Abstract Curcumin has been found to have anti-cancer role in many cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, it is not clear whether curcumin can be involved in CRC progression by mediating the circRNA regulatory axis. Curcumin inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, and promoted the apoptosis of CRC cells. Circ_KIAA1199 was an upregulated circRNA in CRC, and its overexpression could reverse the negative regulation of curcumin on CRC progression. MiR-433-3p was found to be sponged by circ_KIAA1199, and its mimic abolished the regulation of circ_KIAA1199 overexpression on the progression of curcumin-treated CRC cells. ADAM10 was a target of miR-433-3p and its expression was regulated by circ_KIAA1199 and curcumin. The suppressive effect of miR-433-3p inhibitor on the progression of curcumin-treated CRC cells could be reversed by ADAM10 silencing. Also, curcumin reduced CRC tumor growth by regulating the circ_KIAA1199/miR-433-3p/ADAM10 axis in vivo. Our data showed that curcumin could restrain CRC progression, which was achieved through the circ_KIAA1199/miR-433-3p/ADAM10 pathway.

Abstract SiTian is an ambitious ground-based all-sky optical monitoring project, developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The concept is an integrated network of dozens of 1-m-class telescopes deployed partly in China and partly at various other sites around the world. The main science goals are the detection, identification and monitoring of optical transients (such as gravitational wave events, fast radio bursts, supernovae) on the largely unknown timescales of less than 1 day; SiTian will also provide a treasure trove of data for studies of AGN, quasars, variable stars, planets, asteroids, and microlensing events. To achieve those goals, SiTian will scan at least 10,000 square deg of sky every 30 min, down to a detection limit of $V \approx 21$ mag. The scans will produce simultaneous light-curves in 3 optical bands. In addition, SiTian will include at least three 4-m telescopes specifically allocated for follow-up spectroscopy of the most interesting targets. We plan to complete the installation of 72 telescopes by 2030 and start full scientific operations in 2032.

ABSTRACT Climate change and prolong drought adversely affect the grassland ecosystem, is precarious environmental constraint restricting plant growth and productivity. An experiment was conducted to alleviate adverse impacts of drought on physiochemical and morphological attributes of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev using brassinosteroid (BR). Treatments comprised well watered control (soil water contents 80%-85%) including Control (T0) and Control+ BR (TB0), moderate drought stress (soil water contents 50%-55%) including (T1) and T1+ BR (TB1) and severe drought stress (soil water contents 30%-35%) including (T2) and T2+ BR (TB2), they were laid out in completely randomized design with five replicates. Drought stress significantly impaired growth, osmotic substances, photosynthetic rate, and other physiochemical process. Moreover, perturbation in recorded attributes was aggravated by increasing drought severity from moderate to severe. Nevertheless, BR application (0.1 mg L-1) improved plant weight (38.8%-46.2%), relative water content (23.4%-29.1%), chlorophyll a (16.6%-56.5%), chlorophyll b (8.5%-16.9%), carotenoids (29.1%-67.3%), soluble sugars (1.7%-29.4%), free amino acids (15.4%-19.4%), and proline content (45.2%-79.4%); while, lowered malondialdehyde (34.8%-45.4%) at each level of drought. Likewise, BR application enhanced net photosynthetic rate (69.8%-165.1%), transpiration rate (45.0%-146.9%), water utilization efficiency (9.3%-16.0%), carboxylation utilization efficiency (80%- 250%), sunlight utilization efficiency (66.6%-158.8%) and improved chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics at each level of drought, as compared to untreated controls. The adverse implications on physiochemical and morphological attributes were aggravated with the enhancing severity of drought from control to severe drought. Yet, 0.1 mg L-1 exogenous BR improved morphological and physiochemical attributes remarkably over respective controls and hence can be used to improve growth of drought stressed L. chinensis.

