[Ameliorative Effects of Cang-ai Volatile Oil on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Rats].

Objective: To evaluate with 7T cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking imaging (CMR-TT) the ameliorative effect of Cang-ai volatile oil (CAVO) on left ventricular remodeling (LVR) in rats induced by isoproterenol (ISO), and to make preliminary investigation into CAVO's effects on endothelial dysfunction in LVR. Methods: A total of 35 healthy male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to two groups, the experimental group ( n=27) and the normal control group ( n=8). The rat model of LVR was established by subcutaneous injection of ISO solution at 10 mg·kg -1·d -1 at multiple sites for 10 consecutive days. After modeling was completed, the surviving rats ( n=24) in the experimental group were then randomly assigned to the blank experimental group, CAVO group, and Shexiang Baoxin pill (SXBXP) group ( n=8 in each group). Rats in each group were given via gavage the corresponding intervention medicine or an equivalent amount of normal saline solution for 28 consecutive days. At the end of modeling and intragastric intervention, 7T CMR cine sequence scanning was conducted to collect data. Then, post-processing software CVI42 was used to analyze the images and to compare and contrast the changes in the parameters of left ventricular cardiac function and myocardial strain in each group before and after the administration of the medication. The rats were sacrificed after MRI scanning, and their hearts were harvested for pathological examination. The levels of serum biochemical indicators were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: CAVO significantly increased LV ejection fraction and overall myocardial strain parameters in LVR rats, while it decreased LV volume, mass, and serum levels of endothelial function indicators in LVR rats. In addition, pathological staining showed marked improvements in the hypertrophy, necrosis and interstitial fibrosis of cardiomyocytes. Conclusion: Through the regulation of myocardial vascular endothelial function, CAVO can significantly improve cardiac functions in LVR rats, delay the process of ventricular remodeling, and have a certain amount of protective effect on cardiac structure and function in rats.

Pentacyclic and Hexacyclic Osmaarynes and Their Derivatives.

Although osmabenzyne, osmanaphthalyne, osmaphenanthryne, and osmaanthracyne have been previously reported, the synthesis of polycyclic osmaarynes is still a challenge. Herein, we report the successful synthesis of the first pentacyclic osmaarynes (pyreno[b]osmabenzynes 1 a and 2 a) and hexacyclic osmaaryne (peryleno[b]osmabenzyne 3 a). Nucleophilic reaction of osmaarynes was used to obtain the corresponding pyreno[b]osmium complexes (1 and 2) and peryleno[b] osmium complex (3), which exhibited near-infrared luminescence and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties. Complexes 2 and 3 are resistant to photodegradation, and complex 2 has better photothermal conversion properties than 3.

Pyruvate accelerates palladium reduction by regulating catabolism and electron transfer pathway in Shewanella oneidensis.

Shewanella oneidensis is a model strain of the electrochemical active bacteria (EAB) because of its strong capability of extracellular electron transfer (EET) and genetic tractability. In this study, we investigated the effect of carbon sources on EET in S. oneidensis by using reduction of palladium ions (Pd(II)) as a model and found that pyruvate greatly accelerated the Pd(II) reduction compared with lactate by resting cells. Both Mtr pathway and hydrogenases played a role in Pd(II) reduction when pyruvate was used as a carbon source. Furthermore, in comparison with lactate-feeding S. oneidensis, the transcriptional levels of formate dehydrogenases involving in pyruvate catabolism, Mtr pathway, and hydrogenases in pyruvate-feeding S. oneidensis were up-regulated. Mechanistically, the enhancement of electron generation from pyruvate catabolism and electron transfer to Pd(II) explains the pyruvate effect on Pd(II) reduction. Interestingly, a 2-h time window is required for pyruvate to regulate transcription of these genes and profoundly improve Pd(II) reduction capability, suggesting a hierarchical regulation for pyruvate sensing and response in S. oneidensis IMPORTANCE The unique respiration of EET is crucial for the biogeochemical cycling of metal elements and diverse applications of EAB. Although a carbon source is a determinant factor of bacterial metabolism, the research into the regulation of carbon source on EET is rare. In this work, we reported the pyruvate-specific regulation and improvement of EET in S. oneidensis and revealed the underlying mechanism, which suggests potential targets to engineer and improve the EET efficiency of this bacterium. This study sheds light on the regulatory role of carbon sources in anaerobic respiration in EAB, providing a way to regulate EET for diverse applications from a novel perspective.

