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Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics :... Jul 2024Upgrading plastic wastes into high-value products the thermochemical process is one of the most attractive topics. Although carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been...
Upgrading plastic wastes into high-value products the thermochemical process is one of the most attractive topics. Although carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been successfully synthesized from plastic pyrolysis gas over Fe-, Co-, or Ni-based catalysts, a deep discussion about the reaction mechanism was seldom mentioned in the literature. Herein, this work was intended to study the growth mechanism of CNTs from hydrocarbons on Fe-AlO catalysts. C5-C7 hydrocarbons were used to synthesize CNTs in a high-temperature fixed-bed reactor, and the carbon products and cracked gas were analyzed in detail. The CNT yield was in the order of cyclohexane, cyclohexene > -hexane > -heptane > -pentane, 1-hexene. It was proposed that CNT growth on Fe-AlO catalysts was mainly determined by the yield and structure of six-membered cyclic species, which was tailored by the carbon chain length, C-C/CC bonds, and linear/cyclic structures of C5-C7 hydrocarbons. Compared with -hexane, the six-membered rings of cyclohexane and cyclohexene promoted six-membered cyclic species formation, increasing CNT and benzene yields; the seven-membered carbon chain of -heptane promoted methyl-six-membered cyclic species formation, decreasing CNT and benzene yields while increasing the toluene yield; the five-membered carbon chain of -pentane and the CC bond of 1-hexene inhibited six-membered cyclic species formation, decreasing CNT and benzene yields. This work revealed the structure-activity relationship between C5-C7 hydrocarbons and CNT growth, which may direct the process design and optimization of CNT synthesis from plastic pyrolysis gas.
PubMed: 38956985
DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01395f -
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Jul 2024This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vibegron for the treatment of residual overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy and safety of Vibegron for the treatment of residual overactive bladder symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate: A single-center prospective randomized controlled trial (VAPOR TRIAL).
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Vibegron for the treatment of residual overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate (photo-selective vaporization of the prostate, contact laser vaporization of the prostate, and thulium laser vaporization).
METHODS
This randomized, open-label, parallel-group, single-center superiority trial with a 12-week observation (jRCTs071190040) enrolled male patients with OAB aged 40 years or older who had undergone laser vaporization of the prostate for not less than 12 weeks and not more than 1 year earlier. Patients were allocated to receive Vibegron 50 mg once daily or follow-up without treatment for 12 weeks.
RESULTS
Forty-seven patients were enrolled between January 2020 and March 2023. The median age (interquartile range) was 75.5 (72.5-78.5) years for the Vibegron group and 76.5 (71.0-81.0) years for the control group. The intergroup difference in the mean change (95% confidence interval) in the 24-hour urinary frequency at 12 weeks after randomization was -3.66 (-4.99, -2.33), with a significant decrease for the Vibegron group. The Overactive Bladder Symptom Score, International Prostate Symptom Score, IPSS storage score, and Overactive Bladder Questionnaire score significantly improved for the Vibegron group. Voided volume per micturition also increased for the Vibegron group.
CONCLUSIONS
The administration of 50 mg of Vibegron once daily for 12 weeks showed significant improvement compared with follow-up without treatment in bladder storage (OAB) symptoms after laser vaporization of the prostate for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Topics: Humans; Male; Aged; Urinary Bladder, Overactive; Prospective Studies; Laser Therapy; Prostatic Hyperplasia; Treatment Outcome; Aged, 80 and over; Pyrimidinones; Pyrrolidines
PubMed: 38956950
DOI: 10.1111/luts.12529 -
ACS Nano Jul 2024Sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS), also known as vapor phase infiltration (VPI), is a quickly expanding technique that allows growth of inorganic materials within...
