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This paper introduces an adaptive control scheme for quadrotor suspended load systems, to track desired trajectory with variable payload and wind disturbances. The dynamic model of the quadrotor suspended load system is developed, taking into account the impact of the wind field described by the Dryden model. To attenuate the effects of payload variation and wind disturbances on the system, an adaptive control method based on disturbance observers is devised. Additionally, the uniform boundedness of all error signals is demonstrated. The effectiveness of the designed control method is verified through simulations, which serves to strengthen its applicability in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fungal infection, cryptococcosis, is responsible for >100,000 deaths annually. No licensed vaccines are available. We explored the efficacy and immune responses of subunit cryptococcal vaccines adjuvanted with Cationic Adjuvant Formulation 01 (CAF01). CAF01 promotes humoral and T helper (Th) 1 and Th17 immune responses and has been safely used in human vaccine trials. Four subcutaneous vaccines, each containing single recombinant Cryptococcus neoformans protein antigens, partially protected mice from experimental cryptococcosis. Protection increased, up to 100%, in mice that received bivalent and quadrivalent vaccine formulations. Vaccinated mice that received a pulmonary challenge with C. neoformans had an influx of leukocytes into the lung including robust numbers of polyfunctional CD4+ T cells which produced Interferon gamma (IFNγ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interleukin (IL)-17 upon ex vivo antigenic stimulation. Cytokine-producing lung CD8+ T cells were also found, albeit in lesser numbers. A significant, durable IFNγ response was observed in the lungs, spleen, and blood. Moreover, IFNγ secretion following ex vivo stimulation directly correlated with fungal control in the lungs. Thus, we have developed multivalent cryptococcal vaccines which protect mice from experimental cryptococcosis using an adjuvant which has been safely tested in humans. These preclinical studies suggest a path towards human cryptococcal vaccine trials. Author summary: Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection that poses great challenges to public health, especially in resource-limited regions with high HIV prevalence. Despite the urgent need, no licensed vaccines are currently available. In this study, we used a lethal mouse model of cryptococcosis to explore protection and immune responses elicited by vaccines consisting of recombinant cryptococcal proteins formulated with CAF01, an adjuvant that has an established safety and immunogenicity profile in human clinical vaccine trials. We discovered that while vaccines containing a single protein partially protected mouse strains, the protection was greatly augmented when the mice received vaccines formulated with multiple antigens. The lungs of vaccinated and infected mice had a robust influx of CD4+ T cells, many of which made the cytokines IFNγ and IL-17 when stimulated ex vivo. Moreover, we found the higher production of IFNγ directly correlated with better fungal control in the lungs. Cytotoxic CD8+ T cell responses were also observed, albeit in lesser numbers. Our promising findings from this preclinical research paves the way for future human cryptococcal vaccine trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigments play a pivotal role in the cosmetic industry, in which the development of pigments with concurrent color diversity, hydrophobicity, biocompatibility and photostability remains a great challenge. Herein, we report organic–inorganic composite pigments synthesized via a combination of organic dye anions (Ponceau SX and acid green (AG)), layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and octyltriethoxysilane (OTEOS) (denoted as O/Dye-LDHs: O/SX-LDHs and O/AG-LDHs).The prepared composite pigments were characterized via a comprehensive investigation based on X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS-mapping), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, CIE 1976 L*a*b* color scales, static contact angle measurement and HET-CAM assay. The results confirm the successful intercalation of organic dye anions into the interlayer region of LDHs via host–guest interactions and the surface modification of OTEOS on the layer surface, forming a new kind of hydrophobic organic–inorganic composite pigment with a sandwich structure. LDH layer protection and OTEOS coating play crucial roles in the high photostability, good hydrophobicity and satisfactory biocompatibility