Osmaindenes: Synthesis and Reversible Mechanochromism Characteristics.

A series of novel osmaindenes 1-6 bearing different substituents (CF3 , H, I, Br, OCH3 , N(Ph)2 ) has been synthesized by nucleophilic reaction of water with the corresponding aromatic osmanaphthalyne complexes. All osmaindenes 1-6 have been characterized by elemental analysis (EA) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, although the low solubilities of 3 and 4 precluded the accumulation of their 13 C NMR spectra. Osmaindenes 2, 3 and 5 have also been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Subsequently, through solid-state fluorescence spectroscopy, mechanochromic studies, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, we found that osmaindenes 1-6 fluoresce at wavelengths in the range 500-800 nm, while also displaying reversible mechanochromic properties. The solid-state fluorescence emission of 1 after grinding extends into the near-infrared region. This research provides new insight into the design and synthesis of metallic materials with excellent mechanochromic properties.

Nucleophilic Reactions of Osmanaphthalynes with PMe3 and H2 O.

Members of a new class of complexes, 2(CF3 ), 2(H), 2(Br), 2(I), and 2(OCH3 ), have been synthesized in a one-pot method involving the treatment of osmanaphthalynes bearing corresponding substituents (1(CF3 ), 1(H), 1(Br), 1(I), and 1(OCH3 )) with trimethylphosphine (PMe3 ) and water. The main reaction process involves two steps, namely a ligand-exchange with trimethylphosphine and nucleophilic addition of water to the Os≡C bond of the osmanaphthalyne. The substituents have a significant influence on the rate of the reaction, as befits a nucleophilic addition. Fortunately, the key intermediate [1(OCH3 )]' could be successfully captured, and the detailed reaction mechanism has been explored with the aid of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, which were in excellent agreement with the experimental findings. All of the target complexes have been fully characterized by 1 H, 31 P{1 H}, and 13 C{1 H} NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis.

Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 contributes to cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer through EGFR activation.

Patients with ovarian cancer frequently develop acquired drug resistance after the long-term chemotherapy, leading to disease progression. Enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in chemoresistance of ovarian cancer cells; however, the molecular mechanisms involved are largely undefined. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), a key regulatory enzyme in glucose metabolism, has been recognized as a gatekeeper of the Warburg effect, a hallmark of cancer. In this study, the function of PDK1 in cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer in terms of growth and EMT was investigated. PDK1 was upregulated in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. PDK1 knockdown in resistant cells led to increased sensitivity to cisplatin-induced cell death and apoptosis. PDK1 downregulation also reversed the EMT and cell motility in cisplatin-resistant cells. In a mouse xenograft model, tumors derived from PDK1-silenced ovarian cancer cells exhibited decreased tumor growth and EMT compared with control after the cisplatin treatment. Mechanistically, PDK1 overexpression led to increased phosphorylation of EGFR, and blocking EGFR kinase activity by erlotinib reversed cisplatin resistance induced by PDK1 overexpression. Furthermore, in patients with ovarian cancer, higher PDK1 and p-EGFR levels were associated with chemoresistance. These results supported that PDK1 contributes to chemoresistance of ovarian cancer by activating EGFR. Therefore, PDK1 may serve as a promising target to combat chemoresistance of ovarian cancer.

Tissue Imaging of Glutathione-Specific Naphthalimide-Cyanine Dye with Two-Photon and Near-Infrared Manners.

Molecular probes suitable for different fluorescence imaging technologies can meet the requirements of different scientific research in biological applications. In this work, a naphthalimide-cyanine-based sulfonamide was used to specifically visualize the glutathione of mouse tissues with a two-photon manner for the naphthalimide moiety and a near-infrared manner for the cyanine moiety, respectively. The results showed that this probe served as a dual-model tissue-imaging agent for visualization of glutathione with around 200 µm imaging depth in a two-photon manner and 120 µm imaging depth in a near-infrared manner, which provided a model for tissue imaging in the visible and near-infrared channels.

A Visible-Light-Induced Strategy To Construct Osmanaphthalynes, Osmaanthracyne, and Osmaphenanthryne.