Abstract Klotho is originally discovered as an anti-aging gene and knock-out of klotho accelerates aging in mice. Subsequent studies support the anti-carcinogenesis role of klotho in a variety of human malignancies. The present study investigated the role of klotho on growth and metastasis of osteosarcoma cells. The osteosarcoma cells were transduced with lentivirus particles encoding klotho or scramble control. The reconstructed osteosarcoma cells were injected into the femoral medullary cavity of nude mice to establish a xenograft animal model. The anti-tumor properties of klotho were evaluated in terms of tumor growth, apoptosis, glycogen production, and pulmonary metastasis. Lentivirus-mediated overexpression of klotho significantly decreased tumor volume and weight in osteosarcoma mice. Determination of PCNA and Ki67 expression revealed that overexpression of klotho inhibited cell proliferation in tumor tissues obtained from osteosarcoma xenografts. PAS staining also showed that overexpression of klotho significantly decreased the production of glycogen in osteosarcoma. Moreover, TUNEL positive cells were significantly increased after lentivirus-mediated overexpression of klotho. Furthermore, lentivirus-mediated upregulation of klotho reduced the number of pulmonary metastatic lesions in mice compared to control mice. These findings demonstrated that elevated klotho could inhibit osteosarcoma cell growth and pulmonary metastasis in vivo, suggesting that klotho may be a valuable therapeutic target for osteosarcoma.

RESUMO: Estresses abióticos e baixo acúmulo de biomassa são as principais restrições para se atingir o potencial de rendimento de Leymus chinensis. Foi conduzido um experimento para melhorar a biomassa e a correlação de atributos de acúmulo de biomassa com pigmentos fotossintéticos, substâncias osmóticas e antioxidantes sob aplicação foliar de diferentes fitorreguladores. O experimento foi conduzido em Xilinguole, Mongólia Interior, China, usando um delineamento em blocos completamente casualizados com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de água (controle); BA5 = aplicação de BA (6-benzilaminopurina) a 5 mg L-1; BA25 = aplicação de BA a 25 mg L-1; BA50 = aplicação de BA a 50 mg L-1; BR0,02 = aplicação de BR (brassinosteroide) a 0,02 mg L-1; BR0,2 = aplicação de BR a 0,2 mg L-1; BR2 = aplicação de BR a 2 mg L-1; AG10 = aplicação de AG (ácido giberélico) a 10 mg L-1; AG50 = aplicação de AG a 50 mg L-1; e AG100 = aplicação de AG a 100 mg L-1. A aplicação de todos os fitorreguladores melhorou significativamente a biomassa, os ajustes osmóticos, os pigmentos fotossintéticos e as atividades antioxidantes, em comparação com o controle. No entanto, os resultados mais promissores foram encontrados com a aplicação de BR a 0,2 mg L-1. As maiores atividades de clorofila a/b, glutationa e ascorbato peroxidase foram registradas com 25 mg L-1 BA. Em conclusão, 25 mg L-1 BA, 0,2 mg L-1 BR e 10 mg L-1 AG apresentaram resultados mais promissores que os de outras concentrações para os atributos avaliados.

ABSTRACT: Abiotic stresses and poor biomass accumulation are chief constraints to accomplish potential yield in Leymus chinensis. An experiment was conducted to improve biomass and correlation of biomass accumulating attributes with photosynthetic pigments, osmotic substances and antioxidants under foliar application of different plant growth substances. The experiment was conducted at inner Mongolia Xilinguole, China, using a Randomized Complete Block Design and 5 replications. The treatments consisted of water (control); BA5 = application of BA (6-benzylaminopurine) at 5 mg L-1; BA25 = application of BA at 25 mg L-1; BA50 = application of BA at 50 mg L-1; BR0.02 = application of BR (brassinosteroid) at 0.02 g L-1; BR0.2 = application of BR at 0.2 mg L 1; BR2 = application of BR at 2 mg L-1; GA10 = application of GA (gibberellic acid) at 10 mg L-1; GA50 = application of GA at 50 mg L-1 and GA100 = application of GA at 100 mg L-1. Application of all plant growth substances significantly improved biomass, osmotic adjustments, photosynthetic pigments and antioxidant activities compared to control. However, the most promising results were found with 0.2 mg L-1 BR. The highest chlorophyll a/b, glutathione and ascorbate peroxidase activities were recorded with 25 mg L-1 BA. Conclusively, 25 mg L-1 BA, 0.2 mg L-1 BR and 10 mg L-1 GA exhibited more promising results than other concentrations for the evaluated attributes.