of pigments. In addition, O/Dye-LDHs exhibit rich color and color adjustability. Impressively, we applied mixture composite pigments with different O/SX-LDH-to-O/AG-LDH ratios to formulate an eye shadow cream, which present a series of popular and natural colours with water resistance to enhance one's attractiveness and appearance. This work provides a promising strategy for the design of safe and efficient composite pigments, demonstrating their potential application in the field of makeup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference 1 Wang R, Wang M, Wang S. An integrated characterization of contractile, electrophysiological, and structural cardiotoxicity of Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep. in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. After treatment of matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine and sophocarpine, the images of calcium fluorescence and bright field were acquired intuitively and the fluorescence intensity was analysed quantitatively using IncuCyte™ S3 ZOOM cell imaging system. After treatment with matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine and sophocarpine, A the images of ROS fluorescence and bright field were acquired intuitively using IncuCyte™ S3 ZOOM cell imaging system and B, C the fluorescence intensity was analysed quantitatively using TissueQuest 6.0. [Extracted from the article]

• The in vitro results suggest after treating HBE by CSE miR-125a-5p was overexpressed, and exosome was found to contain miR-125a-5p. • we found macrophage can uptake the exosome. • Mechnism experiment demonstrated HBE-derived exosomes transfecting miR-125a-5p mimics promoted the upregulation of MyD88, TRAF6, p65, iNOS-2 and the downregulation of Arg-1. The interplay between airway epithelium and macrophages plays a pivotal role in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathogenesis. Exosomes, which transport miRNA cargo, have emerged as novel mediators of intercellular communication. MicroRNA-125a-5p (miR-125a-5p) has been implicated in macrophage polarization.This study aims to investigate the role of exosomal miR-125a-5p in the dysfunctional epithelium-macrophage cross-talk in cigarette smoke (CS)-induced COPD. In cell models, THP-1 monocytic cells were differentiated into macrophages (M0). Human bronchial epithelial cells treated with CS extract (CSE) were co-cultured with M0. Exosomes were isolated from culture media using commercial kits and characterized using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Exosomes labeled with PKH26 red fluorescent cell linker kits were incubated with macrophages. Luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the target gene of miR-125a-5p. In mouse experiments, inhibiting miR-125a-5p was utilized to examine its role in macrophage polarization. Furthermore, the underlying mechanism was explored. In vitro results indicated that CSE treatment led to upregulation of miR-125a-5p in HBE cells, and exosomes contained miR-125a-5p. PKH26-labeled exosomes were internalized by macrophages. Co-culture experiments between bronchial epithelial cells and miR-125a-5p mimic resulted in significant increase in M1 macrophage markers (TNF-α, iNOS-2, IL-1β) and decrease in M2 markers (IL-10 and Arg-1). In COPD mouse models, miR-125a-5p inhibitor reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. Luciferase assays revealed that miR-125a-5p inhibitors enhanced the relative luciferase activity of IL1RN. Mechanistic experiments demonstrated that HBE-derived exosomes transfected with miR-125a-5p mimics promoted upregulation of MyD88, TRAF6, p65, iNOS-2, and downregulation of Arg-1. This study suggests that exosomal miR-125a-5p may act as a mediator in the cross-talk between airway epithelium and macrophage polarization in COPD. Exosomal miR-125a-5p targeting IL1RN may promote M1 macrophage polarization via the MyD88/NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the effect of maternal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) on the offspring early development. A total of 91 mother-child pairs, consisting of 33 PCOS and 58 non-PCOS, were recruited. Peripheral blood tests were performed during 12–16, 24–28, and 32–36 weeks of gestation. Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) were utilized to assess the motor development of offspring at 27 months of age. Logistic regression models were employed to compare groups and control confounding variables. Women with PCOS had a higher level of testosterone and free androgen index than the non-PCOS group in all three detection windows. There were no intergroup differences in any of the five domains of specific ASQ domain scores or the body measurements of the offspring at 27 months old. Stratification by sex of offspring suggested that no significant differences were detected in the male offspring. However, in the female offspring, the PCOS group exhibited lower gross motor scores in female offspring than the non-PCOS group (48.1 ± 11.8 vs. 55.2 ± 8.1, P = 0.027), as well as lower fine motor scores (48.5 ± 8.5 vs. 53.6 ± 11.0, P = 0.028). The gross motor score of female offspring in the PCOS group remained lower even after adjustments. Each 1 ng/mL increase in testosterone at 12–16 weeks of gestation was associated with a decrease in gross motor score of female offspring by 12.2 (95% CI = −23.3 to −1.0, P = 0.038). The highest tertile of testosterone at 12–16 weeks of gestation was associated with a 7.75-point decrease in gross motor score of female offspring compared to the lowest tertile of testosterone (95% CI = −14.9 to −0.6, P = 0.040), with a significant linear trend observed (P for trend = 0.031). The findings of this study suggest that maternal PCOS could exert a negative influence on the gross motor development of female offspring, potentially associated with intrauterine androgen exposure during the early stages of pregnancy. • The female offspring of PCOS exhibited lower gross motor scores. • PCOS could negatively influence the gross motor development of female offspring. • The increased testosterone at 12-16 weeks of gestation was associated with decrease gross motor score of female offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Intracellular calcium overload is an important contributor to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. Total saponins of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Aralia elata (Miq.) Seem. (AS) are beneficial for treating MI/R injury, and Calenduloside E (CE) is the main active ingredient of AS. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CE on MI/R injury and determine its specific regulatory mechanisms. To verify whether CE mediated cardiac protection in vivo and in vitro, we performed MI/R surgery in SD rats and subjected neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) to hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR). CE's cardioprotective against MI/R injury was detected by Evans blue/TTC staining, echocardiography, HE staining, myocardial enzyme levels. Impedance and field potential recording, and patch-clamp techniques of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were used to detect the function of L-type calcium channels (LTCC). The mechanisms underlying between CE and LTCC was studied through western blot, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) used to further clarify the effect of CE on LTCC and BAG3. We found that CE protected against MI/R injury by inhibiting calcium overload. Furthermore, CE improved contraction and field potential signals of hiPSC-CMs and restored sarcomere contraction and calcium transient of adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs). Moreover, patch-clamp data showed that CE suppressed increased L-type calcium current (I Ca,L) caused by LTCC agonist, proving that CE could regulate calcium homeostasis through LTCC. Importantly, we found that CE promoted the interaction between LTCC and Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) by co-IP and DARTS. Our results demonstrate that CE enhanced LTCC-BAG3 interaction to reduce MI/R induced-calcium overload, exerting a cardioprotective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new two-dimensional (2D) homochiral cadmium(II) coordination polymer, {[Cd4(OH)2(L)2(pea)4]·CH3OH}n (1) (pea = (S)-1-phenylethanamine), was solvothermally synthesized based on an enantiomerically pure chiral ligand (S)-5-(((1-carboxy-2-phenylethyl)amino) methyl)isophthalic acid (H3L). Crystal structure analysis shows that 1 is a 2D homochiral framework consisting of coaxial double-helical chains where a pair of left- and right-handed 21 helixes shares tetranuclear Cd cluster subunits [Cd4(μ3-OH)2]. Topologically, 1 is an interesting 3,6-connected network with the point symbol of (43)2(46·66·83). The thermal stability and solid-state optical properties, including circular dichroism, and nonlinear optical and luminescent properties of 1 were systematically investigated. Furthermore, the fluorescence response of 1 to various common solvents and metal ions was preliminarily studied. Interesting enough, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA), acetone and Fe3+ ion have strong quenching effect on the fluorescence of 1, indicating that 1 has certain potential application in the visual detection of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are