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Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor dysfunction. Although the inhibition of inflammation by Tai Chi has been demonstrated to involve a peripheral cytokine response and may play an important role in improving the motor function of PD patients, the related specific molecular mechanisms of the peripheral immune response to Tai Chi are not fully understood. The microarray dataset 'GSE124676' for the peripheral immune response to Tai Chi of PD patients was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and analyzed using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). A total of 136 DEGs were found in the PD patients after Tai Chi, suggesting an effect of Tai Chi on the peripheral immunity of PD patients. The DEGs are mainly involved in neutrophil activation, T-cell activation, and NOD-like receptor and IL-17 signaling pathways. Furthermore, six key candidate genes (FOS, FOSB, JUNB, ZFP36, CAMP and LCN2) that are involved in peripheral inflammation and the inhibition of inflammation induced by Tai Chi were observed. The results in the present study could be conducive to comprehensively understanding the molecular mechanism involved in the effect of Tai Chi on peripheral inflammation in PD patients and providing novel targets for future advanced research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug sensitivity has always been at the core of individualized cancer chemotherapy. However, we have been overwhelmed by large-scale pharmacogenomic data in the era of next-generation sequencing technology, which makes it increasingly challenging for researchers, especially those without bioinformatic experience, to perform data integration, exploration and analysis. To bridge this gap, we developed RNAactDrug, a comprehensive database of RNAs associated with drug sensitivity from multi-omics data, which allows users to explore drug sensitivity and RNA molecule associations directly. It provides association data between drug sensitivity and RNA molecules including mRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) at four molecular levels (expression, copy number variation, mutation and methylation) from integrated analysis of three large-scale pharmacogenomic databases (GDSC, CellMiner and CCLE). RNAactDrug currently stores more than 4 924 200 associations of RNA molecules and drug sensitivity at four molecular levels covering more than 19 770 mRNAs, 11 119 lncRNAs, 438 miRNAs and 4155 drugs. A user-friendly interface enriched with various browsing sections augmented with advance search facility for querying the database is offered for users retrieving. RNAactDrug provides a comprehensive resource for RNA molecules acting in drug sensitivity, and it could be used to prioritize drug sensitivity–related RNA molecules, further promoting the identification of clinically actionable biomarkers in drug sensitivity and drug development more cost-efficiently by making this knowledge accessible to both basic researchers and clinical practitioners. Database URL: http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/RNAactDrug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicera japonica is a typical Chinese herbal medicine. We previously reported a method to isolate polysaccharides from Lonicera japonica (LJP). In this study, we first performed a qualitative analysis of LJP using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR) and explored the monosaccharide composition of LJP using the pre-column derivatization high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. We then investigated the immunomodulatory function of LJP in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mouse models. The results showed that LJP had the characteristic absorption of typical polysaccharides consisting of 6 types of monosaccharides. In addition, LJP can increase significantly the organ index, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis, and natural killer (NK) cell activity in CTX-treated mice. LJP could also restore the levels of serum cytokines interleukin (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the CTX-treated mice. Finally, the results on measuring the T-lymphocytes subsets of spleen also confirmed LJP-induced immunomodulatory activity in immunosuppressed mice from another perspective. Therefore, LJP could be used as a potential immunomodulatory agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic vaccine is a promising approach in cancer therapy. But tumor-associated antigen peptides have weak immunogenicity and cancer patients are often characterized by immunosuppression and tolerance, leading to less efficiency of immunotherapy. We here successfully developed indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) siRNA nanoparticle-coated and tyrosinase-related protein 2 (Trp2)-displayed recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae (YCP). YCPs had positive charges with a diameter of approximately 5 μm, resulting in selective phagocytosis by APC cells. YCP-delivered siRNA and Trp2 successfully escaped from phagosomes, efficiently inhibited IDO expression in DCs, promoted the immune reaction of T cell against Trp2, increased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ,TNF-α, and IL-6, and decreased the generation of regulatory T cells. Moreover, YCPs significantly inhibited melanoma tumor growth by alleviating immune tolerance and promoting Trp2-specific CD8 + T cell immune response. These results suggest that Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a combined immunotherapeutic platform to simultaneously delivery IDO-siRNA and Trp2 epitope peptide is a promising vaccine system for melanoma treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: β-Amyloid peptide (Aβ) oligomers are initial factors used to induce Alzheimer's disease (AD) development, and Aβ monomers have normal physiological function. The antibodies or vaccines against Aβ monomers have serious problems, such as side effects and low curative effects. Therefore, it is essential to specifically target Aβ oligomers rather than monomers for the treatment of AD. Methods: The mimotopes of Aβ oligomers were obtained by panning the phage-displayed random peptide libraries using oligomer-specific antibodies as targets and expressed on the surface of EBY100 Saccharomyces cerevisiae to generate yeast cell base vaccines. One vaccine (AOE1) induced antibodies specifically against Aβ oligomers and was selected for further study. The APP/PS1 mice were subcutaneously immunized with AOE1 eight times. The levels and characteristics of antibodies induced by AOE1 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of AOE1 on the cognitive deficits of AD mice was tested by novel object recognition (NOR) and Y-maze. Dot blot analysis, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry were applied to measure the effects of AOE1 on Aβ pathologies, neuroinflammation, and microhemorrhages in