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Three novel metal-free organic dyes (TPTZ1, TPTZ2, and TPTZ3) with an A–D–π–D–A configuration were synthesized and applied for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The relationship between the photovoltaic properties and the different connection bridges of these organic dyes was studied systematically, showing that a strategical variation on the linkage ways of dithiophene can obviously affect the twisted degree of backbone and, thus, have a great effect on inhibiting the intermolecular aggregation. Compared with a bulky rigid group substituted on TPTZ3, introducing flexible side chains at suitable sites on the TPTZ1 and TPTZ2 seems to be a more effective strategy to achieve high photoelectric performance for double anchoring dye. Indeed, the DSSCs based on TPTZ2 exhibit a high efficiency of 7.50%, reaching 99% of an N719-based standard cell at the same condition. This study provides a new approach for highly efficient anti-aggregation organic sensitizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Folic acid (FA) could improve cognitive performance and attenuate brain cell injury in the aging brain; FA supplementation is also associated with inhibiting neural stem cell (NSC) apoptosis. However, its role in age-associated telomere attrition remains unclear. We hypothesized that FA supplementation attenuates age-associated apoptosis of NSCs in mice via alleviating telomere attrition in senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8). In this study, 4-month-old male SAMP8 mice were assigned equal numbers to four different diet groups (n = 15). Fifteen age-matched senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 mice, fed with the FA-normal diet, were used as the standard aging control group. After FA treatment for 6 months, all mice were sacrificed. NSC apoptosis, proliferation, oxidative damage, and telomere length were evaluated by immunofluorescence and Q-fluorescent in situ hybridization. The results showed that FA supplementation inhibited age-associated NSC apoptosis and prevented telomere attrition in the cerebral cortex of SAMP8 mice. Importantly, this effect might be explained by the decreased levels of oxidative damage. In conclusion, we demonstrate it may be one of the mechanisms by which FA inhibits age-associated NSC apoptosis by alleviating telomere length shortening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of tumour-to-muscle (T/M) ratios and Patlak Ki images extracted from whole-body dynamic 18F-fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) PET/CT Patlak multi-parameter imaging for evaluating the early radiosensitizing effect of oleanolic acid (OA). Twenty-four rats with C6 gliomas were divided into 4 groups and treated with OA (group B), radiotherapy (group C), both (group D) or neither (group A). Whole-body dynamic 18F-FMISO PET/CT scans were performed for 120 min before treatment and 24 h following the treatment course. The tumour samples were dissected for hematoxylin and eosin staining, and HIF-1α, Ki-67 and GLUT-1 immunohistochemical staining. PET images were analysed using kinetic modelling (Patlak Ki) and static analysis (T/M ratios), and correlated with immunohistochemical results. The changes in T/M ratios, Ki values and tumour volume before treatment and 24 h following the treatment course were compared, and the survival time of tumour-bearing rats was recorded. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that OA combined with radiotherapy can inhibit tumour growth and prolong the survival time of tumour-bearing rats. Whole-body dynamic 18F-FMISO PET/CT showed that the Ki values in group D were significantly lower than those in group C, whilst there was no significant difference in T/M ratios between groups C and D. The Pearson correlation coefficient analysis showed that Ki values were significantly related to immunohistochemical results. Our study suggests that Patlak Ki images may add value to PET/CT static images for evaluating the early radio-sensitizing effect of OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial ischemia (MI) is a significant contributor to ischemic heart diseases like angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. Reactive oxygen species produced during MI can trigger lipid peroxidation, damaging cell structure and function. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) has been widely used clinically in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. However, in the process of rooting, the aboveground parts of this plant are usually discarded by tons. To make better use of these plant resources, the phenolic acids extracted and purified from the aerial part of SM were studied and chemically transformed, and the potential protective effect and possible mechanism of salvianolic acids containing a higher content of salvianolic acid A on MI were obtained. The transformed products of SM stem-leaves total phenolic acids with 8.16 % salvianolic acid A showed a better protective effect on the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced acute MI injury rat model. It can improve ST segment changes and has good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant effects. In addition, the dysbiosis of gut microbiota and the related metabolic levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), phenylalanine and glycerophospholipids were improved. This was achieved by reducing the abundance of Bacteroides , Faecalibaculum , and L-phenylalanine levels. In addition, the abundance of probiotics in Butyricoccus , Roseburia , and norank_f_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group , as well as the contents of propionic acid and isobutyric acid, LPCs and PCs were increased. In conclusion, total phenolic acids of SM stem-leaves showed protective effects against ISO-induced rats, especially the strongest effect after conversion, which is a new option for the prevention and treatment of MI. [Display omitted] • The chemical conversion of salvianolic acid A from the stem-leaves total phenolic acids of Salvia miltiorrhiza was as high as 89 %. • It is evident that the protective effect of the stem-leaves total phenolic acids of Salvia miltiorrhiza after conversion on myocardial ischemia is superior to that before conversion. • The stem-leaves total phenolic acids of Salvia miltiorrhiza can not only balance the body's oxidation/antioxidant level, relieve blood agglutination, reduce inflammatory reaction, but also maintain the balance of intestinal flora, and regulate metabolite levels through a variety of metabolic pathways. • These functions may be related to their enrichment of key genera such as Butyricococcus and Roseburia and regulation of phenylalanine metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vital state variables in marine alkaline protease (MP) fermentation are difficult to measure in real-time online, hardly is the optimal control either. In this article, a dynamic soft sensor modeling method which combined just-in-time learning (JITL) technique and ensemble learning is proposed. First, the local weighted partial least squares algorithm (LWPLS) with JITL strategy is used as the basic modeling method. For further improving the prediction accuracy, the moving window (MW) is used to divide sub-dataset. Then the MW-LWPLS sub-model is built by selecting the diverse sub-datasets according to the cumulative similarity. Finally, stacking ensemble-learning method is utilized to fuse each MW-LWPLS sub-models. The proposed method is applied to predict the vital state variables in the MP fermentation process. The experiments and simulations results show that the prediction accuracy is better compared to other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NaY(WO 4) 2 is one of the excellent host materials for high-efficient upconversion luminescence, but it is still challenging to obtain red emission via lanthanide doping. In this work, pure red emission was achieved in the heavily-Er3+-doped NaY(WO 4) 2 by using a 1550 nm laser diode and introducing mediator Tm3+ ions in the lattice. On basis of the analysis of steady-state and transient-state luminescence properties related to dopant concentration and excitation wavelength, all possible red emission mechanisms were discussed. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the high-purity red emission was due to the several energy transfer processes between Er3+ and Tm3+. Our results provide a convenient pathway to investigate the upconversion luminescence mechanisms. • Pure red up-conversion is achieved in NaY(WO 4) 2 : Er3+, Tm3+ under 1550 nm excitation. • The energy transfer processes involved in up-conversion luminescence is deeply understood. • A new pumping channel for red emission is discovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have found that the risk of suicide is higher in patients diagnosed with cancer than in the general population. We aimed to identify potential risk factors associated with suicide in leukemia patients by analyzing data obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We screened the SEER database for leukemia patients added between 1975 and 2017, and calculated their suicide rate and standardized mortality rate (SMR) relative to the total United States population from 1981 to 2017 as a reference. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for suicide in leukemia patients. We collected 142,386 leukemia patients who had been added to the SEER database from 1975 to 2017, of whom 191 patients committed suicide over an observation period of 95,397 person‐years. The suicide rate of leukemia patients was 26.41 per 100,000 person‐years, and hence the SMR of the suicided leukemia patients was 2.16 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.85–2.47). The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that a high risk of suicide was associated with male sex (vs. female: hazard ratio [HR] = 4.41, 95% CI = 2.93–6.63, p < 0.001), older age at diagnosis (60–69 years vs. ≤39 years: HR = 2.60, 95% CI = 1.60–4.23, p < 0.001; 70–79 years vs. ≤39 years: HR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.72–4.68, p < 0.001; ≥80 years vs. ≤39 years: HR = 2.94, 95% CI = 1.65–5.21, p < 0.001), white race (vs. black: HR = 6.80, 95% CI = 1.69–27.40, p = 0.007), acute myeloid leukemia (vs. lymphocytic leukemia: HR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.09–2.33, p = 0.016), unspecified and other specified leukemia (vs. lymphocytic leukemia: HR = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.55–4.75, p < 0.001), and living in a small city (vs. large city: HR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.23–3.60, p = 0.007). Meanwhile, being a non‐Hispanic black (vs. Hispanic: HR = 0.06, 95% CI = 0.01–0.62, p = 0.019) was a protective factor for suicide. Male sex, older age at diagnosis, white race, and acute myeloid leukemia were risk factors for suicide in leukemia patients, while being a non‐Hispanic black was a protective factor. Medical workers should, therefore, provide targeted preventive measures to leukemia patients with a high risk of suicide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of grape seed extraction (GSE) on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) formation during the grilling of sausages stored for different periods of time were determined. The application of GSE significantly reduced the content of PAH12 and PAH4 in grilled sausage during the storage for 0–4 days, accompanying with a greater antioxidative capability and similar amount of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). After 8 days' of storage, the grilled sausages with GSE had a higher level of PAH12 and PAH4 when compared with those of the control group. Meanwhile, there was a greater amount of UFA and a similar antioxidative capability as compared to those sausages without GSE. The correlation analysis showed that the concentration of PAH12 and PAH4 was significantly correlated with the percentage of UFA in sausages. Practical applications: Grape seed extraction (GSE), a powerful antioxidant and preservative, was widely added into the meat product to prevent the lipid oxidation, especially the oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), which will lead to higher content of UFA at the end of storage. As important precursors of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) production, whether or not a higher UFA content result from GSE addition consequently induce a higher level of PAHs is still unknown. In this study, the effects of GSE on PAH12 and PAH4 formation during the grilling of sausages stored for different periods of time were determined. The result showed that the application of GSE in sausage can improve the proportion of UFA at the end of storage, which will consequently lead to higher PAHs content. To reduce the level of chemical hazard, the fresh sausages added GSE/antioxidants for meat preservation should be processed and consumed early. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common and serious complications of diabetes, which lacks effective treatment. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma is one of the key compatible traditional Chinese medicine in the prescription for the treatment of DN. Salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA are two monomer active components with high content and clear structure in Salvia miltiorrhiza , which can effectively improve early (DN), respectively. To evaluate the compatible effect of salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA on early DN rats and elucidate the mechanism. Early DN rats were induced by streptozotocin combined with high glucose and high fat diet, and intervened by salvianolic acid B, tanshinone IIA and their combinations. The pathological sections of kidney, liver and biochemical indexes were analyzed. Network pharmacology method was used to predict the possible mechanism. The mechanisms were elucidated by metabolomics, Elisa, and Western blot. Given our analysis, salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA can synergistically regulate 24 h UTP, Urea and Scr and improve kidney damage in early DN rats. The metabolic abnormalities of early DN rats were improved by regulating the biosynthesis of saturated fatty acids, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, alanine, and arachidonic acid. Salvianolic acid B combined with tanshinone IIA at a mass ratio of 13.4:1 can significantly reduce kidney inflammation, up-regulate p -PI3K/PI3K and p -Akt/Akt and down-regulate p -NF- κ B/NF- κ B, which better than the single-used group and can be reversed by PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA can synergistically improve glucose and lipid disorders, liver and kidney damage, and resist kidney inflammation in early DN rats, and the mechanism may be related to regulating PI3K/Akt/NF- κ B signaling pathway. [Display omitted] • Salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA can synergistically improve early DN. • Salvianolic acid B combined with tanshinone IIA can improve metabolic abnormalities in early DN rats. • Salvianolic acid B and tanshinone IIA can synergistically regulate PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An improved slow-wave structure (SWS) for a 340 GHz traveling wave tube (TWT) is proposed. The dispersion curve and transmission characteristics of SWS have been calculated and analyzed. The transmission and reflection of the RF structure are S21 > −7 dB and S11 < −16 dB, respectively. Two sheet electron beams with identical physical parameters are used to control the operation of a TWT. In addition, the output power, gain, and bandwidth of the TWT were studied using three-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation method. A uniform constant magnetic field with the magnetic field density of 0.2 T is used to focus the sheet electron beam. The results of the PIC simulations show that the TWT achieves the maximum output power of 12 W and the 3 dB bandwidth of 25 GHz (328–353 GHz) at the input power of 10 mW. At 340 GHz, the output power of 12 W and the gain of 30.8 dB are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy. Aberrant activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) and NF-κB signaling pathways is observed in MM and plays a pivotal role in the development of MM by promoting myeloma cell growth, survival, and drug resistance. In this study, we found that the Sonic Hh (SHh) ligand in the bone marrow microenvironment is responsible for the enhancement of NF-κB activity in MM cell lines NCI-H929 and U266. Notably, we discovered that Hh signaling regulates NF-κB through its classical pathway (SHh/PTCH1/SMO/GLI1) in MM cells. Meanwhile, non-classical pathway by SMO recruitment of TRAF6 to ubiquitination is also involved in it. Moreover, the SMO inhibitor cyclopamine enhances the cytotoxic effects of bortezomib in MM cell lines. Our study reveals the cross-talk between Hh members and the NF-κB pathway in the myeloma cells and provides a theoretical basis for combined utilization of Hh members and proteasome inhibition in MM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an electrochemical immunosensor was constructed to detect the cytokeratin 19 fragment antigen 21-1 (CYFRA 21-1) in human serum. CYFRA 21-1 is the most sensitive tumor marker of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), its content in normal human serum should be less than 3.3 ng/mL. When lung cancer cells dissolve or die, a myriad of CYFRA 21-1 is released into a tumor patient's blood circulation, and its serum content elevates strikingly. Consequently, detecting CYFRA 21-1 by an electrochemical biosensor is expected to provide a new method for the early detection and prevention of lung cancer. In this study, a composite of UiO-66-NH 2 and carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CMWCNTs) was used as the substrate material of a sensor; the resulting sensor had a large specific surface area and strong electrical conductivity. Moreover, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were used to bind to antibodies through an Au-S bonds. Also, a supersensitive detection of CYFRA 21-1 was achieved through the specific bindings of antigens and antibodies. Under optimal detection conditions, the change of current signal intensity of the immunosensor was proportional to the logarithm of CYFRA 21-1 concentration and had a linear relation in the range of 0.005–400 ng/mL, while the detection limit was 1.15 pg/mL (S/N = 3). The proposed immunosensor had high