A theoretical study of noxious gases storage using covalent organic frameworks (COFs)

Using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to capture noxious gas has become an increasing research interest, especially for the purpose of environmental protection. A theoretical study on the interactions of carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitric oxide (NO), respectively with COF-300 has been proposed, based on the theory of the continuum approximation using Lennard-Jones potential. We discover that COF-300 can store more SO2 in comparison to CO and NO under an increasing pressure at 77K. The present methodology is computationally efficient and can be employed in other types of gases and nano-porous materials without conceptual difficulties

Meeting-Merging-Mission: A Multi-robot Coordinate Framework for Large-Scale Communication-Limited Exploration

This letter presents a complete framework Meeting-Merging-Mission for multi-robot exploration under communication restriction. Considering communication is limited in both bandwidth and range in the real world, we propose a lightweight environment presentation method and an efficient cooperative exploration strategy. For lower bandwidth, each robot utilizes specific polytopes to maintains free space and super frontier information (SFI) as the source for exploration decision-making. To reduce repeated exploration, we develop a mission-based protocol that drives robots to share collected information in stable rendezvous. We also design a complete path planning scheme for both centralized and decentralized cases. To validate that our framework is practical and generic, we present an extensive benchmark and deploy our system into multi-UGV and multi-UAV platforms

A flavour perspective of Tiepishihu (Dendrobium officinale) – an emerging food ingredient from popular traditional Chinese medicinal plants: a review

Many Dendrobium orchid stems are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The most popular and premium species is Dendrobium officinale, and its stem in TCM is called Tiepishihu. Tiepishihu has a sweet flavour and is an ingredient in Chinese tea and desserts. There is no comprehensive understanding of its flavour compounds. It is, therefore, essential to understand compounds responsible for its flavour, and how they are formed. This review assesses twelve diverse studies in Tiepishihu flavour (2013–2022). Thirty aroma compounds were compared – furfural and nonanal were identified as common compounds. Four of seven essential amino acids were taste-active, with lysine being the most potent. Pre-harvest factors such as environment impact specific aroma compounds. Post-harvest processing methods, including drying and grinding, can control Tiepishihu's flavour. Methodological consistency is a challenge, but controlling Tiepishihu's flavour could increase its commercial value as a food ingredient

The specification and use of 18F-FES PET in breast cancer

Estrogen receptor (ER) is overexpressed in approximately 2/3 of breast cancer patients’ lesions. Noninvasive detection of ER in vivo and dynamic monitoring of ER are crucial for individualized treatment decision-making. 16α-18F-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET) has been used in a variety of preclinical and clinical studies to detect ER expression. However, there is still a lack of technical specifications in China. This technical specification was jointly written by domestic experts who had experience of 18F-FES PET imaging and was formed through consultation based on their own experience and research progress in this field both domestically and internationally. This technical specification introduced the synthesis method and quality control requirements of 18F-FES, recommended its clinical application scenarios, and classified them. In addition, experts’ suggestions were provided throughout the entire process systemically and detailly, including pre-imaging preparation, imaging process, image analysis (normal biological distribution, determination of ER positive and negative, lesion detection, influencing factors, false negative and false positive, report requirements), and the limitations of this imaging technique were proposed. The future application prospects were also discussed. This specification aimed to promote the standardized application of 18F-FES PET in China, achieve repeatability and comparability, and provide important molecular imaging technical support for accurate diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer

PINCH1 Is Transcriptional Regulator in Podocytes That Interacts with WT1 and Represses Podocalyxin Expression