the brains of AD mice. Results: Eight mimotope candidates of Aβ oligomers were selected and expressed on EBY100 S. cerevisiae. Only AOE1 vaccine containing mimotope L2 induced antibodies that specifically recognized Aβ42 oligomers rather than monomers. AOE1 immunization significantly increased the AD mice's exploration times for the novel object in the NOR test and the choices for new arms in the Y-maze test, and it reduced levels of Aβ oligomers and glial activation in the AD mouse brains. No activation of Aβ-specific T cells and microhemorrhages was observed in their brains following AOE1 vaccination. Conclusions: AOE1 is the first vaccine applying the oligomer-specific mimotope as an immunogen, which could induce antibodies with high specificity to Aβ oligomers. AOE1 immunization attenuated Aβ pathologies and cognitive deficits in AD mice, decreased the overactivation of glial cells, and did not induce microhemorrhage in the brains of AD mice. These findings suggest that AOE1 may be a safer and more effective vaccine for AD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium were extracted by boiling water, and a water-soluble polysaccharide (CMJA0S2) with a molecular weight of 6.5 kDa was isolated by anion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-cellulose column and gel permeation chromatography on a Sephacryl S-300 HR column. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that CMJA0S2 was composed of galactose, glucose, mannose and arabinose in molar ratio of 4.1: 3.3: 1.0: 2.3. According to linkage analysis, partial acid hydrolysis and NMR spectra, the backbone was shown to contain 1, 4-linked β-Gal p , 1, 4-linked β-Glc p and 1, 4-linked β-Man p , with branches substituted at C-6 of 1, 4-linked β-Man p by 1, 6-linked β-Gal p and at O-6 of partial 1, 4-linked β-Gal p substituted by T-linked α-Glc p . About 40% of 1, 6-linked β-Gal p with T-linked α-Glc p was substituted at O-3 by α-Ara f -(1 → [5)-α-Ara f -(1] 3 . The anti-oxidative analysis showed that CMJA0S2 could scavenge the DPPH radicals and relieve the damage of PC12 cells caused by H 2 O 2 , thus it could be regarded as a potential natural antioxidant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We examine the role of IL-33 in murine model of hindlimb ischemic (HLI) injury. • IL-33 improves HLI-induced revascularization and blood flow restoration. • IL-33 receptor ST2 is crucial for revascularization in HLI mice. • The activation of IL-33/ST2 signaling contributes to angiogenic formation. • The effect of IL-33 is associated with upregulation of Akt/eNOS pathway. Peripheral vascular disease usually leads to vascular injury and inflammatory reaction, and the main therapeutic measures are improving angiogenesis and restoring blood flow. Interleukin-33 (IL-33) is a pleiotropic cytokine implicated in immune responses and tissue repair. Here, we explore the effect of IL-33 in hindlimb ischemic injury and elucidate the potential mechanisms of action. The expression of IL-33 and its receptor ST2 were obviously elevated in ischemic hindlimb of mice underwent ligation surgery. Exogenous IL-33 apparently facilitated blood flow restoration in ischemic hindlimb, whereas ST2-deficient mice displayed severe defects in ischemic hindlimb repair. The activation of IL-33/ST2 signaling contributed to revascularization in ischemic hindlimb, which was related to modulation of proangiogenic function of endothelial cells. Further ex vivo and in vitro studies revealed that IL-33 clearly accelerated angiogenesis by Matrigel plug and tube formation assays. Mechanically, the angiogenic function of IL-33 is involved in regulation of Akt/eNOS pathway. All together, these findings imply that IL-33-mediated endothelial angiogenesis may represent a prospective effective therapy for hindlimb ischemic damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium were extracted with 5% sodium hydroxide, yielding a neutral polysaccharide (JHB0S2) with a molecular weight of 16 kDa by anion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-cellulose column and gel permeation chromatography on a Sephacryl S-200 HR column. JHB0S2 was found to contain glucose, xylose, arabinose and galactose in molar ratio of 2.9:2.3:1.0:1.2. Through the linkage analysis, partial acid hydrolysis and NMR spectra and so forth, indicated that its backbone consisted of 1,4-linked β-Glc p , nearly 50% of which was substituted at O-6 by 1,2-linked α-Xyl p terminated with Gal p or Xyl p . Furthermore, some of 1,2-linked α-Xyl p was substituted at O-4 by α-Ara f -(1 → 5)-α-Ara f -(1 → 6)-β-Gal p . The biological test showed that JHB0S2 could inhibit the tube formation of HMEC-1 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A xylan CTPB1 was discovered from the roots of Cudrania tricuspidata. [•] Its repeating unit was a branched (1→4)-β-d-xylan. [•] CTPB1 could induce the proliferation of mouse splenocytes in vitro. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The general formulas of the wave propagation constant through sand and dust storms are developed in this paper, which is based on the forward scattering amplitude of particle under the Rayleigh approximation. Expressions for attenuation and phase shift coefficients for a medium with sand and dust particles are derived in terms of visibility and frequency. Computations show that the predicted values from the given mathematical expressions are an excellent agreement with the values by Goldhirsh's formula. Expressions for the differential attenuation and differential phase shift are also derived for both vertical and horizontal polarizations. Obtained results of the attenuation of horizontal and vertical polarization wave are compared with those obtained by Wenyan 's formula and Ghobriel 's formula, respectively. It is found that the attenuation obtained by our proposed formula and Ghobrial 's formula show close agreement. The cross-polar discrimination is calculated and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Ganoderma lucidum is an edible and medicinal mushroom used widely in East Asia. In recent years, its spores have been used as a supplement in combination with other forms of antitumor therapies. The cell wall of Ganoderma lucidum spores contains a high amount of polysaccharides. In this study, a neutral polysaccharide, GLSA50-1B, was isolated from sporoderm-broken spores of Ganoderma lucidum, by hot-water extraction, graded ethanol precipitation, anion-exchange chromatography, and gel permeation chromatography. Using sugar compositional analysis, methylation analysis, partial acid hydrolysis, acetolysis, and NMR and ESI-MS spectroscopy, GLSA50-1B was elucidated to be a novel β-d-glucan featured by a 1,6-linked β-d-Glcp backbone with different length of branches consisting of terminal and 1,4-linked Glcp residues, attached to O-4 of alternative Glc residues in the backbone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A polysaccharide, PGA4-3b, with an average molecular weight