precision, stability, and selectivity. More importantly, the sensor was been successfully applied to detect CYFRA 21-1 in human serum with high recovery, providing a new method for early screening and dynamic monitoring of lung cancer. • An immunosensor was constructed for the detection of CYFRA21-1 in human serum. • UiO-66-NH 2 and CMWCNTs were selected to make metal-organic frame-carbon composites. • The sensor displayed a range (0.005–400 ng/mL) and a detection limit (1.15 pg/mL). • The immunosensor was featured by high precision, stability and selectivity. • The sensor had been used to detect CYFRA21-1 in human serum with high recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat deposition involves the continuous differentiation of adipocytes and lipid accumulation. Studies have shown that microRNA miR-136 and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 12 (HSD17B12) play important roles in lipid accumulation. However, the regulatory mechanism through which miR-136 targets HSD17B12 during ovine adipogenesis remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the role of miR-136 and HSD17B12 in adipogenesis and their relationship in ovine adipose-derived stromal vascular fractions (SVFs). The target relationship between miR-136 and HSD17B12 was predicted and confirmed using bioinformatics and a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The results showed that miR-136 promoted proliferation and inhibited adipogenic differentiation of ovine SVFs. We also found that HSD17B12 inhibited proliferation and promoted adipogenic differentiation of ovine SVFs. Collectively, our results indicate that miR-136 facilitates proliferation and attenuates adipogenic differentiation of ovine SVFs by targeting HSD17B12. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further elucidation of the regulatory mechanisms of lipid deposition in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing the fine-grained ceramics with high recoverable energy storage density and excellent mechanical performance, still presents great challenges. Because the ceramics with large pore size and low relative density were obtained by the traditional sintering method, they always exhibit small breakdown strength and poor mechanical properties, which limits the miniaturization and operation of devices in harsh environments. In this article, we designed the barium titanate ceramics (BT) ceramics with grain size of 252 nm and relative density of 0.92 can be obtained via co-sintering of two sizes of BT particles at 1000 °C for 10 h. The cubic phase BT particles with 80 nm are doped in the tetragonal phase BT particles with 200 nm to obtain tetragonal phase fine-grained BT ceramics. When doped with 80 nm BT particles, the sintering of 200 nm BT particles is promoted. The enhanced sinterability is due to the phase transformation and metastability, which act as sintering aids. The obtained BT ceramics with nanodomains, high energy storage, and mechanical properties. The discharge energy density is of 0.81 J/cm3, and the Vickers hardness is 1.75 GPa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a common disease in the elderly, especially in postmenopausal women, resulting in a heavy burden both in the economy and life for the society and family. Many risk factors are related to osteoporosis, partially uncontrollable, and partially controllable including calcium and vitamin D intake, protein intake, smoking, alcohol drinking, coffee drinking, and physical exercise, etc. More research of the risk factors has been carried out in abroad than in the country. Studies on the risk factors are not comprehensive. This paper analyzes and summarizes the current status of risk factors of primary osteoporosis in middle-aged women, and suggests the significance of the research concerning risk factors for osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiS nanotubes and de-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) composite nanopowders were synchronously synthesized by a one-pot self-assembly method. The powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Thermoelectric properties of the BiS-PEDOT composite nanopowders with different BiS contents after being cold pressed into pellets were measured at room temperature. The sample with 36.1 wt% BiS has a highest power factor of 2.3 μWmK, which is higher than that of both pure PEDOT (0.445 μWmK) and BiS (1.94 μWmK). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: To increase the water solubility and cationic charges at pH 7, cationic moieties were introduced onto both the C6–OH and C2–NH2 groups in the chitosan (CTS) matrix by graft modification. The chemical structure of the obtained copolymer was demonstrated by characterizations of FT-IR, 13C NMR, WXRD, SEM. Its excellent decolorization properties as a novel flocculant were evaluated with the C.I. Reactive Orange 5 (RO 5) and C.I. Reactive Blue 19 (RB 19) solutions using a jar test method. Both the nature of the anionic dyes and the pH of the initial dye solutions had effects on the decolorization properties. Charge neutralization played a dominant role for the color removal at pH 4, while polymer bridging contributed mainly to the color removal at pH 7. For the given flocculant/dye solutions, added salt was not in favor of the flocculated decolorization. At 25°C, the flocculant needed for the highest color removal at pH 4 was 60wt% of the dye (RO 5 or RB 19), but that at pH 7 were 100wt% of RB 19 and 120wt% of RO 5, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four novel D-A-π-A metal-free organic sensitizers QL1 – 4 with the fused azacycle units as donors have been designed and synthesized to investigate the relationship between both the sizes and conjugations of azacycle and performances of dye-sensitized solar cells systematically. QL1 with the five-membered azacycle, i.e., with carbazole (Cz) as donor, exhibits the smallest molar extinction coefficients (ε). QL2 and QL3 with the seven-membered azacycle, i.e. with N -phenyl-iminostilbene (ISB) and N -phenyl-iminodibenzyl (IDB) as donors, respectively, show the red-shifted absorption spectra and higher ε compared to QL1. However, QL2 and QL3 with an only distinction in a single or double bond, display distinctive PCEs. QL4 with the six-membered azacycle, i.e., 9,9,10-triphenyl-9,10-dihydroacridine (TDD), exhibits a blue-shifted absorption spectrum due to a big dihedral angle, resulting in a lower photovoltaic performance. Especially, QL3 with the ISB donor is conducive to achieving a PCE of 6.22%, which is higher than QL2 , due to its better planar structure and more conjugation. When co-adsorbed with CDCA, QL3 exhibits the highest PCE of 7.14% among all dyes, and up to 8.26% by co-sensitizing with dye WL5 , which surpasses that of the reference dye N719 (7.75%). The results indicate that the size and conjugation of the fused azacycle donors may affect the photovoltaic performance significantly, and the ISB unit is demonstrated as a promising donor for efficient organic dyes. [Display omitted] • Four novel dyes QL1 - 4 with the fused azacycle units as donors are synthesized. • The size and conjugation of the azacycle affect the photovoltaic properties. • N -phenyl-iminostilbene exhibits higher PCE due to more planar and conjugation. • The cell based on QL3 co-sensitized with WL5 obtains a high efficiency of 8.26%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a novel cancer theragnostic nanoassembly with high biocompatibility, stability and low toxicity which are activated rapidly by tumor microenvironment to realize selective fluorescence imaging, chemotherapy as well as chemoenzymatic therapy. The nanoprobes are synthesized by hybridization of fluorophore labeled hairpin DNAs containing a 5-aza-dC at hemimethylated CpG sites and pH-sensitive DNA sequence covalently conjugated with PEGylated GO. The aptamer, which is also covalently conjugated on PEGylated GO, enables to target the tumor site and the weak acid environment of tumor triggers the release of drug loaded by nanoprobes including functionalized DNA and DOXs, effectively activating fluorescence signals and selectively killing the tumor cells. The results revealed that the nanoprobe enables sensitive detection of pH changes within subcellular environment, selectively imaging and great synergy of multicombination therapeutic including chemotherapy and chemoenzymatic therapy, implying that developed pH activatable probe has considerable potential for diagnosis and efficient therapy of cancer. • A novel cancer theragnostic nanoassembly was developed. • The nanoassembly could response rapidly to pH changes and specifically release dugs. • These results indicated that the nanoassembly could enable sensitive detection and combined therapy of tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we presented the novel membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for direct dimethyl ether fuel cell (DDFC). The anode diffusion layer of the MEA consisted of hydrophilic region and hydrophobic region (with a ratio of region areas of 1:1). The electrochemical impedance spectra analyses revealed that the mass transfer resistance of novel MEA was lower than that of completed hydrophilic or hydrophobic MEA. The performance of novel MEA for DDFC was enhanced due to