Background: PINCH1, an adaptor protein containing five LIM domains, plays an important role in regulating the integrin-mediated cell adhesion, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. PINCH1 is induced in the fibrotic kidney after injury, and it primarily localizes at the sites of focal adhesion. Whether it can translocate to the nucleus and directly participate in gene regulation is completely unknown. Methodology/Principal Findings: Using cultured glomerular podocytes as a model system, we show that PINCH1 expression was induced by TGF-β1, a fibrogenic cytokine that promotes podocyte dysfunction. Interestingly, increased PINCH1 not only localized at the sites of focal adhesions, but also underwent nuclear translocation after TGF-β1 stimulation. This nuclear translocation of PINCH1 was apparently dependent on the putative nuclear export/localization signals (NES/NLS) at its C-terminus, as deletion or site-directed mutations abolished its nuclear shuttling. Co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down experiments revealed that PINCH1 interacted with Wilms tumor 1 protein (WT1), a nuclear transcription factor that is essential for regulating podocyte-specific gene expression in adult kidney. Interaction of PINCH1 and WT1 was mediated by the LIM1 domain of PINCH1 and C-terminal zinc-finger domain of WT1, which led to the suppression of the WT1-mediated podocalyxin expression in podocytes. PINCH1 also repressed podocalyxin gene transcription in a promoter-luciferase reporter assay. Conclusion/Significance: These results indicate that PINCH1 can shuttle into the nucleus from cytoplasm in podocytes, wherein it interacts with WT1 and suppresses podocyte-specific gene expression. Our studies reveal a previously unrecognized, novel function of PINCH1, in which it acts as a transcriptional regulator through controlling specific gene expression. © 2011 Wang et al

Diphenyl Difluoroketone: A Potent Chemotherapy Candidate for Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Diphenyl difluoroketone (EF24), a molecule having structural similarity to curcumin, was recently reported to inhibit proliferation of various cancer cells significantly. Here we try to determine the effect and mechanism of EF24 on hepatocellular carcinoma. 2 µM EF24 was found to inhibit the proliferation of PLC/PRF/5, Hep3B, HepG2, SK-HEP-1 and Huh 7 cell lines. However, even 8 µM EF24 treatment did not affect the proliferation of normal liver LO2 cells. Accordingly, 20 mg/kg/d EF24 inhibited the growth of the tumor xenografts conspicuously while causing no apparent change in liver, spleen or body weight. In addition, significant apoptosis and G2/M phase cell cycle arrest were found using flow cytometry. Besides, caspases and PARP activation and features typical of apoptosis including fragmented nuclei with condensed chromatin were also observed. Furthermore, the mechanism was targeted at the reduction of nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) pathway and the NF-κB–regulated gene products Bcl-2, COX-2, Cyclin B1. Our study has offered a strategy that EF24 being a therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma

Microwave cooking increases sulforaphane level in broccoli

Sulforaphane (SFR), an anticarcinogenic compound, forms from the hydrolysis of glucoraphanin (GLR) in broccoli. Cooking methods have been shown to affect broccoli GLR and SFR levels, but little is known about the effect of lightly cooking processes on them. In this study, the effects of microwave and low-temperature cooking on GLR and SFR contents in broccoli were investigated. Both microwaving and mild heating increased the GLR and SFR levels in broccoli compared to the raw samples (without any treatment). In particular, SFR level was significantly low under 40°C and dramatically increased from 40 to 60°C, but nothing was detected at 70°C. Compared with conventional heating, microwave heating increased the GLR and SFR yield by about 80% at 50 and 60°C. Microwave power level also influenced the SFR contents. At the same temperatures (50 and 60°C), high-power microwave (950 W) with a short time produced over 40% more SFR than low-power microwave treatment (475 W). Hence, mild heating by microwave could increase the GLR and SFR levels in broccoli, and high-power microwave heating with temperature control at 60°C could retain higher bioavailability of these bioactive compounds in broccoli

Advances in Research on Circulating Tumor Cells in Lung Cancer

Metastatic and recurrent tumors have been identified as the leading attribute to the lung cancer deaths. Cancer research has demonstrated the critical role circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play in the metastatic spread of carcinomas and the recurrence of lung cancer. The rapid advancement of technology in targeted therapy resolves the embarrassing situation for those late-stage patients whose tumor tissues cannot be obtained. CTCs, as a substitute for the tumor tissues, represent a decisive tool to the cancer treatment strategy. Thus, CTCs exert a fundamental role in the early detection of micro-metastasis, assisting in diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of the recurrent tumors, and subsequently choosing an individualized approach for the therapeutic treatment. This article will review the advances, which have been made in the research area of CTCs with the aid of its applications in cancer therapy