Surficial Host-Guest Responsive CsPbBr3 Perovskite Nanocrystals for Programmable Multi-Level Information Encryption.

The design of smart stimuli-responsive photoluminescent materials capable of multi-level encryption and complex information storage is highly sought after in the current information era. Here, a novel adamantyl-capped CsPbBr3 (AD-CsPbBr3) perovskite NCs, along with its supramolecular host-guest assembly partner a modified ß-CD (mCD), mCD@AD-CsPbBr3, are designed and prepared. By dispersing these two materials in different solvents, namely, AD-CsPbBr3 in toluene, mCD@AD-CsPbBr3 in toluene, and mCD@AD-CsPbBr3 in methanol, the three solutions exhibit diverse photoluminescence (PL) turn-on/off or PL discoloration response upon supramolecular stimulus. Based on these responses, a proof-of-principle programmable Multi-Level Photoluminescence Encoding System (MPLES) is established. Three types of four-level and three types of three-level information encoding are achieved by the system. A layer-by-layer four-level information encryption and decryption as well as a two-level encrypted 3D code are successfully achieved.

Attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction and morphological disruption with PT320 delays dopamine degeneration in MitoPark mice.

BACKGROUND: Mitochondria are essential organelles involved in cellular energy production. Changes in mitochondrial function can lead to dysfunction and cell death in aging and age-related disorders. Recent research suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction is closely linked to neurodegenerative diseases. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonist has gained interest as a potential treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the exact mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic effects of GLP-1R-related agonists are not yet fully understood. METHODS: In this study, we explores the effects of early treatment with PT320, a sustained release formulation of the GLP-1R agonist Exenatide, on mitochondrial functions and morphology in a progressive PD mouse model, the MitoPark (MP) mouse. RESULTS: Our findings demonstrate that administration of a clinically translatable dose of PT320 ameliorates the reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase expression, lowers reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and inhibits mitochondrial cytochrome c release during nigrostriatal dopaminergic denervation in MP mice. PT320 treatment significantly preserved mitochondrial function and morphology but did not influence the reduction in mitochondria numbers during PD progression in MP mice. Genetic analysis indicated that the cytoprotective effect of PT320 is attributed to a reduction in the expression of mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Fis1) and an increase in the expression of optic atrophy type 1 (Opa1), which is known to play a role in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and decreasing cytochrome c release through remodeling of the cristae. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the early administration of PT320 shows potential as a neuroprotective treatment for PD, as it can preserve mitochondrial function. Through enhancing mitochondrial health by regulating Opa1 and Fis1, PT320 presents a new neuroprotective therapy in PD.

Discovery and determination of misuse and chemotypes of Pogostemon cablin by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography with diode-array detector.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered significant scientific interest in healthcare but faces increased regulatory scrutiny due to concerns about uncontrolled usage. This study focuses on characterizing Pogostemon cablin (PC) to mitigate potential misuse and identify chemotype differences. Leveraging untargeted metabolomics, we identified 222 distinctive features effectively differentiating PC from Agastache rugosa (AR), reducing misidentification risks. Pogostone and tilianin emerged as potential markers, leading to a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) method development for PC and AR discrimination. Evaluation of PC chromatograms revealed notable profile and pogostone level differences among samples, suggesting chemotype associations. Untargeted metabolic profiling identified 78 features with significant differences, highlighting 7,3',4'-tri-O-methyleriodictyol as a potential discriminatory marker between PC chemotypes. The developed HPLC-DAD method quantified pogostone and 7,3',4'-tri-O-methyleriodictyol, effectively discriminating PC chemotypes. This platform differentiates PC and AR and distinguishes chemical types within PC, like pogostone-type and patchoulol-type. Applied to local TCM stores, it ensures PC authenticity. This approach addresses TCM control concerns, enhancing understanding and application of herbal medicine by providing insights into PC chemical composition and discrimination.