Sequential infiltration synthesis (SIS), also known as vapor phase infiltration (VPI), is a quickly expanding technique that allows growth of inorganic materials within polymers from vapor phase precursors. With an increasing materials library, which encompasses numerous organometallic precursors and polymer chemistries, and an expanding application space, the importance of understanding the mechanisms that govern SIS growth is ever increasing. In this work, we studied the growth of polycrystalline ZnO clusters and particles in three representative polymers: poly(methyl methacrylate), SU-8, and polymethacrolein using vapor phase diethyl zinc and water. Utilizing two atomic resolution methods, high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we probed the evolution of ZnO nanocrystals size and crystallinity level inside the polymers with advancing cycles─from early nucleation and growth after a single cycle, through the formation of nanometric particles within the films, and to the coalescence of the particles upon polymer removal and thermal treatment. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and microgravimetry, we highlight the important role of water molecules throughout the process and the polymers' hygroscopic level that leads to the observed differences in growth patterns between the polymers, in terms of particle size, dispersity, and the evolution of crystalline order. These insights expand our understanding of crystalline materials growth within polymers and enable rational design of hybrid materials and polymer-templated inorganic nanostructures.
PubMed: 38956949
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02846 -
Combinatorial Chemistry & High... Jul 2024Overexpression of SLC16A3 can contribute to the development of various tumors by regulating metabolism, but a systematic analysis of SLC16A3 in bladder cancer (BC) has...
BACKGROUND
Overexpression of SLC16A3 can contribute to the development of various tumors by regulating metabolism, but a systematic analysis of SLC16A3 in bladder cancer (BC) has been rarely reported.
METHODS
We used the BC datasets from public databases to investigate SLC16A3 expression in BC. We first analysed the relationship between SLC16A3 expression and clinical characteristics of 412 bladder cancer patients. After that, gene function analyses and immunocorrelation analyses of SLC16A3 were conducted with the R package. For immunotherapy effect and drug sensitivity analysis, we also used the R package. We also analysed the relation between SLC16A3 expression and 20 m6A modification key genes. Finally, we determined the expression localization of SLC16A3 in bladder cancer by single-cell sequencing analysis using 3,115 BC cells. We further detected the expression of SLC16A3/MCT4 on BC samples by reversed transcriptionquantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry.
RESULTS
The SLC16A3 was overexpressed in BC cells, including epithelial cells (p<0.001). The high SLC16A3 expression level of patients with BC was significantly related to poor prognosis (p=0.044), and we established a reliable prognosis model for BC patients. Statistically significant associations between SLC16A3 and m6A modification (ALKBH5) gene (p<0.001), key genes in aerobic glycolysis, M2 macrophage infiltration (p=0.0058), and immune checkpoint regulation were observed.
CONCLUSION
Overexpression of SLC16A3 is an independent prognostic factor in patients with BC. SLC16A3 may influence the immune infiltration of BC by regulating BC metabolism and m6A methylation, which ultimately can lead to the progress of BC. For the detection and therapy of BC, SLC16A3 may be a potent therapeutic target for BC.
PubMed: 38956920
DOI: 10.2174/0113862073278304240614064748 -
Epigenetics Dec 2024Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, or chondrocytes, show evidence that the donor cell's metabolic type...
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), with the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, or chondrocytes, show evidence that the donor cell's metabolic type influences the osteogenic process. Limited knowledge exists on DNA methylation changes during osteogenic differentiation and the impact of diverse donor genetic backgrounds on MSC differentiation. In this study, synovial membrane mesenchymal stem cells (SMSCs) from two pig breeds (Angeln Saddleback, AS; German Landrace, DL) with distinct metabolic phenotypes were isolated, and the methylation pattern of SMSCs during osteogenic induction was investigated. Results showed that most differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were hypomethylated in osteogenic-induced SMSC group. These DMRs were enriched with genes of different osteogenic signalling pathways at different time points including Wnt, ECM, TGFB and BMP signalling pathways. AS pigs consistently exhibited a higher number of hypermethylated DMRs than DL pigs, particularly during the peak of osteogenesis (day 21). Predicting transcription factor motifs in regions of DMRs linked to osteogenic processes and donor breeds revealed influential motifs, including , and . These findings contribute to understanding the pattern of methylation changes promoting osteogenic differentiation, emphasizing the substantial role of donor the metabolic type and epigenetic memory of different donors on SMSC differentiation.
Topics: Animals; DNA Methylation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Osteogenesis; Cell Differentiation; Swine; Synovial Membrane; Cells, Cultured; Epigenesis, Genetic
PubMed: 38956836
DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2024.2375011 -
Environmental Entomology Jul 2024Certain species of true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) cause tremendous damage to commercially important fruits and vegetables, and many countries operate continuous...