Herein, we describe a novel, green, and efficient synthesis of a series of different substituted osmanaphthalynes (including -H, -Br, -I, -CH3 and -CF3 ) and the first examples of the preparation of α-osmaanthracyne and α-osmaphenanthryne by means of a visible light-induced intramolecular cyclization reaction of their corresponding osmium hydrido alkenylcarbyne complexes. This visible-light-driven method provides an efficient and straightforward approach to afford the desired fused metal heterocyclic complexes constructed with an Os atom as the metal center in high yield under mild conditions.

Diphenylamine-Substituted Osmanaphthalyne Complexes: Structural, Bonding, and Redox Properties of Unusual Donor-Bridge-Acceptor Systems.

Diarylamine-substituted osmanaphthalyne complexes that feature two redox centers linked by the rigid skeleton of the metallacycle (C^C+ ), specifically, [OsCl2 (PPh3 )2 {(C^C+ )NAr2 }][BF4 - ] (Ar=Ph (1 a), p-MeOPh (1 b)) and their open-ring precursors [OsHCl2 (PPh3 )2 {(≡C-C(PPh3 + )=CHPh)NR2 }][BF4 - ] (Ar=Ph (2 a), p-MeOPh (2 b)), were successfully synthesized and characterized by 1 H, 13 C, and 31 P NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and elemental analysis. The solid-state molecular structures of complexes 1 a and 2 a were ascertained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Os≡C bond length in both complexes 1 a and 2 a fell within the range reported for similar osmanaphthalynes and osmium carbyne complexes, respectively. The structural parameters determined for complex 1 a, which were successfully reproduced by theoretical calculations, point to a π-delocalized metallacycle structure. The purple color of compounds 1 a and b was explained by the diarylamine→Os(metallacycle) charge-transfer absorption in the visible region. The neutral, one-electron-oxidized and one-electron-reduced states of compounds 1 a, b, and a reference complex that lacked the diarylamine substituent, [OsCl2 (PPh3 )2 {(C^C+ )}][BF4 - ] (1'), were investigated by cyclic and square-wave voltammetry, UV/Vis/NIR spectroelectrochemistry, and DFT calculations. The spin density in singly oxidized complexes [1 a]+ and [1 b]+ predominantly resided on the aminyl segment, with osmium involvement controlled by the diphenylamine substitution. Spin density in stable, singly-reduced [1']- was distributed mainly over the osmanaphthalyne metallacycle.

Bonding and Electronic Properties of Linear Diethynyl Oligothienoacene-Bridged Diruthenium Complexes and Their Oxidized Forms.

A series of five diruthenium diethynyl complexes based on α,ß-fused oligothienoacenes in the core of the bridging ligands [{Ru(dppe)Cp*}2(µ-C≡C-L-C≡C)] [dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, Cp* = η5-C5Me5; L = thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (4), thieno[2,3-b]thiophene (5), 3,4-dimethylthieno[2,3-b]thiophene (6), dithieno[3,2-b:2',3'-d]thiophene (7), and thieno[3,2-b]thieno[2',3':4,5]thieno[2,3-d]thiophene (8)] have been synthesized and fully characterized electrochemically and spectroscopically. Elongation of the redox noninnocent oligothienoacene bridge core causes a smaller potential difference between the initial two anodic steps, not seen for free dialkyl oligothienoacenes, and increased positive charge delocalization over the conjugated bridge backbone. The highest occupied molecular orbital of the parent complexes resides predominantly on the oligothienoacene core, with strong participation of the ethynyl linkers and slightly smaller contribution from the metallic termini. This bonding character makes the initial one-electron oxidation symmetrical, as revealed by combined voltammetric and spectroscopic (IR, UV-vis-near-IR, and electron paramagnetic resonance) methods as well as density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT calculations of truncated and selected nontruncated models of the studied series. The remarkable gradual appearance of two C≡C stretching absorptions in the IR spectra of the monocationic diethynyl complexes is ascribed to increasing vibronic coupling of the IR-forbidden νs(C≡C) mode of the oxidized -[C≡C-core-C≡C]+- bridge with a low-lying π-π*(intrabridge)/metal-to-ligand charge-transfer electronic transition in the near-to-mid-IR spectral region.

Supercritical CO2 Foaming of Radiation Cross-Linked Isotactic Polypropylene in the Presence of TAIC.

