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The delay in wound healing caused by chronic wounds or pathological scars is a pressing issue in clinical practice, imposing significant economic and psychological burdens on patients. In particular, with the aging of the population and the increasing incidence of diseases such as diabetes, impaired wound healing is one of the growing health problems. MicroRNA (miRNA) plays a crucial role in wound healing and regulates various biological processes. Our results show that miR–618 was significantly upregulated during the inflammatory phase of wound healing.Subsequently, miR–618 promotes the secretion of pro–inflammatory cytokines and regulates the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes. Mechanistically, miR–618 binds to the target gene–Atp11b and inhibits the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway, inhibiting the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of keratinocytes. In addition, the PI3K–Akt signaling pathway induces the enrichment of nuclear miR–618, and miR–618 binds to the promoter of Lin7a to regulate gene transcription. Intradermal injection of miR–618 antagomir around full–thickness wounds in peridermal mice effectively accelerates wound closure compared to control. In conclusion, miR–618 antagomir can be a potential therapeutic agent for wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The insulation state of high-voltage cables in coal mines directly influences the reliability of power supply in coal mines and the level of safe production. In this paper, the degradation mechanism of cable insulation is analyzed, and an online monitoring technology of cable insulation in coal mines based on decision tree is proposed, the technical principle of the judgment method of cable degradation based on decision tree is studied, the feasibility of this technology is verified through simulation, the existing online monitoring solutions for cable insulation are analyzed, and a wide-area synchronous measurement and monitoring system for cable insulation is designed. This technology has been applied in Chinese coal mine enterprises in China and achieved a good effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the utilization efficiency of proanthocyanidins (PC), it is essential to select appropriate materials for embedding PC and delivering it to the target area. This study investigates the innovative encapsulation of PC using deacetylated konjac glucomannan (DKGM) microcarriers, highlighting their impact on stability and gut microbiota. The research demonstrates that optimal DKGM-PC microparticles, consisting of 75% deacetylated DKGM, 11% PC, and 16% DKGM addition, achieve an average drug loading capacity of 18.04%. These microparticles have a particle size range of 50–190 μm and show an 18.84%–20.67% increase in PC retention over 60 days compared to a non-encapsulated DKGM/PC mixture. In vitro release studies indicate that 76.76% of PCs in DKGM-PC microparticles reach the colon. Furthermore, storage stability tests show that encapsulated PCs maintain higher retention rates under both dark and light-exposed conditions. Fermentation studies reveal effective utilization of PC by gut microbiota, with favorable changes in gut microbiota composition, including an increase in beneficial bacteria such as Megasphaera and Bifidobacterium in the DKGM-PC groups. These findings suggest that DKGM enhances the stability and targeted delivery of PCs, and positively influences gut microbiota, indicating its potential as a functional food ingredient. • DKGM microcarriers enhance PC stability and delivery. • Optimal DKGM-PC microparticles achieve 18.04% loading. • DKGM-PC microcarriers shows improved storage stability. • DKGM-PC shifts gut microbiota towards beneficial bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The DGKE gene encodes the diacylglycerol kinase epsilon (DGKε). Loss-of-function mutations of DGKE caused a group of rare renal diseases, which are called DGKE nephropathy. We report the clinical manifestations and therapeutic effects of a patient diagnosed with DGKE nephropathy. The patient's initial symptoms were fever, diarrhea, eyelid edema, acute anemia, acute thrombocytopenia, an elevation of plasm D-dimer, proteinuria, microscopic hematuria, without oliguria or renal insufficiency at the age of 7.6 months. Hemolytic uremic syndrome was diagnosed. His proteinuria and hematuria turned out negative 2 months later. Proteinuria was noticed again at the age of 5.5-year old when he was brought to the hospital because of failure to thrive. Since then, he had been noticed with persistent proteinuria. Genetic analysis revealed 2 novel heterozygous mutations on DGKE of the patient. Renal pathology mimicked membrane proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN). After a 5-month treatment of cyclosporine A (CsA), proteinuria and hypoproteinemia have relieved apparently. We also observed an improvement of his growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia. Amyloid‑β (Aβ)‑induced neurodegeneration is hypothesized to be the primary pathological mechanism of AD. Tongluo Xingnao effervescent tablets (TXET), based on the traditional Chinese formula Qionggui Tang, have been used to treat AD and other types of dementia in China for decades. In the present study, the effects of TXET on cognition deficit, amyloid‑β production, amyloid precursor protein procession and β‑secretase expression were investigated in the APPswe/PS1dE9 mouse model of AD. As expected, APPswe/PS1dE9 mice exhibited cognitive decline and higher levels of Aβ and plaques in the brain compared with normal mice; however, these changes were attenuated following TXET treatment. Levels of C‑terminal fragment (CTF)‑β protein were decreased following treatment with TXET; however, CTF‑α levels were unaffected. Furthermore, TXET treatment did not decrease γ‑secretase activity or levels of presenilin‑1 (PS1), neprilysin or insulin‑degrading enzyme. These results indicate that TXET may regulate Aβ metabolism by downregulating the expression of β‑secretase. The results of the present study have laid the foundation for the development of a Chinese medicinal compound with a β‑secretase inhibitor as the target for the treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer, as one of the neoplasms with the highest degree of malignancy, has become a main disease of concerns in recent years. BHLHE40, a critical transcription factor for remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment, has been described to be substantially increased in a variety of tumor-associated immune cells. Nevertheless, the pro-cancer biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of BHLHE40 for pancreatic cancer and its unique microenvironment are unclear. Hereby, we investigated the pro-oncogenic role of BHLHE40 in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment by bioinformatics analysis and cell biology experiments and determined that the expression of BHLHE40 was obviously elevated in pancreatic cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. In parallel, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis unveiled that lower expression of BHLHE40 was strongly associated with better prognosis of patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the accuracy of the BHLHE40-related prediction model. Subsequent, spearman correlation analysis observed that higher expression of BHLHE40 might be involved in immunosuppression of pancreatic cancer. Silencing of BHLHE40 could inhibit proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo, implying that BHLHE40 is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. In addition, we explored and validated the FGD5-AS1/miR-15a-5p axis as a potential upstream regulatory mode for high expression of BHLHE40 in pancreatic cancer. In summary, our data showed that ceRNA involved in the regulation of BHLHE40 contributes to the promotion of immunosuppressive response in pancreatic and is expected to be a diagnostic marker and potential immunotherapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mutagenicity of organic extracts from Beijing Guanting Reservoir sediments was investigated with TA98 and TA100 ofSalmonella typhimurium. TA98 and TA100 were employed to detect frameshift mutation and base-pair substitution mutation, respectively. For TA100, no positive result was found, while TA98 was more sensitive and pro-mutagenic frameshift mutagens were mainly detected in sediments. Sediments from northern and southern Guanting Reservoir were at potential mutagenic risk. No mutagenicity was found in the sediments from the entrance of the tributaries, but strong mutagenicity was observed in the sediments from the outlet of the reservoir. Chemical analysis was also performed, and poor correlation was found between mutagenicity and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). However, significant positive correlation was found for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (r = 0.603–0.946), which showed that PAHs were dominated for the tested mutagenicity in the sediments. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) might induce mutagenicity or promote the mutagenicity of other substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer, as one of the neoplasms with the highest degree of malignancy, has become a main disease of concerns in recent years. BHLHE40, a critical transcription factor for remodeling of the tumor immune microenvironment, has been described to be substantially increased in a variety of tumor-associated immune cells. Nevertheless, the pro-cancer biological functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of BHLHE40 for pancreatic cancer and its unique microenvironment are unclear. Hereby, we investigated the pro-oncogenic role of BHLHE40 in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment by bioinformatics analysis and cell biology experiments and determined that the expression of BHLHE40 was obviously elevated in pancreatic cancer