Spatially and temporally understanding dynamic solid-electrolyte interfaces in carbon dioxide electroreduction.

The ubiquity of solid-liquid interfaces in nature and the significant role of their atomic-scale structure in determining interfacial properties have led to intensive research. Particularly in electrocatalysis, however, a molecular-level picture that clearly describes the dynamic interfacial structures and organizations with their correlation to preferred reaction pathways in electrochemical reactions remains poorly understood. In this review, CO2 electroreduction reaction (CO2RR) is spatially and temporally understood as a result of intricate interactions at the interface, in which the interfacial features are highly relevant. We start with the discussion of current understandings and model development associated with the charged electrochemical interface as well as its dynamic landscape. We further highlight the interactive dynamics from the interfacial field, catalyst surface charges and various gradients in electrolyte and interfacial water structures at interfaces under CO2RR working conditions, with emphasis on the interfacial-structure dependence of catalytic reactivity/selectivity. Significantly, a probing energy-dependent "in situ characterization map" for dynamic interfaces based on various complementary in situ/operando techniques is proposed, aiming to present a comprehensive picture of interfacial electrocatalysis and to provide a more unified research framework. Moreover, recent milestones in both experimental and theoretical aspects to establish the correct profile of electrochemical interfaces are stressed. Finally, we present key scientific challenges with related perspectives toward future opportunities for this exciting frontier.

A new classification for emergency critically ill patients and analysis of their adverse events during intrahospital transport: A cluster analysis.

BACKGROUND: Critical patients may experience various adverse events during transportation within hospitals. Therefore, quickly evaluating and classifying patients before transporting them from the emergency department and focusing on managing high-risk patients are critical. At present, no unified classification method exists; all the current approaches are subjective. AIMS: To ensure transportation safety, we conducted a cluster analysis of critically ill patients transferred from the emergency department to the intensive care unit. STUDY DESIGN: Single-centre cohort study. This study was conducted at a comprehensive first-class teaching hospital in Beijing. Convenience sampling and continuous enrolment were employed. We collected data from 1 January 2019, to 31 December 2021. All patients were transferred from the emergency department to the intensive care unit, and cluster analysis was conducted using five variables. RESULTS: A total of 584 patients were grouped into three clusters. Cluster 1 (high systolic blood pressure group) included 208 (35.6%) patients. Cluster 2 (high heart rate and low blood oxygen group) included 55 (9.4%) patients. Cluster 3 (normal group) included the remaining 321 (55%) patients. The oxygen saturation levels of all the patients were lower after transport, and the proportion of adverse events (61.8%) was the highest in Cluster 2 (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study utilized data on five important vital signs from a cluster analysis to explore possible patient classifications and provide a reference for ensuring transportation safety. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Before transferring patients, we should classify them and implement targeted care. Changes in blood oxygen levels in all patients should be considered, with a focus on the occurrence of adverse events during transportation among patients with high heart rates and low blood oxygen levels.

Bimetallic Single Atom/Nanoparticle Ensemble for Efficient Photochemical Cascade Synthesis of Ethylene from Methane.

Light-driven photoredox catalysis presents a promising approach for the activation and conversion of methane (CH4) into high value-added chemicals under ambient conditions. However, the high C-H bond dissociation energy of CH4 and the absence of well-defined C-H activation sites on catalysts significantly limit the highly efficient conversion of CH4 toward multicarbon (C2+) hydrocarbons, particularly ethylene (C2H4). Herein, we demonstrate a bimetallic design of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and Pd single atoms (SAs) on ZnO for the cascade conversion of CH4 into C2H4 with the highest production rate compared with previous works. Mechanistic studies reveal that the synergistic effect of Ag NPs and Pd SAs, upon effecting key bond-breaking and -forming events, lowers the overall energy barrier of the activation process of both CH4 and the resulting C2H6, constituting a truly synergistic catalytic system to facilitate the C2H4 generation. This work offers a novel perspective on the advancement of photocatalytic directional CH4 conversion toward high value-added C2+ hydrocarbons through the subtle design of bimetallic cascade catalyst strategy.

