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Objectives: Doxorubicin (DOX) can contribute to severe myocardial injury, and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSC)‐exosomes (Exos) improves acute myocardial infarction. Hence, this research investigated whether BMSC‐Exos alleviated DOX‐induced myocardial injury. Methods: BMSC‐derived Exos were isolated and identified, and the optimal concentration of DOX was confirmed. H9C2 cells were treated with DOX and BMSC‐Exos or in combination with the protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitor. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and JC‐1 were detected to assess oxidative stress (OS) and mitochondrial membrane damage, respectively. In addition, the expression of pyroptosis‐related molecules was measured. The expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)‐AKT pathway‐related proteins and the phosphorylation and acetylation of forkhead box O1 (Foxo1) in the cell nucleus and cytoplasm were tested. Last, interactions between Foxo1 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) were assessed. Results: BMSC‐Exo treatment increased viability and mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced lactic dehydrogenase release and ROS levels in DOX‐treated H9C2 cells. Furthermore, the addition of BMSC‐Exos suppressed DOX‐induced activation and upregulation of NLRP3 and apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing A CARD (ASC) and in vitro cleavage of caspase‐1, GSDMD, interleukin (IL)‐1β, and IL‐18 proteins. Additionally, BMSC‐Exo treatment enhanced the expression of phosphorylated (p)‐PI3K, p‐AKT, and p‐mTOR in DOX‐treated H9C2 cells and the levels of phosphorylated Foxo1 in the cytoplasm of DOX‐treated H9C2 cells. Foxo1 was enriched in the promoter region of GSDMD. Moreover, the AKT inhibitor API‐2 annulled the effects of BMSC‐Exos on OS, pyroptosis, and Foxo1 phosphorylation in DOX‐treated H9C2 cells. Conclusions: BMSC‐Exos phosphorylated Foxo1 and inactivated Foxo1 transcription via the PI3K‐AKT pathway to diminish GSDMD expression, thus restraining DOX‐induced pyroptosis and OS of myocardial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed to investigate changes in the quality of heat‐processed beef flavour (HPBF) during 168‐day storage period at 4, 20 and 50 °C through evaluating 10 physicochemical indexes and sensory profiles. The sensory score of HPBF reduced dramatically at 50 °C compared with those at other temperatures. The correlation analysis indicated that among the 10 physicochemical indexes, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), which is positively correlated to lipid oxidation, possessed the strongest association with the total sensory score of HPBF. The kinetic analysis showed that the increasing rate of ORP during the first 50‐day period at 50 °C was more than 10 times larger than those at 4 and 20 °C. These results suggested that lipid oxidation played a major role in affecting the quality of HPBF, especially during the early storage period. Reducing lipid oxidation via for instance maintaining a relatively low storage temperature should be given better attention for obtaining high‐quality HPBF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the highly symmetrical structures generated from one‐pot syntheses, the partial functionalization of macrocycles is usually beset with low yields and onerous purifications of the target multifunctional macrocycles. To improve this situation, taking pillar[6]arenes as an example, a two‐step fragment coupling method has been developed for synthesizing symmetrically tetra‐functionalized pillar[6]arenes, namely X‐pillar[6]arenes. This method is simple and versatile, which makes hetero‐fragment coupling and pre‐functionalization available. Nine new macrocycles and a pillar[6]arene‐based cage have been prepared. In addition, one of the newly synthesized macrocycles, COOEtEtXP[6], exhibits a strong cyan luminescence in the solid state under irradiation by 365 nm UV light. This emission originates from intramolecular through‐space conjugation. Meanwhile, formation of a supramolecular polymer by multiple non‐covalent intra/intermolecular interactions helps rigidify the structure and make COOEtEtXP[6] an efficient solid‐state emitter. It is believed that this fragment coupling can also be used to realize the multi‐functionalization of other macrocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the highly symmetrical structures generated from one‐pot syntheses, the partial functionalization of macrocycles is usually beset with low yields and onerous purifications of the target multifunctional macrocycles. To improve this situation, taking pillar[6]arenes as an example, a two‐step fragment coupling method has been developed for synthesizing symmetrically tetra‐functionalized pillar[6]arenes, namely X‐pillar[6]arenes. This method is simple and versatile, which makes hetero‐fragment coupling and pre‐functionalization available. Nine new macrocycles and a pillar[6]arene‐based cage have been prepared. In addition, one of the newly synthesized macrocycles, COOEtEtXP[6], exhibits a strong cyan luminescence in the solid state under irradiation by 365 nm UV light. This emission originates from intramolecular through‐space conjugation. Meanwhile, formation of a supramolecular polymer by multiple non‐covalent intra/intermolecular interactions helps rigidify the structure and make COOEtEtXP[6] an efficient solid‐state emitter. It is believed that this fragment coupling can also be used to realize the multi‐functionalization of other macrocycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Sphingolipids have key functions in plant membrane structure and signaling. Perturbations of plant sphingolipid metabolism often induce cell death and salicylic acid (SA) accumulation; SA accumulation, in turn, promotes sphingolipid metabolism and further cell death. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis thaliana lipase‐like protein ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 (EDS1) and its partner PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT 4 (PAD4) participate in sphingolipid metabolism and associated cell death. The accelerated cell death 5 (acd5) mutants accumulate ceramides due to a defect in ceramide kinase and show spontaneous cell death. Loss of function of EDS1, PAD4 or SALICYLIC ACID INDUCTION DEFICIENT 2 (SID2) in the acd5 background suppressed the acd5 cell death phenotype and prevented ceramide accumulation. Treatment with the SA analogue benzothiadiazole partially restored sphingolipid accumulation in the acd5 pad4 and acd5 eds1 double mutants, showing that the inhibitory effect of the pad4‐1 and eds1‐2 mutations on acd5‐conferred sphingolipid accumulation partly depends on SA. Moreover, the pad4‐1 and eds1‐2 mutations substantially rescued the susceptibility of the acd5 mutant to Botrytis cinerea. Consistent with this, B. cinerea‐induced ceramide accumulation requires PAD4 or EDS1. Finally, examination of plants overexpressing the ceramide synthase gene LAG1 HOMOLOGUE2 suggested that EDS1, PAD4 and SA are involved in long‐chain ceramide metabolism and ceramide‐associated cell death. Collectively, our observations reveal that EDS1 and PAD4 mediate ceramide (especially long‐chain ceramide) metabolism and associated cell death, by SA‐dependent and SA‐independent pathways. Significance Statement: Several reports have investigated the roles of ceramides in plants; however, the mechanism by which ceramides elicit cell death remains to be elucidated. In this work we found that ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY 1 and its partner PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT 4, which are crucial components in SA biosynthesis and cell death regulation, mediate ceramide (especially long‐chain ceramide) metabolism and associated cell death by SA‐dependent and SA‐independent pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant tumor of the upper aerodigestive tract. These RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) influence post‐transcriptional in cells and regulate cell physiology, participate in regulating RNA stability, alternative splicing, translation, modification, localization, and apoptosis. We used RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas to display dysfunctional RBPs microenvironments and provide potential useful biomarkers for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnosis and prognosis. Six RBPs (DNMT1, PCF11, EIF5A2, RNASE10, PSMA6, and IGF2BP2) were selected as independent prognosis factors of HNSCC patients. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes were mainly enriched in RNA transport, Spliceosome, RNA degradation, mRNA surveillance pathway, and Epstein–Barr virus infection. cBioPortal results demonstrated that these six genes were altered in 150 samples out of 504 HNSCC patients (30%) and the amplification of IGF2BP2 was the largest frequent copy‐number alteration. Based on the online database, we identified novel RBPs markers for the prognosis of HNSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article studies the stability problems of linear systems with time‐varying delay. An improved negativity condition for a quadratic function parameterised by time‐varying delay is derived. Based on this condition, less conservative stability criteria are obtained. Through two well‐known numerical examples, it is proved that the proposed method can reduce the conservativeness of the computed results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to compare breast cancer patients with pulmonary oligometastases (POM) and primary lung cancer (PLC) and to assess whether there were differences in clinical features, CT features, and survival outcomes between the two groups. Methods: From January 2010 to December 2021, the clinical records of 437 with malignant pulmonary nodules who had breast cancer patients were reviewed. POM was identified in 45 patients and PLC in 43 patients after the initial detection of pulmonary nodules. The clinicopathological characteristics, CT appearance of pulmonary nodules, and survival of the two groups were compared. Results: Stage II to IV breast tumors (p < 0.001), high pathological grade of breast cancer (p = 0.001), low proportion of luminal‐type breast cancer (p = 0.003), and the higher serum CYFRA 21‐1 level (p = 0.046) were the clinical characteristics of pulmonary nodules suggestive of POM rather than PLC. The CT features of lung nodules indicative of PLC rather than POM were the subsolid component (p < 0.001), lobulation (p = 0.010), air bronchogram (p < 0.001) and pleural indentation (p = 0.004). Ten‐year survival rate for PLC was 93.2%, which was higher compared with 57.8% in those with POM (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Elevated serum CYFRA 21‐1 levels and late‐stage breast cancer may be beneficial for the diagnosis of POM. CT imaging appearances of the subsolid component, lobulation, air bronchogram, and pleural indentation increase the likelihood of PLC. Breast cancer patients with PLC presented better survival with attentive monitoring than those with POM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel NiAl double hydroxide@polypyrrole (LDH@PPy) core–shell material was designed and fabricated by a facile in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole (Py) monomer. The microstructure and morphology of the LDH@PPy composites were determined by X‐ray diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy/transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric and differential thermal, revealing that the polypyrrole (PPy) was successfully coated onto the surface of the NiAl‐LDH (LDH) core and the loading amount of PPy impacted the thickness and the dispersion of the conductive PPy shell. The electrochemical performances of the LDH@PPy composites were also evaluated by cyclic voltammogram, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge–discharge measurements. The results indicated that the supercapacitor performances were attributed to the synergy of unique core–shell heterostructure and each individual component, where the LDH core provided the high‐energy storage capacity and the PPy shell with networks had high electronic conductivity. These shorted the ion diffusion pathway and made electrolyte ions more easily accessible for faradic reactions to enhance the electrochemical performance of the LDH@PPy composites. It was found that the LDH@PPy composite (LDH@PPy7) fabricated at 7 mL∙L−1 of Py monomer feed exhibiting the best electrochemical performances with high specific capacitance of 437.5 F∙g−1 at 2 A∙g−1 and excellent capacitance retention of about 91% after 1000 cycles. The work provides a simple approach for designing organic–inorganic core–shell materials with potential application in supercapacitors. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1653–1662 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A core‐shell NiAlO@polypyrrole composite (NiAlO@PPy) with a 3D "sand rose"‐like morphology was prepared via a facile in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole monomer, where the role of PPy coating thickness was investigated for high‐performance supercapacitors. Microstructure analyses indicated that the PPy was successfully coated onto the NiAlO surface to form a core‐shell structure. The NiAlO@PPy exhibited a better electrochemical performance than pure NiAlO, and the moderate thickness of the PPy shell layer was beneficial for expediting the electron transfer in the redox reaction. It was found that the NiAlO@PPy5 prepared at 5.0 mL L−1 addition amount of pyrrole monomer demonstrated the best electrochemical performance with a high specific capacitance of 883.2 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1 and excellent capacitance retention of 91.82 % of its initial capacitance after 1000 cycles at 3 A g−1. The outstanding electrochemical performance of NiAlO@PPy5 were due to the synergistic effect of NiAlO and PPy, where the uniform network‐like PPy shell with the optimal thickness made electrolyte ions more easily accessible for faradic reactions. This work provided a simple approach for designing organic–inorganic core‐shell materials as high‐performance electrode materials for electrochemical supercapacitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activation of the histamine‐3 receptor (H3R) is involved in memory processes and cognitive action, while blocking H3R activation can slow the progression of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and narcolepsy. To date, however, no direct way to examine the activation of H3R has been utilized. Here, we describe a novel biosensor that can visualize the activation of H3R through an intramolecular fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) signal. To achieve this, we constructed an intramolecular H3R FRET sensor with cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) attached at the C terminus and yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) inserted into the third intracellular loop. The sensor was found to internalize normally on agonist treatment. We measured FRET signals between the donor CFP and the acceptor YFP in living cells in real time, the results of which indicated that H3R agonist treatment (imetit or histamine) increases the FRET signal in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner with Kon and Koff values consistent with published data and which maybe correlated with decreasing cAMP levels and the promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. The FRET signal was inhibited by H3R antagonists, and the introduction of mutations at F419A, F423A, L426A and L427A, once again, the promotion of ERK1/2 phosphorylation, was diminished. Thus, we have built a H3R biosensor which can visualize the activation of receptor through real‐time structure changes and which can obtain pharmacological kinetic data at the same time. The FRET signals may allow the sensor to become a useful tool for screening compounds and optimizing useful ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma ( NPC) can develop cisplatin-resistant phenotype. Research has revealed that enriched in cancer stem cell population is involved in developing cisplatin-resistant phenotype. CD271 is a candidate stem cell maker in head and neck cancers. The CD receptor does not possess any enzymatic property. Signal transduction function of CD271 is mediated by the cellular receptor-associated protein. Our data showed that Brain-expressed X-linked 3 ( BEX3), a CD271 receptor-associated protein, was overexpressed in NPC. BEX3 overexpression was a unique event in cancer developed in the head and neck regions, especially NPC. BEX3 expression was inducible by cisplatin in NPC. In cisplatin-resistant NPC xenograft, treatment with nontoxic level of cisplatin led to a remarkable increase in BEX3 level. High BEX3 expression was accompanied with high octamer-binding transcription factor 4 ( OCT4) expression in cisplatin-resistant NPC. To confirm the inducing role of BEX3 on OCT4 expression, we knockdown BEX3 using si RNA and compared the expression of OCT4 with mock transfectants. Suppressing BEX3 transcripts led to a significant reduction in OCT4. In addition, targeting BEX3 using sh RNA could increase the sensitivity of NPC cells to cisplatin. In summary, our results indicated a unique functional role of BEX3 in mediating the sensitivity of NPC cells to cisplatin. Targeting or blocking BEX3 activity might be useful in reversing the cisplatin-resistant phenotype in NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mismatch repair prevents the accumulation of erroneous insertions/deletions and non-Watson-Crick base pairs in the genome. Pathogenic mutations in the MLH1 gene are associated with a predisposition to Lynch and Turcot's syndromes. Although genetic testing for these mutations is available, robust classification of variants requires strong clinical and functional support. Here, the first structure of the N-terminus of human MLH1, determined by X-ray crystallography, is described. The structure shares a high degree of similarity with previously determined prokaryotic MLH1 homologs; however, this structure affords a more accurate platform for the classification of MLH1 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Protein composition, amino acid profile and nutritional value of the lotus seed and its Osborne fractions were investigated. The seed was rich in protein with 19.85%, and showed well balanced amino acid composition compared with FAO/WHO pattern, Its nutritive properties were similar to those observed in the reference soybean protein. Phenylalanine, tyrosine, leucine and lysine were the limiting amino acids in the seed proteins. The albumin and globulin were the main protein fraction, the amino acid profile and nutritional value were close to the seed protein. RESULTS: Changes in transition temperature and thermal stability were observed through different solvent extractions. Albumin possessed the predominant thermal stability (81.4 °C) followed by globulin (74.49 °C), prolamin (69 °C) and glutelin (65.6 °C). So, solvent compositions influence the profile of AAs and their nutritive value, and aqueous solvent with 0.1 mol L−1 NaCl was an efficient protein solubiliser. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the extraction processes influenced the lotus seed protein quality and thermal stability. Overall, the study revealed that the lotus seed protein was nutritionally well-balanced protein and might be of significant importance in the formulation of diets for humans. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Risk factors for temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain remain unclear. Objectives: This study aimed to identify risk factors for TMD pain using a biopsychosocial model and to investigate interactions between potential risk factors—oral behaviours (OBs), psychological factors and sleep quality—and their direct and indirect effects on TMD pain. Methods: This was a cross‐sectional study of 488 patients with TMDs (422 women; 30.8 ± 9.4 years). Pain was assessed using the Numerical Rating Scale. Demographic, behavioural, psychological and biomedical data were collected through clinical examination, face‐to‐face interviews and questionnaires. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with TMD pain. Mediation and moderation analysis were used to evaluate interactions between variables. Significant mediation ('0' not included in the 95% confidence interval (CI)) and moderation (p <.05) effects on TMD pain were identified. Results: Marital status, diagnosis subgroup, previous medication use, depression and sleep quality were significant risk factors for TMD pain (p <.05). Significant mediation effects were observed as follows: depression and sleep quality mediated the association between OBs and pain; sleep quality mediated the association between somatization, depression, anxiety and pain; and depression mediated the association between sleep quality and pain (all 95% CI did not contain '0'). Conclusions: (1) Marital status, diagnosis subgroup, previous medication use, depression and sleep quality were associated with TMD pain. (2) OBs can exacerbate pain by promoting depression and reducing sleep quality. Psychological factors and sleep quality can interact to exacerbate pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The mental health of patients with temporomandibular disorder or other jaw dysfunction is a primary concern in clinical practice, but the extent of these symptoms in this patient subset is not yet well understood. Objectives: This cross‐sectional study aimed to compare the mental health and jaw function between patients with anterior disc displacement with reduction (ADDWR) and healthy individuals. Methods: In total, 170 patients with ADDWR and 163 healthy participants enrolled in this study from March 2020 to December 2021. All participants completed a single assessment, including a pain rating and several questionnaires to assess jaw dysfunction, depression, and anxiety. All scores and the grade distribution of somatization, depression and anxiety were analysed between groups. Results: Significant differences were found in measures of pain, jaw function and somatization; the ADDWR group had significantly higher pain and functional jaw limitations than the healthy group. The grade distribution of somatic symptoms also differed between groups: the distribution of patients who reported mild and above scores in the ADDWR group was significantly higher than that of the healthy group. Depression and anxiety scores or grade distributions were not significantly different by group. Conclusion: The jaw function of patients seeking treatment for ADDWR was lower than that of non‐TMD individuals. They did not show high anxiety and depression symptoms, but their somatic symptoms were more apparent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a probiotic bacterium widely used in food and health industries, but its gene regulatory information is limited in existing databases, which impedes the research of its physiology and its applications. To obtain a better understanding of the transcriptional regulatory network of L. plantarum, independent component analysis of its transcriptomes was used to derive 45 sets of independently modulated genes (iModulons). Those iModulons were annotated for associated transcription factors and functional pathways, and active iModulons in response to different growth conditions were identified and characterized in detail. Eventually, the analysis of iModulon activities reveals a trade‐off between regulatory activities of secondary and primary metabolism in L. plantarum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study that focuses on magnetite using electron microprobe and skarn minerals for examining skarn mechanism, and relationship between magnetite and skarn. Topics discussed include control of the spatial distribution of the mineralization by fault structures, production of Yamansu iron deposit occur in a marine volcanic environment which is a metasomatic skarn deposit, and andradite-grossular series of skarn is a component of garnet.

To reduce the charge‐transfer resistance of supercapacitors and achieve faster reversible redox reactions, ternary Ni‐Co‐Fe layered double hydroxide was prepared by using the urea method and then calcined to give NiCoFe oxide (NiCoFeO). To enhance conductivity, a polyaniline (PANI) conductive layer was assembled on the surface of the NiCoFeO particles by in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline monomers. The as‐prepared NiCoFeO/PANI composite was successful employed as a supercapacitor electrode. It was found that the NiCoFeO/PANI composite displayed good cycling stability, with a capacity loss of only 29.54 % after 5000 cycles. Furthermore, the NiCoFeO/PANI composite also exhibited excellent supercapacitor performance, with a high specific capacity of 843 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1, whereas NiCoFeO showed a specific capacity of only 478 F g−1. This result was attributed to the synergistic effect between NiCoFeO and PANI. The facile synthesis strategy and excellent electrochemical performance suggest that NiCoFeO/PANI is a promising economical electrode material for applications in supercapacitors. Composites for supercapacitors: A novel NiCoFeO/polyaniline (PANI) composite was fabricated by in‐situ oxidative polymerization and applied as an electrode material for supercapacitors. The composite displayed excellent supercapacitor performance with a high specific capacity of 843 F g−1 at a current density of 2 A g−1 and good cycling stability, with a capacity loss of only 29.54 % after 5000 cycles (see figure). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male infertility caused by genetic mutations is an important type of infertility. Currently, there is no reliable method in the clinic to address this medical need. The emergence of mRNA therapy provides a possible strategy for restoring mutant genes in the reproductive system. However, effective delivery of mRNA to spermatocytes remains a formidable challenge. Here a series of cholesterol‐amino‐phosphate (CAP) lipids are reported by integrating three bioactive moieties into a geometric structure, which is favorable for mRNA delivery. The results demonstrate that CAP‐derived lipid nanoparticles (CAP LNPs) can deliver RNA including traditional mRNA and self‐amplifying RNA (saRNA) encoding DNA Meiotic Recombinase 1 (Dmc1) protein in spermatocytes and treat male infertility caused by the Dmc1 gene mutation. Notably, the delivery efficiency of CAP LNPs is significantly higher than that of the MC3 and ALC‐0315 LNPs, which is consistent with the design of CAP molecules. More importantly, a single injection of CAP LNPs–saRNA can produce Dmc1 protein for an extended period, which restores the spermatogenesis in the Dmc1 gene knockout mouse model. Overall, this study proves the concept of LNPs for the delivery of mRNA to spermatocytes, which provides a unique method to probe male infertility caused by the genetic mutation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Sophora alopecuroides L. is a leguminous plant commonly found in northwest China. In Xinjiang, the fresh herb of S. alopecuroides is often applied as a green fertilizer to the rhizosphere of melon (Cucumis melo) plants at the end of their flowering period, to improve the taste of the fruits. However, the effects of S. alopecuroides‐based fertilizers on the microbial community structure of soil and crop‐root systems are unclear. In order to study the sweetening mechanism of the S. alopecuroides organic fertilizer, three different varieties of melon were selected. The untreated plants were used as the control (CK) group, and the plants treated with S. alopecuroides‐based organic fertilizer were selected as the treatment (T) group. The physical and chemical properties, enzyme activities and microbial community structure of the rhizosphere samples were also determined, and a correlation analysis with the fruit sweetness index was conducted. RESULTS: Sugar content of group T was at least 40% higher than that of group CK. The increase in fruit sugar content positively correlated with the increase in the abundance of beneficial microorganisms, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Mycobacterium, Burkholderia, Streptomyces, Acinetobacter, Proteobacteria, Lysobacter, Actinomycetes, Penicillium and Aspergillus. CONCLUSION: Sophora alopecuroides organic fertilizer could alter the composition and function of bacterial and fungal communities and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the melon plant rhizosphere. Further, it could increase the content of soluble solids and sugar in the fruits to achieve a sweetening effect. This fertilizer can be applied as a fruit sweetener in melon cultivation, improving the sugar content of the fruit and consequently the sweetness. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We report the first crystal structures of SUV420H1 and SUV420H2. [•] SUV420H1 and SUV420H2 exhibit unique N-terminal and Zn-binding post-SET domains. [•] We developed the first in vitro assay for characterizing and screening SUV420H1 and SUV420H2 in a 384-well format. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background Female breast cancer incidence and mortality data for the duration of 2008, in China, retrieved from the National Central Cancer Registry, was analyzed. Methods In 2008, there were 56 registries that submitted cancer registration data. Based on the criteria of data quality, a total of 41 registries' data met the requirement and were accepted for analysis. The incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in females were calculated, including age specific rates, age-standardized rates, proportions, and cumulative rates, stratified by areas (urban/rural). Results The number of cases included from 41 registries was 66 138 784, with 32 798 187 of these cases found in women (25 898 251 in urban areas and 6 899 936 in rural areas). There were 15 625 new cases reported and 3414 deaths of women with breast cancer, resulting in a mortality to incidence ratio of 0.22. The morphological verified rate was 91.96%, and 0.43% of cases were identified by death certificate only. The crude cancer incidence rate in all areas was 47.64/100 000, and the Age- Standardized Incidence Rates by Chinese standard population, ( ASIRC) and World standard population ( ASIRW) were 25.26/100 000 and 31.71/100 000, respectively. The cumulative incidence rate (0-74 years old) was 3.44%. Both crude and adjusted incidence rates in urban areas were much higher than those in rural areas. The crude cancer mortality was 10.41/100 000, and the Age- Standardized Mortality Rates by Chinese standard population ( ASMRC) and by World population ( ASMRW) were 4.90/100 000 and 6.48/100 000, respectively. The cumulative mortality rate (0-74 years old) was 0.071%. Age-adjusted mortality rates in urban areas were also higher than in rural areas. Age specific incidence rates peaked in age group 50-54 in all areas (108.27/100 000) and in urban areas (119.68/100 000). It reached the peak in the 55-59 age group for rural women. Age specific mortalities rose with the increase of age for both women in urban and rural areas, with mortality rates of 76.16/100 000 and 23.73/100 000 in age groups of 85 and above, respectively. Conclusions Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Chinese women. Preventative measures, such as health education and screening, are needed in the general population, but