Fresnel Diffraction Model for Laser Dazzling Spots of Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Cameras.

Laser dazzling on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensors is an effective method in optoelectronic countermeasures. However, previous research mainly focused on the laser dazzling under far fields, with limited studies on situations that the far-field conditions were not satisfied. In this paper, we established a Fresnel diffraction model of laser dazzling on a CMOS by combining experiments and simulations. We calculated that the laser power density and the area of saturated pixels on the detector exhibit a linear relationship with a slope of 0.64 in a log-log plot. In the experiment, we found that the back side illumination (BSI-CMOS) matched the simulations, with an error margin of 3%, while the front side illumination (FSI-CMOS) slightly mismatched the simulations, with an error margin of 14%. We also found that the full-screen saturation threshold for the BSI-CMOS was 25% higher than the FSI-CMOS. Our work demonstrates the applicability of the Fresnel diffraction model for BSI-CMOS, which provides a valuable reference for studying laser dazzling.

An efficient flavonoid glycosyltransferase NjUGT73B1 from Nardostachys jatamansi of alpine Himalayas discovered by structure-based protein clustering.

Tilianin and linarin, two rare glycosylated flavonoids in the aromatic endangered medicinal plant Nardostachys jatamansi (D.on)DC., play an important role in the fields of medicine, cosmetics, food and dye industries. However, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding their biosynthetic pathway. In this study, the phytochemical investigation of N. jatamansi resulted in the isolation of linarin. With help of AlphaFold2 to cluster the entire glycosyltransferase family based on predicted structure similarities, we successfully identified a flavonoid glycosyltransferase NjUGT73B1, which could efficiently catalyze the glucosylation of acacetin at 7-OH to produce tilianin, also the key precursor in the biosynthesis of linarin. Additionally, NjUGT73B1 displayed a high degree of substrate promiscuity, enabling glucosylation at 7-OH of many flavonoids. Molecular modeling and site-directed mutagenesis revealed that H19, H21, H370, F126, and F127 play the crucial roles in the glycosylation ability of NjUGT73B1. Notably, comparation with the wild NjUGT73B1, mutant H19K led to a 50% increase in the activity of producing tilianin from acacetin.

Analysis of delayed initial radioactive iodine therapy and clinical outcomes in papillary thyroid cancer: a two-center retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether the time interval between total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy influences clinical outcomes in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This study aims to evaluate the impact of the timing to initiate RAI therapy on the response in PTC patients. METHODS: We retrospectively included 405 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and subsequent RAI therapy at two tertiary hospitals in southwest China. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the interval between thyroidectomy and initial RAI therapy, that is, an early group (interval ≤90 days, n  = 317) and a delayed group (interval >90 days, n  = 88). Responses to RAI therapy were classified as excellent, indeterminate, biochemical incomplete, or structural incomplete. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with a nonexcellent response. RESULTS: Excellent responses were observed in 77.3% of the early group and 83.0% of the delayed group ( P  = 0.252). No significant impact of RAI therapy timing was also observed across all American Thyroid Association risk classification categories. These findings persisted when patients were analyzed separately according to RAI dose (intermediate-dose group: 3.7 GBq [ n  = 332]; high-activity group: ≥5.5 GBq [ n  = 73]), further subdivided by the timing of RAI therapy. Multivariate analysis identified lymph node dissection, RAI dose, and stimulated thyroglobulin as independent risk factors for excellent response ( P  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The timing of initial RAI therapy following surgery did not significantly affect outcomes in patients with PTC.

[Main components from cultivated and wild Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma by LC-MS and GC-MS].