of 8.9kDa estimated by high-performance gel-permeation chromatography (HPGPC), was isolated from radix of Platycodon grandiflorum (Jacq.) A. DC. Using monosaccharide analysis, methylation analysis and NMR spectroscopy, PGA4-3b was elucidated to be a linear poly-(1→4)-α-d-galactopyranosyluronic acid that contains no methyl ester groups. Partial acid hydrolysis of PGA4-3b yielded a series of poly- or oligogalacturonic acids with different degrees of polymerization (DP), that is, 4-3bde, 4-3bde-O-1, 4-3bde-O-2, 4-3bde-O-3, and 4-3bde-O-4. Cell tube formation inhibition tests with human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC) for antiangiogenesis analysis showed that 4-3bde-O-1 and 4-3bde-O-2, the fractions with higher molecular weights, could inhibit tube formation, while the native PGA4-3b and low molecular weight fraction 4-3bde-O-3 and 4-3bde-O4 are ineffective. Moreover, 4-3bde-O-2 with DP 5-10 impaired cell tube formation in a dose-dependent way, suggesting its potential to be developed as an anti-angiogenesis drug. This is the first time oligogalacturonic acids are reported to show an anti-angiogenesis effect. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A polysaccharide fraction, J6, was isolated from the hot-water extract of flowers of oleander Nerium indicum Mill., using ethanol precipitation, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) complexing, anion-exchange chromatography and gel permeation chromatography. J6 was found to contain l-rhamnose, l-arabinose, d-galactose, and d-galacturonic acid, in the ratio of 10.1:49.8:30.1:10.0. Its structure was investigated by methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, partial acid hydrolysis, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopic methods. It was found that J6 is an RG-I type polysaccharide, which contains a rhamnogalacturonan backbone, with various branches attached to O-4 of l-rhamnose. The branches probably involve (1→4)-β-d-galactan, branched l-arabino-(1→3)(1→6)-β-d-galactan, and (1→5)-α-l-arabinan. J6 stimulated NO production of macrophage RAW264.7 cells in a preliminary test. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Evolvement of bio-inspired approaches for the construction of well-ordered nanocomposites is a crucial intersectant branch of materials science and biotechnology. In this paper, floriated clusters of silver nanocrystallites consisted of polycrystalline grains of 5–10nm in diameter, have been successfully prepared on silk fibroin fibers (SFF) through a biotemplate redox approach at room temperature. The reductive amino acid tyrosine of SFF mainly provided both reduction and location functions under alkaline conditions, could reduce Ag(I) ions to Ag(0), finally stable silver particles were generated on the SFF substrates. Thus, small-sized but well-crystallized silver nanocrystallites could associate with the biosubstrate SFF to be organized into subtle hierarchy, as a result to form inorganic–organic hybrids under the direction of the SFF biomacromolecules. The morphologies of silver nanoparticles were mostly attributed to the concentration of silver nitrate solution as well as special configurations and structures of SFF macromolecules. This study represents an important advance in the use of biofibers in the synthesis of hierarchical functional hybrid nanocomposites by a green and mild technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hierarchical biomorphic ZnO films are prepared by a simple soakage procedure associated with succedent calcination treatment, using natural eggshell membrane (ESM) as the template. The hierarchy of ESM architecture is faithfully achieved by the assembly of ZnO nanocrystallites into interwoven meshwork at three dimensions. The thermal evolution, phase, morphology and pore size distribution of the samples are characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and nitrogen isothermal adsorption measurement. Based on the detailed investigation, a possible synthesis mechanism is discussed here. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Two neutral polysaccharides, PSW-1a and PSW-1b-2, were isolated from the hot-water extract of Polygonatum sibiricum roots, using ethanol precipitation, anion-exchange chromatography, Fehling reagent complexing, and gel permeation chromatography. Their structures were investigated using composition and linkage analyses, periodate oxidation and Smith degradation, partial acid hydrolysis, and NMR spectroscopic methods. PSW-1b-2 was characterized as a branched homogalactan, containing a 1,4-linked β-d-galactopyranosyl backbone with one β-d-galactopyranosyl stub substituted at O-6 of every 7th backbone residue, whereas PSW-1a as a highly branched galactomannan, possessing a 1,4-linked β-d-mannopyranosyl backbone, with a β-d-galactopyranosyl stub attached to O-6 of every 9th mannosyl residue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two major polysaccharide fractions, CDA-1A and CDA-3B, were isolated from the cold-water extract of Cistanche deserticola Y. C. Ma, a holoparasitic plant and a valuable traditional Chinese medicine, using anion-exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose and gel-permeation chromatography on Sephacryl S-300 and Sephadex G-150. Their major structural features were elucidated using component and linkage analyses, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, partial acid hydrolysis, and NMR spectroscopy. The results indicated that CDA-1A is an α-(1→4)-d-glucan with α-(1→6)-linked branches attached to the O-6 of branch points and that CDA-3B is an RG-I polysaccharide containing a typical rhamnogalacturonan backbone and arabinogalactan or arabinan branches. Bioactivity tests showed that CDA-1A is inert for T-cell proliferation stimulation but active for B-cell proliferation, while CDA-3B is potent for the stimulation of both T- and B-cell proliferation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A simple and green technique has been developed to prepare hierarchical biomorphic ZnO, using eggshell membrane (ESM) as the template. ESM was infiltrated with zinc nitrate solution and subsequently sintered at high temperatures to produce the final ZnO interwoven nanofibers. Different from traditional immersion technics, the whole synthesis process depends more on the restriction or direction functions of the ESM biomacromolecules. The precision replication of natural biostructures can be achieved by the assembly of ZnO nanocrystallites about 5 nm. Consequently, the interwoven meshwork at three dimensions is formed due to the direction of biotemplate. The action mechanism is summarily discussed here. It may bring the biomorphic ZnO semiconductors with hierarchical interwoven structures to more applications, such as catalysts, photoelectrochemical devices, etc. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: SnO2 hierarchical films with interwoven tubular structures assembled by nanocrystallites have been achieved through a sol–gel approach combined with calcination treatment and involving eggshell membrane as a template. The gas-sensing property and the sensing mechanism have been studied from the sensor responses to ethanol, formaldehyde, liquefied petroleum gas, gasoline, and H2S species, based on the investigation of the crystallite size, specific surface area, and Raman surface vibration modes. It is investigated that as-synthesized SnO2 as a gas sensor has significant advantages attributable to the small nanocrystallite units and hierarchical assembly, which are mainly responsible for the surface activity of the SnO2 films and further influence on the gas sensing properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: As a representative semiconductor metal oxide, hierarchical biomorphic mesoporous TiO2 with interwoven meshwork conformation was successfully prepared using eggshell membrane (ESM) as a biotemplate by an aqueous soakage technique followed by calcination treatment. The synthesis conditions were systematically investigated by controlling the concentration, the pH value of the precursor impregnant, and so on. The nucleation, growth, and assembly into ESM-biomorphic TiO2 in our work depended more on the functions of ESM biomacromolecules as well as the processing conditions. As-prepared TiO2 meshwork exhibiting hierarchical porous structure with the pore size from 2nm up to 4μm, was composed of intersectant fibers assembled by nanocrystallites at three dimensions. Based on the researches into the N2 adsorption–desorption isothermal and corresponding BJH pore-size distribution, the biomorphic TiO2 would arose interesting applications in some fields such as photocatalysis, gas sensors, antistatic coating, dye-sensitized solar cells, etc. This mild method and the relevant ideas offer a feasible path to synthesize a new family of functional materials by integrating material science, chemistry, and biotechnology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hierarchical mesoporous titania with interwoven networks was successfully prepared through a surface sol–gel process followed by a calcination treatment and using eggshell membrane (ESM) as the biotemplate. The biotemplating synthesis was systematically investigated by controlling calcination temperature (550–800°C), heating rate (1–35°C/min), impregnant pH value (1–3), and so on. Different from traditional immersion techniques, the nucleation, the growth, and the assembly of mesoporous TiO2 in our work depended more on some reactions involving ESM biomacromolecules. As-prepared ESM-morphic TiO2 was composed of intersectant fibers assembled by 6nm nanocrystallites at 3D with hierarchical pores from 2nm up to 8μm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A simple, green and versatile route has been developed for the fabrication of hierarchical SnO2 via a soaking technique combined with a calcination treatment. The biomaterial eggshell membrane (ESM) is used as the template, and Sn(NO3)4 solution acts as the impregnant. As-prepared SnO2 nanoparticles assemble into tubular fibers, and further array into porous hierarchical meshworks to faithfully retain the morphology of the natural ESM. The sintering temperature has a significant effect on the morphology and surface pore-size distribution of the target material. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: HEP3, a β-d-glucan slightly soluble in water, was isolated from the alkaline extract of the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. Its chemical structure was investigated by methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation and by IR and NMR spectroscopy. It was shown to have a main chain composed of β-(1→3)-linked d-glucopyranosyl residues, with single unit glucosyl branches attached to O-6 of every third backbone residue. Viscometry and Congo red reaction indicated that HEP3 has a highly ordered hydrogen-bond dependent conformation in aqueous solution, which collapses in strong alkaline solution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

S3A was a RG-I pectin isolated from Centella asiatica that contained Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc and GalA in molar ratio of 1.0:0.6:1.5:0.2:1.1 and had been found to have a backbone composed mainly of the disaccharide repeat unit, →4)-α-d-GalpA-(1→2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→. Based on methylation analysis, NaIO4 oxidation, partial acid hydrolysis and lithium-treatment, the structural features were elucidated. Side chains of S3A were predominantly linked to O-4 of 1,2,4-linked α-l-Rhap. The side chains are comprised of arabinosyl chains, galactosyl chains, arabinogalactosyl chains and short glucosyl chains. A total of 45% Rhap in the backbone was substituted by side chains. The arabinosyl residues were mostly distributed in the arabinosyl side chains. According to the immunological results of S3A and its degraded derivatives, S3A had no immunological activity, but its derivatives had immuno-stimulating activities to some extent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The crude polysaccharide SSa, obtained from the roots of Sophora subprostrata by boiling-water extraction and ethanol precipitation, was fractionated by anion-exchange and gel permeation chromatography, giving four polysaccharide fractions termed SSa1, SSa2, SSa3, and SSa4. Their structural features were investigated by sugar analysis, methylation analysis, partial hydrolysis, and NMR spectroscopy. SSa1 and SSa2 were both characterized as highly branched amylopectins with small average unit chain length of 8–10 except that SSa2 was contaminated with small amount of arabinogalactan. SSa3 was mainly an arabinogalactan, attached to a rhamnogalacturonan core. SSa4 was a rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) pectic polysaccharide having a backbone consisting of 1,4-linked α-d-galacturonic acid and 1,2-linked α-l-rhamnose, with various branches attached to O-4 of l-rhamnose. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A β-d-glucan, Ab2-2N, was isolated from the hot-water extract of fruiting bodies of Agaricus blazei Murr by ethanol precipitation, anion-exchange and gel-permeation chromatography. Its structure was investigated by composition analysis, methylation analysis, Smith degradation, mild hydrolysis, and NMR spectroscopy. It contains a (1→6)-linked β-d-glucopyranosyl backbone, with one side chain consisting of terminal and 3-substituted β-d-glucopyranosyl residues attached at O-3 for every three backbone residues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has emerged as a popular functional plant food because of its medicinal properties and nutritional value. Macamides, as the exclusively active ingredients found in maca, are a unique series of non-polar, long-chain fatty acid N-benzylamides with multiple bioactivities such as antifatigue characteristics and improving reproductive health. In this study, a new kind of macamide, N-benzyl eicosapentaenamide (NB-EPA), was identified from maca. We further explore its potential neuroprotective role in hypoxic–ischemic brain injury. Our findings indicated that treatment with biosynthesized NB-EPA significantly alleviates the size of cerebral infarction and improves neurobehavioral disorders after hypoxic–ischemic brain damage in neonatal mice. NB-EPA inhibited the apoptosis of neuronal cells after ischemic challenge. NB-EPA improved neuronal cell survival and proliferation through the activation of phosphorylated AKT signaling. Of note, the protective property of NB-EPA against ischemic neuronal damage was dependent on suppression of the p53–PUMA pathway. Taken together, these findings suggest that NB-EPA may represent a new neuroprotectant for newborns with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looks at alveolar macrophages and the degradation of surfactant protein D. Detailed information on materials and methodologies used; Results of experiments conducted; Detailed information.

