Dynamic Tensile Properties and Energy Dissipation of High-Strength Concrete after Exposure to Elevated Temperatures

In view of the devastating outcomes of fires and explosions, it is imperative to research the dynamic responses of concrete structures at high temperatures. For this purpose, the effects of the strain rate and high temperatures on the dynamic tension behavior and energy characteristics of high-strength concrete were investigated in this paper. Dynamic tests were conducted on high-strength concrete after exposure to the temperatures of 200, 400, and 600 °C by utilizing a 74 mm diameter split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) apparatus. We found that the quasi-static and dynamic tensile strength of high-strength concrete gradually decreased and that the damage degree rose sharply with the rise of temperature. The dynamic tensile strength and specific energy absorption of high-strength concrete had a significant strain rate effect. The crack propagation law gradually changed from directly passing through the coarse aggregate to extending along the bonding surface between the coarse aggregate and the mortar matrix with the elevation of temperature. When designing the material ratio, materials with high-temperature resistance and high tensile strength should be added to strengthen the bond between the mortar and the aggregate and to change the failure mode of the structure to resist the softening effect of temperature.     

MFC/NFC-Based Foam/Aerogel for Production of Porous Materials: Preparation,Properties and Applications

Nanofibrillated cellulose and microfibrillated cellulose are potential raw materials separated from plant fibers with a high aspect ratio and excellent mechanical properties, which can be applied in various fields (packaging, medicine, etc.). They have unique advantages in the preparation of aerogels and foams, and have attracted widespread attention in recent years. Cellulose-based porous materials have good biodegradability and biocompatibility, while high porosity and high specific surface area endow them with strong mechanical properties and liquid retention performance, which can be used in wall construction, sewage treatment and other fields. At present, the preparation method of this material has been widely reported, however, due to various process problems, the actual production has not been realized. In this paper, we summarize the existing technical problems and main solutions; in the meantime, two stable systems and several drying processes are described, and the application potential of cellulose-based porous materials in the future is described, which provides a reference for subsequent research.     

The toxic effects of alizarin red S on catalase at the molecular level

Alizarin red S (ARS) is a widespread mordant dye derived from alizarin. However, it was reported to be mutagenic and carcinogenic probably because it could induce oxidative damages in organisms. Catalase (CAT) is an important antioxidant enzyme defensing oxidative damages induced by xenobiotics. The underlying mechanisms of ARS interacting with CAT have not been clarified yet. This study is conducted to characterize the functional and conformational changes on CAT by ARS and the binding details to further investigate their interaction mechanisms. Under exposure of ARS at 5 μM, CAT activity was significantly decreased to 76.2%. Inhibition of CAT probably resulted in promotion of intracellular oxidative stress and pro-oxidant property of ARS. The interaction between ARS and CAT was proved to be spontaneous and exothermic. However, limited structural changes were observed according to spectroscopic results. Results showed that ARS prefers to bind with residues buried in the active site and could alter the activity of CAT, which were agree with the molecular docking results. This work proves the adverse effects of ARS on CAT mainly at molecular level and further highlights its potential risks to heath.

Alizarin red S is confirmed to be toxic to catalase at molecular level attributing to the structural and functional changes of catalase.     

颅内压监测在重型创伤性颅脑损伤患者中的应用进展

重型创伤性颅脑损伤(TBI)后患者颅内压(ICP)升高是导致死亡或致残的主要原因之一。ICP监测是持续监测患者颅内情况和指导处理异常ICP的重要手段。本文就近年来有关ICP监测在重型TBI患者中的临床应用进行综述。     

Characterization of ibrutinib‐sensitive and ‐resistant mantle lymphoma cells

Ibrutinib inhibits Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK), a key component of early B‐cell receptor (BCR) signalling pathways. A multicentre phase 2 trial of ibrutinib in patients with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) demonstrated a remarkable response rate. However, approximately one‐third of patients have primary resistance to the drug while other patients appear to lose response and develop secondary resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying ibrutinib sensitivity is of paramount importance. In this study, we investigated cell lines and primary MCL cells that display differential sensitivity to ibrutinib. We found that the primary cells display a higher BTK activity than normal B cells and MCL cells show differential sensitivity to BTK inhibition. Genetic knockdown of BTK inhibits the growth, survival and proliferation of ibrutinib‐sensitive but not resistant MCL cell lines, suggesting that ibrutinib acts through BTK to produce its anti‐tumour activities. Interestingly, inhibition of ERK1/2 and AKT, but not BTK phosphorylation per se, correlates well with cellular response to BTK inhibition in cell lines as well as in primary tumours. Our study suggests that, to prevent primary resistance or to overcome secondary resistance to BTK inhibition, a combinatory strategy that targets multiple components or multiple pathways may represent the most effective approach.     

The −409 C/T Genotype of <Emphasis Type="Italic">PRSS1</Emphasis> Protects Against Pancreatic Cancer in the Han Chinese Population

Background and Aims  

The high mortality rate of pancreatic cancer is a bottleneck for further treatment with long-term efficacy. Thus, it is urgent to identify new methods to accurately predict the early onset of pancreatic cancer. We hypothesized that the different genotypes of cationic trypsinogen (PRSS1) gene could confer susceptibility and/or resistance to pancreatic cancer in the Han Chinese population.     

Usefulness of intravenous adenosine in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension as a screening agent for identifying long-term responders to calcium channel blockers

Although intravenous adenosine is recommended for acute vasodilator testing in patients with pulmonary hypertension, long-term outcomes in acute responders treated with calcium channel blockers (CCBs) who are identified by adenosine remain unknown. In this study, the value of adenosine for identifying long-term responders to CCBs was investigated in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). All acute responders were subsequently treated with high-dose CCB monotherapy, and 6-minute walk distances, hemodynamic data, and World Health Organization functional classifications were followed. Nine of 104 patients exhibited an acute response with intravenous adenosine (8.7%, 95% confidence interval 3.2 to 14.2). After 12 months of follow-up, all acute responders were still alive; however, only 6 patients showed sustained hemodynamic improvement (5.8%, 95% confidence interval 2 to 13). Three patients had failed CCB monotherapy and bosentan was added to their treatment. Mean tolerated dose of intravenous adenosine was 142 ± 49 μg/kg/min. No life-threatening adverse events were observed and only 2 patients of the nonresponders exhibited a 20% decrease in mean systemic arterial pressure. In nonresponders, 1- and 3-year survival rates were 89% and 75%, respectively. In conclusion, acute vasodilator testing with intravenous adenosine was safe and able to screen responders to CCB therapy in patients with IPAH. Long-term CCB responders accounted for about 5.8% of patients with IPAH.