Field longevity of methyl eugenol and cue-lure plugs and associated insecticidal strips: captures of Bactrocera dorsalis and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Hawaii.
Certain species of true fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) cause tremendous damage to commercially important fruits and vegetables, and many countries operate continuous trapping programs which rely on male-specific lures such as trimedlure (TML), methyl eugenol (ME), and cue-lure (CL). Traditionally, these attractants have been applied as liquids to cotton wicks inside traps, although this results in high evaporative loss of the lure. Slow-release, polymeric plugs have been widely adopted for TML, but such devices are not widely used for ME or CL. Recent data, however, suggest that ME and CL plugs may be attractive for as long as 12 wk in the field. The present study investigates whether ME and CL plugs weathered for 18 or 24 wk are effective in capturing males of Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel) and Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett), respectively. For B. dorsalis, 6 g ME plugs were as effective as the control treatment (fresh liquid on a wick) after 12 wk of weathering but not after 18 or 24 wk. For Z. cucurbitae, 3 g CL plugs were as effective as the control treatment (fresh CL plugs) after 12 and 18 wk of weathering but not after 24 wk. The residual content and release rate of the 2 lures were also measured over time, but, with the exception of the residual content of ME, we did not find a direct correlation between these parameters and numbers of flies captured.
PubMed: 38956829
DOI: 10.1093/ee/nvae064 -
Brain and Behavior Jul 2024High-frequency repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) stimulating the primary motor cortex (M1) is an alternative, adjunctive therapy for improving the motor...
The protective effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation with different high frequencies on motor functions in MPTP/probenecid induced Parkinsonism mouse models.
BACKGROUND
High-frequency repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) stimulating the primary motor cortex (M1) is an alternative, adjunctive therapy for improving the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether the high frequency of rTMS positively correlates to the improvement of motor symptoms of PD is still undecided. By controlling for other parameters, a disease animal model may be useful to compare the neuroprotective effects of different high frequencies of rTMS.
OBJECTIVE
The current exploratory study was designed to compare the protective effects of four common high frequencies of rTMS (5, 10, 15, and 20 Hz) and iTBS (a special form of high-frequency rTMS) and explore the optimal high-frequency rTMS on an animal PD model.
METHODS
Following high frequencies of rTMS application (twice a week for 5 weeks) in a MPTP/probenecid-induced chronic PD model, the effects of the five protocols on motor behavior as well as dopaminergic neuron degeneration levels were identified. The underlying molecular mechanisms were further explored.
RESULTS
We found that all the high frequencies of rTMS had protective effects on the motor functions of PD models to varying degrees. Among them, the 10, 15, and 20 Hz rTMS interventions induced comparable preservation of motor function through the protection of nigrostriatal dopamine neurons. The enhancement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine transporter (DAT), and vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT-2) and the suppression of TNF-α and IL-1β in the nigrostriatum were involved in the process. The efficacy of iTBS was inferior to that of the above three protocols. The effect of 5 Hz rTMS protocol was weakest.
CONCLUSIONS
Combined with the results of the present study and the possible side effects induced by rTMS, we concluded that 10 Hz might be the optimal stimulation frequency for preserving the motor functions of PD models using rTMS treatment.
Topics: Animals; Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation; Mice; Male; Disease Models, Animal; Probenecid; Parkinsonian Disorders; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; Motor Cortex; Dopaminergic Neurons; Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; Interleukin-1beta; Substantia Nigra; Corpus Striatum; Vesicular Monoamine Transport Proteins; MPTP Poisoning; Motor Activity; 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine
PubMed: 38956819
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3605 -
Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology &... Jun 2024Recent advances in long-read next-generation sequencing (NGS) have enabled researchers to identify several pathogenic variants overlooked by short-read NGS, array-based...
Recent advances in long-read next-generation sequencing (NGS) have enabled researchers to identify several pathogenic variants overlooked by short-read NGS, array-based comparative genomic hybridization, and other conventional methods. Long-read NGS is particularly useful in the detection of structural variants and repeat expansions. Furthermore, it can be used for mutation screening in difficultto- sequence regions, as well as for DNA-methylation analyses and haplotype phasing. This mini-review introduces the usefulness of long-read NGS in the molecular diagnosis of pediatric endocrine disorders.