tissues than in adjacent normal tissues. In parallel, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis unveiled that lower expression of BHLHE40 was strongly associated with better prognosis of patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the accuracy of the BHLHE40-related prediction model. Subsequent, spearman correlation analysis observed that higher expression of BHLHE40 might be involved in immunosuppression of pancreatic cancer. Silencing of BHLHE40 could inhibit proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis of pancreatic cancer in vitro and in vivo, implying that BHLHE40 is expected to be a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. In addition, we explored and validated the FGD5-AS1/miR-15a-5p axis as a potential upstream regulatory mode for high expression of BHLHE40 in pancreatic cancer. In summary, our data showed that ceRNA involved in the regulation of BHLHE40 contributes to the promotion of immunosuppressive response in pancreatic and is expected to be a diagnostic marker and potential immunotherapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies on the relationship between dietary minerals and preeclampsia (PE) have given inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to further clarify the relationship between dietary minerals intake and PE in Chinese pregnant women. In this study, 440 pairs of hospital–based preeclamptic and healthy women were matched 1:1. Dietary intake was obtained through a 78–item semi–quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Restricted cubic splines were plotted to evaluate the dose–response relationship between dietary minerals intake and PE. This study found significant inverse associations for dietary intake of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper, manganese and zinc and the risk of PE in both univariate and multivariate models (all P- trend < 0.05). After adjusting for possible confounders, compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratio of the highest quartile was 0.74 (95% CI 0.56–0.98) for calcium, 0.63 (95% CI 0.42–0.93) for magnesium, 0.45 (95% CI 0.31–0.65) for phosphorus, 0.44 (95% CI 0.30–0.65) for iron, 0.72 (95% CI 0.53–0.97) for copper, 0.66 (95% CI 0.48–0.91) for manganese and 0.38 (95% CI 0.25–0.57) for zinc. In addition, a reverse J–shaped relationship between dietary minerals intake and PE risk was observed (P–overall association < 0.05). In Chinese pregnant women, a higher intake of dietary minerals, including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc was associated with a lower odds of PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of information technology, one object can usually be described by multiple views. Intuitively, the diversity and complementarity of different views provide a more comprehensive data description, which can lead to better performance on multiview clustering tasks. Motivated by the fact that how to fully discover diversity and complementary information across views is the key point to deal with multiview clustering, we propose a multiview learning method, termed as graph-agreement nonnegative matrix factorization (GANMF). GANMF attempts to implement this goal based on matrix factorization technology while exploiting the rich multiview information based on the intra- and interview aspects. Specifically, the graph agreement between representation space and raw space is maximized to preserve the intrinsic geometric property in individual view for the intraview case. Similarly, the graph structures in different views are expected to keep consistent with each other by minimizing the divergence between pairwise views. To this end, the intrinsic information and geometric structure information in the intraview case and complementary and compatibility information in the interview case can be simultaneously formulated into one framework. To solve the proposed GANMF, we correspondingly develop an effective algorithm based on iterative alternating strategy. Extensive experimental results on seven multiview datasets demonstrate the superiority and effectiveness of our proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: LncRNAs regulate tumorigenesis and development in a variety of cancers. We substantiate for the first time that LINC00606 is considerably expressed in glioblastoma (GBM) patient specimens and is linked with adverse prognosis. This suggests that LINC00606 may have the potential to regulate glioma genesis and progression, and that the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of LINC00606 in GBM remain largely unknown. Methods: The expression of LINC00606 and ATP11B in glioma and normal brain tissues was evaluated by qPCR, and the biological functions of the LINC00606/miR-486-3p/TCF12/ATP11B axis in GBM were verified through a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments. The molecular mechanism of LINC00606 was elucidated by immunoblotting, FISH, RNA pulldown, CHIP-qPCR, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: We