Since the maximum foaming temperature window is only about 4 °C for supercritical CO2 (scCO2) foaming of pristine polypropylene, it is important to raise the melt strength of polypropylene in order to more easily achieve scCO2 foaming. In this work, radiation cross-linked isotactic polypropylene, assisted by the addition of a polyfunctional monomer (triallylisocyanurate, TAIC), was employed in the scCO2 foaming process in order to understand the benefits of radiation cross-linking. Due to significantly enhanced melt strength and the decreased degree of crystallinity caused by cross-linking, the scCO2 foaming behavior of polypropylene was dramatically changed. The cell size distribution, cell diameter, cell density, volume expansion ratio, and foaming rate of radiation-cross-linked polypropylene under different foaming conditions were analyzed and compared. It was found that radiation cross-linking favors the foamability and formation of well-defined cell structures. The optimal absorbed dose with the addition of 2 wt % TAIC was 30 kGy. Additionally, the foaming temperature window was expanded to about 8 °C, making the handling of scCO2 foaming of isotactic polypropylene much easier.

Propofol Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses in Spinal Astrocytes via the Toll-Like Receptor 4/MyD88-Dependent Nuclear Factor-κB, Extracellular Signal-Regulated Protein Kinases1/2, and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathways.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated the effect of propofol, a commonly used IV anesthetic, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in astrocytes and explored the molecular mechanisms by which it occurs. METHODS: Astrocytes were stimulated with LPS (1.0 µg/mL) in the absence and presence of different concentrations of propofol. The expression of astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in astrocytes was detected using immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The mRNA level of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) was determined by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The protein expressions of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), p- extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK)1/2, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), p-I-κBα, I-κBα, and p-nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)p65 were detected by Western blot. RESULTS: Our results show that after stimulation with LPS, the levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α and the expression of GFAP in astrocytes were up-regulated significantly. In addition, the expression of TLR4, MyD88, p-ERK1/2, p-c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p-p38 MAPK, and p-NF-κBp65 increased, whereas the expression of total I-κBα decreased upon stimulation with LPS. Propofol (10 µM) reduced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, inhibited the expressions of GFAP, TLR4, MyD88, p-ERK1/2, p-p38 MAPK, and p-NF-κBp65 in astrocytes challenged with LPS. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, propofol 10 µM but not lower clinically relevant or higher supra-clinical concentrations attenuated LPS-induced astrocyte activation and subsequent inflammatory responses by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88-dependent NF-κB, ERK1/2, and p38 MAPK pathways.

Effects of albendazole nanoparticles in mice with hepatic echinococosis: Portal vein cannulation versus intravenous administration.

To compare the ABZ and its metabolites concentration in cyst tissue of hepatic alveolar echinococcosis administered by different routes, forty male Wistar rats receiving albendazole nanoparticles from tail vein and portal vein were divided into two groups, the concentration of ABZ and its metabolites ABZSO, ABZSO2, in the cyst tissue, were analyzed by HPLC at 2, 4, 8, 24, 36 h after administration. The parent drug and its metabolites were detected in plasm and the cyst tissue after portal cannulation and intravenous administration. The last results were the concentration of ABZ in the portal cannulation group was higher than in the intravenous group at every time point (p < 0.05). Compared to the intravenous group, the portal cannulation administration of ABZ led to a lower plasm concentration of ABZ. The concentration of ABZ and the active ABZSO were significantly higher in the portal cannulation group than that of the intravenous group.

Metallaaromatic Complexes as Candidates for Future Molecular Materials and Electronic Devices: Recent Advancements.

In recent years, the field of organometallic chemistry has made a great progress and diverse types of metallaaromatics have successively been reported. In those studies, incorporation of ligated osmium centers into metallaaromatic systems played a prominent role. The reviewed literature documents that certain metallaaromatics with unconventional photophysical properties, redox and electronic transport properties and magnetism, have potential to be widely used in diverse practical applications, with selected examples of amino acid and fluoride anion identification, photothermal effects, functional materials, photodynamic therapy (PDT) in biomedicine, single-molecule junction conductors, and electron-transport layer materials (ETLs) in solar cells.

Novel Dual-Emission Emitters Featuring Phenothiazine-S-Oxide and Phenothiazine-S,S-Dioxide Motifs.