the promotion the mass transport of DME fuel at 50°C. The constant current operation curves showed that the performance decay ratio of the novel MEA was lower than that of conventional MEAs. It indicated that the novel MEA benefited the long-term operation of DDFC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The micro-nano BaTiO3 ceramics of different sizes have been prepared simply and controllably via a self-assembly sintering method. Through giving the size of BaTiO3 powders and the combination way, the binary particle size self-assembly sintering method can controllably synthesize the ceramics with different grain sizes. When the ternary and quaternary particle size self-assembly sintering method is used to synthesize the ceramics, the relative density of the ceramics can be increased, but the controllability of the grain size has been reduced. Therefore, the use of binary particle size self-assembly sintering method is beneficial to synthesize the micro-nano BaTiO3 ceramics controllably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP), one of the most common complications of diabetes, is characterized by bilateral symmetrical distal limb pain and substantial morbidity. To compare the differences is aimed at serum metabolite levels between 81 DNP and 73 T2DM patients without neuropathy and found that the levels of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA) are significantly lower in DNP patients than in T2DM patients. In high‐fat diet/low‐dose streptozotocin (HFD/STZ)‐induced T2DM and leptin receptor‐deficient diabetic (db/db) mouse models, it is verified that BCAA deficiency aggravated, whereas BCAA supplementation alleviated DNP symptoms. Mechanistically, using a combination of RNA sequencing of mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) tissues and label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis of cultured cells, it is found that BCAA deficiency activated the expression of L‐type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) through ATF4, which is reversed by BCAA supplementation. Abnormally upregulated LAT1 reduced Kv1.2 localization to the cell membrane, and inhibited Kv1.2 channels, thereby increasing neuronal excitability and causing neuropathy. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injection of the LAT1 inhibitor, BCH, alleviated DNP symptoms in mice, confirming that BCAA‐deficiency‐induced LAT1 activation contributes to the onset of DNP. These findings provide fresh insights into the metabolic differences between DNP and T2DM, and the development of approaches for the management of DNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a common food preservation method, γ-ray irradiation can effectively improve the microbial safety of raw meat. However, the effects of irradiation decontamination on chemical hazard formation, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in subsequent meat processing have not been studied. In this study, fresh sausage was irradiated with γ-rays at doses of 0, 1, 4, and 8 kGy, and the lipid oxidation, fatty acid composition and total free radical content were determined. The contents of four types of higher molecular weight PAHs (BaA, CHR, BbFA, BaP - called as PAH 4) were determined after 20 min of baking at 220 °C. The peroxide value (POV) of sausages after 1, 4, 8 kGy of irradiation were 1.86, 2.42, 3.84 meq/kg, respectively, and the thiobarbituric acids (TBARs) values were 0.08, 0.12, 0.19 mg/kg, respectively, which were significantly increased compared with those of the unirradiated sausages (P < 0.05). The total free radical content estimated by electron spin-resonance spectroscopy (ESR) and the content of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) both increased as the dose of irradiation increased. The concentration of PAH 4 in irradiated sausage was notably reduced by 16.89% (1 kGy), 36.79% (4 kGy), and 51.68% (8 kGy) compared with unirradiated sausages. There was a significant correlation between the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) and the PAH 4 content (P < 0.01). γ-ray irradiation can effectively reduce the PAH 4 content of baked sausages at 1, 4, and 8 kGy. The mechanism by which PAH 4 decrease in sausage might be caused by the reduction of UFAs result from irradiation. This study illustrates that application of γ-ray irradiation is an effective mean for reducing chemical hazards formation during the baking of sausage. • γ-ray irradiation under permissible doses (1–8 kGy) can effectively reduce the production of PAH 4 during the baking process. • γ-ray can promote lipid oxidation by increasing the amount of free radicals in sausage. • γ-ray reduces the proportion of UFAs in sausages. • The reason of PAH 4 decrease in sausage might be caused by the reduction of UFAs result from irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Podocyte apoptosis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of perilipin2 on high glucose (HG)-induced podocyte apoptosis and associated mechanisms. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in BTBR ob/ob mice vs. nondiabetic mice kidneys were obtained from GSE106841 dataset and picked out using the 'limma' package. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and was visualized by Cytoscape. Perilipin2 was a hub gene using the cytoHubba plug-in from Cytoscape. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that the 126 overlapping DEGs were mainly enriched in 'oxidation reduction' [biological process, (BP)], metal ion binding' [molecular function, (MF)] and 'extracellular region' [cellular component, (CC)]. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that perilipin2 was mainly involved in 'PPAR signaling pathway'. DN inhibited perilipin2 expression and PPARγ expression, as by both in vitro and in vivo studies. In vitro experiments demonstrated that perilipin2 inhibition could not only reduced PPARγ expression in podocytes, it could also promote the apoptosis, and inhibit the viability in HG treated podocytes using western blot, CCK8 and flow cytometry assays. Perilipin2 overexpression reversed the effects of HG on inhibiting podocalyxin, nephrin, precursor (pro)-caspase-3/-9 and PPARγ protein expression and increasing cleaved caspase-3/-9 protein expression. Furthermore, the functions of perilipin2 overexpression reversing HG-induced podocyte apoptosis were inhibited by PPARγ inhibitor. In conclusion, the functions of DN-induced podocyte apoptosis were inhibited by activation of the PPARγ signaling pathway caused by perilipin2 overexpression. • Low expression of perilipin2 was detected in HG-treated renal podocytes and exacerbated renal podocyte apoptosis. • PPAR-γ inhibitor not only abolish the protect effects of perilipin2 overexpression on HG treated podocyte, but also could increase HG-induced podocyte apoptosis. • Perilipin2 alleviates HG-induced podocyte apoptosis via activating the PPAR-γ signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effects of a 12-week mini-basketball training program (MBTP) on executive functions and core symptoms among preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this quasi-experimental pilot study, 33 ASD preschoolers who received their conventional rehabilitation program were assigned to either a MBTP group (n = 18) or control group (n = 15). Specifically, the experimental group was required to take an additional 12-week MBTP (five days per week, one session per day, and forty minutes per session), while the control group was instructed to maintain their daily activities. Executive functions and core symptoms (social communication impairment and repetitive behavior) were evaluated by the Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory (CHEXI), the Social Responsiveness Scale-Second Edition (SRS-2), and the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R), respectively. After the 12-week intervention period, the MBTP group exhibited significantly better performances in working memory (F = 7.51, p < 0.01, partial η2 = 0.195) and regulation (F = 4.23, p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.12) as compared to the control group. Moreover, the MBTP significantly improved core symptoms of ASD preschoolers, including the social communication impairment (F = 6.02, p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.020) and repetitive behavior (F = 5.79, p < 0.05, partial η2 = 0.016). Based on our findings, we concluded that the 12-week MBTP may improve executive functions and core symptoms in preschoolers with ASD, and we provide new evidence that regular physical exercise in the form of a MBTP is a promising alternative to treat ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report the realization of full-color up-conversion emission in the novel host matrix of Yb 2 Mo 4 O 15 at 980 nm excitation. The high concentration of Yb3+ ions in the host allows us to achieve highly efficient UC luminescence due to the improvements of both absorption efficiency of excitation energy and energy transfers from Yb3+ to activator ions. By selecting the activator ions of Ho3+, Er3+ and Tm3+, three primary color of red, green and blue (RGB) with high color purity are obtained, respectively. Moreover, stable and pure white emission (0.3380, 0.3382) are achieved by blending the three primary color phosphors in appropriate proportions. And the color cast is completely avoided due to the same density and particle size distributions of the three phosphors of Yb 2 Mo 4 O 15 :0.02Ln3+ (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm). By further mixing them with the nail polish, the mixtures show bright green, red and blue UC emissions, which demonstrate their promising applications in the multiple anti-counterfeiting. Image 1 • High-purity full color up-conversion emission is obtained at single excitation. • Samples can be mixed with cosmetic for anti-counterfeiting with low-toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current evidence remains equivocal as to whether and how consumption of coffee may be associated with risk of bladder cancer, and potential influence of confounding by smoking on this association is yet to be elucidated. We conducted an updated meta-analysis of prospective studies to address these issues. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE databases from inception to April 2019. A random-effects model was used to estimate summary relative risk (RR) with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) of bladder cancer associated with coffee consumption. Results: The final analysis included 16 prospective studies comprising 2,122,816 participants and 11,848 bladder cancer cases. Overall, coffee consumption was not associated with risk of bladder cancer (RR high-vs-low = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.96–1.20). The lack of association persisted in the strata defined by sex or participants' smoking status. Meta-regression analyses identified the number cases (Pdifference = 0.06) and the degree of adjustment for smoking (Pdifference = 0.04) as potential sources of heterogeneity. There was an increased risk of bladder cancer related to higher coffee consumption among studies with fewer cases (RR high-vs-low = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.05–1.81) and among those with poorer adjustment for smoking (RR high-vs-low = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.14–1.93). Results were similar in the dose-response analyses (RR 1 cup/d = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.98–1.03). Conclusion: Best evidence available to date does not support an independent association between coffee consumption and bladder cancer risk. Some direct associations observed in individual studies may be a result of residual confounding by smoking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tbx2 plays a vital role in the cardiac cushion development. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship between common genetic variants in the promoter region of TBX2 gene and the risk of congenital heart disease (CHD). Methods: Blood samples of 516 CHD patients and 587 control subjects were enrolled. Sanger sequencing and SNaPshot analysis were performed for genotyping in our case–control cohort. Luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were conducted to uncover the potential modulatory mechanism of the related variants. Results: Variant rs4455026(c.‐1028G>C) in TBX2 promoter region was found to be associated with significantly lower CHD susceptibility. The risk of CHD in C allele carriers (GC and CC genotypes) decreased by 30% compared to the wild‐type GG genotype subjects (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.55–0.89, p = 0.0038). It was revealed that G to C variation resulted in a decrease in the transcriptional activity of luciferase gene, and a potential change in binding affinity with certain nucleoproteins in EMSA data. Conclusion: The minor C allele of rs4455026 in TBX2 promoter region was related with lower CHD susceptibility in the Han Chinese population via repressing its transcriptional activity. Variant rs4455026(c.‐1028G>C) in TBX2 promoter region was found to be associated with significantly lower CHD susceptibility. The risk of CHD in C allele carriers (GC and CC genotypes) decreased by 30% compared to the wild‐type GG genotype subjects (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.55–0.89, p = 0.0038). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Amino acids and carbohydrates are widely used as additives in the food industry. These compounds have been proven to be an influencing factor in the production of chemical carcinogenic compounds polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, the effect of the properties of the amino acids and carbohydrates on the production of PAHs is still little known. (2) Methods: We added different (i) R groups (the R group represents an aldehyde group in a glucose molecule or a ketone group in a fructose molecule); (ii) molecular weight carbohydrates; (iii) polarities, and (iv) acid-base amino acids to pork sausages. The effects of the molecular properties of carbohydrates and amino acids on the formation of PAHs in grilled pork sausages were investigated. (3) Results: The results showed that a grilled sausage with aldehyde-based d-glucose was capable of producing more PAHs than a sausage with keto-based d-fructose. A higher PAH content was determined in the grilled pork sausage when the smaller molecular weight, d-glucose, was added compared with the sausage where the larger molecular weight, 4-(α-d-glucosido)-d-glucose and cellulose were added. The addition of basic amino acids (l-lysine, l-arginine) was capable of producing more PAHs compared with the addition of acidic amino acids (l-glutamic acid, l-aspartate). When amino acid containing a benzene ring was added, a smaller volume of PAHs was produced compared with the addition of other amino acids. (4) Conclusions: Our study suggests that systematic consideration of molecule properties is necessary when using food additives (amino acids and carbohydrates) for food processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the stroke incidence has been increasing year by year, and the related sequelae after stroke, such as cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, and post-stroke depression, seriously affect the patient's rehabilitation and daily activities. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), as a safe, non-invasive, and effective new rehabilitation method, has been widely recognized in clinical practice. This article reviews the application and research progress of rTMS in treating different functional impairments (cognitive impairment, motor dysfunction, unilateral spatial neglect, depression) after stroke in recent years, and preliminary summarized the possible mechanisms. It has been found that the key parameters that determine the effectiveness of rTMS in improving post-stroke functional impairments include pulse number, stimulated brain areas, stimulation intensity and frequency, as well as duration. Generally, high-frequency stimulation is used to excite the ipsilateral cerebral cortex, while low-frequency stimulation is used to inhibit the contralateral cerebral cortex, thus achieving a balance of excitability between the two hemispheres. However, the specific mechanisms and the optimal stimulation mode for different functional impairments have not yet reached a consistent conclusion, and more research is needed to explore and clarify the best way to use rTMS. Furthermore, we will identify the issues and challenges in the current research, explore possible mechanisms to deepen understanding of rTMS, propose future research directions, and offer insightful insights for better clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Two efficient dye-sensitized solar cells have been fabricated by two novel D–D–π–A phenothiazine-based organic dyes (PH2 and PH3) with an encapsulated insulated molecular wire (EIMW) as an auxiliary donor. The cell sensitized by PH2 with EIMW as an auxiliary donor shows a much higher photovoltage (V oc) relative to the reference dye PH1 without EIMW, because the former dye can inhibit dye aggregation and suppress the charge recombination effectively. The results show that the cell sensitized by PH2 with co-adsorption of chenodeoxycholic acid obtains a high power conversion efficiency, even higher than that of the cell based on N719. Thus, an effective way to increase the photovoltage and efficiency of the DSSCs has been developed by introducing the EIMW into the organic dyes due to the effective inhibition of dye aggregation and charge recombination. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of thermotolerant strains offers the advantage of conducting production process at elevated temperatures, thereby improving the catalytic efficiency and reducing the energy consumption and the production costs. In the present study, thermotolerance gene groES from the thermophilic strain Bacillus licheniformis B186 was implanted into B. subtilis WB600 to improve its thermotolerance. The engineered strain WB600-pHY-groES displayed reduced doubling time as well as increased specific growth rates and cell viability compared with the control. Our results suggested that introducing heat shock proteins (HSPs) from thermophiles into B. subtilis could be an effective approach to enhance its thermotolerance, thus facilitating the development of multichaperone expression systems for constructing more thermotolerant commercial B. subtilis strains. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on improving the thermotolerance of B. subtilis by overexpression of HSPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their structure and functional characteristics, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have unique advantages in the adsorption and pre-enrichment of heavy metal ions. However, most MOFs have poor conductivity, which tremendously limits their application in the field of electrochemical sensing. In this study, a functionalised MOF composite—a carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotube-zeolitic imidazolate framework material (CMWCNTs@ZIF-8)—was synthesized. An electrochemical sensing platform was constructed using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified by the composite material and mercury film (Hg/CMWCNTs@ZIF-8/GCE). Under optimized conditions, when the concentrations of Zn2+ and Cu2+ were 0.05–1.0 mg L−1, the linear association with their corresponding peak currents was excellent. Furthermore, the detection limits (LODs) for Zn2+ and Cu2+ were 5.23 × 10−3 and 6.52 × 10−3 mg L−1, respectively. Subsequently, the content of Zn2+ and Cu2+ in actual juice beverages was successfully determined. This study not only constructed a novel sensing platform for the simultaneous and sensitive detection of heavy metal ions but also provided a novel method for the detection of Zn2+ and Cu2+ in fruit juice beverages, which is valuable for advancing the application of MOFs as electrochemical sensors. [Display omitted] • ZIF-8-based electrochemical sensor was applied to the detection of Cu2+ and Zn2+. • The fragmentation of ZIF-8 still enhanced the electrochemical performance. • ZIF-8-based sensor had good stability and selectivity for Cu2+ and Zn2+ detection. • This electrochemical method had a wider linear range and a lower detection limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The ternary sulfide of NaYS 2 was adopted as a novel host for high-efficient UCL. • Er3+ single-doped NaYS 2 was designed to avoid luminescence quenching via CTS. • Breakthrough upconversion brightness and efficiency were achieved in the NaYS 2 :Er3+. • The mechanisms for high-efficiency UCL and color stability were studied. Optimizing the host lattice is the most efficient strategy to break through the intrinsic characteristic of low efficiency up-conversion luminescence (UCL). In principle, ternary sulfide, e.g. NaYS 2 , is an ideal UCL host matrix due to its low phonon energy and highly asymmetrical crystal structure. However, it was found that the low lying S2-→Yb3+ charge transfer state (CTS) existing in the ternary sulfide material severely quenches the UCL under 980 nm excitation, which generally employs Yb3+ ion as the conventional sensitizer. Herein, we design Er3+ single-doped NaYS 2 phosphors for highly efficient UCL under 1550 nm excitation. This novel NaYS 2 :Er3+ phosphor excited at 1550 nm exhibits a 94-fold enhancement of UCL intensities compared to that of conventional NaYS 2 :Yb3+,Er3+ under 980 nm excitation. More encouragingly, compared to the commercial β-NaYF 4 :Yb3+,Er3+ phosphors, the UCL efficiency and brightness of NaYS 2 :Er3+ excited at 1550 nm are twice that of β-NaYF 4 :Yb3+,Er3+ excited at 980 nm. Such extraordinary efficient UCL is accomplished by taking advantages of the intrinsic low phonon energy (279 cm−1) of the NaYS 2 host and the highly asymmetrical trigonal crystal system. Furthermore, in the Er3+ single-doped NaYS 2 system, the S2-→Er3+ CTS lies at a high state of ≈34500 cm−1, which will not quench the efficient UCL from Er3+ ions. The large absorption cross-section at 4I 13/2 energy level (high response to 1550 nm radiation) and long lifetime of the metastable state of 4I 9/2 also contribute to the population of the emission levels (2H 11/2 /4S 3/2). These findings provide a new class of host materials for achieving highly efficient UCL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel electrochemical sensor was developed for the simultaneous determination of lead and cadmium in water. • The application of MOFs was expanded in the field of electrochemistry. • This electrochemical sensor was easy to prepare, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) are pervasive environmental pollutants known for their significant biological toxicity. The traditional methods for detecting these ions often necessitate large-scale instruments and complex procedures. In contrast, electrochemical detection methods offer advantages such as rapidity, portability, and sensitivity, making them suitable for the simultaneous detection of heavy metals. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), characterized by their exceptional adsorption and enrichment capabilities for heavy metal ions, have shown promise in this regard. Nevertheless, the poor conductivity of most MOFs has limited their electrochemical applications. In this study, glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) were modified using the MOF ZIF-8, in combination with a bismuth complex and carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes, resulting in the fabrication of Bi@ZIF-8/CMWCNTs/GCE electrochemical sensors. Leveraging the porous nature and large specific surface area of ZIF-8, the lead and cadmium ion adsorption by bismuth akin to mercury, and the conductivity of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes, the sensor developed in this study exhibits excellent capability for simultaneous detection of lead and cadmium ions in water. Under optimized conditions, Pb2+ and Cd2+ showed good linear relationships with the peak current in the concentration range of 2.0–50.0 μg/L. In the concentration range studied, the regression equations for Pb2+ and Cd2+ were determined as follows: y = 0.2982x + 0.4553 (r = 0.9962) for Pb2+ and y = 0.3631x + 0.1242 (r = 0.9949) for Cd2+. The detection limits for Pb2+ and Cd2+ were 0.76 μg/L and 0.87 μg/L, respectively. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) for 50 μg/L mixed standard solution of Pb and Cd were 1.89 % and 1.23 %, respectively. Furthermore, the RSDs for the same modified electrode tested with 50 μg/L Pb2+ and Cd2+ mixed standard solution over seven consecutive days were 2.27 % and 1.42 %, respectively, under identical conditions. In practice, the lead and cadmium concentrations of a lake were found to range from 4.42 μg/L to 5.60 μg/L, while the lead and cadmium concentrations of effluent from a wastewater plant ranged from 11.83 μg/L to 14.49 μg/L. This research not only describes a new electrochemical platform for the simultaneous determination of lead and cadmium in water but also provides a new method for the simultaneous determination of lead and cadmium in water. This research is valuable for promoting the application of MOFs in the field of electrochemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defective left–right (LR) pattering results in a spectrum of laterality disorders including situs inversus totalis (SIT) and heterotaxy syndrome (Htx). Approximately, 50% of patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) displayed SIT. Recessive variants in DNAH9 have recently been implicated in patients with situs inversus. Here, we describe six unrelated family trios and 2 sporadic patients with laterality defects and complex congenital heart disease (CHD). Through whole exome sequencing (WES), we identified compound heterozygous mutations in DNAH9 in the affected individuals of these family trios. Ex vivo cDNA amplification revealed that DNAH9 mRNA expression was significantly downregulated in these patients carrying biallelic DNAH9 mutations, which cause a premature stop codon or exon skipping. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis identified ultrastructural defects of the outer dynein arms in these affected individuals. dnah9 knockdown in zebrafish lead to the disturbance of cardiac left–right patterning without affecting ciliogenesis in Kupffer's vesicle (KV). By generating a Dnah9 knockout (KO) C57BL/6n mouse model, we found that Dnah9 loss leads to compromised cardiac function. In this study, we identified recessive DNAH9 mutations in Chinese patients with cardiac abnormalities and defective LR pattering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boronate affinity materials have attracted more and more attention in recent years due to their highly selective capture of cis-diol-containing biomacromolecules. However, the use of single boronic acid ligands leads to conventional boronate affinity materials that can only provide a low binding affinity and binding capacity, making the extraction of trace cis-diol-containing biomacromolecules, such as glycoproteins, impossible or rather difficult. To this end, we developed polyamidoamine dendrimer-assisted boronic acid-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). We used a branched polyamidoamine dendrimer to amplify the number of boronic acid moieties as a scaffold. Meanwhile, 3-carboxybenzoboroxole was employed as an efficient affinity ligand, which exhibited high affinity and excellent water solubility toward cis-diol-containing biomacromolecules. Due to the combination of the dendrimer-assisted synergistic multivalent binding and 3-carboxybenzoboroxole, the boronate affinity materials exhibited high binding affinity