The Pathological Mechanism of Neuronal Autophagy-Lysosome Dysfunction After Ischemic Stroke.

The abnormal initiation of autophagy flux in neurons after ischemic stroke caused dysfunction of autophagy-lysosome, which not only led to autophagy flux blockage, but also resulted in autophagic death of neurons. However, the pathological mechanism of neuronal autophagy-lysosome dysfunction did not form a unified viewpoint until now. In this review, taking the autophagy lysosomal dysfunction of neurons as a starting point, we summarized the molecular mechanisms that led to neuronal autophagy lysosomal dysfunction after ischemic stroke, which would provide theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of ischemic stroke.

Cascade Alkenylation/Intramolecular Friedel-Crafts Alkylation: High Selectivity at the C7-Position of BINOL.

An efficient and straightforward approach for the synthesis of C7 site-selective BINOL derivatives has been achieved via cost-effective Co(III)-catalyzed C-H cascade alkenylation/intramolecular Friedel-Crafts alkylation of BINOL units and propargyl cycloalkanols. Under the advantage of the pyrazole directing group, the protocol allows the rapid synthesis of various BINOL-tethered spiro[cyclobutane-1,1'-indenes].

C-O Coupling/[4+2] Cycloaddition Tandem Reactions via Oxidative Dearomatization of BINOLs: Access to Bridged Polycyclic Compounds.

Intramolecular C-H activation/C-O coupling, dearomatization, and [4+2] cycloaddition of BINOL units have been well developed in a one-pot approach with maleimide derivatives as the dienophiles. This tandem catalytic system generates a variety of functionalized bridged polycyclic products in a step-economical manner, which greatly enriches the modification methods and strategies for the BINOL skeletons.

Cooperative Coupling of Oxidative Organic Synthesis and Hydrogen Production over Semiconductor-Based Photocatalysts.

Merging hydrogen (H2) evolution with oxidative organic synthesis in a semiconductor-mediated photoredox reaction is extremely attractive because the clean H2 fuel and high-value chemicals can be coproduced under mild conditions using light as the sole energy input. Following this dual-functional photocatalytic strategy, a dreamlike reaction pathway for constructing C-C/C-X (X = C, N, O, S) bonds from abundant and readily available X-H bond-containing compounds with concomitant release of H2 can be readily fulfilled without the need of external chemical reagents, thus offering a green and fascinating organic synthetic strategy. In this review, we begin by presenting a concise overview on the general background of traditional photocatalytic H2 production and then focus on the fundamental principles of cooperative photoredox coupling of selective organic synthesis and H2 production by simultaneous utilization of photoexcited electrons and holes over semiconductor-based catalysts to meet the economic and sustainability goal. Thereafter, we put dedicated emphasis on recent key progress of cooperative photoredox coupling of H2 production and various selective organic transformations, including selective alcohol oxidation, selective methane conversion, amines oxidative coupling, oxidative cross-coupling, cyclic alkanes dehydrogenation, reforming of lignocellulosic biomass, and so on. Finally, the remaining challenges and future perspectives in this flourishing area have been critically discussed. It is anticipated that this review will provide enlightening guidance on the rational design of such dual-functional photoredox reaction system, thereby stimulating the development of economical and environmentally benign solar fuel generation and organic synthesis of value-added fine chemicals.

Cost-effectiveness of pemigatinib as a second-line treatment for advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma with fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 fusions in Taiwan: from the evidence of the phase II trial and the perspective of Taiwan's National Health Insurance Administration.

