The durability of carbon nanotubes in the selective reduction of nitrobenzene.

Surface oxidized carbon nanotubes (oCNTs) were quite stable for the selective reduction of nitrobenzene, while notable deactivation was observed for the un-oxidized sample (rCNTs). The adsorption of N-containing compounds had a negligible effect, but the formation of a carboxyl group and anhydride was mainly responsible for the deactivation of rCNTs.

Association between comorbidities and extraglandular manifestations in primary Sjögren's syndrome: a multicenter cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) has been related to a higher risk of comorbidities, but studies examining comorbidities among patients with and without extraglandular manifestations are limited. The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of comorbidities in Chinese pSS patients and to determine the relationship between comorbidities and extraglandular manifestations.

Method: This cross-sectional study was based on the multicenter pSS registry established by the Chinese Rheumatism Data Center.

von Willebrand factor binding to myosin assists in coagulation.

von Willebrand factor (VWF) binds to platelets and collagen as a means of facilitating coagulation at sites of injury. Recent evidence has shown that myosin can serve as a surface for thrombin generation and binds to activated factor V and factor X. We studied whether VWF can also bind myosin as a means of bringing factor VIII (FVIII) to sites of clot formation.

Mannan-Binding Lectin Regulates Inflammatory Cytokine Production, Proliferation, and Cytotoxicity of Human Peripheral Natural Killer Cells.

Natural killer (NK) cells represent the founding members of innate lymphoid cells (ILC) and play critical roles in inflammation and the immune response. NK cell effector functions are regulated and fine-tuned by various immune modulators. Mannan (or mannose)-binding lectin (MBL), a soluble C-type lectin, is traditionally recognized as an initiator of the complement pathway.

Ultra-Stable Silica Nanoparticles as Nano-Plugging Additive for Shale Exploitation in Harsh Environments.

Owing to the harsh downhole environments, poor dispersion of silica at high salinity and high temperature can severely restrict its application as the nano-plugging agent in shale gas exploitation. The objective of this study is to improve salt tolerance and thermal stability of silica. Herein, silica was successfully functionalized with an anionic polymer (p SPMA) by SI-ATRP (surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization), named SiO-g-SPMA.

Correction: CaNa[TeO](HO): a hydrothermally synthesized quaternary tellurium(vi) oxide containing edge-sharing octahedral trimers.

Correction for 'CaNa[TeO](HO): a hydrothermally synthesized quaternary tellurium(vi) oxide containing edge-sharing octahedral trimers' by Li-Yun Zhang, et al., Dalton Trans., 2019, DOI: 10.

Effects of dexmedetomidine on post-operative recovery and mental status in patients receiving robotic-assisted thoracic surgery.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the effects of dexmedetomidine on the post-operative recovery and mental status in patients receiving robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS).

Methods: One hundred patients who received selective RATS under general anesthesia were recruited and assigned into control group (C) and dexmedetomidine group (D). The anesthesia induction and maintenance were consistent between groups.

CaNa[TeO](HO): a hydrothermally synthesized quaternary tellurium(vi) oxide containing edge-sharing octahedral trimers.

A new tellurium(vi) oxycompound, Ca10Na10[Te9O42](H2O), was synthesized by a high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal reaction at 550 °C, its structure determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and further characterized by energy dispersive, infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The compound crystallizes in the centrosymmetric trigonal space group R3[combining macron]c (no. 167) with a = 9.

The effect of topical ramipril and losartan cream in inhibiting scar formation.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in scar formation. We have previously shown that oral administration of ramipril and losartan could inhibit scarring. For easier application, here we developed a series of topical ramipril and losartan creams in different concentrations and formulations to explore the effect on scar formation in a C57BL/6 mouse scar model.

Atomic-Scale Observation of Bimetallic Au-CuO Nanoparticles and Their Interfaces for Activation of CO Molecules.

Supported gold nanoparticles with sizes below 5 nm display attractive catalytic activities for heterogeneous reactions, particularly those promoted by secondary metal (e.g., Cu) because of the well-defined synergy between metal compositions.

Hierarchically Stabilized PAN/β-FeOOH Nanofibrous Membrane for Efficient Water Purification with Excellent Antifouling Performance and Robust Solvent Resistance.

Filtration membranes, with good antifouling performance and robust solvent resistance (e.g., organic solvents or highly acidic/alkaline/saline solvents), that can effectively purify complex polluted water systems are especially demanded in practice but present a challenge to be conquered.

MicroRNA‑217 is involved in the progression of atherosclerosis through regulating inflammatory responses by targeting sirtuin 1.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and it is a global clinical problem. The development of new and effective therapeutic targets for atherosclerosis is necessary. A number of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been demonstrated to serve a crucial role in atherosclerosis.

The Association between Advanced Maternal Age and Diagnosis of Small for Gestational Age.

Objectives: To identify whether advanced maternal age (AMA), defined as age ≥35 years old, is independently associated with small for gestational age (SGA).