ABSTRACT Different light and shade intensities are the main constraints to achieve potential biomass accumulation in Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev. An experiment was conducted to explain the physiochemical and morphological adversity triggered by various light intensities. Adverse impacts were lessened with exogenous brassinolide (BR). Treatments consisted of 100% natural light (T0), 100% natural light + 0.1 mg L-1 BR (BT0), light shade (70% natural light) (T1), light shade + BR (70% natural light + 0.1 mg L-1 BR) (BT1), moderate shade (50% natural light) (T2), and moderate shade + BR (50% natural light + 0.1 mg L-1 BR) (BT2). These were completely randomized design treatments with five replicates. Results showed that dry biomass production and endogenous hormone levels (abscisic acid [ABA], zeatin riboside [ZR], gibberellic acid [GA], and indole acetic acid [IAA]) increased, while osmolyte accumulation (soluble sugars and proteins, free amino acids, and proline), antioxidant activity (peroxidase [POD], superoxide dismutase [SOD], and catalase [CAT]), and lipid peroxidation decreased under shade at T0. Treatment T1 depicted the most promising results for these attributes. However, biomass accumulation (33%-56%), osmotic substances (soluble sugars,13%-38%; soluble proteins, 9%-41%; free amino acids, 8%-16%; proline, 11%-41%), and antioxidant enzyme activities (POD, 11%-14%; SOD, 3%-33%; CAT, 4%-23%) increased. On the other hand, lipid peroxidation was reduced by BR application, as indicated by decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content (7%-31%) and relative conductivity (7%-19%) under both natural and shade conditions. Likewise, the biosynthesis of ABA (2%-22%), ZR (11%-24%), and GA (30%-50%) improved under exogenous BR compared with the control. The IAA contents (22%-28%) decreased under foliar-applied BR compared with the control. Results suggested that light to moderate shade improved the biomass production and physiological performance of L. chinensis, while BR application exhibited further improvement

RESUMO: Os reguladores de crescimento das plantas são um imenso grupo de substâncias que têm a capacidade de alterar o padrão de crescimento das plantas e podem ser utilizadas para melhorar o crescimento e a produtividade das plantas. Foi realizado um estudo nas pastagens de Xilin Gol, na Mongólia Interior (China), para determinar o crescimento e a produção de biomassa de Stipa krylovii em resposta à aplicação exógena de diferentes reguladores de crescimento em várias concentrações, a saber: ácido naftaleno acético (NAA), 6-benzilaminopurina (6-BA), brassinosteroide (BR), nitrofenolato de sódio (SNP) e forchlorfenuron, e ácido giberélico (GA3). A aplicação de reguladores de crescimento aumentou de forma significativa o crescimento e a produção de biomassa de S. krylovii. Houve melhora na altura do eixo vegetativo pela aplicação de 100 mg L-1 de GA3, ao passo que a altura do eixo reprodutivo foi aumentada nas concentrações de 25 mg L-1 de 6-BA, 100 mg L-1 de SNP + 5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron e 50 mg L-1 de SNP + 2,5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron, em comparação com a testemunha. Houve aumento da biomassa fresca com a aplicação de 0,02 mg L-1 de BR, 10 mg L-1 de SNP + 0,5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron e 50 mg L-1 de SNP + 2,5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron. A aplicação de 5 mg L-1 de 6-BA e 50 mg L-1 de SNP + 2,5 mg L-1 de forchlorfenuron mostrou-se mais benéfica no aumento da biomassa seca de S. krylovii, em comparação com a testemunha. Em conclusão, a aplicação exógena de diferentes reguladores de crescimento melhorou o crescimento e produção de biomassa de S. krylovii. Além disso, a aplicação de SNP + forchlorfenuron e 6-BA foi mais eficaz.