BACKGROUND: In December 2022, the Taiwan National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) announced the reimbursement of three dosages of pemigatinib 4.5 mg, 9 mg, and 13.5 mg for treating advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) with fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) fusions/rearrangements and set the reimbursement price for pemigatinib 4.5 mg at NT$6600. This study aims to analyze the cost-effectiveness of pemigatinib 13.5 mg as a second-line treatment compared to mFOLFOX and 5-FU chemotherapy for advanced ICC patients with FGFR2 fusions/rearrangements from the perspective of Taiwan's NHIA. METHODS: This study used a 3-state partitioned survival model to analyze the 5 year cost-effectiveness of pemigatinib as a second-line treatment for advanced ICC patients in whom first-line gemcitabine-based chemotherapy failed and to compare the results with those for the mFOLFOX and 5-FU chemotherapy regimens. Overall survival and progression-free survival were estimated from the FIGHT-202 trial (pemigatinib), ABC-06 trial (mFOLFOX), and NIFTY trial (5-FU). The price of pemigatinib 13.5 mg was set at the potentially highest listing price (NT$17,820). Other parameters of utility, disutility, and costs related to advanced ICC were obtained from the published literature. The willingness-to-pay threshold was three times the forecasted gross domestic product per capita in 2022 (NT$2,928,570). A 3% discount rate was applied to quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs. Several scenario analyses were performed, including a gradual price reduction for pemigatinib. Deterministic sensitivity analysis, probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), and value of information were performed to assess uncertainty. RESULTS: Pemigatinib was not cost-effective compared to mFOLFOX or 5-FU in the base-case analysis. When the price of pemigatinib was reduced by 50% or more, pemigatinib gained a positive net monetary benefit (mFOLFOX: NT$55,374; 5-FU: NT$92,437) and a 72% (mFOLFOX) and 77.1% (5-FU) probability of being cost-effective. Most of the uncertainty came from the medication cost of pemigatinib, health state utility, and the overall survival associated with pemigatinib. CONCLUSIONS: According to the NCCN guidelines, the daily use of pemigatinib 13.5 mg at the hypothesized NHIA price of NT$17,820/13.5 mg was not cost-effective compared to mFOLFOX or 5-FU. The price reduction scenario suggested a 50% price reduction, NT$8910 per 13.5 mg, for advanced ICC patients with FGFR2 fusions/rearrangements.

This study performed a cost-effectiveness analysis on the use of targeted therapy pemigatinib 13.5 mg daily in second-line treatment for Taiwanese patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) harboring FGFR2 fusions/rearrangements. This regimen was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2020 and recommended by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Taiwan's National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) has announced the reimbursement of three pemigatinib dosages of 4.5 mg, 9 mg, and 13.5 mg to be listed in the NHI coverage in 2022. However, as of the middle of April 2023, only the listing price for pemigatinib 4.5 mg has been determined, while pricing for the other two dosages remains pending. Based on a hypothesized NHIA price of NT$17,820/13.5 mg, this study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of pemigatinib 13.5 mg as a second-line treatment for advanced ICC with FGFR2 fusions/rearrangements compared to mFOLFOX (a regimen recommended by NCCN) and 5-FU (a regimen fully covered by Taiwan NHIA) and recommended a listing price for NHIA as reference. Our study showed that the hypothesized price of NT$17,820/13.5 mg was not cost-effective compared to mFOLFOX or 5-FU. The price reduction scenario suggested a 50% reduction (NT$8910) in the hypothesized NHIA price for advanced ICC patients with FGFR2 fusions/rearrangements.