demonstrated that LINC00606 promotes glioma cell proliferation, clonal expansion and migration, while reducing apoptosis levels. Mechanistically, on the one hand, LINC00606 can sponge miR-486-3p; the target gene TCF12 of miR-486-3p affects the transcriptional initiation of LINC00606, PTEN and KLLN. On the other hand, it can also regulate the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to mediate glioma cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis by binding to ATP11B protein. Conclusions: Overall, the LINC00606/miR-486-3p/TCF12/ATP11B axis is involved in the regulation of GBM progression and plays a role in tumor regulation at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels primarily through LINC00606 sponging miR-486-3p and targeted binding to ATP11B. Therefore, our research on the regulatory network LINC00606 could be a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of GBM. LINC00606 is highly expressed in GBM patients with carcinogenic function and correlated with poor prognosis. LINC00606 regulates glioblastoma progression by sponging miR-486-3p and interacting with ATP11B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is a specific negative regulator of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling, which is predominantly activated to induce neuroinflammatory response in microglia and functions essential roles during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Constitutive photomorphogenesis 9 (COP9) signalosome (CSN) is a signaling platform controlling protein stability by remodeling of cullin-RING ubiquitin ligases, which is recently reported to specifically recognize proteins with SOCS-box domains. However, whether SOCS3 is related to COP9 signalosome in neuroinflammation during cerebral I/R injury is completely unclear. Methods: Mice subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion, and BV2 microglia cells treated with oxygen-glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R) were used to mimic cerebral I/R injury. Western blot, qRTPCR, immunofluorescence, and co-Immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the regulatory mechanism of SOCS3 on neuroinflammation and the relationship of SOCS3 and COP9 signalosome during cerebral I/R injury. Results: SOCS3 expression is significantly upregulated in microglia during OGD/R treatment, and overexpression of SOCS3 suppresses OGD/R-induced STAT3 activation and inflammatory factor expression. Furthermore, we find that COP9 signalosome subunit 3 (CSN3) interacts with SOCS3 protein to enhance its stability, thereby resulting in restricting OGD/R-induced STAT3 activation and inflammatory response. Moreover, we find that knockdown of CSN3 evidently accelerates STAT3 activation, and aggravates cerebral I/R injury in vivo. Conclusion: CSN3 restricts neuroinflammatory responses during cerebral I/R injury through stabilizing SOCS3 protein and indicates that CSN3 a potential therapeutic target for cerebral I/R injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The booming electric vehicle industry continues to place higher requirements on power batteries related to economic-cost, power density and safety. The positive electrode materials play an important role in the energy storage performance of the battery. The nickel-rich NCM (LiNixCoyMnzO2 with x + y + z = 1) materials have received increasing attention due to their high energy density, which can satisfy the demand of commercial-grade power batteries. Prominently, single-crystal nickel-rich electrodes with s unique micron-scale single-crystal structure possess excellent electrochemical and mechanical performance, even when tested at high rates, high cut-off voltages and high temperatures. In this review, we outline in brief the characteristics, problems faced and countermeasures of nickel-rich NCM materials. Then the distinguishing features and main synthesis methods of single-crystal nickel-rich NCM materials are summarized. Some existing issues and modification methods are also discussed in detail, especially the optimization strategies under harsh conditions. Finally, an outlook on the future development of single-crystal nickel-rich materials is provided. This work is expected to provide some reference for research on single-crystal nickel-rich ternary materials with high energy density, high safety levels, long-life, and their contribution to sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have suggested that folate plays a role in preeclampsia (PE) risks, but few studies have assessed folate-related 1-carbon metabolism (OCM)-related nutrients with the risk of PE. We hypothesized that OCM-related nutrients are associated with PE. A 1:1 matched case-control study was conducted to explore the association between dietary OCM-related nutrients intake and the risk of PE in pregnant Chinese women. Four hundred and forty pairs of pregnant women with PE and hospital-based, healthy pregnant women, matched according to gestational week (±1 week) and age (±3 years), were recruited. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated 78-item semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Multivariate conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Restricted cubic splines were plotted to evaluate the dose-response relationship between dietary OCM-related nutrient intake and the risk of PE. Intake of folate, vitamin B 6 , vitamin B 12 , methionine, and total choline were inversely related to the risk of PE after adjustment for covariates (all P trend <.05). Adjusted ORs (95% CIs) for quartile 4 versus quartile 1 were 0.71 (0.55-0.93) for folate, 0.66 (0.50-0.87) for vitamin B 6 , 0.68 (0.52-0.88) for vitamin B 12 , 0.77 (0.60-0.81) for methionine, and 0.67 (0.51-0.87) for total choline. This study suggests that dietary OCM-related nutrients intake is associated with lower odds of PE in pregnant Chinese women. The intake of 1-carbon metabolism–related dietary nutrients (choline, folate methionine, vitamin B 6 , and vitamin B 12) was inversely associated with developing PE in pregnant Chinese women (all P trend <.05). This association remained statistically significant after adjusting for various confounding factors. FFQ, food frequency questionnaire; PE, preeclampsia; VB 6 , vitamin B 6 ; VB 12 , vitamin B 12. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to determine the phytotoxic effects of lead (Pb) on corn (Zea mays), wheat (Triticum aestivum), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and to identify the sensitive crop species and appropriate bioassays for potential use in phytotoxicity assessment of Pb-contaminated soil. In a laboratory experiment, Pb(NO3)2was added to the background soil to obtain eight Pb treatments. The results indicate that the seed germination rate of lettuce decreases by 14.44%, 30.00% and 40.00% at 2000, 3000 and 4000 mg Pb kg−1soil, respectively. However, the germination of corn, wheat, cucumber and cabbage is not significantly influenced by the Pb-contaminated soil treated with all the tested concentrations. Furthermore, the root elongation is more sensitive to Pb than is seed germination. The minimum concentrations of adverse effect of maize, wheat, cucumber, cabbage and lettuce are 2000, 3000, 1300, 800 and 300 mg Pb kg−1soil, respectively. Moreover, dicotyledon species are more sensitive than monocotyledon species. In the genotoxicity study, the mitotic index (MI) fluctuates with an increasing Pb concentration. The micronuclei (MN) frequencies of cucumber, cabbage and lettuce exhibit a dose-dependent effect at concentrations ranging from 1300 to 4000 mg Pb kg−1soil. It can be concluded that lettuce is a good candidate for indicating the toxicity of Pb in soil. Root elongation and the micronucleus frequency of dicotyledon are appropriate bioassays for potential use in phytotoxicity assessment of Pb-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The effect of carotenoids on the risk of preeclampsia (PE) is uncertain. We aimed to examine the associations between the intake of dietary carotenoids and related compounds by pregnant women in China, and the risk of their developing PE.Methods: Four hundred and forty PE cases and 440 age- (± 3 years), gestational age- (± 1 weeks) and gestational diabetes mellitus status- (yes/no) matched healthy controls were recruited from March 2016 to June 2019. Dietary intake of carotenoids was assessed using a 79-item validated food-frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression.Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, we found that the intake of total carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein and zeaxanthin (lut-zea) were negatively associated with the odds of developing PE. Compared with the lowest quartile intake, the multivariate-adjusted OR (95% CI) of the highest quartile intake was 0.29 (0.16-0.54, Ptrend <  0.001) for total carotenoids, 0.31 (0.16-0.58, Ptrend <  0.001) for β-carotene, 0.50 (0.27-0.90, Ptrend = 0.007) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.55 (0.30-0.99, Ptrend = 0.04) for lycopene and 0.32 (0.17-0.61, Ptrend = 0.001) for lut-zea. However, no significant associations were observed between the risk of developing PE and α-carotene intake (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.41-1.36, Ptrend = 0.28). Moreover, similar negative associations were found for every one-standard-deviation increase in the intake of total carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lut-zea.Conclusion: These results indicate that a high intake of total carotenoids, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lut-zea may be associated with a low risk of developing PE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The mechanism of how endoparasitoids avoid the host''s cellular immune reaction is not well known. Evidence is presented here for the existence of a Helix pomatia lectin binding protein (HpLBP) on Macrocentrus cingulum extraembryonic membrane and its involvement in the protection of embryos against encapsulation by its host Ostrinia furnaclis. HpLBP is present in eggs, embryos and larvae and is located on the outmost layer of the extraembryonic membrane. While Sephadex A-25 beads and immature Macrocentrus eggs coated with follicular cells were encapsulated, Macrocentrus embryos were not after they were transplanted separately into naive O. furnaclis larvae. Moreover, embryos became encapsulated after being coated with anti-HpLBP serum. Furthermore, encapsulation of agarose-H. pomatia lectin beads decreased significantly after the beads were coated with HpLBP. However, encapsulation of the HpLBP-coated agarose beads increased and the extent of encapsulation was enhanced significantly when the HpLBP-coated beads were pre-incubated with anti-HpLBP antibody. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Maternal diet is an important potential factor associated with the risk of preeclampsia. However, it is unclear whether adherence to a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)-style diet can reduce the development of preeclampsia. To examine the potential association, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, China. A total of 449 cases with preeclampsia and 449 controls were studied. Dietary information was collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). DASH scores were calculated according to nutrients/food emphasised or minimised in the DASH diet. The calculated DASH scores ranged from 11 to 38 for all of the participants, and the DASH scores of the cases were significantly lower than those of the controls (23.48 ± 4.58 vs 24.51 ± 4.51; p = 0.001). Participants in the fourth quartile of the DASH score were 45% less likely to have preeclampsia than those in the first quartile in the crude model (Q4 vs Q1, odds ratio [OR]: 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38, 0.80; ptrend = 0.001). The relationship remained significant in the model adjusted for multiple confounders, especially for major risk factors of preeclampsia (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.36, 0.78; ptrend = 0.001). Our findings suggest an inverse relationship between adherence to a DASH-style diet and the odds of preeclampsia. Further larger-scale cohort studies or randomised controlled trials are warranted to confirm these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent researches have shown that autophagy is associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, but there is no paper to investigate the effects of autophagy modulation on Parkinson’s disease depression (PDD). In addition, glycyrrhizic acid (GA), the major bioactive ingredient of Radix glycyrrhizae, can induce autophagy and ease rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, there is also no paper to study the action and molecular mechanisms of GA on PDD. In this research, we built the injury model of SH-SY5Y cells through 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and corticosterone (CORT). Then, our results showed that GA markedly increased the viability and decreased the apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cells after pre-treating with 6-OHDA and CORT. Moreover, GA notably decreased the expressions of α-Syn and p-S1292-LRRK2 proteins, and significantly increased the levels of CREB and BDNF proteins. Previous papers have suggested that CORT contributed to dopaminergic neurodegeneration via the glucocorticoid (GC)/glucocorticoid receptor (GR) interaction, and our results showed that GA reduced GC level and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) activity in SH-SY5Y cells by regulating GR signaling pathway. Furthermore, mechanism investigations also showed that GA had the ability to up-regulate the conversion of LC3B II/I and the expression of Beclin-1, and induce autophagy in SH-SY5Y cells, which were reversed by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). Collectively, these findings proved that GA exerted efficient activity against neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells induced by 6-OHDA and CORT via activation of autophagy, which should be developed as an efficient candidate for treating PDD in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel high-efficiency electrolytic energy conversion system is proposed. • Elucidate electrolyzer structure, distribution of electric field and flow field. • Corrosion experiments are carried out to verify the simulation results. • Key solutions for improving the performance of electrolyzers are obtained. • Innovative approaches are proposed for building fluoride production lines. In the context of sudden changes in global energy supply patterns, promoting the diversification of energy supply is an important movement for the sustainable development of the economy. Nuclear energy as a green and clean energy source has undergone rapid development. About 60 wt% of the world's fluorine production is used to produce uranium, a fuel for nuclear power plants. However, fluorine as a necessary raw material facing the challenges of high energy