A carbamazepine metabolite activates NLRP3 and controls skin homing of CD8 T-cells in SJS/TEN.

Background: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are severe adverse drug reactions with extensive keratinocyte death. Carbamazepine (CBZ), the most commonly implicated drug in SJS/TEN, is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme 3A4 (CYP3A4) into carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZE) in the liver. While CD8 cytotoxic T cells play an important role in SJS/TEN, the underlying mechanism of exuberant immune response by CD8 T cells in these conditions remains incompletely understood.

Insight into the probability of ethoxy(pentafluoro)cyclotriphosphazene (PFPN) as the functional electrolyte additive in lithium-sulfur batteries.

Enhancing the flame retardancy of electrolytes and the stability of lithium anodes is of great significance to improve the safety performance of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. It is well known that the most commonly used ether based electrolyte solvents in Li-S batteries have a lower flash point and higher volatility than the ester electrolyte solvents in Li-ion batteries. Hence, lithium-sulfur batteries have greater safety risks than lithium-ion batteries.

[Quality evaluation of Compound Cheqian Tablets based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, network pharmacology and "double external standards" QAMS].

The Compound Cheqian Tablets are derived from Cheqian Power in Comprehensive Recording of Divine Assistance, and they are made by modern technology with the combination of Plantago asiatica and Coptis chinensis. To investigate the material basis of Compound Cheqian Tablets in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, in this study, the chemical components of Compound Cheqian Tablets were characterized and analyzed by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and a total of 48 chemical components were identified. The identified chemical compounds were analyzed by network pharmacology.

Gene cloning, protein expression, and enzymatic characterization of a double-stranded RNA degrading enzyme in Apolygus lucorum.

RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool that post-transcriptionally silences target genes in eukaryotic cells. However, silencing efficacy varies greatly among different insect species. Recently, we met with little success when attempting to knock down genes in the mirid bug Apolygus lucorum via dsRNA injection.

8-O-acetyl shanzhiside methylester protects against sleep deprivation-induced cognitive deficits and anxiety-like behaviors by regulating NLRP3 and Nrf2 pathways in mice.

Sleep deprivation (SD) is prevalent throughout the world, which has negative effects on cognitive abilities, and causing mood alterations. 8-O-acetyl shanzhiside methylester (8-OaS), a chief component in Lamiophlomis rotata (L. rotata) Kudo, possesses potent neuroprotective properties and analgesic effects.

Zopfiellasins A-D, Two Pairs of Epimeric Cytochalasins from Kiwi-Associated Fungus sp. and Their Antibacterial Assessment.

In our continuous search for antibacterial agents against pv. (Psa) from kiwi-associated fungi, two pairs of epimeric cytochalasins, zopfiellasins A-D (-), were characterized from the fungus sp. The structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, while the absolute configurations were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.

Deposition of catechol-functionalized chitosan and silver nanoparticles on biomedical titanium surfaces for antibacterial application.

The titanium (Ti) and its alloys have been widely used for dental and orthopedic implants. However, the Ti-based implants may suffer from bacterial infection, which would result in insufficient healing, implant failure and repeated surgical intervention. It is of great interest to inhibit the bacterial adhesion and colonization on the Ti-based implants by introducing proper surface coatings.

Vancomycin-assisted green synthesis of reduced graphene oxide for antimicrobial applications.

Chemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) is a simple and inexpensive method for the large-scale production of graphene-based materials. A suitable reducing agent, especially a green reductant, is in high demand for the production of reduced GO (RGO). Vancomycin, a glycopeptide antibiotic used to treat a variety of Gram-positive bacterial infections, was used to chemically reduce GO at a weak alkaline pH.

[Effect of Tongxie Yaofang on endogenous metabolites in serum of IBS model rats].

To evaluate the effect of Tongxie Yaofang on cardiac endogenous metabolism in irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) rats by using metabolomics method, find its potential biomarkers, analyze the metabolic pathways, and explore the pharmacological effects, mechanisms of action and syndrome essence of syndrome model. Forty Wistar rats were used to establish IBS models, and then randomly divided into four groups： model control group and Tongxie Yaofang treatment groups (high, medium, low dose). Another 10 rats were used as normal group.

Decreased expression levels of complement regulator CD55 contribute to the development of bullous pemphigoid.

Bullous pemphigoid is a common autoimmune blistering disease of the elderly associated with autoantibody-mediated complement activation, and complement dysregulation is critical for its pathogenesis. As a crucial regulator of the complement system, CD55 has been widely studied in autoimmune diseases. Here, we investigated the involvement of CD55 in bullous pemphigoid, as little is known regarding its role in this disease.

Phase Equilibria, Crystal Structure and Hydriding/Dehydriding Mechanism of Nd4Mg80Ni8 Compound.

In order to find out the optimal composition of novel Nd-Mg-Ni alloys for hydrogen storage, the isothermal section of Nd-Mg-Ni system at 400 °C is established by examining the equilibrated alloys. A new ternary compound Nd4Mg80Ni8 is discovered in the Mg-rich corner. It has the crystal structure of space group I41/amd with lattice parameters of a = b = 11.