Establishment of a simplified score for predicting risk during intrahospital transport of critical patients: A prospective cohort study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To establish a simple score that enables nurses to quickly, conveniently and accurately identify patients whose condition may change during intrahospital transport. BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients may experience various complications during intrahospital transport; therefore, it is important to predict their risk before they leave the emergency department. The existing scoring systems were not developed for this population. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. METHODS: This study used convenience sampling and continuous enrolment from 1 January, 2019, to 30 June, 2021, and 584 critically ill patients were included. The collected data included vital signs and any condition change during transfer. The STROBE checklist was used. RESULTS: The median age of the modelling group was 74 (62, 83) years; 93 (19.7%) patients were included in the changed group, and 379 (80.3%) were included in the stable group. The five independent model variables (respiration, pulse, oxygen saturation, systolic pressure and consciousness) were statistically significant (p < .05). The above model was simplified based on beta coefficient values, and each variable was assigned 1 point, for a total score of 0-5 points. The AUC of the simplified score in the modelling group was 0.724 (95% CI: 0.682-0.764); the AUC of the simplified score in the validation group (112 patients) was 0.657 (95% CI: 0.566-0.741). CONCLUSIONS: This study preliminarily established a simplified scoring system for the prediction of risk during intrahospital transport from the emergency department to the intensive care unit. It provides emergency nursing staff with a simple assessment tool to quickly, conveniently and accurately identify a patient's transport risk. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study suggested the importance of strengthening the evaluation of the status of critical patients before intrahospital transport, and a simple score was formed to guide emergency department nurses in evaluating patients.

Exposed Zinc Sites on Hybrid ZnIn2 S4 @CdS Nanocages for Efficient Regioselective Photocatalytic Epoxide Alcoholysis.

Photocatalytic epoxide alcoholysis through C-O bond cleavage and formation has emerged as an alternative to synthesizing anti-tumoral pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. However, the lack of crucial evidence to interpret the interaction between reactants and photocatalyst surface makes it challenging for photocatalytic epoxide alcoholysis with both high activity and regioselectivity. In this work, we report the hierarchical ZnIn2 S4 @CdS photocatalyst for epoxide alcoholysis with high regioselectivity nearly 100 %. Mechanistic studies unveil that the precise activation switch on exposed Zn acid sites for C-O bond polarization and cleavage has a critical significance for achieving efficient photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, the establishment of Z-scheme heterojunction facilitates the interface charge separation and transfer. Remarkably, the underlying regioselective photocatalytic reaction pathway has been distinctly revealed.

New Radical Route and Insight for the Highly Efficient Synthesis of Benzimidazoles Integrated with Hydrogen Evolution.

Benzimidazoles are a versatile class of scaffolds with important biological activities, whereas their synthesis in a lower-cost and more efficient manner remains a challenge. Here, we demonstrate a conceptually new radical route for the high-performance photoredox coupling of alcohols and diamines to synthesize benzimidazoles along with stoichiometric hydrogen (H2 ) over Pd-decorated ultrathin ZnO nanosheets (Pd/ZnO NSs). The mechanistic study reveals the unique advantage of ZnO NSs over other supports and particularly that the features of Pd nanoparticles in facilitating the cleavage of the α-C-H bond of alcohols and adsorbing subsequently-generated C-centered radicals hold the key to turning on the reaction. This work highlights a new insight into radical-induced efficient benzimidazole synthesis pairing with H2 evolution by rationally designing semiconductor-based photoredox systems.

Theoretical Insights into the Selective Separation of Am(III)/Eu(III) Using Hydrophilic Triazolyl-Based Ligands.

Designing ligands with efficient actinide (An(III))/lanthanide (Ln(III)) separation performance is still one of the key issues for the disposal of accumulated radioactive waste and the recovery of minor actinides. Recently, the hydrophilic ligands as promising extractants in the innovative Selective ActiNide Extraction (i-SANEX) process show excellent selectivity for Am(III) over Eu(III), such as hydroxylated-based ligands. In this work, we investigated the selective back-extraction toward Am(III) over Eu(III) with three hydrophilic hydroxylated triazolyl-based ligands (the skeleton of pyridine La, bipyridine Lb, and phenanthroline Lc) using scalar-relativistic density functional theory. The properties of three hydrophilic hydroxylated ligands and the coordination structures, bonding nature, and thermodynamic properties of the Am(III) and Eu(III) complexes with three ligands have been evaluated using multiple theoretical methods. The results of molecular orbitals (MOs), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIMs), and natural bond orbital (NBO) reveal that Am-N bonds possess more covalent character compared to Eu-N bonds. The thermodynamic results indicate that the complexing ability of Lb and Lc with metal ions is almost the same, which is stronger than that of La. However, La has the best Am(III)/Eu(III) selectivity among three ligands, which is attributed to the largest difference in covalency between Am-Ntrzl and Eu-Ntrzl bonds in MLa(NO3)3. This work provides an in-depth understanding of the preferential selectivity of the hydrophilic hydroxylated ligands with An(III) over Ln(III) and also provides theoretical support for designing potential hydrophilic ligands with excellent separation performance of Am(III)/Eu(III).