toward glycoproteins, reaching dissociation constants of 10−7 M, which, for reported boronic acid-functionalized materials, is the highest except for boronate-affinity MIPs. This enabled the selective extraction of trace glycoproteins as low as 0.8 pg mL−1. This feature favoured the selective enrichment of trace glycoproteins greatly from real samples. Meanwhile, the developed boronate affinity MNPs were tolerant of the interference of abundant sugars. In addition, the dendrimer-based boronate affinity MNPs exhibited high binding capacity and low binding pH (pH ≥ 5.0). With the selective enrichment of trace glycoproteins in human saliva, the feasibility for practical applications was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to efficient photosynthetic capability, robust growth, and clear genetic background, cyanobacteria are recently used for production of different biofuel and biochemical molecules by genetic engineering and showed great potentials as the next-generation microbial cell factory. For improving the production of bio-products, a number of genetic modifications are important for cyanobacteria. However, the system-level genetic modification of cyanobacteria is limited by the lack of efficient method for marker recycling. In this investigation, we introduced the self-replicable shutter vectors harboring the flipase (FLP) gene from Saccharomyces cerevisiae into two mutants of Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 whose genomes were inserted by a kanamycin resistance gene with flipase recombination target (FRT) flanking, respectively. Transcriptional analysis by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction showed that FLP gene was transcripted in both the two cyanobacterial strains. Genotyping analysis indicated that FLP performed its function in vivo in both two cyanobacterial strains, and the following DNA sequencing analysis on the targeted loci further confirmed that FLP exactly excised and ligated the two FRT sites between which a kanamycin resistance gene is located. The homozygous mutants free of the kanamycin resistance gene cassette were obtained by conditional expression of FLP and further dilution plating. The shuttle vectors carrying the FLP gene were then lost in these mutants by growing in the absence of antibiotics and the further single colony separation. These results demonstrate that FLP/FRT recombination system is able to be applied to the construction of markerless mutant in both Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and S. elongatus PCC7942. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Although the Bushen Huoxue (BSHX) recipe is commonly used for the effective treatment of the prethrombotic state of recurrent abortions, its mechanism of action is unclear. In this article, we investigated the therapeutic effects of BSHX on anti-cardiolipin antibody (ACA) positive recurrent miscarriage mice and the molecular mechanism involved in the treatment of the prethrombotic state of ACA-positive recurrent miscarriages based on the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, to provide a scientific basis for clinical practice. Methods. An ACA-positive recurrent miscarriage mouse model and normal pregnancy mouse model were adopted in this experiment. Seventy CBA/J female mice were induced to establish the ACA-positive recurrent model; the mice were mated with DBA/2 male mice. Of these mice, 50 became pregnant, which were randomly divided into a BSHX high-dose group (BH, 2.52 g/kg), BSHX medium-dose group (BM, 1.26 g/kg), BSHX low-dose group (BL, 0.63 g/kg), model group (M, distilled water), and an aspirin enteric-coated tablet group; each group had 10 mice. In addition, 16 CBA/J female mice were induced to establish the normal pregnant mouse model; the mice were mated with BALB/C male mice. Of these mice, 10 became pregnant, which were used as the blank control group (C) and received distilled water by gavage. Stillbirth and abortion rates were recorded for each group, and the uterine tissue, urine, and serum were collected. The serum expression levels of ACA, interleukin-6 (IL-6), progesterone ,estradiol, and endometrial histological changes were compared between the groups. Metabolomics was performed on the urine and uterine tissues of both groups using UHPLC-QTOF/MS, and the expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, and p-AKT proteins in the uterine tissues were detected using Western blot. Results. Compared with the model pregnancy group, the BSHX high-dose group, BSHX medium-dose group, and BSHX low-dose group all had a lower absorption rate of mouse embryos, improved uterine histopathological morphology, significantly reduced serum levels of ACA and IL-6, increased serum levels of progesterone and estradiol, and significantly upregulated uterine levels of p-AKT, PI3K, and p-PI3K proteins. The metabolomic results showed that the metabolic levels in the urine and uterine tissues were significantly altered in the mouse model of ACA-positive recurrent abortion. The results also suggested that the pathogenesis of ACA-positive recurrent abortion may be associated with metabolic pathways, such as pentose, glucuronide, lysine degradation, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Conclusion. The BSHX recipe improved the uterine histopathological morphology of pregnant mice and promoted vascular formation in uterine tissues. The mechanisms involved the reduction in serum ACA and IL-6 levels, the increment in serumprogesterone and estradiol levels, the upregulation of the levels of p-AKT, PI3K, and p-PI3K proteins, and the activation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. These data will be useful for effective drug research and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The cathode degradation of a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) was investigated after a 240h discontinuous galvostatic operation at 80°C. The catalyst coated membrane (CCM) and the cathode diffusion layer were not combined so as to isolate electrochemical and mass transport processes. It was indicated by the EDS and SEM tests that the loss of the cathode electrochemical surface area (ESA) was associated with the decays of the Pt/C catalyst and the interfacial contact. Furthermore, Ru crossover and higher methanol crossover resulting from the anode failure aggravated the degradation of the cathode. On the other hand, the change of the pore structure led to a higher wettability of the cathode microporous layer. Therefore, the oxygen transport was suppressed due to the decrease of hydrophobic passages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acute skin defects often cause many adverse events such as abnormal pigmentation and scar formation, the satisfactory healing of which remains a significant clinical challenge. Over the past several decades, a number of skin equivalents have been available for clinical purposes to promote wound closure. However, the true values of skin equivalent—tissue-engineered skin (TE-skin) composed of neonatal fibroblasts and keratinocytes—in improving the quality of wound healing are not yet elucidated. A total of 158 patients were enrolled, 129 of which were used in this study. In these patients, acute skin defects were treated with TE-skin as experimental group, and treated with Vaseline primary dressing as control group. The differences in average healing times between the two groups were determined with statistical analysis according to different depths of skin defects. Wound quality, including pigmentation, cicatrization, and pliability, was assessed by investigators from different clinical centers over a 6-month period. The cosmetic outcome of the wound was further evaluated with histological method. In the study, the average time of wound closure in the experimental group was significantly shortened by 6.5 to 20 days according to different depths of skin defects. The cosmetic quality of reconstructed skin was satisfactory, with the patients enjoying better pliability, less abnormal pigmentation, and cicatrization. Safety analysis demonstrated that the wounds treated with TE-skin did not show clinical or laboratory evidence of rejection during the trial. These results indicate that TE-skin is a suitable and clinically effective treatment for various acute skin defects. Furthermore, the TE-skin appears to produce more satisfactory cosmetic results when compared with the conventional therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neurotoxicity of α-synuclein oligomers (α-syno) could cause Parkinson's disease (PD) which is an irreversible neurodegenerative disease. In order to diagnose and treat PD patients at an early stage and reduce the damage of sampling to humans, a non-invasive measure is used to analyze ultra-trace levels of α-syno. In this work, a new impedimetric aptasensor based polythionine (pTH)/Au nanostars (AuNSs) platform was designed for label-free detection of α-syno. The pTH and AuNSs demonstrated excellent electrical conductivity, fast electron transfer capability, and the synergistic amplification effect, which could enhance the sensitivity and improve the limit of detection (LOD). The ssDNA aptamers recognized and bound to α-syno via specific bases. Therefore, the ultra-sensitive α-syno aptasensor based on pTH and AuNSs presented a LOD of 0.07 aM and a dynamic range from 0.10 aM to 10.00 fM. The aptasensor also displayed good response range, high sensitivity, and low LOD in diluted human plasma samples to provide new methods for early diagnosis of PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study is to investigate the correlation between serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in PD patients.Methods: A total of 376 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who started maintenance PD treatment in the Department of Nephrology in our hospital and stable treatment for ≥3 months were selected, and the total T3 (TT3) and free T3 (FT3) levels were determined. Among them, 168 cases with FT3 <3.5 pmol/L and/or TT3 <0.92 nmol/L were divided into the low serum T3 level group, and the remaining 208 cases were divided into normal serum T3 level group. The Cox survival analysis method was used to analyze the correlation between low serum T3 levels and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in PD patient.Results: Compared with the normal serum T3 level group, patients with low serum T3 levels had higher systolic blood pressure and a higher proportion of heart disease, and lower levels of total T4, free T4, hemoglobin, serum albumin, blood calcium, serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and 24-h urine volume (all P < 0.05). Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that heart disease (P = 0.003, OR: 2.628, 95% CI: 1.382-4.997) and high TT4 level (P < 0.001, OR: 0.968, 95% CI: 0.956-0.979) were related to low serum T3 levels in PD patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that low serum FT3 level was an independent risk factor for all-cause death in PD patients (HR = 0.633, 95% CI = 0.431-0.930; P < 0.020).Conclusion: Low serum T3 levels in PD patients were associated with heart disease and TT4 levels. Low serum FT3 levels were associated with the risk of all-cause death in PD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavor loss from sodium reduction is a large challenge faced in the meat industry. The effects of salt mixture (KCl: CaCl2 = 1:1, w/w) content (0%–1.0%) on flavor of reduced‐sodium (1.5% NaCl) restructured bacon with ultrasound treatment (UT, 600 w for 30 min) were investigated. The results showed that 0.5% salt mixture (0.25% KCl and 0.25% CaCl2) could significantly (p <.05) enhance the lipid oxidation, the protein oxidation, and the formation of free amino acids of reduced‐sodium UT‐restructured bacon and could also markedly (p <.05) improve its flavor and the overall quality of sensory evaluation via promoting the release of five kinds of volatile phenolic compounds (o‐cresol, m‐cresol, 2‐methoxy‐phenol, 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol, and 2‐methoxy‐5‐methylphenol) and the formation of five kinds of volatile aldehyde compounds (hexanal, nonanal, decanal, furfural, and 5‐methyl furfural). It is interesting to understand the mechanism for the effect of salt mixture on flavor and to efficiently develop a technique for improving the flavor of reduced‐sodium products in the meat industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: microRNA‐29 (miR‐29) family have shown different expression patterns in cardiovascular diseases. Our study aims to explore the effect and mechanism of miR‐29 family on cardiac development. Materials and methods: A total of 13 patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and 7 controls were included in our study. Tissues were obtained from the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) after surgical resection or autopsy. The next‐generation sequencing was applied to screen the microRNA expression profiles of CHD. Quantitative RT‐PCR and Western blot were employed to measure genes expression. Tg Cmlc2: GFP reporter zebrafish embryos were injected with microRNA (miRNA) to explore its role in cardiac development in vivo. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was designed to validate the target gene of miRNAs. CCK‐8 and EdU incorporation assays were performed to evaluate cardiomyocyte proliferation. Results: Our study showed miR‐29b‐3p expression was significantly increased in the RVOT of the CHD patients. Injection of miR‐29b‐3p into zebrafish embryos induced higher mortality and malformation rates, developmental delay, cardiac malformation and dysfunction. miR‐29b‐3p inhibited cardiomyocyte proliferation, and its inhibitor promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we identified that miR‐29b‐3p influenced cardiomyocyte proliferation by targeting NOTCH2, which was down‐regulated in the RVOT of the CHD patients. Conclusion: This study reveals that miR‐29b‐3p functions as a novel regulator of cardiac development and inhibits cardiomyocyte proliferation via NOTCH2, which provides novel insights into the aetiology and potential treatment of CHD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combined effect of calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) (20–100 mM) and high pressure processing (HPP, 200 MPa) on the solubility of myofibrillar proteins (MP) was investigated under sodium-reduced conditions (0.3 M sodium chloride). The results revealed that HPP combined with low concentrations (<40 mM) of CaCl 2 synergistically increased the solubility of MP, but an antagonistic effect occurred when a high concentration (100 mM) of CaCl 2 was present. This synergistic effect could be attributed to a mildly destabilized conformation of myosin, an increased surface hydrophobicity and the decreased total sulfhydryl group content of MP. However, CaCl 2 at 100 mM destabilized myosin to a larger extent and induced non-disulfide covalent cross-linking of S-1 subfragment in pressurized MP, thus attenuating the solubilizing effect of HPP on the myosin heavy chain, resulting in the antagonistic effect. Therefore, HPP in combination with low-level CaCl 2 (<40 mM) may improve the functional properties of sodium-reduced meat products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Anionic XMP and SMP facilitated the gastrointestinal digestion of myosin. • Peptides with molecular weights below 2000 Da are plentiful in anionic groups. • Neutral CMP and KMP groups had high gel strength and MP digestibility. • Combined anionic and neutral polysaccharide is promising to develop good low-fat meat. In this work, the simulated gastrointestinal digestion of myofibrillar protein gels (MPGs) with anionic xanthan (XMP) and sodium alginate (SMP)/cationic chitosan (CSMP)/neutral curdlan (CMP) and konjac (KMP) was investigated to develop muscle-gelled foods with good qualities before and after eating. The results indicated that the neutral CMP and KMP groups had higher gel strength and protein digestibility than the CSMP group. Xanthan and sodium alginate facilitated myosin degradation in gastrointestinal digestion because of the weak wraps between protein and anionic polysaccharides, gaining plentiful peptides (1790 and 1692 respectively) with molecular weights below 2000 Da. Chitosan and neutral curdlan could improve the strength of MP gel but inhibited proteolysis and resulted in low contents of released amino acids via the strong cross-linked network blocking trypsin contact. This work provides a theoretical basis for developing low-fat meat products with good qualities and digestion behaviors by simply controlling the ionic types of polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) that has been found in barbecued meat products and has shown carcinogenic properties in humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vinegar (fermented vinegars and distilled vinegar) on the generation of BaP in barbecued pork sausages. The results showed that fermented vinegars and distilled vinegar could significantly (P < 0.05) inhibit the formation of BaP (26.8%–82.3%) in barbecued pork sausages. Furthermore, fermented vinegar could enhance the sensory evaluation of barbecued pork sausages(tenderness, flavor, juiciness and overall acceptability). Additionally, an intermediate of the Maillard reaction (hydroxymethylfurfural) (0.14–2.34 mg/kg), which is possibly associated with BaP generation, was inhibited because of the decrease in pH. The fermented vinegars, which were rich in phenols (1787.09–3089.60 mg GRE/L) and flavonoid (622.54–2167.97 mg RE/L) compounds, inhibited the formation of BaP by scavenging reactive oxide species (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazine (DPPH) radical (85.50–96.73%) and hydroxy free radical (34.56–66.30%) scavenging activities) in pork sausages. Therefore, the vinegars inhibited the content of BaP in barbecued pork sausages by decreasing the pH and scavenging free radicals. In addition, ten phenolic compounds in sun vinegar were confirmed to be critical in inhibiting the content of BaP in barbecued pork sausages. This study provides a more affordable and feasible strategy for the inhibition of BaP in meat processing. • Vinegars inhibited the generation of BaP in barbecued pork sausages. • Variation of Maillard reactions played a vital role in this mechanism. • Fermented vinegars rich in phenolic compounds had better inhibition of BaP. • More polyphenol hydroxyl groups have better inhibition of BaP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]