especially for those in the high-risk group found in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential toxicity of haloacetic acids (HAAs), common disinfection by products (DBPs), has been widely studied; but their combined effects on freshwater green algae remain poorly understood. The present study was conducted to investigate the toxicological interactions of HAA mixtures in the green alga Raphidocelis subcapitata and predict the DBP mixture toxicities based on concentration addition, independent action, and quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. The acute toxicities of 6 HAAs (iodoacetic acid [IAA], bromoacetic acid [BAA], chloroacetic acid [CAA], dichloroacetic acid [DCAA], trichloroacetic acid [TCAA], and tribromoacetic acid [TBAA]) and their 68 binary mixtures to the green algae were analyzed in 96‐well microplates. Results reveal that the rank order of the toxicity of individual HAAs is CAA > IAA ≈ BAA > TCAA > DCAA > TBAA. With concentration addition as the reference additive model, the mixture effects are synergetic in 47.1% and antagonistic in 25%, whereas the additive effects are only observed in 27.9% of the experiments. The main components that induce synergism are DCAA, IAA, and BAA; and CAA is the main component that causes antagonism. Prediction by concentration addition and independent action indicates that the 2 models fail to accurately predict 72% mixture toxicity at an effective concentration level of 50%. Modeling the mixtures by QSAR was established by statistically analyzing descriptors for the determination of the relationship between their chemical structures and the negative logarithm of the 50% effective concentration. The additive mixture toxicities are accurately predicted by the QSAR model based on 2 parameters, the octanol–water partition coefficient and the acid dissociation constant (pKa). The toxicities of synergetic mixtures can be interpreted with the total energy (ET) and pKa of the mixtures. Dipole moment and ET are the quantum descriptors that influence the antagonistic mixture toxicity. Therefore, in silico modeling may be a useful tool in predicting disinfection by‐product mixture toxicities. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1431–1442. © 2021 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypoxemia is a typical symptom of acute respiratory distress syndrome. To avoid pulmonary morbidity, low tidal volume ventilation is often applied. The ventilation strategy will certainly cause hypercapnia. This study aimed to explore whether hypercapnia would promote microglial pyroptosis via inhibiting mitophagy in adult rats with hypoxemia. Methods: The cerebral oxygen extraction ratio (CERO2) and partial pressure of brain tissue oxygen (PbtO2) in a rat model of hypercapnia/hypoxemia were assessed. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the expression of LC3‐II/I, p62, caspase‐1, gasdermin D‐N domains (GSDMD‐N), IL‐1β, and IL‐18 in microglial cells were detected. Results: Hypercapnia decreased the PbtO2 levels of the hypoxic rats, which was further evidenced by the increased levels of CERO2. Expression levels of LC3‐II were reduced, while p62 expression was increased by hypercapnia in hypoxic microglia. Hypercapnia increased the production of ROS and the expression of caspase‐1, GSDMD‐N, IL‐1β, and IL‐18 in hypoxia‐activated microglia. Scavenging ROS inhibited microglial pyroptosis and expression of IL‐1β and IL‐18. Conclusions: These results suggest that hypercapnia‐induced mitophagy inhibition may promote pyroptosis and enhance IL‐1β and IL‐18 release in hypoxia‐activated microglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore whether the antibrain edema of hypertonic saline (HS) is associated with alleviating ischemic blood‐brain barrier (BBB) permeability by downregulating astrocyte‐derived vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which is mediated by microglia‐derived NOD‐like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Methods: The infarct volume and BBB permeability were detected. The protein expression level of VEGF in astrocytes in a transient focal brain ischemia model of rats was evaluated after 10% HS treatment. Changes in the NLRP3 inflammasome, IL‐1β protein expression, and the interleukin‐1 receptor (IL1R1)/pNF‐кBp65/VEGF signaling pathway were determined in astrocytes. Results: HS alleviated the BBB permeability, reduced the infarct volume, and downregulated the expression of VEGF in astrocytes. HS downregulates IL‐1β expression by inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and then downregulates VEGF expression by inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF‐кBp65 mediated by IL‐1β in astrocytes. Conclusions: HS alleviated the BBB permeability, reduced the infarct volume, and downregulated the expression of VEGF in astrocytes. HS downregulated IL‐1β expression via inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and then downregulated VEGF expression through inhibiting the phosphorylation of NF‐кBp65 mediated by IL‐1β in astrocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gender expression, flowering phenology, reproductive performance and factors affecting fruit set (i.e., flowering synchrony, size and distance to the nearest pollen donor) were investigated in a cultivated population of a wind‐pollinated self‐compatible heterodichogamous Juglans regia (Juglandaceae). Four flowering morphs, (i.e., protandrous, protogynous, male and female) were observed. The sexual functions of the protandrous and protogynous morphs were almost synchronous; however, they were not reciprocal, and the separation of male and female flowering within most monoecious individuals was not complete. Thus, within‐morph mating and geitonogamous pollination may be common. The ratio of protandrous versus protogynous morphs was biased towards the protandrous morph, but the fruit set did not differ between the morphs, suggesting that the fruit set of the protandrous morph could be partly compensated by within‐morph pollination. The ratio of the female flower number or fruit number to the total male catkin length was higher in the protogynous morph than in the protandrous morph and did not vary with plant size, suggesting that gender variation was not size dependent and that the sexual function of protandrous morphs was more male