widely used in industrial production, environmental monitoring, and military applications. In the process of using, the node non-uniform distribution strategy can mitigate the energy hole and node suboptimal energy balance technology in wireless sensor networks. This paper discusses this strategy theoretically, proposes a node non-uniform distribution strategy, and it constructs a suboptimal energy balance algorithm, which based on the non-uniform distribution theory system. It has proved that in the circular network with non-uniform distribution of nodes, the uniform distributed method and the random non-uniform distributed method are tested and compared. The experimental results show that the non-uniform distributed method has high efficiency and good scalability, and it can be used to achieve the suboptimal energy balance. The simulation results also show that the nodes in the WSN are almost equal to the energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we hope that recent developments in the research of various types of core-shell structure nanomaterials in the field of energy storage and conversion will be communicated well in this Special Issue. 36144941 4 Song H.J., Li J.J., Sheng G., Yin R.L., Mohamad A.A., Luo J., Zhong Z.N., Shao W. Construction of Core-Shell CoMoO4@ -FeOOH Nanosheets for Efficient Oxygen Evolution Reaction. Owing to their special physical and chemical properties, nanomaterials with core-shell structures have been extensively synthesized and widely studied in the field of energy storage and conversion. [Extracted from the article]

Identification of edible oil adulteration is an essential task for oil quality control. In this study, the adulteration of sesame oil samples with soybean oil was detected by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) combining with chemometrics including principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares (PLS) and principal component regression (PCR) methods. PCA analysis was applied for the classification of various adulteration ratios of sesame oil samples. PLS and PCR were used for the detection of adulteration ratios of sesame oil samples. A calibration data set was established and evaluated by a cross-validation method. The correlation coefficients between actual and predicted values for the calibration and validation data sets were 0.953 and 0.973 for PLS and 0.975 and 0.979 for PCR, respectively. Therefore, a combination of LF-NMR with chemometrics can be applied for detecting sesame oil adulteration in a fast and nondestructive manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A novel tri-component hybrid, Pt/pyridine ionic liquid polyoxometalate/reduced graphene oxide denoted as Pt/(epy) 3 PMo 12 O 40 /rGO with well-dispersed, smaller size Pt nanoparticles on rGO is successfully synthesized. The morphology, structure, composition and electrochemical property are characterized by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer, Raman spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. Ionic liquid polyoxometalate (epy) 3 PMo 12 O 40 availably prevents the aggregations of Pt nanoparticles on the rGO surface, furthermore, effectively improves anti CO poisoning performance and enhances the conductivity of the material. The mass activity of as-prepared Pt/(epy) 3 PMo 12 O 40 /rGO catalyst for methanol oxidation is about 10 times of 20% commercial platinum carbon, 7 times of Pt/rGO, 4 times of Pt/epyBr/rGO, and 2 times of Pt/H 3 PMo 12 O 40 /rGO. This further demonstrates that the ionic liquid polyoxometalate (epy) 3 PMo 12 O 40 play a very important role in enhancing the eletrocatalytic activity of the tri-component hybrid composite catalyst. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • A novel Pt/(epy) 3 PMo 12 O 40 /rGO tri-component hybrid is fabricated. • The Pt/(epy) 3 PMo 12 /rGO exhibits enhanced methanol electrooxidation activity. • The Pt/(epy) 3 PMo 12 /rGO catalyst has the outstanding anti CO poisoning performance. • It is worth looking forward to using such an excellent catalyst in anode catalysts of DMFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) of ethyl levulinate (EL) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) is an alluring reaction in the field of biomass catalytic conversion, but it normally depends on the consumption of H2. In this study, we report a porous Zr‐containing inorganic pyrophosphate catalyst (ZrOPP), which was used as a catalyst for CTH of EL to GVL in the presence of isopropanol and characterized using FT‐IR, py‐FTIR, TGA, XRD, BET, XPS, ICP‐AES, SEM, TEM, NH3‐TPD, and CO2‐TPD. We achieved a high yield of 94% GVL at 433 K for 11 hr. Furthermore, the