In this study, we have successfully designed and synthesized two novel dual-emission emitters featuring phenothiazine-5-oxide and phenothiazine-5,5-dioxide motifs, characterized by highly lopsided and asymmetric conformational states. Through rigorous spectral examinations and DFT calculations, the compounds exhibit distinctive ICT phenomena, coupled with efficient emission in solid states and AIEE characteristics under high water fractions in DMF/H2O mixtures. These non-planar luminogens exhibit vibrant green and blue solid-state luminescence, with fluorescence quantum yields of 24.1 % and 15.21 %, respectively. Additionally, they both emit green fluorescence in THF solution, with notable emission quantum yields (QYs) 36.4 % and 30.4 %. Comprehensive theoretical investigations unveil well-defined electron cloud density separation between the energies of HOMO/LUMO levels within the two luminogens. Notably, the targeted molecule harboring the phenothiazine-S,S-dioxide motif also demonstrates remarkable reversible mechanofluorochromic properties. Moreover, we testify their potential in applications such as solid-state rewritable information storage and live-cell imaging in solution states. Through theoretical calculations and comparative studies, we have explored the intrinsic relationship between molecular structure and performance, effectively screening and identifying new fluorescent molecules exhibiting outstanding luminescent attributes. These discoveries establish a robust theoretical and technical foundation for the synthesis and application of efficient DSE-based MFC materials, opening new avenues in the realm of advanced luminescent materials.

Manufacturing of high strength and high conductivity copper with laser powder bed fusion.

Additive manufacturing (AM), known as 3D printing, enables rapid fabrication of geometrically complex copper (Cu) components for electrical conduction and heat management applications. However, pure Cu or Cu alloys produced by 3D printing often suffer from either low strength or low conductivity at room and elevated temperatures. Here, we demonstrate a design strategy for 3D printing of high strength, high conductivity Cu by uniformly dispersing a minor portion of lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) nanoparticles in pure Cu through laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). We show that trace additions of LaB6 to pure Cu results in an improved L-PBF processability, an enhanced strength, an improved thermal stability, all whilst maintaining a high conductivity. The presented strategy could expand the applicability of 3D printed Cu components to more demanding conditions where high strength, high conductivity and thermal stability are required.

Poly[diaqua-[µ6-4,4'-(1,4-phenyl-ene)bis-(2,6-dimethyl-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxyl-ato)]dilead(II)].

The asymmetric unit of the title Pb-based coordination polymer, [Pb2(C24H16N2O8)(H2O)2] n , consists of one Pb(II) cation, half of a 4,4'-(1,4-phenyl-ene)bis-(2,6-dimethyl-pyridine-3,5-di-carb-oxyl-ate (L (4-)) ligand and one coordinating water mol-ecule. The centers of the benzene ring of the ligand and the four-membered Pb/O/Pb/O ring are located on centers of inversion. The Pb(II) ion is coordinated in form of a distorted polyhedron by seven O atoms from four separate L (4-) ligands and by one water O atom. The PbO7 polyhedra share O atoms, forming infinite zigzag [PbO4(H2O)] n chains along [100] that are bridged by L (4-) ligands, forming a two-dimensional coordination network parallel to (001). O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the water mol-ecule are observed.

Kinetics and Combustion Behavior of Atomized Zn-Mg Alloy Powder.

Using pyrolants instead of warhead charges can release red light and thick smoke for target practice to highlight the safety of the impact point and dud disposal. In order to find the ideal material, the combustion and kinetic properties of two Zn-Mg alloys at critical proportions were investigated. Thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry (TG/DSC) experiments in pure oxygen were conducted with atomized Zn-Mg alloy powder in the ratio of 7:3 and the ratio of 8:2 with three particle diameters under different heating rates. The kinetic parameters of the six materials were obtained by ASTM E698 and Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW) methods, indicating that the activation energy (Eα) of the 7:3 Zn-Mg alloy powder was lower than that of the 8:2 Zn-Mg alloy powder when the particle size distributions are similar. By the method of nonlinear multivariate regression, the oxidation reaction of Zn-Mg alloy powder was divided into two steps. The proportion of mass gain of the first-step reaction of 7:3 Zn-Mg alloy powder was 0.462-0.518, and the proportion of mass gain of the first-step reaction of 8:2 Zn-Mg alloy powder was 0.138-0.228. Reaction mechanism functions of the two-step reaction of Zn-Mg alloy oxidation were derived as f(α) = (1 - α)n(1 + kcat·α). The results of combustion experiments showed that the pyrolants composed of 7:3 alloy can burn stably to produce satisfactory smoke and light signals, while the pyrolants composed of 8:2 alloy cannot achieve this. The 7:3 Zn-Mg alloy powder is an ideal ingredient for pyrotechnic compositions.