consumption and short lifespan of the electrolysis system. To overcome these drawbacks, this study aims to develop a high-efficiency electrolytic energy conversion system. Therefore, to optimize the design of the electrolysis system, the relationships between the electric field, the flow field and the electrode/electrolyzer geometry are simulated. Then, the simulation results are verified and further corrected by corrosion experiments. Subsequently, the key factors affecting the performance of the electrolyzer are obtained from the bubble separation experiment and simulation. Finally, a high-efficient electrolysis system is established and successfully put into industrial operation. In conclusion, in the course of model calculations, the method of reducing energy consumption is put forward, and the energy consumption is reduced from 17,000 to 14,980 kWh/ton by actual production, and the service life of carbon anode is extended from 90 days to 243 days. The breakthrough in fluorine electrolysis provides practical guidance for improving the performance of the electrolysis process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have revealed that uncontrollable stress can impair the synaptic plasticity and firing property of hippocampal neurons, which influenced various hippocampal-dependent tasks including memory, cognition, behavior, and mood. In this work, we had investigated the effects and mechanisms of the Chinese herbal medicine Xiao Yao San (XYS) against corticosterone-induced stress injury in primary hippocampal neurons (PHN) cells. We found that XYS and RU38486 could increase cell viabilities and decrease cell apoptosis by MTT, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry assays. In addition, we observed that XYS notably inhibited the nuclear translocation of GR and upregulated the mRNA and protein expressions levels of Caveolin-1, GR, BDNF, TrkB, and FKBP4. However, XYS downregulated the FKBP51 expressions. Furthermore, the results of the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and double luciferase reporter gene detection indicated that FKBP4 promotes the transcriptional activity of GR reaction element (GRE) by binding with GR, and FKBP51 processed the opposite action. The in vivo experiment also proved the functions of XYS. These results suggested that XYS showed an efficient neuroprotection against corticosterone-induced stress injury in PHN cells by upregulating GRE transcriptional activity, which should be developed as a potential candidate for treating stress injury in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tongluo Xingnao Effervescent Tablet (TXET), a traditional Chinese herbal formula composed of Ligusticum chuanxiong hor, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi and Angelica sinensis, has been widely used to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias for decades in China. In the present study, we investigated the effects of TXET on mitochondrial function, energy metabolism and cognitive amelioration in the APPswe/PS1De9 transgenetic mouse model of AD. The energy charge and phosphocreatine, activity of the mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes, mitochondrial membrane potential, activity of Na + -K + ATPase and the expression levels of Bcl-2 and Bax in the brains were measured, respectively. TXET exhibits significant protection on mitochondrial function and energy supply in addition to ameliorating cognitive decline in APPswe/PS1De9 mice. TXET rescues mitochondrial function by increasing the mitochondrial membrane potential, energy charge levels, activity of respiratory chain complexes and Na + -K + ATPase activity. These findings suggest that TXET may attenuate cognition impairment through the restoration of mitochondrial function and energy metabolism in the brains in APPswe/PS1De9 mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetics of abiotic reduction of mono-nitro aromatic compounds (mono-NACs) catalyzed by activated carbon (AC) in an anaerobic system were examined. There were 6 types of substituent groups on nitrobenzene, including methyl, chlorine, amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl and cyanogen groups, at the ortho , meta or para positions. Our results showed that reduction followed pseudo-first order reaction kinetics, and that the rate constant (log k SA ) varied widely, ranging between −4.77 and −2.82, depending upon the type and position of the substituent. A quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) model using 15 theoretical molecular descriptors and partial-least-squares (PLS) regression was developed for the reduction rates of mono-NACs catalyzed by AC. The cross-validated regression coefficient ( Q cum 2 , 0.861) and correlation coefficient ( R 2 , 0.898) indicated significantly high robustness of the model. The VIP (variable importance in the projection) values of energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital ( E LUMO ) and the maximum net atomic charge on the aromatic carbon bound to the nitro