ZrOPP has the trait of easy separation and could be reused more than five times without distinct decrease in activity and selectivity. In addition, this catalyst could also be applied to other catalytic hydrogenation reactions, such as those of cyclohexanone, acetophenone, 2‐heptanone etc. Its outstanding performance was mainly ascribed to the acid sites from the Zr element and basic sites from phosphate groups interspersing on the surface of the catalyst. A porous inorganic zirconyl pyrophosphate was prepared, exhibiting excellent catalytic activity for catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate (EL) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) in isopropanol. In addition, this catalyst also exhibits catalytic activity for other catalytic hydrogenation reactions, such as those of cyclohexanone, acetophenone, 2‐heptanone etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel heterogeneous Zr‐containing organic–inorganic hybrid catalysts were prepared for the transfer hydrogenation of biomass‐derived ethyl levulinate (EL) to γ‐valerolactone (GVL) with isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as the hydrogen donor and were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR), Temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD), Thermogravimetry (TG), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). On their basis, the effects of temperature, time, the amount of catalyst, and the solvent were investigated on the yield of GVL. A GVL yield of 96.5% with 99% EL conversion was obtained using Zr‐Pg, which was prepared by the reaction of ZrCl4 and phloroglucinol (Pg) in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) at room temperature. The high catalytic activity may be attributed to the strong basicity, which was increased by the sufficient quantity of phenate in the structure of Zr‐Pg. Meanwhile, Zr‐Pg could be efficiently and easily recycled at least five times without any notable loss of activity and selectivity. Through the results of comparative experiments and characterization, we propose a plausible reaction mechanism for the high activity of Zr‐Pg. We synthesized a new porous Zr‐containing catalyst (termed Zr‐Pg) using ZrCl4 and phloroglucinol in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) for the catalytic transfer hydrogenation of ethyl levulinate (EL) to produce γ‐valerolactone (GVL) using isopropanol as the hydrogen source and solvent, affording a GVL yield of 96.5% with 99% EL conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nutritional deficiencies remain serious medical and public health issues worldwide, especially in children. This study aims to analyze cross-country inequality in four common nutritional deficiencies (protein-energy malnutrition, dietary iron deficiency, vitamin A deficiency and iodine deficiency) among children from 1990 to 2019 based on Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data. Methods: Prevalence and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) data as measures of four nutritional deficiency burdens in people aged 0 to 14 years were extracted from the GBD Results Tool. We analyzed temporal trends in prevalence by calculating the average annual percent change (AAPC) and quantified cross-country inequalities in disease burden using the slope index. Results: Globally, the age-standardized prevalence rates of dietary iron deficiency, vitamin A deficiency and iodine deficiency decreased, with AAPCs of -0.14 (-0.15 to -0.12), -2.77 (-2.96 to -2.58), and -2.17 (-2.3 to -2.03) from 1999 to 2019, respectively. Significant reductions in socio-demographic index (SDI)-related inequality occurred in protein-energy malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency, while the health inequality for dietary iron deficiency and iodine deficiency remained basically unchanged. The age-standardized prevalence and DALY rates of the four nutritional deficiencies decreased as the SDI and healthcare access and quality index increased. Conclusions: The global burden of nutritional deficiency has decreased since 1990, but cross-country health inequalities still exist. More efficient public health measures are needed to reduce disease burdens, particularly in low-SDI countries/territories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mung bean sprouts are a kind of favorite healthy food across the world. As a forbidden plant hormone cytokinins, the use of 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) in promoting the growth of bean sprouts is forbidden due to its safety concerns. Rapid analysis of 6-BAP treated bean sprouts is required to assess their growth changes and discriminate them from