In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS) were combined with non-targeted metabonomic analysis based on multivariate statistics analysis, and the content of five indicative components in nardosinone was determined and compared by UPLC. The main chemical components of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma with imitative wild cultivation and wild Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma were comprehensively analyzed. The results of multivariate statistical analysis based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(LC-MS) and GC-MS were consistent. G1 and G2 of the imitative wild cultivation group and G8-G19 of the wild group were clustered into category 1, while G7 of the wild group and G3-G6 of the imitative wild cultivation group were clustered into category 2. After removing the outlier data of G1, G2, and G7, G3-G6 of the imitative wild cultivation group were clustered into one category, and G8-G19 of the wild group were clustered into the other category. Twenty-six chemical components were identified according to the positive and negative ion modes detected by LC-MS. The content of five indicative components(VIP>1.5) was determined using UPLC, revealing that chlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, linarin, nardosinone, and total content in the imitative wild cultivation group were 1.85, 1.52, 1.26, 0.90, 2.93, and 2.56 times those in the wild group, respectively. OPLS-DA based on GC-MS obtained 10 diffe-rential peaks. Among them, the relative content of α-humulene and aristolene in the imitative wild cultivation group were extremely significantly(P<0.01) and significantly(P<0.05) higher than that in the wild group, while the relative content of 7 components such as 5,6-epoxy-3-hydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one, γ-eudesmol, and juniper camphor and 12-isopropyl-1,5,9-trimethyl-4,8,13-cyclotetrade-catriene-1,3-diol was extremely significantly(P<0.01) and significantly(P<0.05) lower than that in the wild group, respectively. Therefore, the main chemical components of the imitative wild cultivation group and wild group were basically the same. However, the content of non-volatile components in the imitative wild cultivation group was higher than that in the wild group, and the content of some volatile components was opposite. This study provides scientific data for the comprehensive evaluation of the quality of Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma with imitative wild cultivation and wild Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma.

Correction to: Sophoridine induces apoptosis and S phase arrest via ROS-dependent JNK and ERK activation in human pancreatic cancer cells.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Erjingwan Extracts Exert Antiaging Effects of Skin through Activating Nrf2 and Inhibiting NF-κB.

In oriental medicine, mixtures of medical plants are always used as prescriptions for diseases. Natural products extracted from herbs have great potential antiaging effects. Previous studies and clinical trials have shown several critical functions of Erjingwan (EJW), such as nourishing Yin, kidney tonifying and aging-resistance. We assumed that EJW extracts exerted the antiaging effects through nourishing Yin. We examined the antiaging effects of EJW extracts on healthy human skin by noninvasive measurements. Then we estimated the cell proliferation and DPPH radical scavenging rate. Western blotting analysis was used to determine the expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), type I collagen (COL1A2), p-NF-κB, NF-κB, p-IκBα, IκBα, p-Nrf2, and HO-1. EJW extracts did not affect moisture content, TEWL and skin chroma, while it significantly improved skin glossiness and skin elasticity. Moreover, EJW extracts could downregulate the MMP1 expression and upregulate the COL1A2 expression. In addition, it promoted the Nrf2 pathway while it inhibited the NF-κB pathway. With the application of cream containing EJW extracts, the skin aging state was significantly improved. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that EJW extracts contributed to the repair of skin after injury. Taken together, the antiaging effects of EJW extracts were related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.

Traditional Chinese medicine Ze-Qi-Tang formula inhibit growth of non-small-cell lung cancer cells through the p53 pathway.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ze-Qi-Tang (ZQT), a classic Chinese herbal formula, has been for over thousand years used for the treatment of several respiratory ailments like cough, asthma, hydrothorax and lung cancer. AIM OF STUDY: Cumulative literature on ZQT herbal formula reveals that its several constituent components are potent inducer of apoptosis in different cancer cells. However, the activity of ZQT against non-small-cell-lung cancer (NSCLC) has not been previously examined. The aim of the study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of ZQT on NSCLC cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell growth were determined by CCK-8 and colony formation assay. Induction of cellular apoptosis or arrest of cell cycle were determined by flow cytometric analysis using annexin V/ propidium iodide, Hoechst 33342 or TUNEL staining method. In some assay p53 activity of NSCLC ( A549 and H460) cells were blocked with pifithrin-a, prior to treatment with ZQT. The level of expression of cell cycle and apoptosis related marker proteins were estimated by western blot. The anticancer activity of ZQT in vivo were monitored in nude mice that were induced with tumor by subcutaneous inoculation of A549 cells and then treated by ZQT(100 mg/kg,200 mg/kg,400 mg/kg) gavaging for 30 days. Mice' body weight and tumor volume were measured weekly. The survival carve was recorded. Apoptosis from mice' tissue was observed by TUNEL assay. Pathological histology of liver, kidney and heart were detected by H&E staining, and its functions were tested by ELISA. RESULTS: Dose- and time-dependent inhibition of proliferation of NSCLC ( A549 and H460) cells by ZQT therapy along with induction of cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase were observed. The arrest of cell cycle arrest and inhibition of cellular proliferation were associated with up regulation of p53 along with down regulation of Cyclin B1 and Cdk2 indicating a mitochondrial related induction of apoptosis with ZQT. A reversal of ZQT-induced apoptosis and G0/G1 arrest was observed with pifithrin-a pretreatment. ZQT was also found to suppress the progression of tumor growth in mouse xenograft models and prolong survival. In addition, no hepato- or nephro- or cardio-toxicity with ZQT treatment were detected in mice. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the ZQT formula inhibits the growth of NSCLC cells and is a potential agent of complementary and alternative treatment for lung cancer.