ABSTRACT: Plant growth regulators are an immense group of substances that have the ability to alter growth pattern of plants and can be used for improving plant growth and productivity. A study was conducted in the Xilin Gol grassland of Inner Mongolia, China, to ascertain the growth and biomass production of Stipa krylovii in response to exogenous application of different growth regulators at various concentrations viz. naphthalene acetic acid (NAA), 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA), brassinosteroid (BR), sodium nitrophenolate (SNP) and forchlorfenuron, and gibberellic acid (GA3). Application of growth regulators significantly enhanced the growth and biomass production of S. krylovii. The height of vegetative shoot was enhanced mostly by the application of 100 mg L-1 GA3, while, height of reproductive shoot was increased by 25 mg L-1 6-BA, 100 mg L-1 SNP + 5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron and 50 mg L-1 SNP + 2.5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron as compared to control. Fresh biomass was enhanced by the application of 0.02 mg L-1 BR, 10 mg L-1 SNP + 0.5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron and 50 mg L-1 SNP + 2.5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron. Application of 5 mg L-1 6-BA and 50 mg L-1 SNP + 2.5 mg L-1 forchlorfenuron proved to be more beneficial in improving dry biomass of S. krylovii, as compared to control. In conclusion, exogenous application of different growth regulators improved growth and biomass production of S. krylovii. Furthermore, application of SNP + forchlorfenuron and 6-BA was more effective.

Salt stress is one of major problem hampering plant growth and development to a significant level. In present study, 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) was exogenously applied to Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. plants at various concentrations (10, 50, and 100 mg L-1) to assess its effects on morphology, physiology, and biochemistry under salt stress conditions (150 mmol NaCl L-1) as compared with control. The results indicated that salt stress substantially impaired growth, physiology and biochemistry of L. chinensis plants; nonetheless, ALA application alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress. Application of ALA improved the leaf length, leaf area, leaf conductance, plant dry biomass, water contents, and root activity of L. chinensis under stress and no stress conditions. Additionally, biosynthesis of chlorophyll, carotenoids, free proline, soluble sugars and proteins of L. chinensis plants was also increased following ALA application as compared to control, under salt stress conditions. Moreover, we also observed an enhanced activity of antioxidant defense system in L. chinensis in response to ALA application. ALA elevated the activity of enzymatic antioxidants viz. ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) significantly scavenged reactive oxygen species thus reduced the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) under salt stress as compared to control under both normal and stressed conditions. The effect of ALA on all growth and biochemical attributes was concentration dependent and application of 50 as well as 100 mg L-1 ALA proved better. The results concluded that salt stress tolerance in L. chinensis plants can be increased by exogenously applied ALA at appropriate concentration. It was suggested that L. chinensis plants were treated with ALA application of 50-100 mg L-1 was more beneficial under both normal and saline conditions.

Plant growth regulating substances are involved in the physiological and metabolic processes of plants and enable them to cope with numerous environmental stresses. The effect of exogenously applied brassinolide (BR) with various concentrations (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg L-1) was studied on morphological and physiological traits of Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvelev under room and high temperatures in pots. The experimental results revealed that high temperature stress substantially perturbed growth, photosynthetic pigments, and root activity of L. chinensis; however, the deleterious effects of high temperature were partially ameliorated by the foliar application of BR. Compared to room temperature, high temperature stress decreased the plant height, leaf area, plant fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a and b content, chlorophyll a/b ratio as well as root activity, while exacerbated the membrane damage as indicated by enhanced production of malondialdehyde (MDA). Accumulation of proline content, soluble protein and sugar content in L. chinensis improved by heat stress, compared with normal temperature; application of BR further improved their production thus aiding in the attainment of tolerance against heat stress. Elevated levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR) were observed under heat stress compared to room temperature, however, application of BR further proved beneficial in this regard. Our results indicated that BR could improve the growth and development of L. chinensis by enhancing the biosynthesis of photosynthetic pigments, osmolytes and antioxidant enzymes system in plants under both room and high temperature.