Background: Individualized drug response prediction is vital for achieving personalized treatment of cancer and moving precision medicine forward. Large-scale multi-omics profiles provide unprecedented opportunities for precision cancer therapy.Methods: In this study, we propose a pipeline to identify subpathway signatures for anticancer drug response of individuals by integrating the comprehensive contributions of multiple genetic and epigenetic (gene expression, copy number variation and DNA methylation) alterations.Results: Totally, 46 subpathway signatures associated with individual responses to different anticancer drugs were identified based on five cancer-drug response datasets. We have validated the reliability of subpathway signatures in two independent datasets. Furthermore, we also demonstrated these multi-omics subpathway signatures could significantly improve the performance of anticancer drug response prediction. In-depth analysis of these 46 subpathway signatures uncovered the essential roles of three omics types and the functional associations underlying different anticancer drug responses. Patient stratification based on subpathway signatures involved in anticancer drug response identified subtypes with different clinical outcomes, implying their potential roles as prognostic biomarkers. In addition, a landscape of subpathways associated with cellular responses to 191 anticancer drugs from CellMiner was provided and the mechanism similarity of drug action was accurately unclosed based on these subpathways. Finally, we constructed a user-friendly web interface-CancerDAP ( http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/CancerDAP/ ) available to explore 2751 subpathways relevant with 191 anticancer drugs response.Conclusions: Taken together, our study identified and systematically characterized subpathway signatures for individualized anticancer drug response prediction, which may promote the precise treatment of cancer and the study for molecular mechanisms of drug actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the dynamic characteristics and microseismic distribution in the mining process of roadway with high gas and wide coal pillar, combined with the two dynamic events of N2105 working face in Yuwu Coal Industry, theoretical analysis and field measurement research were carried out. According to the theory of structural mechanics and geomechanics, the causes of dynamic appearance are analyzed. Combined with the specific situation, the influence of mining depth, coal pillar width, gas pressure, and content on the dynamic performance is analyzed. Stress monitoring and microseismic monitoring are carried out on one side of coal seam. The results show that, with the increase of the mining distance, the backside roof of the goaf is prone to unbalanced fracture due to the lack of lateral stress, and the impact pressure generated is used for the reserved protective coal pillar behind the goaf, causing the floor heave of coal seam. The combined stress generated by the anticlinal structure below the working face interacts with the abutment pressure of the working face to produce superposition effect, which promotes the occurrence of dynamic appearance. The critical depth of rock burst in Yuwu Coal Industry is about 600m. The increase of coal elastic energy caused by roof subsidence is more uniform with the increase of coal pillar width. The decrease of gas pressure in coal seam promotes the rock burst disaster. The vertical stress of coal seam at one side of the working face shows different evolution characteristics along the trend and strike. The vertical stress of coal seam in the lateral range of 53 m is adjusted to different degrees and tends to be stable until 300 m behind the working face. The active microseismic area in the middle of the working face was located 50 m in front of the working face, and the microseismic activity continued to 30–50 m behind the working face. The active microseismic area at the side of the roadway was located 30 m in front of the working face, and the microseismic activity continued to 100–180 m behind the working face. The inflection point, where the stress in the elastic area of coal pillar increases sharply, corresponds to the active microseismic area, which indicates that the dynamic characteristics in the mining process of roadway with high gas and wide coal pillar are related to the distribution law of microseismic. This study has a certain guiding significance for optimizing the width of reserved coal pillar, monitoring the coal seam stress/microseismic, and understanding the dynamic disaster of coal and rock under complex conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient brain drug delivery has been a challenge in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other brain disorders as blood‐brain barrier (BBB) impedes most drugs to reach brain. To overcome this obstacle, a novel poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticle conjugated with CD47 extracellular domain via reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐responsive phenylborate ester bond exhibiting "do not eat me" signal and BBB penetrating peptide CRTIGPSVC (CRT) and microglia modulation agent Nec‐1s encapsulated in it is developed. The experimental results show that the designed nanoparticle efficiently increases its half‐life in blood circulation by preventing engulfment via phagocytes, and enhances its brain distribution by synergistic effect of CD47 and CRT. The high level of ROS in mouse brain releases CD47 from the nanoparticles and the resultant particles are effectively phagocytized by resident microglia. The engulfed Nec‐1s modulates pathological microglia to a beneficial state, which reduces Aβ burden, microgliosis and astrocytosis, decreases cytokine production and oxidative stress in the brains of AD mice, and finally attenuates cognition deficits and synapse loss. The results