failed to achieve statistical significance (P = 0.748). Based on the Kaplan-Meier survival graphs, those of the TACE + MWA + CIK groups possessed markedly increased overall survival (41 months vs. 24 months, P = 0.002) and progression-free survival (17 months vs. 10 months, P = 0.023) rates in compared to the TACE + MWA group. Survival rates were raised also TACE + MWA + CIK group than in TACE + MWA group (P = 0.002), with a MST of 6.13 ± 0.83 months and 11.61 ± 1.59 months in the TACE + MWA + CIK and TACE + MWA groups, respectively. Patients in the TACE + MWA + CIK group were not reported to have any severe complications. CONCLUSION: CIK cell immunotherapy as an adjuvant to TACE and MWA enhanced long-term prognosis and improved quality of life in patients with u-HCC. This regimen may be recommended as a novel treatment regime in u-HCC patients.

Computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation combined with transarterial embolization assisted by a three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system for hepatocellular carcinoma in challenging locations: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of computed tomography-guided radiofrequency ablation(CT-RFA) combined with transarterial embolization(TAE) assisted by a three-dimensional visualization ablation planning system(3DVAPS) for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in challenging locations. METHODS: Data from 62 treatment-naive patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), with 83 lesions in challenging locations, and who met the Milan criteria and underwent CT-RFA between June 2013 and June 2016 were reviewed. Patients were divided into one of two groups according to different treatment modalities: study group (TAE combined with RFA assisted by 3DVAPS [n = 32]); and control (RFA only [n = 30]). Oncological outcomes included ablation-related complications, local tumor progression (LTP), and overall survival (OS). Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors associated with LTP and OS. RESULTS: HCC lesions (mean size, 1.9 ± 1.0 mm in diameter) abutting the gastrointestinal tract (n = 25), heart and diaphragm (n = 21), major vessels (n = 13), and gallbladder (n = 3) were treated. A significant difference was detected in LTP between the two groups (P = 0.034), with no significant difference in OS between the two groups (P = 0.193). There were no severe complications related to ablation. Univariate analysis revealed that sex (P = 0.046) and child-turcotte-pugh (CTP) grade (P<0.001) were risk factors for OS, whereas CTP grade and treatment method (P<0.001) were risk factors for LTP. Multivariate analysis revealed that CTP grade B (P = 0.005) was independently associated with poor OS, and RFA alone (P<0.001) was independently associated with poor LTP. CONCLUSION: CT-RFA combined with TAE assisted by a 3DVAPS provided ideal clinical efficiency for HCC in challenging locations and was a highly safe treatment modality.

Niclosamide ethanolamine induces trachea relaxation and inhibits proliferation and migration of trachea smooth muscle cells.

Our previous study found that the anthelmintic drug niclosamide relaxed the constricted arteries and inhibited proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Here, we investigated the effect of niclosamide ethanolamine (NEN) on trachea function and the proliferation and migration of trachea smooth muscle cells. Isometric tension of trachea was recorded by multi-channel myograph system. The cell proliferation was detected by using BrdU cell proliferation assay. The cell migration ability was evaluated by using scratch assay. The protein level was measured by using western blot technique. Acute treatment with NEN dose-dependently relaxed acetylcholine chloride (Ach)- and High K+ physiological salt solution (KPSS)-induced constriction of mice trachea. Pre-treatment with NEN inhibited Ach- and KPSS-induced constriction of mice trachea. NEN treatment inhibited proliferation of human bronchial smooth muscle cells (HBSMCs), inhibited migration of HBSMCs and rat primary trachea smooth muscle cells. NEN treatment activated adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and inhibited signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activity in HBSMCs. In conclusion, niclosamide ethanolamine induces trachea relaxation and inhibits proliferation and migration of trachea smooth muscle cells, indicating that niclosamide might be a potential drug for chronic asthma treatment.

Does phenology play a role in the feedbacks underlying shrub encroachment?

Shrub encroachment has emerged as a global phenomenon over the past century. Multiple drivers have been put forward to explain the increased shrub dominance in various ecosystems around the world. However, the potential role of phenology in regulating shrub encroachment is not well understood. We address this issue using 3-year continuous monitoring of the phenology of coexisting shrubs and grasses combined with observations of ecohydrological processes (water uptake) and soil conditions (root zone soil moisture, soil texture, and soil temperature) at four study sites in Inner Mongolia, China, with shrub coverage of Caragana microphylla ranging from 0%, to 6.8%, 26.8% and 34.2%. Along such an encroachment gradient, shrubs exhibited progressively earlier onsets and later ends of the growing season, with an overall extension in growing season length by 15 days to 22 days in the later stages of shrub encroachment. Conversely, the coexisting grasses showed earlier occurrences both in spring and autumn phenological phases, which resulted in a phenological gap between shrubs and grasses. Thus, a positive feedback could exist between these phenological changes and shrub encroachment. In shrub patches, soils were wetter, with finer texture, and with more suitable temperatures for plant survival and development, which favored the lengthening of growing season of shrubs. The longer growing seasons are associated with longer periods of water use and photosynthesis for shrubs, and better opportunities for water uptake, with the overall effect of facilitating shrub growth and further expansion.