the normal sample. In this study, the water dynamics of growth for 6-BAP treated bean sprouts was monitored by the low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging. A simplified cartoon model of the water dynamics was proposed to explain the LF-NMR analysis result. Principal component analysis of the NMR relaxation data clearly showed the different water distribution of 6-BAP treated bean sprouts from the control sample. The juice of 6-BAP treated bean sprouts showed significant difference in the ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence spectra. Therefore, combining the spectrometry, the LF-NMR may have potential for rapid discrimination of the 6-BAP treated bean sprouts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • We synthesized the catalyst with the anchoring of zirconium(IV) Schiff base moiety on the surface of mesoporous silica, MCM-41. Particularly, the structures (such as phenate and aniline group) of the catalyst could be favorable to the CTH reaction because of the high basicity. • This is the first application of the prepared catalysts in the conversion of EL. • The results indicated the immobilized complexes were exhibited much higher catalytic performance than corresponding homogeneous complexes. • The catalyst exhibit efficient activity for the hydrogenation of EL into GVL. It also can be easily separated and efficiently recycled at least five times without significant loss of activity. Zr(IV)-salphen-MCM-41 was prepared by immobilizing a zirconium(IV) Schiff base complex onto the surface of MCM-41. The structural properties of the heterogeneous catalysts were characterized by FT-IR, UV, TG, XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, EDX, CO 2 -TPD, NH 3 -TPD and ICP-OES. Studies on the catalytic properties of the immobilized Zr(IV)-Schiff base complexes were performed using the reduction and cyclization of ethyl levulinate (EL) to γ-valerolactone (GVL) with isopropanol as the hydrogen source. Various reaction parameters, such as temperature, reaction time, solvent and catalyst loading were carefully investigated. The optimal conditions (GVL yield up to 90%) involved the utilization of Zr(Salphen)-MCM-41 as the catalyst in isopropanol. The key to heightened reaction performance was the incorporation of the phenolate and aniline groups in the ligands of bound to Zr. This increased the basicity of the catalyst, which subsequently enhances the efficiency of the transfer hydrogenation reported herein. Meanwhile, the immobilized catalyst can be easily separated and efficiently recycled at least five times without significant loss of activity. Finally, we proposed a plausible reaction mechanism based on experimental and characterization data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a hormone-dependent disease associated with impaired immunoregulation. In our recent study, we have characterized the trascriptomic transformation of eutopic endometrium from patients with minimal/mild endometriosis and controls across the menstrual cycle. However, the regulatory mechanism of altered immune microenvironment in eutopic endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) remains unclear. Here, we want to explore the regulation of immune cell to progesterone resistance and endometrial receptivity in the eutopic ESCs by cytokine (TGF-β1), and to understand the effect of TGF-β1 on the decidualization of the eutopic ESCs. Primary culture of eutopic ESCs was performed to explore the effects of TGF-β1 on the expression of Smad and progesterone receptor (PR) and the in vitro decidualization. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to explore the direct interaction between Smad and PR. We found an attenuate expression of PRB protein (p=0.026) after using TGF-β1 in eutopic ESCs, although the difference of PRA before and after treatment was not significant (p=0.678). Similarly, the results of qRT-PCR showed that the mRNA level of PR (p<0.001), PRB (p=0.003) and HOXA10 (p<0.001) decreased significantly after TGF-β1 treatment, but that increased (p<0.023, for all) after SB431542 treatment in the eutopic ESCs. Moreover, TGF-β1 has a negative effect on the in vitro decidualization of eutopic ESCs (p=0.003). And the group with treatment of both TGF-β1 and SB435142 in eutopic ESCs showed significant decidual-like changes with increased prolactin level (p=0.01). We did not observe any physical interaction between the PR and p-Smad3/Smad3 proteins by using Co-IP. By activating TGF-β/Smad signaling in eutopic ESCs, elevated TGF-β1 from CD45+ immune cells could attenuate expression of PR, and further decrease endometrial receptivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four