3,3'-Diindolylmethane attenuates cardiac H9c2 cell hypertrophy through 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-α.

3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is the major product of the acid-catalyzed condensation of indole-3-carbinol (I3C), a component of extracts of Brassica food plants. Numerous studies have suggested that DIM has several beneficial biological activities, including elimination of free radicals, antioxidant and anti-angiogenic effects and activation of apoptosis of various tumor cells. In the present study, an in vitro model was established, using 1 µM angiotensin II (Ang II) in cultured rat cardiac H9c2 cells, to observe the effects of DIM on cardiac hypertrophy.

Using N-tosylhydrazone as a double nucleophile in the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction to synthesize allylic sulfones.

Without extra addition of sulfinate salt, allylic sulfones were synthesized by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl iodide with N-tosylhydrazone. In this transformation, not only the diazo compound but also the sulfinate salt, which were both generated in situ from base-mediated decomposition of the N-tosylhydrazone, was used as nucleophilic partner.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis: species distribution, fluconazole resistance and drug efflux pump gene overexpression.

The increasing incidence of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and the emergence of fluconazole resistance are an indisputable fact. However, little information is available regarding the correlation between fluconazole resistance in vaginal Candida albicans and the expression of drug efflux pump genes. In this study, we investigated the species distribution, fluconazole susceptibility profiles and the mechanisms of fluconazole resistance in Candida strains.

NOD2 deletion promotes cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis induced by pressure overload.

Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-2 (NOD2, also designated CARD15), a member of the NOD-leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein family (also called the CATERPILLAR family), is upregulated in atheroma lesions and has an important role in regulating the intracellular recognition of bacterial components by immune cells. However, the effect of NOD2 on cardiac hypertrophy induced by a pathological stimulus has not been determined. Here, we investigated the effects of NOD2 deficiency on cardiac hypertrophy induced by aortic banding (AB) in mice.

Paeoniflorin attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac remodeling via inhibition of TGFβ/Smads and NF-κB pathways.

Cardiac remodeling is a key determinant in the clinical course and outcome of heart failure and characterized by cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-fibrotic effects of paeoniflorin have been identified in various types of tissue and cells. However, the role of paeoniflorin in cardiac remodeling remains unclear.

3,3'-Diindolylmethane protects against cardiac hypertrophy via 5'-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase-α2.

Purpose: 3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM) is a natural component of cruciferous plants. It has strong antioxidant and anti-angiogenic effects and promotes the apoptosis of a variety of tumor cells. However, little is known about the critical role of DIM on cardiac hypertrophy.

[Differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes and blockage of the differentiation].

Objective: To explore the pathogenesis of tumors by blocking the normal differentiation process of stem cells.

Methods: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from rats were isolated, cultured and purified by whole bone marrow adherence method. The rat BMSCs were induced to differentiate into adipocytes with dexamethasone, insulin and indomethacin.

Trefoil factor-3 expression in human colon cancer liver metastasis.

Deaths from colorectal cancer are often due to liver metastasis. Trefoil factor-3 (TFF3) is expressed by normal intestinal epithelial cells and its expression is maintained throughout the colon adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Our previous work demonstrated a correlation between TFF3 expression and metastatic potential in an animal model of colon cancer.

[Systematic evaluation of therapeutic effect and safety of acupuncture for treatment of depression].

Objective: To assess the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on depression.

Methods: A systematic evaluation of all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) about acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of depression was carried out by the study methods of evidence-based medicine. The data were statistically analyzed with a special analysis software RevMan 4.

[Spatio-temporal dynamics of nitrogen in agricultural ditch systems in Sanjiang Plain].

Agricultural drainage water sampling was conducted along ditch systems from 1st order to 5th order in Nongjiang River and Bielahonghe River during June to September, 2005. The spatio-temporal dynamics of nitrogen concentrations in agricultural ditch systems were analyzed. Results showed that there were higher concentrations of nitrogen in Bielahonghe ditch system.

Trefoil factor family-1 mutations enhance gastric cancer cell invasion through distinct signaling pathways.

Background & Aims: Trefoil factor family-1 (TFF1) is a key gastric tumor-suppressor gene. TFF1 knockout mice develop multiple gastric adenomas and carcinomas, and human gastric cancers typically lack TFF1 expression. Recently, TFF1 mutations have been found in human gastric cancer.

Trefoil factor family-3 is associated with aggressive behavior of colon cancer cells.

Background And Aim: Trefoil factor family 3 (TFF3) is expressed by intestinal epithelial cells and it mainly functions to protect the mucosa from injury. Expression of TFF3 has been correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with cancer, but little is known about whether TFF3 directly contributes to the malignant behavior of cancer cells. The present study was conducted to determine whether TFF3 expression contributes to the malignant behavior of cancer cells in vitro and in vivo.