OBJECTIVES: Pilon fracture is a complex injury that is often associated with severe soft tissue damage and high rates of surgical site infection. The goal of this study was to analyze and identify independent risk factors for surgical site infection among patients undergoing surgical fixation of a pilon fracture. METHODS: The medical records of all pilon fracture patients who underwent surgical fixation from January 2010 to October 2012 were reviewed to identify those who developed a surgical site infection. Then, we constructed univariate and multivariate logistic regressions to evaluate the independent associations of potential risk factors with surgical site infection in patients undergoing surgical fixation of a pilon fracture. RESULTS: A total of 519 patients were enrolled in the study from January 2010 to October 2012. A total of 12 of the 519 patients developed a surgical site infection, for an incidence of 2.3%. These patients were followed for 12 to 29 months, with an average follow-up period of 19.1 months. In the final regression model, open fracture, elevated postoperative glucose levels (≥125 mg/dL), and a surgery duration of more than 150 minutes were significant risk factors for surgical site infection following surgical fixation of a pilon fracture. CONCLUSIONS: Open fractures, elevated postoperative glucose levels (≥125 mg/dL), and a surgery duration of more than 150 minutes were related to an increased risk for surgical site infection following surgical fixation of a pilon fracture. Patients exhibiting the risk factors identified in this study should be counseled regarding the possible surgical site infection that may develop after surgical fixation.

The analytical solutions for the natural frequencies and mode shapes of the rectangular plate on foundation with four edges free is presented by using the finite cosine integral transform method. In the analysis procedure, the classical Kirchhoff rectangular plate is considered and the foundation is modelled as the Winkler elastic foundation. Because only are the basic dynamic elasticity equations of the thin plate on elastic foundation adopted, it is not need prior to select the deformation function arbitrarily. Therefore, the solution developed by present paper is reasonable and theoretical. In order to illuminate the correction of formulations, the numerical results are also presented to comparing with that of the other references.

O alumínio é um material anódico muito atrativo para baterias de íon lítio quando são melhorados o enfraquecimento rápido de capacidade e os ciclos de desempenho. Para solucionar esses problemas, compósitos de alumínio/carbono foram sintetizados utilizando álcool polivinílico (PVA) como fonte de carbono. As amostras foram caracterizadas por análise termogravimétrica e calorimetria diferencial de varredura (DSC-TGA), análise do tamanho de partículas, difração de raios-X (XRD), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (SEM) e ciclos galvanostáticos. Embora a capacidade irreversível inicial aumente devido à presença do carbono, o compósito exibe um aumento no ciclo de desempenho. O compósito com alto teor de carbono (compósito B) possui retenção de capacidade de 58% após 15 ciclos que é muito maior que a do alumínio puro (21%). Os resultados indicam que o carbono pulverizado é um método possível para melhorar o desempenho eletroquímico do alumínio metálico.

Aluminum is a very attractive anode material for lithium ion batteries if the fast capacity fading and cycle performance are improved. Al/carbon composites were synthesized using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as carbon source to solve these problems. The samples were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC-TGA), particle size analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and galvanostatic cycling. Although the initial irreversible capacities increase due to the presence of carbon, the composites exhibit improved cycle performance. The composite with high carbon content (composite B) possesses capacity retention of 58% after 15 cycles, which is much higher than that of pure aluminum (21%). Results indicate that carbon coating is a feasible method to improve the electrochemical performance of metal aluminum.

A new flavonoid, 5,4'-dihydroxy-3',5'-dimethoxy-7-O[β-D-apiose-(1→2)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl flavonoside(1), along with four known flavonoids 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6-C-β-L-arabinosyl flavonoside(2), 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-6-C-β-D- glucopyranosyl flavonoside(3), 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-6-C-β-D-glucopyranosyl flavonoside(4), 5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-8-C-β-D-glucopyranosyl flavonoside(5) were isolated from the leaves of Bambusa pervariabilis McClure. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic techniques and chemical methods.

Aminação de derivados de 6-cloropurina em água, assistida por microondas, resultou na preparação de análogos de aminopurina 6-substituídas, em bons rendimentos. Usando um forno de microondas simples, modificado com aparelhagem para refluxo, a aminação do 6-cloro na estrutura da purina ocorreu em condições brandas. Foram preparados 19 análogos conhecidos e 16 desconhecidos de aminopurinas substituídas, através de substituição aromática nucleofílica com filtração simples ou coluna de cromatografia.

Microwave assisted amination of 6-chloropurine derivatives with various amines in water resulted in a "green chemistry" protocol for the preparation of 6-substituted aminopurine analogs in very good yields. Using a simply modified microwave oven with the refluxing apparatus, the amination of the 6-chloro in the purine structure occurred smoothly. 19 known and 16 unknown 6-substituted aminopurine analogs were prepared through nucleophilic aromatic substitution with simple filtration or column chromatography.