Long-term administration of salvianolic acid A promotes endogenous neurogenesis in ischemic stroke rats through activating Wnt3a/GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathway.

Stroke is the major cause of death and disability worldwide. Most stroke patients who survive in the acute phase of ischemia display various extents of neurological deficits. In order to improve the prognosis of ischemic stroke, promoting endogenous neurogenesis has attracted great attention. Salvianolic acid A (SAA) has shown neuroprotective effects against ischemic diseases. In the present study, we investigated the neurogenesis effects of SAA in ischemic stroke rats, and explored the underlying mechanisms. An autologous thrombus stroke model was established by electrocoagulation. The rats were administered SAA (10 mg/kg, ig) or a positive drug edaravone (5 mg/kg, iv) once a day for 14 days. We showed that SAA administration significantly decreased infarction volume and vascular embolism, and ameliorated pathological injury in the hippocampus and striatum as well as the neurological deficits as compared with the model rats. Furthermore, we found that SAA administration significantly promoted neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) proliferation, migration and differentiation into neurons, enhanced axonal regeneration and diminished neuronal apoptosis around the ipsilateral subventricular zone (SVZ), resulting in restored neural density and reconstructed neural circuits in the ischemic striatum. Moreover, we revealed that SAA-induced neurogenesis was associated to activating Wnt3a/GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathway and downstream target genes in the hippocampus and striatum. Edaravone exerted equivalent inhibition on neuronal apoptosis in the SVZ, as SAA, but edaravone-induced neurogenesis was weaker than that of SAA. Taken together, our results demonstrate that long-term administration of SAA improves neurological function through enhancing endogenous neurogenesis and inhibiting neuronal apoptosis in ischemic stroke rats via activating Wnt3a/GSK3ß/ß-catenin signaling pathway. SAA may be a potential therapeutic drug to promote neurogenesis after stroke.

Nanostructured metal phosphides: from controllable synthesis to sustainable catalysis.

Metal phosphides (MPs) with unique and desirable physicochemical properties provide promising potential in practical applications, such as the catalysis, gas/humidity sensor, environmental remediation, and energy storage fields, especially for transition metal phosphides (TMPs) and MPs consisting of group IIIA and IVA metal elements. Most studies, however, on the synthesis of MP nanomaterials still face intractable challenges, encompassing the need for a more thorough understanding of the growth mechanism, strategies for large-scale synthesis of targeted high-quality MPs, and practical achievement of functional applications. This review aims at providing a comprehensive update on the controllable synthetic strategies for MPs from various metal sources. Additionally, different passivation strategies for engineering the structural and electronic properties of MP nanostructures are scrutinized. Then, we showcase the implementable applications of MP-based materials in emerging sustainable catalytic fields including electrocatalysis, photocatalysis, mild thermocatalysis, and related hybrid systems. Finally, we offer a rational perspective on future opportunities and remaining challenges for the development of MPs in the materials science and sustainable catalysis fields.

Septin 7 is a centrosomal protein that ensures S phase entry and microtubule nucleation by maintaining the abundance of p150glued.