first demonstrate that the conditionally releasable "do not eat me" CD47 signal remarkably facilitates microglia‐targeted drug delivery and warrants further study to develop therapeutic agent for AD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • W20-SPIONs are an oligomer-targeted MRI probe for early diagnosis of PD and HD. • W20-SPIONs were designed by conjugating oligomer-specific antibody W20 to SPIONs. • W20-SPIONs can reach the amyloid oligomer area in brain after intravenous injection. • W20-SPIONs can provide MRI signal to distinguish PD and HD mouse models from healthy controls. Abstract It is widely accepted that amyloid oligomers are the most toxic species to initiate the pathologic processes of Parkinson's disease (PD) and Huntingdon's disease (HD). But there is no definitive diagnosis for PD and HD at their early stages. Here, we conjugated an amyloid oligomer-specific scFv antibody (W20) to PEGylated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) and detected the properties of the SPIONs conjugated with W20. The results showed that W20-SPIONs, with the size of around 11.8 nm in diameter, were stable and nontoxic, and had enough relaxation capacity to be used as an MRI contrast agent. When applied to the transgenic mouse models of PD and HD, W20-SPIONs crossed the blood-brain barrier and specifically bound to the oligomer area to give MRI signal, distinguishing PD and HD from healthy controls. These results indicated that W20-SPIONs had potential in early-stage diagnosis for PD and HD and also opened up a new strategy for evaluating the efficacy of new drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer immunotherapy has shown tremendous progresses in recent years for various cancers and layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoparticles are demonstrated as effective adjuvants for protein-based vaccines. This research further shows that the colloidal stability of LDH-based vaccines significantly influences the therapeutic efficacy and LDH nanoparticles are able to adjuvant multiple tumor-associated antigen peptides to provoke strong cell-mediated immune responses for effective inhibition of cancer growth. The LDH-based multi-target therapeutic vaccines were constructed by assembling epitope peptides and CpG onto LDH nanoparticles. Using melanoma as the model cancer and Tyrosinase-related protein 2 (Trp2) peptide as the model antigen, we demonstrated that dispersion-stable LDH-based vaccine induced stronger cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses and significantly inhibited tumor growth in comparison with aggregated LDH-based vaccine. We further constructed multi-target dispersion-stable LDH-based vaccine by co-loading Trp2, two mutated epitopes (M27 and M30) and CpG, which showed remarkable inhibition of melanoma growth. These results suggest that dispersion-stable LDH nanoparticles are an ideal platform to load multi-antigens and immune stimulants as effective personalized therapeutic cancer vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The role of self in veridical memory has been extensively studied, but what is the role of self in false memory development across the life span? The current study examined the impact of self-reference on associative false memory in children, younger adults, and older adults, and further investigated possible mechanisms concerning how self-reference might affect false memory in different age groups. Methods Combining a self-reference manipulation with the Deese/Roediger–McDermott (DRM) paradigm, children, younger adults, and older adults encoded DRM word lists as paired with their own name, another person's name, or a red square. Later their true and false recognition memory as well as recollection and familiarity were measured. Results A self-enhanced false memory effect was found in all age groups. That is, participants generated more false memories in the self-reference condition relative to the other-reference and neutral conditions. Furthermore, when examining its underlying memory mechanisms, we found that self-reference mainly increased false recollection in younger adults but facilitated familiarity of critical lures in older adults. Discussion Although self-reference increases false memory in both younger and older adults, the underlying mechanisms are different in that older adults have more self-relevant false familiarity while younger adults generate more self-relevant phantom recollection. The current study also has implications for eyewitness reports, suggesting that the self-relevance of memory may be one relevant factor to consider when evaluating potential risk factors of false memory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] COB1B1S2 was extracted from Cassia obtusifolia seeds. [•] COB1B1S2 is a novel glucuronoxylan without methylation at O-4 of GlcA. [•] COB1B1S2-sul inhibited tube formation of HMEC-1 cells. [•] COB1B1S2-sul inhibited the proliferation of Bel7402 human hepatoma cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A compact L-band sealed-tube magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) has been developed that does not require bulky external vacuum pump for repetitive operations. This device with a ceramic insulated vacuum interface, a carbon fiber array cathode, and non-evaporable getters has a base vacuum pressure in the low 10-6Pa range. A dynamic 3-D Monte-Carlo model for the molecular flow movement and collision was setup for the MILO chamber. The pulse desorption, gas evolution, and pressure distribution were exactly simulated. In the 5Hz repetition rate experiments, using a 600 kV diode voltage and 48 kA beam current, the average radiated microwave power for 25 shots is about 3.4GW in 45 ns pulse duration. The maximum equilibrium pressure is below 4.0×10-2 Pa, and no pulse shortening limitations are observed during the repetitive test in the sealed-tube condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analytical expressions of the external and internal electric fields for an anisotropic particle in electromagnetic (EM) beams are presented by transforming anisotropic dielectric particle into the isotropic one based on the scales transformation of EM theory. The theoretical expressions are in good agreement with that in literatures. Taking the case of elliptical Gaussian beam, simulations of influence induced by dielectric tensor and the waists, etc., on the fields are demonstrated. The numerical simulations show that the electric field increases with the augment of beam and the higher order electric field is much smaller than the lower field. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: The seed of Cassia obtusifolia is a food or herbal medicine used for improving eyesight, treating constipation and other disorders, and polysaccharides have been implicated in these pharmacological activities. The endosperm of the seeds, Cassia gum, is a commercial thickening or gelling agent, composed mainly of galactomannans. However, the whole seeds of C. obtusifolia, rather than the endosperm, are used in folk medicine or food, which might contain more complex constituents of polysaccharides. In this study, the whole seeds of C. obtusifolia were extracted with boiling water, and from the water extract, three homogeneous fractions were isolated, designated CFAA-1, CFAA-3, and CFBB2, respectively, after treatment with Fehling solution followed by anion-exchange and gel permeation chromatography. Using chemical and spectroscopic methods, CFAA-1, and CFAA-3 were elucidated to be both branched galactomannans with different molecular weights, consisting of 1,4-linked β-d-mannopyranosyl backbone with single-unit α-d-galactopyranosyl branches attached to O-6 of mannose, while CFBB2 was shown to be a linear (1→4)-α-polygalacturonic acid. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