group ( Q C - ) were 1.15 and 1.01, respectively. These values indicated that the molecular orbital energies and the atomic net charges might play important roles in the reduction of mono-NACs catalyzed by AC in anaerobic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The occurrence of four antibiotics, including oxytetracycline (OTC), tetracycline (TC), norfloxacin (NOR) and ofloxacin (OFL), in surface water, overlying water, pore water and sediment samples were studied in the Baiyangdian Lake from February to November in 2009. The total concentrations of these antibiotics ranged among 17.73–281.82, 22.98–258.45, 22.43–198.95ngL−1 and 131.65–750.27ngg−1 in surface water, overlying water, pore water and sediments, respectively. Seasonal variation might be impacted by the frequency of different pattern of antibiotics and the water temperatures of different seasons, where the higher concentrations appeared at different seasons. In addition, the regions with significant sewage discharge or human agricultural activities exhibited high concentrations of antibiotics in water and sediments. The highest accumulation rates of the four antibiotics ranged from 11.27 to 29.71%, which indicated that these compounds exhibited strong adsorption to the sediment. However, higher concentrations of antibiotics in pore water and even overlying water may result in the release of these compounds from the sediment acting as a secondary contaminant source in a certain time period, especially for TC. The pseudo-partitioning values of fluoroquinolones (FQs) ranged from 4493 to 47,093Lkg−1 and were much higher than those of tetracyclines (TCs), which ranged from 277 to 1880Lkg−1 indicating that the FQs are prone to accumulation in the sediment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We investigate the toxicity of organic extracts from the Pearl River sediments. [•] The 96-h LC50 values for X. laevis embryos ranged from 62 to 137g/L. [•] The toxicity effect on body length of larvae is not significant under 20g/L. [•] The teratogenic effects produced by sediment organic extracts are diverse. [•] Guangzhou district shows higher teratogenic toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a barrier which maintains the material exchange balance of brain microenvironment and could be destroyed by chronic stress (CS). Glucocorticoids (GCs) can mimic the chronic stress induced damage to BBB. GCs induced BBB trauma models in vitro and in vivo to explore the effects of the traditional medicine Xiao-Yao-San (XYS). In this research, we found CS could injure the BBB to change the biochemical index, which could be reversed by XYS in vitro. The abilities of cell proliferation, invasion, and the expression of tight junction related genes (Occludin, Claudin, JAM-1 and ZO-1) were suppressed by CS and the trauma could be reversed by XYS partly. It was showed that GRs interacted with Occludin directly and inhibited Occluding expression. In rats BBB trauma model, the GC content was deceased and BBB permeability was repaired by XYS. The expression of Occludin, Claudin, JAM-1 and ZO-1 were increased in the treatment of XYS. In our research, it shown that XYS affect the content of the GC and GR which interacted with Occludin directly for the first time. In addition, we also found that XYS could reduce BBB injury induced by CS via GR in BBB model in vitro. Therefore, it proves that XYS is a potential BBB repair medicine and may help to elucidate mechanism of brain pathology. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To ensure that the shaft boring machine (SBM) runs along the pre-designed axis steadily, the role of the attitude measurement system is essential, but its accuracy and reliability cannot be guaranteed. Currently, there is no effective technology to meet the actual requirements, and there is a lack of relevant theoretical research in this field. Through further study of the attitude analysis method and multi-sensor fusion technology, this paper presents a dual coordinate method, which can be used to describe the attitude characteristics of the SBM. Moreover, this paper discusses the relationships between the attitude changes and the values of the angle as well as displacement and analyzes the implementation complexity and computational efficiency of related algorithms in software and hardware. According to the working characteristics of the SBM, the hardware design and the reasonable layout of the attitude measurement system are provided. Based on multi-sensor data, this paper puts forward an improved method combining a complementary filter with an extended Kalman filter (EKF) for attitude estimation and error compensation. The simulation experiments of different working processes verify the steady-state response and dynamic response performance of the method. Experimental results show that the dual coordinate method and the proposed filter are more suitable for attitude estimation of the SBM compared to other methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]