Septins play important roles in regulating development and differentiation. Septin 7 (SEPT7) is a crucial component in orchestrating the septin core complex into highly ordered filamentous structures. Here, we showed that genetic depletion of SEPT7 or treatment with forchlorfenuron (FCF; a compound known to affect septin filament assembly) led to reduced the S phase entry in cell models and zebrafish embryos. In addition to colocalizing with actin filaments, SEPT7 resided in the centrosome, and SEPT7 depletion led to aberrant mitotic spindle pole formation. This mitotic defect was rescued in SEPT7-deficient cells by wild-type SEPT7, suggesting that SEPT7 maintained mitotic spindle poles. In addition, we observed disorganized microtubule nucleation and reduced cell migration with SEPT7 depletion. Furthermore, SEPT7 formed a complex with and maintained the abundance of p150glued , the component of centriole subdistal appendages. Depletion of p150glued resulted in a phenotype reminiscent of SEPT7-deficient cells, and overexpression of p150glued reversed the defective phenotypes. Thus, SEPT7 is a centrosomal protein that maintains proper cell proliferation and microtubule array formation via maintaining the abundance of p150glued .

Theoretical Insights into the Separation of Am(III)/Eu(III) by Hydrophilic Sulfonated Ligands.

In this work, we focused on the separation of Am(III)/Eu(III) with four hydrophilic sulfonated ligands (L) based on the framework of phenanthroline and bipyridine through scalar relativistic density functional theory. We studied the electronic structures of [ML(NO3)3] (M = Am, Eu) complexes and the bonding nature between metal and ligands as well as evaluated the separation selectivity of Am(III)/Eu(III). The tetrasulfonated ligand L2 with a bipyridine framework has the strongest complexing ability for metal ions probably because of the better solubility and flexible skeleton. The disulfonated ligand L1 has the highest Am(III)/Eu(III) selectivity, which is attributed to the covalent difference between the Am-N and Eu-N bonds based on the quantum theory of atoms in the molecule analysis. Thermodynamic analysis shows that the four hydrophilic sulfonated ligands are more selective toward Am(III) over Eu(III). In addition, these hydrophilic sulfonated ligands show better complexing ability and Am(III)/Eu(III) selectivity compared to the corresponding hydrophobic nonsulfonated ones. This work provides theoretical support for the separation of Am(III)/Eu(III) using hydrophilic sulfonated ligands.

[Yishen Tonglong Decoction inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Ras/ERK signaling pathway in human prostate cancer DU-145 cells].

Objective: To observe the effect of Yishen Tonglong Decoction (YTD) on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Ras/ERK signaling pathway in human PCa DU-145 cells and explore its action mechanism. METHODS: We treated human PCa DU-145 cells with normal plasma (the blank control) or plasma containing 5% (low-dose), 10% (medium-dose) and 15% (high-dose) YTD. After intervention, we examined the proliferation of the DU-145 cells in different groups with CCK-8 and their apoptosis by Annexin V/PI double staining. We detected the cell cycle by PI assay, the invasion and migration of the cells using the Transwell chamber and scratch test, and the expressions of the proteins and genes related to the EMT and Ras/ERK signaling pathways in the cells by Western blot and RT-PCR. RESULTS: Compared with the blank control group, high-, medium- and low-dose YTD significantly inhibited the proliferation of the PCa DU-145 cells, decreased their adherence and growth (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), promoted their apoptosis (P < 0.01), regulated their cell cycles (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and reduced their in vitro invasion and migration abilities (P < 0.05), all in a dose-dependent manner. The results of Western blot and RT-PCR revealed down-regulated protein and mRNA expressions of N-cadherin, zinc finger transcription factor (Snail), Ras, p-ERK1/2 and ERK1/2, but up-regulated protein and mRNA expressions of E-cadherin in the PCa DU-145 cells treated with YTD (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Yishen Tonglong Decoction can effectively inhibit the proliferation, promote the apoptosis, regulate the cell cycle and suppress the invasion and migration abilities and EMT process of human PCa DU-145 cells. The mechanism of Yishen Tonglong Decoction acting on PCa may be associated with its inhibitory effect on the EMT process and expression of the Ras/ERK signaling pathway in PCa cells./.