simple and versatile technique was developed to prepare hierarchical ZnO single crystals by introducing eggshell membrane (ESM) to a bio-inspired approach. Based on the control of nucleation and gestation, ZnO nanocrystallites could grow at three dimensions into polyhedral single crystals through a surface sol-gel process followed by a calcination treatment. Different from traditional wet chemical techniques, our synthetic process depends more on the restrictive or directing functions of the ESM biomacromolecules. The hierarchical ZnO nanostructures doped with polyhedral single crystallites could be desirable for catalysts, photoelectrochemical devices, especially solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver chloride (AgCl) nanocrystals were formed and grown on silk fibroin fibers (SFFs) by a room-temperature process. Practically, the degummed SFFs were immersed into silver nitrate solution and sodium chloride solution in turn. The amino acids on the SFF surface were negatively charged in alkaline impregnant, providing locations to immobilize silver ions and form silver chloride seeds. AgCl nanocrystals can further grow into cubic AgCl nanocrystals with an edge of about 100 nm. The morphologies of the AgCl nanocrystals were mostly influenced by the concentration of sodium chloride solution and the special configurations of the SFFs. The target AgCl/SFF nanocomposites constructed by AgCl nanocrystals and substrate SFFs could be used as photocatalysts in water splitting and antibacterial agents. This work provides an important example in the introduction of natural biofibers to the synthesis of functional hybrid nanocomposites by a green and mild technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pectin is a family of complex polysaccharides characterized by the presence of 1,4-linked α-galacturonic acid residues in the backbone and is more recognized for its potential bioactive properties. Herein we reported the structural and biological features of a pectic fraction DL-4OAC-1 from the leaves of Diospyros kaki. Chemical and spectral analysis revealed this polysaccharide possessed a backbone composed of a repeating disaccharide [→4)-α-GalAp-(1→2)-α-Rhap-(1→], substituted at some O-4 of Rhap residues and O-3 of GalAp residues by the side chains consisting of Araf, Galp, Xylp, and in particular terminal GlcAp residues. The immunological assay in vitro showed that this distinct pectic fraction could inhibit the LPS-induced B lymphocyte proliferation and had no effect on the ConA-induced T lymphocyte proliferation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Lead selenide nanoclusters and nanocubes were successfully prepared on the eggshell membrane (ESM) through a room-temperature biosubstrate-directed approach. The nanoclusters were assembled by fine nanocrystallites, while single-crystalline nanocubes came into being through a ripen progress, and obtained lead selenide nanocrystallites were distributed homogeneously over the whole ESM. The morphology and the size were governed mainly by the configuration and chemical functional residues of the ESM and the synthesis conditions as well as their reciprocities. The functional groups such as amido groups and imido residues of the ESM macromolecules could not only direct the formation of 4–7nm PbSe nanocrystallites and the assembly into nanoclusters and nanocubes, but act as a surfactant to well-distributed fine PbSe nanocrystallites. The as-prepared nanocrystalline PbSe exhibited single-crystalline, small-scaled and well-dispersed performances, which would offer more potential applications in semiconductors, lasers, optoelectronic devices and the like nanoelectronic fields. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A complex prescription (CP) used traditionally for the treatment of vitiligo was prepared from water extract of eight plant materials. To study the mechanism of this preparation its effect on gene expression of B-16 murine melanoma cells was estimated using differential display method (DDRT-PCR). The results showed that the complex prescription was effective in activating the mitochondrial ATP synthase-6 (ATPase-6) gene expression in B-16 murine melanoma cells. This activity may play an important role in its treatment of vitiligo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A pectic polysaccharide DL-2A with a molar mass of 8.5 × 105, was obtained from the boiling water extract of Diospyros kaki leaves. It had [α]20D −21.8° (c 0.22, H2O) and consisted of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, xylose and galacturonic acid units in the molar ratio of 0.4:3.4:2.4:1.0:0.8, along with traces of glucuronic acid. About 16.7% of galacturonic acid existed as the methyl ester. A combination of linkage analyses, periodate oxidation, partial acid hydrolysis, selective lithium-degraded reaction, ESIMS, 1H- and 13C- NMR spectral analyses revealed its structural features. It was found that DL-2A possessed an α-(1→4)-galacturonan backbone with some insertions of α-1,2-Rhap residues. The side-chains of arabino-3,6-galactan were attached to the backbone via O-4 of Rhap residues and O-3 of GalAp residues, while 4-linked xylose residues (forming short linear chains) were directly linked to O-4 of rhamnose residues, not as part of the xylogalacturonan. These novel structural features enlarge the knowledge on the fine structure of pectic substances in the plant kingdom. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A water-soluble acidic heteroglycan, DL-3Bb, isolated from the leaves of Diospyros kaki, had [α]D20 −19.9° (c 0.30, water), and contained rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, galactose and galacturonic acid in the molar ratio of 1.0:4.5:0.7:1.5:1.0. About 44% of the galacturonic acid existed as its methyl ester, and O-acetyl groups (approx 5.7%) were also identified. Its molecular weight was determined to be 9.0×105 Da by high-performance gel-permeation chromatography. Its structural features were elucidated by a combination of methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, two steps of partial acid hydrolysis, and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. The data obtained indicated that DL-3Bb possessed a backbone of a disaccharide of [→4)-α-GalAp-(1→2)-α-Rhap-(1→], with approx 58.7% substitution at O-4 of the rhamnopyranosyl residues by β-(1→4)-linked xylopyranosyl residues, and by β-(1→3) and β-(1→6)-linked galactopyranosyl (galactan) residues. The side chains were further substituted by arabinofuranosyl residues at O-2 by β-(1→4)-linked xylopyranosyl residues and at O-3 by β-(1→6)-linked galactopyranosyl residues. Preliminary tests in vitro revealed that it could stimulate LPS-induced B lymphocyte proliferation, but not for ConA-induced T lymphocyte proliferation. It was proposed that the acid-labile arabinofuranosyl residues in the side chains would not be needed for the expression of the enhancement of the immunological activity, and that the presence of GalAp in the backbone has an important, but not crucial effect on the expression of the activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Three polysaccharides, two heteroglycans (PL-1 and PL-4) and one glucan (PL-3), were solubilized from the fruit bodies of Ganoderma lucidum and isolated by anion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography. Their structural features were elucidated by glycosyl residue and glycosyl linkage composition analyses, partial acid hydrolysis, acetolysis, periodate oxidation, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, and ESI–MS experiments. The data obtained indicated that PL-1 had a backbone consisting of 1,4-linked α-d-glucopyranosyl residues and 1,6-linked β-d-galactopyranosyl residues with branches at O-6 of glucose residues and O-2 of galactose residues, composed of terminal glucose, 1,6-linked glucosyl residues and terminal rhamnose. PL-3 was a highly branched glucan composed of 1,3-linked β-d-glucopyranosyl residues substituted at O-6 with 1,6-linked glucosyl residues. PL-4 was comprised of 1,3-, 1,4-, 1,6-linked β-d-glucopyranosyl residues and 1,6-linked β-d-mannopyranosyl residues. These polysaccharides enhanced the proliferation of T- and B-lymphocytes in vitro to varying contents and PL-1 exhibited an immune-stimulating activity in mice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. No disease-modifying strategy to prevent or delay AD progression currently exists. Aβ oligomers (AβOs), rather than monomers or fibrils, are considered as the primary neurotoxic species. Therapeutic approaches that direct against AβOs and promote Aβ clearance may have great value for AD treatment. Results: We here reported a multifunctional superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle conjugated with Aβ oligomer-specific scFv antibody W20 and class A scavenger receptor activator XD4 (W20/XD4-SPIONs). Besides the diagnostic value, W20/XD4-SPIONs retained the anti-Aβ properties of W20 and XD4 by inhibiting Aβ aggregation, attenuating AβO-induced cytotoxicity and increasing microglial phagocytosis of Aβ. When applied to APP/PS1 mice, W20/XD4-SPIONs significantly rescued cognitive deficits and alleviated neuropathology of AD mice. Conclusion: These results suggest that W20/XD4-SPIONs show therapeutic benefits for AD. In combination with the early diagnostic property, W20/XD4-SPIONs present as a promising agent for early-stage AD diagnosis and intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have shown that copy number variation (CNV) in lncRNA regions play critical roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. However, our knowledge about their functionalities is still limited. Here, we firstly provided a computational method to identify lncRNAs with copy number variation (lncRNAs-CNV) and their driving transcriptional perturbed subpathways by integrating multidimensional omics data of cancer. The high reliability and accuracy of our method have been demonstrated. Then, the method was applied to 14 cancer types, and a comprehensive characterization and analysis was performed. LncRNAs-CNV had high specificity in cancers, and those with high CNV level may perturb broad biological functions. Some core subpathways and cancer hallmarks widely perturbed by lncRNAs-CNV were revealed. Moreover, subpathways highlighted the functional diversity of lncRNAs-CNV in various cancers. Survival analysis indicated that functional lncRNAs-CNV could be candidate prognostic biomarkers for clinical applications, such as ST7-AS1, CDKN2B-AS1 and EGFR-AS1. In addition, cascade responses and a functional crosstalk model among lncRNAs-CNV, impacted genes, driving subpathways and cancer hallmarks were proposed for understanding the driving mechanism of lncRNAs-CNV. Finally, we developed a user-friendly web interface-LncCASE (http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/LncCASE/) for exploring lncRNAs-CNV and their driving subpathways in various cancer types. Our study identified and systematically characterized lncRNAs-CNV and their driving subpathways and presented valuable resources for investigating the functionalities of non-coding variations and the mechanisms of tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alterations of biological pathways can lead to oncogenesis. An overview of these oncogenic pathways would be highly valuable for researchers to reveal the pathogenic mechanism and develop novel therapeutic approaches for cancers. Here, we reviewed approximately 8500 literatures and documented experimentally validated cancer-pathway associations as benchmarking data set. This data resource includes 4709 manually curated relationships between 1557 paths and 49 cancers with 2427 upstream regulators in 7 species. Based on this resource, we first summarized the cancer-pathway associations and revealed some commonly deregulated pathways across tumor types. Then, we systematically analyzed these oncogenic pathways by integrating TCGA pan-cancer data sets. Multi-omics analysis showed oncogenic pathways may play different roles across tumor types under different omics contexts. We also charted the survival relevance landscape of oncogenic pathways in 26 tumor types, identified dominant omics features and found survival relevance for oncogenic pathways varied in tumor types and omics levels. Moreover, we predicted upstream regulators and constructed a hierarchical network model to understand the pathogenic mechanism of human cancers underlying oncogenic pathway context. Finally, we developed 'CPAD' (freely available at http://bio-bigdata.hrbmu.edu.cn/CPAD/), an online resource for exploring oncogenic pathways in human cancers, that integrated manually curated cancer-pathway associations, TCGA pan-cancer multi-omics data sets, drug–target data, drug sensitivity and multi-omics data for cancer cell lines. In summary, our study provides a comprehensive characterization of oncogenic pathways and also presents a valuable resource for investigating the pathogenesis of human cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]