Study Design: This was a retrospective cohort of births from the National Vital Statistics System in the United States from 2009 to 2013. Women were categorized based on four age groups at the time of delivery: 20 to 29, 30 to 34, 35 to 39, and ≥40 years old.

Scavenger receptor A impairs interferon response to HBV infection by limiting TRAF3 ubiquitination through recruiting OTUB1.

The battle between hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the host immune defense determines the outcome of the disease. Scavenger receptor A (SRA) is a phagocytic pattern recognition receptor involved in various cellular processes, including lipid metabolism, recognition, and clearance of pathogens or modified self-molecules. Emerging evidence pointed out that SRA might act as an immunomodulator that contributes to innate immune defense against invading pathogens.

Efficacy and safety of leflunomide treatment in Takayasu arteritis: Case series from the East China cohort.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of leflunomide (LEF) as induction treatment in a series of Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients based on a Chinese cohort.

Method: Fifty-six patients from the East China TA cohort treated with LEF for at least 3 months were enrolled in this study, including the naïve LEF treatment patients (n = 41) and the cyclophosphamide (CYC)-resistant LEF treatment patients (n = 15). Data in clinical features, NIH score and angiography were collected.

The Main Drivers of Wetland Changes in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region.

Wetlands are the most threatened ecosystem in China, and wetland conservation is a national priority because of their importance for water security, flood mitigation, and biodiversity conservation. A goal has been established for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region (BTH) to recover 340 km of wetlands by 2020. To guide restoration and protection efforts, policymakers need information on the trends of wetland loss, conversion of wetlands, and their associated human drivers.

Immunomodulatory effect of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells on T lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease which is lack of effective therapies. Abnormal activation, proliferation, and differentiation of T lymphocytes are closely related to RA. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used for RA treatment due to their immunoregulatory effects.

Mannan-binding lectin promotes keratinocyte to produce CXCL1 and enhances neutrophil infiltration at the early stages of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disorder. Numerous experimental evidence and therapeutic evidence have shown that the innate immune response is critical for the pathogenesis and development of psoriasis. Mannan-binding lectin (MBL), a prototypic pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune system, plays an essential role in the host defense against certain infections and also appears to be a major regulator of inflammation.

Mannan-Binding Lectin Attenuates Inflammatory Arthritis Through the Suppression of Osteoclastogenesis.

Mannan-binding lectin (MBL) is a vital element in the host innate immune system, which is primarily produced by the liver and secreted into the circulation. Low serum level of MBL is reported to be associated with an increased risk of arthritis. However, the underlying mechanism by which MBL contributes to the pathogenesis of arthritis is poorly understood.

Tetrahydrocurcumin Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Attenuating High Glucose-Induced Oxidative Stress and Fibrosis via Activating the SIRT1 Pathway.

Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress and fibrosis play a crucial role in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), a major bioactive metabolite of natural antioxidant curcumin, is reported to exert even more effective antioxidative and superior antifibrotic properties as well as anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic abilities. This study was designed to investigate the potential protective effects of THC on experimental DCM and its underlying mechanisms, pointing to the role of high glucose-induced oxidative stress and interrelated fibrosis.

Detection of gluten in a pilot-scale barley-based beer produced with and without a prolyl endopeptidase enzyme.

Immunochemical and mass spectrometric methods were used to examine the gluten composition of a gluten-reduced beer produced by brewing with barley malt in the presence of prolyl endopeptidase (PEP) and a final filtration treatment with diatomaceous earth and perlite. The competitive ELISA is generally considered appropriate for the analysis of hydrolysed gluten, but it is not considered a scientifically valid method for the quantification of gluten in fermented or hydrolysed foods due to the lack of an appropriate reference standard. As no single analytical method can capture the spectrum of gluten-derived products in beer, a comprehensive approach was employed to analyse the intact and hydrolysed fractions of gluten with complementary methods.

Fitting Large Factor Analysis Models With Ordinal Data.

A simulation study was conducted to investigate the model size effect when confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models include many ordinal items. CFA models including between 15 and 120 ordinal items were analyzed with mean- and variance-adjusted weighted least squares to determine how varying sample size, number of ordered categories, and misspecification affect parameter estimates, standard errors of parameter estimates, and selected fit indices. As the number of items increased, the number of admissible solutions and accuracy of parameter estimates improved, even when models were misspecified.

Evaluation of the short-term and long-term performance of biological invasion management in the China-Myanmar border region.

Invasive alien species pose great threats to ecological and economic health and cause enormous losses to global ecosystems. The Mikania micrantha management program is a source of great theoretical and practical insights for regional agricultural and forestry development. In this paper, the invasion history and distribution patterns of M.

A multi-stage association study of plasma cytokines identifies osteopontin as a biomarker for acute coronary syndrome risk and severity.

Cytokines play a critical role in the pathogenesis and development of cardiovascular diseases. However, data linking cytokines to risk and severity of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are still limited. We measured plasma profile of 280 cytokines using a quantitative protein microarray in 12 ACS patients and 16 healthy controls, and identified 15 differentially expressed cytokines for ACS.