biased. Fruit set depended on plant size only for protandrous morphs. The fruit set of individual plants decreased with increasing distance to the nearest pollen donor regardless of morph, possibly because of pollen limitation. The fruit set of individual plants increased with flowering synchrony, indicating that flowering synchrony could affect reproductive success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Lymphocytic infiltrates are predominantly distributed in the tumour stroma, and represents the tumour‐related immune response. The aim of this study was to elucidate the prognostic value of stromal lymphocytic infiltrates (SLI) in resectable urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). Methods and results: The prognostic significance of SLI in UCB was assessed in a discovery cohort (n = 226; 60 deaths) and in a validation cohort (n = 417; 103 deaths). SLI was categorised into intense (≥50% SLI) and non‐intense (<50% SLI). A multivariable Cox model was used to analyse the associations of SLI score with overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival. Immunofluorescence staining was used to examine the composition and phenotypes of SLI. The median follow‐up times were 58.1 and 64.9 months in the discovery and validation cohorts, respectively. SLI was intense in 38.1% of patients in the discovery cohort and in 20.9% of patients in the validation cohort (P < 0.001). SLI score had independent prognostic value for OS [hazard ratio (HR) 2.132; P = 0.016] and disease‐specific survival (DSS) (HR 1.952; P = 0.04) in the discovery cohort, which was confirmed in the validation cohort (OS: HR 1.636; P = 0.023; DSS: HR 1.627; P = 0.029). SLI score was positively associated with histological grade, tumour stage and lymph node status in both cohorts. Moreover, in the stroma, SLI displayed a broad spectrum of inhibitory immune cells, by expressing several major immune checkpoint molecules, i.e. programmed cell death protein 1, programmed death‐ligand 1, indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase, and T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3. Conclusion: Intense pre‐existing SLI was validated as a reliable marker of poorer prognosis for survival in UCB patients, which may add to the prognostic significance of the TNM classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sambucus javanica is a perennial herb with extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) on its inflorescences. To explore the ecological functions of EFNs, a factorial combination experiment of ant (access or exclusion) and EFNs (with or without) at the plant level was created in two populations. The role of EFNs in the attraction of ants and flying pollinators, the defensive role of ants against foliar herbivores, the effects of ants on pollinator visitation and the effects of ant–pollinator interactions on fruit production in one or both populations were assessed. Ants were common on the ant‐access plants with EFNs, but absent from the ant‐access plants without EFNs. Foliar herbivory was independent of ant and EFN treatments and their interactions. The visitation frequency of flying pollinators (honeybees and syrphid flies) and fruit set were significantly higher for plants with EFNs than plants without EFNs, but were not affected by ant treatments or their interactions with EFN treatments. These results suggest that EFNs in S. javanica attracted both ants and flying pollinators, but ants did not present a defensive role against herbivores, did not deter flying pollinators from visiting inflorescences and had no effects on fruit production. In addition, ants were not significant pollen vectors. The extrafloral nectaries in Sambucus javanica can attract pollinators and enhance its reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although it is generally accepted that diabetes is one of the most important risk factors for liver cancer, the underlying mechanism is still not well understood. The purpose of the current study is to further investigate how high concentrations of glucose (HG), a major symptom of diabetes, stimulate the development of liver malignancy. Using data mining, gap junction protein gamma 1 (GJC1) was identified as a critical proto‐oncoprotein that is essential for the HG stimulation of proliferative capacity in liver cancer cells. Furthermore, enhanced transcriptional expression of GJC1 might occur after stimulation by HG. A transcription factor zinc finger protein 410 (APA1)–binding motif was found to be located at the –82 to −77 nt region within the GJC1 promoter. Without APA1, HG was unable to increase GJC1 expression. Interestingly, APA1, but not GJC1, can be O‐GlcNAcylated in liver cancer cells. Moreover, O‐GlcNAcylation is essential for HG‐induced APA1 binding to the GJC1 promoter. Notably, global O‐GlcNAcylation and expression of APA1 and GJC1 were highly elevated in liver cancer patients with diabetes compared to those in patients without diabetes. The HG‐stimulated proliferative capacity was abolished upon decreasing O‐GlcNAcylation, which could be reversed gradually by the simultaneous overexpression of APA1 and GJC1. Therefore, GJC1 could be a potential target for preventing liver cancer in patients with diabetes. High glucose controls GJC1 to induce tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sphingolipids, a class of bioactive lipids found in cell membranes, can modulate the biophysical properties of the membranes and play a critical role in signal transduction. Sphingolipids are involved in autophagy in humans and yeast, but their role in autophagy in plants is not well understood. In this study, we reported that the AtACER, an alkaline ceramidase that hydrolyses ceramide to long‐chain base (LCB), functions in autophagy process in Arabidopsis. Our empirical data showed that the loss of AtACER inhibited autophagy, and its overexpression promoted autophagy under nutrient, salinity, and oxidative stresses. Interestingly, nitrogen deprivation significantly affected the sphingolipid's profile in Arabidopsis thaliana, especially the LCBs. Furthermore, the exogenous application of LCBs also induced autophagy. Our findings revealed a novel function of AtACER, where it was found to involve in the autophagy process, thus, playing a crucial role in the maintenance of a dynamic loop between sphingolipids and autophagy for cellular homeostasis under various environmental stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in China. Of the different subtypes of ischemic stroke, cardioembolic stroke is of particular importance because it is potentially preventable. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of measuring N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide in the emergency department in early recognition of patients with cardioembolic stroke. Methods: This was a multicenter prospective cohort study conducted from 1 June 2015 to 30 June 2016 in four emergency departments. Adult patients with acute ischemic stroke were recruited. Plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was measured in the emergency department. Discharge diagnosis was determined by neurologists according to the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment criteria. The diagnostic performance of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide was assessed by measuring the sensitivity, specificity, receiver operating characteristic curve, and the area under curve. Results: In all, 258 patients were analyzed. Of them, 17.9% were diagnosed with cardioembolic stroke. The optimal cut-off concentration, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve of the plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide concentration suitable to distinguish cardioembolic stroke from other subtypes of stroke were 501.2 pg/mL, 82.6%, 80.2%, and 0.87 (95% confidence interval: 0.83–0.92), respectively. Conclusion: Emergency physicians should strongly consider cardioembolic stroke in patients presented with acute ischemic stroke with an N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level over 501.2 pg/mL. However, it must be considered in context with clinical assessment and judgment before making treatment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CT Imaging for Phrenic Nerve Anatomy Introduction Phrenic nerve injury and diaphragmatic stimulation are common complications following arrhythmia ablation and pacing therapies. Preoperative comprehension of phrenic nerve anatomy via non-invasive CT imaging may help to minimize the electrophysiological procedure-related complications. Methods Coronary CT angiography data of 121 consecutive patients were collected. Imaging of left and right pericardiophrenic bundles was performed with volume rendering and multi-planar reformation techniques. The shortest spatial distances between phrenic nerves and key electrophysiology-related structures were determined. The frequencies of the shortest distances ≤5 mm, >5 mm and direct contact between phrenic nerves and adjacent structures were calculated. Results Left and right pericardiophrenic bundles were identified in 86.8% and 51.2% of the patients, respectively. The right phrenic nerve was <5 mm from right superior and inferior pulmonary veins in 92.0% and 3.2% of the patients, respectively. The percentage of right phrenic nerve, <5 mm from right atrium, superior caval vein, and superior caval vein-right atrium junction was 87.1%, 100%, and 62.9%, respectively. Left phrenic nerve was <5 mm from left atrial appendage, great cardiac vein, anterior and posterior interventricular veins, and left ventricular posterior veins in 81.9%, 1.0%, 39.1%, 28.6%, and 91.4% of the patients, respectively. Merely 0.06% left phrenic nerve had a distance <5 mm with left superior pulmonary vein, and none left phrenic nerve showed a distance <5 mm with left inferior pulmonary vein. Conclusion One-stop enhanced CT scanning enabled detection of phrenic nerve anatomy, which might facilitate avoidance of the phrenic nerve-related complications in interventional electrophysiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Population-based cancer registration data from the National Central Cancer Registry were used to analyze and evaluate the incidence and mortality rates in China in 2013, providing scientific information for cancer prevention and control. Methods Pooled data were stratified by area (urban/rural), gender, and age group. National new cases and deaths were estimated using age-specific rates and the corresponding population in 2013. The Chinese population in 2000 and Segi's world population were used to calculate age-standardized rates. Results The estimated number of new breast cancer cases was about 278 800 in China in 2013. The crude incidence, age-standardized rate of incidence by Chinese standard population, and age-standardized rate of incidence by world standard population were 42.02/100 000, 30.41/100 000, and 28.42/100 000, respectively. The estimated number of breast cancer deaths was about 64 600 in China in 2013. The crude mortality, age-standardized rate of mortality by Chinese standard population, and age-standardized rate of mortality by world standard population were 9.74/100 000, 6.54/100 000, and 6.34/100 000, respectively. Both incidence and mortality were higher in urban than in rural areas. Age-specific breast cancer incidence significantly increased with age, particularly after age 20, and peaked at 50-55 years, while age-specific mortality increased rapidly after 25 years, peaking at 85+ years. Conclusions Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Chinese women, especially women in urban areas. Comprehensive measures are needed to reduce the heavy burden of breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Na3PSe4 compound is synthesized and exhibits a large cell parameter of 7.3094 Å, thereby providing 3D channels that are optimal for Na ion diffusion. Na3PSe4 has the highest ionic conductivity reported for chalcogenides so far, with a value of over 1 mS cm−1 at room temperature and a low activation energy of 0.21 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes is one of the key roadblocks for all‐solid‐state sodium ion batteries to be utilized to store peak‐load energy from wind and solar power. In article number 1501294, Long Zhang and co‐workers report fast sodium ion 3D conduction pathways set up within the structure of a new selenide compound via reconstructing ion transport channels, thereby leading to a low activation energy and high ionic conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various target compounds are available starting from o-iodobenzothioureas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]