Sophoridine induces apoptosis and S phase arrest via ROS-dependent JNK and ERK activation in human pancreatic cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is generally acknowledged as the most common primary malignant tumor, and it is known to be resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Novel, selective antitumor agents are pressingly needed. METHODS: CCK-8 and colony formation assay were used to investigate the cell growth. Flow cytometry analysis was used to evaluate the cell cycle and cell apoptosis. The peroxide-sensitive fluorescent probe DCFH-DA was used to measure the intracellular ROS levels. Western blot assay was used to detect the levels of cell cycle and apoptosis related proteins. Xenografts in nude mice were used to evaluate the effect of Sophoridine on pancreatic cancer cell in vivo. RESULTS: Sophoridine killed cancer cells but had low cytotoxicity to normal cells. Pancreatic cancer cells were particularly sensitive. Sophoridine inhibited the proliferation of pancreatic cancer cells and induced cell cycle arrest at S phase and mitochondrial-related apoptosis. Moreover, Sophoridine induced a sustained activation of the phosphorylation of ERK and JNK. In addition, Sophoridine provoked the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in pancreatic cancer cells. Finally, in vivo, Sophoridine suppressed tumor growth in mouse xenograft models. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest Sophoridine is promising to be a novel, potent and selective antitumor drug candidate for pancreatic cancer.

Effects of hepatitis B immunization on prevention of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis B virus and on the immune response of infants towards hepatitis B vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Combined immunization with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) plus hepatitis B vaccine (HB vaccine) can effectively prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). With the universal administration of HB vaccine, anti-HBs conferred by HB vaccine can be found increasingly in pregnant women, and maternal anti-HBs can be passed through the placenta. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of hepatitis B immunization on preventing mother-to-infant transmission of HBV and on the immune response of infants towards HB vaccine. METHOD: From 2008 to 2013, a prospective study was conducted in 15 centers in China. HBsAg-positive pregnant women and their infants aged 8-12 months who completed immunoprophylaxis were enrolled in the study and tested for HBV markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe and anti-HBc). Antepartum administration of HBIG to HBsAg-positive women was based on individual preference. HBsAg-negative pregnant women and their infants of 7-24 months old who received HB vaccines series were enrolled and tests of their HBV markers were performed. RESULTS: 1202 HBsAg-positive mothers and their infants aged 8-12 months were studied and 40 infants were found to be HBsAg positive with the immunoprophylaxis failure rate of 3.3%. Infants with immunoprophylaxis failure were all born to HBeAg-positive mothers of HBV-DNA ≥6 log10copies/ml. Among infants of HBeAg-positive mothers, immunoprophylaxis failure rate in vaccine plus HBIG group, 7.9% (29/367), was significantly lower than the vaccine-only group, 16.9% (11/65), p=0.021; there was no significant difference in the immunoprophylaxis failure rate whether or not antepartum HBIG was given to the pregnant woman, 10.3% (10/97) vs 9.0% (30/335), p=0.685. Anti-HBs positive rate was 56.3% (3883/6899) among HBsAg-negative pregnant women and anti-HBs positive rate was 94.2% in cord blood of anti-HBs-positive mothers. After completing the HB vaccine series, anti-HBs positive rate among infants with maternal anti-HBs titers of <10 IU/L, 10-500 IU/L and ≥500 IU/L was 90.3% (168/186), 90.5% (219/242) and 80.2% (89/111) respectively, p=0.011. Median titers of anti-HBs (IU/L) among infants in the three groups was 344.2, 231.9 and 161.1 respectively, p=0.020. CONCLUSIONS: HBIG plus HB vaccine can effectively prevent mother-to-infant transmission of HBV, but no HBV breakthrough infection was observed in infants born to HBeAg-negative mothers who received HB vaccine with or without HBIG after birth. Antepartum injection of HBIG has no effect on preventing HBV mother-to-infant transmission. High maternal titer of anti-HBs can transplacentally impair immune response of infants towards HB vaccine.