PubMed: 38956752
DOI: 10.6065/apem.2448028.014 -
BMC Chemistry Jul 2024One of the biggest issues affecting the entire world currently is water contamination caused by textile industries' incapacity to properly dispose their wastewater. The...
One of the biggest issues affecting the entire world currently is water contamination caused by textile industries' incapacity to properly dispose their wastewater. The presence of toxic textile dyes in the aquatic environment has attracted significant research interest due to their high environmental stability and their negative effects on human health and ecosystems. Therefore, it is crucial to convert the hazardous dyes such as methyl orange (MO) azo dye into environmentally safe products. In this context, we describe the use of Copper Nitroprusside Chitosan (Cu/SNP/Cts) nanocomposite as a nanocatalyst for the chemical reduction of azodyes by sodium borohydride (NaBH). The Cu/SNP/Cts was readily obtained by chemical coprecipitation in a stoichiometric manner. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were applied to investigate chemical, phase, composition, and molecular interactions. Additionally, Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the nanomaterial's microstructure. UV-vis spectroscopy was utilized for studying the Cu Nitroprusside Chitosan's catalytic activity for the reduction of azodye. The Cu/SNP/Cts nanocomposite demonstrated outstanding performance with total reduction time 160 s and pseudo-first order constant of 0.0188 s. Additionally, the stability and reusability study demonstrated exceptional reusability up to 5 cycles with minimal activity loss. The developed Cu/SNP/Cts nanocomposite act as efficient nanocatalysts for the reduction of harmful Methyl orange azodye.
PubMed: 38956730
DOI: 10.1186/s13065-024-01224-0 -
Genome Medicine Jul 2024Restraining or slowing ageing hallmarks at the cellular level have been proposed as a route to increased organismal lifespan and healthspan. Consequently, there is great...
BACKGROUND
Restraining or slowing ageing hallmarks at the cellular level have been proposed as a route to increased organismal lifespan and healthspan. Consequently, there is great interest in anti-ageing drug discovery. However, this currently requires laborious and lengthy longevity analysis. Here, we present a novel screening readout for the expedited discovery of compounds that restrain ageing of cell populations in vitro and enable extension of in vivo lifespan.
METHODS
Using Illumina methylation arrays, we monitored DNA methylation changes accompanying long-term passaging of adult primary human cells in culture. This enabled us to develop, test, and validate the CellPopAge Clock, an epigenetic clock with underlying algorithm, unique among existing epigenetic clocks for its design to detect anti-ageing compounds in vitro. Additionally, we measured markers of senescence and performed longevity experiments in vivo in Drosophila, to further validate our approach to discover novel anti-ageing compounds. Finally, we bench mark our epigenetic clock with other available epigenetic clocks to consolidate its usefulness and specialisation for primary cells in culture.
RESULTS
We developed a novel epigenetic clock, the CellPopAge Clock, to accurately monitor the age of a population of adult human primary cells. We find that the CellPopAge Clock can detect decelerated passage-based ageing of human primary cells treated with rapamycin or trametinib, well-established longevity drugs. We then utilise the CellPopAge Clock as a screening tool for the identification of compounds which decelerate ageing of cell populations, uncovering novel anti-ageing drugs, torin2 and dactolisib (BEZ-235). We demonstrate that delayed epigenetic ageing in human primary cells treated with anti-ageing compounds is accompanied by a reduction in senescence and ageing biomarkers. Finally, we extend our screening platform in vivo by taking advantage of a specially formulated holidic medium for increased drug bioavailability in Drosophila. We show that the novel anti-ageing drugs, torin2 and dactolisib (BEZ-235), increase longevity in vivo.
CONCLUSIONS
Our method expands the scope of CpG methylation profiling to accurately and rapidly detecting anti-ageing potential of drugs using human cells in vitro, and in vivo, providing a novel accelerated discovery platform to test sought after anti-ageing compounds and geroprotectors.
Topics: Humans; Animals; DNA Methylation; Longevity; Aging; Epigenesis, Genetic; Drug Discovery; Cellular Senescence; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Drosophila; Cells, Cultured; Sirolimus
PubMed: 38956711
DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01349-w