Complete Stability Analysis With Respect to Delay for Neural Networks.

The stability property of delayed neural networks (NNs) along the whole delay axis is studied in this paper. Such a complete stability problem with respect to the delay parameter has not been addressed in the community of NNs. Most of the existing studies focus on the stability interval of delay starting from zero and are not applicable for the complete stability problem. In this paper, we will present some examples to show that there are various types of stability intervals for NNs, demonstrating the necessity of the complete stability analysis. We will adopt a frequency-sweeping approach to study delayed NNs in this paper. As a result, the complete stability problem with respect to delay for NNs can be systematically solved. The approach is applicable in the general case and simple to implement. Finally, some representative examples illustrate the approach.

Niclosamide inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and attenuates neointimal hyperplasia in injured rat carotid arteries.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The anti-helminthic drug niclosamide regulates multiple cellular signals including STAT3, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Akt, Wnt/ß-catenin and mitochondrial uncoupling which are involved in neointimal hyperplasia. Here we have examined the effects of niclosamide on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, migration and neointimal hyperplasia and assessed the potential mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Cell migration was measured by using wound-induced migration assay and Boyden chamber assay. Protein levels were measured by using Western blot technique. Neointimal hyperplasia in vivo was induced in rats by balloon injury to the carotid artery. KEY RESULTS: Niclosamide treatment inhibited serum-induced (15% FBS) and PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (A10 cells). Niclosamide showed no cytotoxicity at anti-proliferative concentrations, but induced cell apoptosis at higher concentrations. Niclosamide treatment inhibited serum-induced (15% FBS) and PDGF-BB-induced STAT3 activation (increased protein levels of p-STAT3 at Tyr705 ) but activated AMPK, in A10 cells. Niclosamide exerted no significant effects on ß-catenin expression and the activities of ERK1/2 and Akt in A10 cells. Injection (i.p.) of soluble pegylated niclosamide (PEG5000-niclosamide) (equivalent to niclosamide 25 mg·kg-1 ) attenuated neointimal hyperplasia following balloon-injury in rat carotid arteries in vivo. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Niclosamide inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration and attenuated neointimal hyperplasia in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries through a mechanism involving inhibition of STAT3.

Characterizations of mitochondrial uncoupling induced by chemical mitochondrial uncouplers in cardiomyocytes.

Induction of mild mitochondrial uncoupling is protective in a variety of disorders; however, it is unclear how to recognize the mild mitochondrial uncoupling induced by chemical mitochondrial uncouplers. The aim of the present study is to identify the pharmacological properties of mitochondrial uncoupling induced by mitochondrial uncouplers in cardiomyocytes. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were cultured. Protein levels were measured by using western blot technique. The whole cell respiratory function was determined by using high-resolution respirometry. The typical types of chemical mitochondrial uncouplers, carbonyl cyanide 4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone (FCCP), niclosamide, and BAM15, induced biphasic change of STAT3 activity in cardiomyocytes, activating STAT3 at low dose and inhibiting STAT3 at high dose, though the dose range of these drugs was distinct. Low-dose uncouplers induced STAT3 activation through the mild increase of mitochondrial ROS (mitoROS) generation and the subsequent JAK/STAT3 activation in cardiomyocytes. However, high-dose uncouplers induced inhibition of STAT3, decrease of ATP production, and cardiomyocyte death. High-dose uncouplers induced STAT3 inhibition through the excessive mitoROS generation and the decreased ATP -induced AMPK activation. Low-dose mitochondrial uncouplers attenuated doxorubicin (DOX)-induced STAT3 inhibition and cardiomyocyte death, and activated STAT3 contributed to the cardioprotection of low-dose mitochondrial uncouplers. Uncoupler-induced mild mitochondrial uncoupling in cardiomyocytes is characterized by STAT3 activation and ATP increase whereas excessive mitochondrial uncoupling is characterized by STAT3 inhibition, ATP decrease and cell injury. Development of mitochondrial uncoupler with optimal dose window of inducing mild uncoupling is a promising strategy for heart protection.

[Seasonal divergence in the responses of vegetation growth to PDO in Tibetan Plateau, China]. / 青藏高原植被生长对PDO响应的季节分异.

Regional-scale normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from satellite remote sensing observations and gridded climate data were used to study the seasonal responses and underlying mechanisms of vegetation growth over Tibetan Plateau to Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) at period of 1982-2015, by performing Spearman correlation analysis and enhanced multivariate regression model: structural equation model (SEM). The results showed that there was significant negative correlation between PDO index and mean growing-season (April-October) NDVI over Tibetan Plateau; however, marked seasonal divergence in the relationship between PDO and vegetation growth existed among different seasons. It characterized with stronger negative correlation between PDO and NDVI in autumn than in summer, and winter PDO had significant effect on consequent summer vegetation growth. Additionally, it showed great divergence in control processes of PDO on vegetation growth among different seasons, with significant control of PDO on both temperature and precipitation in summer, and significant control of PDO on temperature only in autumn.