cobalt(II) compounds, [Co(Bim)(IA)(H2O)2]n·0.5nH2O (1), [Co(Bim)(MA)(H2O)2]n(2), [Co2(Bim)2(MA)2]n·nH2O (3), and [Co3(Bim)4(TA)2(H2O)2]n·2.5nH2O (4), have been synthesized by solvothermal reactions of cobalt(II) salts with 1,1′-(5-methyl-1,3-phenylene)bis(1H-imidazole) [Bim] and aromatic polycarboxylic acids (H2IA = isophthalic acid, H2MA = 5-methylisophthalic acid, and H3TA = trimesic acid) as coligands. The four complexes were characterized by IR and UV−vis spectra, elemental analyses, X-ray powder and single-crystal diffractions, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGAs).1features a zigzag polymeric macrocycle chain containing a nanotubular channel, which is constructed by bridging the folded 20-membered macrocyclic [Co2(Bim)2] subunits with IA ligands.2represents a double-chain structure containing 18-membered macrocyclic [Co2(Bim)(MA)] subunits. Both3and4are 2-D porous coordination polymers but have different architectures. In3, cage-like [Co4(Bim)2(MA)4] subunits are 4-connected nodes that are further bridged by another half-set of Bim ligands to form a 2-D helical structure containing one-dimensional achiral channels and alternately arranged left- and right-handed helical tubular channels. In4, Bim ligands bridge three crystallographically independent Co centers into sharply distorted left- and right-handed helices which are further connected by TA ligands to form a meso layer about 3.0 nm monolayer thickness with a unique (3,4)-connected topology. The structural diversities of coordination polymers1–4are tuned by the flexible coordination number of Co and coligand polycarboxylates. Thermal analyses show that the main frameworks of all compounds remain stable to 352 °C. Moreover, the interesting color changes of crystals1–4, varying from pink to purple and dark blue, result from the d → d* transitions of chromophoric Co2+in different coordination geometries as determined by the UV–vis spectra in combination with crystal structure analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonia (NH3) synthesis is one of the most important catalytic reactions in energy and chemical fertilizer production, which is of great significance to the sustainable development of society and the economy. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR), especially when driven by renewable energy, is generally regarded as an energy-efficient and sustainable process to synthesize NH3 in ambient conditions. However, the performance of the electrocatalyst is far below expectations, with the lack of a high-efficiency catalyst being the main obstacle. Herein, by means of comprehensive spin-polarized density functional theory (DFT) computations, the catalytic performance of MoTM/C2N (TM = 3d transition metal) for use in eNRR was systematically evaluated. Among the results, MoFe/C2N can be considered the most promising catalyst due to its having the lowest limiting potential (−0.26 V) and high selectivity in the context of eNRR. Compared with its homonuclear counterparts, MoMo/C2N and FeFe/C2N, MoFe/C2N can balance the first protonation step and the sixth protonation step synergistically, showing outstanding activity regarding eNRR. Our work not only opens a new door to advancing sustainable NH3 production by tailoring the active sites of heteronuclear diatom catalysts but also promotes the design and production of novel low-cost and efficient nanocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thimet oligopeptidase (TOP) is a zinc-dependent metallopeptidase. Recent studies suggest that Arabidopsis thaliana TOP1 and TOP2 are targets for salicylic acid (SA) binding and participate in SA-mediated plant innate immunity. The crystal structure of A. thaliana TOP2 has been determined at 3.0 Å resolution. Comparisons to the structure of human TOP revealed good overall structural conservation, especially in the active-site region, despite their weak sequence conservation. The protein sample was incubated with the photo-activated SA analog 4-azido-SA and exposed to UV irradiation before crystallization. However, there was no conclusive evidence for the binding of SA based on the X-ray diffraction data. Further studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of how SA regulates the activity of A. thaliana TOP1 and TOP2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Effect of ultrasound assisted emulsification on Rice Bran Protein-Chlorogenic Acid Complex Emulsion was researched. • Droplet morphology was investigated. • The stability of emulsion was improved. In this study, rice bran protein–chlorogenic acid (RBP–CA) emulsion was subjected to an ultrasonic-assisted treatment technique. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of chlorogenic acid (CA), and the morphology, particle size, zeta (ζ)-potential, atomic force microscopy image, viscosity, turbidity, and interfacial protein content of the emulsion under different ultrasonic power were investigated. The results revealed that the emulsion exhibited an encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of 86.26 ± 0.11% and 17.25 ± 0.06 g/100 g, respectively, at an ultrasonic power of 400 W. In addition, the size of the emulsion droplets decreased and became more evenly distributed. Furthermore, the viscosity of the emulsion decreased significantly, and it exhibited a turbidity and interfacial protein content of 24,758 and9.34 mg/m2, respectively. Next, the storage, oxidation, thermal, and salt ion stabilities of the emulsion were evaluated. The results revealed that the ultrasonic-assisted treatment considerably improved the stability of the emulsion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The rationally designed hierarchically SiC@PANI core/shell arrays. • The electrode couples the merits of both high capacity from PANI and structural stability from SiC. • The achieved high rate performance and robust stability of as-constructed supercapacitors. In the present work, we report the exploration of electrodes based on hierarchical SiC@polyaniline (SiC@PANI) core/shell nanowire arrays, which are synthesized by the combined methods of chemical vapor deposition and electrodeposition. The SiC@PANI electrode exhibits a specific capacitance of 352 mF cm−2 (at 1 mA cm−2), which is superior to those of pure SiC and PANI counterparts. Furthermore, it behaves a rate performance with a 90.3% retention in capacitance from 1 to 20 mA cm−2, which is better than those of most PANI-based electrodes ever reported. Moreover, the as-constructed supercapacitor delivers a high energy density of 6.59 μWh cm−2 at 0.25 mW cm−2, and undergoes a robust stability with 96.8% capacitance retention over 5000 cycles, which is much higher than that of pure PANI (∼76.2%), and close to that of pure SiC counterpart (∼99%). The achieved overall excellent electrochemical performance could be mainly attributed to the rationally designed electrode, which couples the merits of both high capacity from PANI and structural stability from SiC. A hierarchically SiC@PANI core/shell arrays electrode prepared by electrodeposition were reported. It demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance in all aspects of energy storage, including high energy density (6.59 μWh cm−2), high power density (2.5 mW cm−2), and superior rate performance (90.3% retention in capacitance from 1 to 20 mA cm−2) and cycling stability (∼96.8%). [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four organic–inorganic hybrid ionic liquid polyoxometalate (IL–POM) nanomaterials which combined excellent electrochemical properties of ILs and POMs have been fabricated by a facile synthesis method of solid-state chemical reaction at room temperature with the reactants of four ILs and Keggin-type structure phosphomolybdic acid. The electrochemical studies reveal that the as-prepared IL–POM modified carbon paste electrodes (IL–POM CPEs) show enhanced electrochemical responses than those of quaternary ammonium polyoxometalates, which may be due to the conductivities of the organic cations for ILs. Furthermore, IL–POM CPEs exhibit good catalytic activities and sensitive responses to the reduction of nitrite, bromate and hydrogen peroxide. Owing to its outstanding performance, the organic–inorganic hybrid IL–POM CPEs would take on promising prospects of the practical applications in electrochemical sensors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The CRISPRs (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) found in prokaryotic genomes confer small RNA-mediated protection against viruses and other invaders. CRISPR loci contain iterations of a short repeat sequence alternating with small segments of varying invader-derived sequences. Distinct families of CRISPR-associated Cas proteins function to cleave within the repeat sequence of CRISPR transcripts and produce the individual invader-targeting crRNAs. Here, we report the crystal structure of Pyrococcus furiosus Cas6 bound with a repeat RNA at 3.2 Å resolution. In contrast to other Cas families of endonucleases, Cas6 clasps nucleotides 2–9 of the repeat RNA using its two ferredoxin-like domains, and the enzyme-anchored 5′ end tethers the distal cleavage site of the RNA between nucleotides 22 and 23 to the predicted enzyme active site on the opposite side of the ferrodoxin-like domains. Our findings suggest a wrap-around mechanism for CRISPR RNA recognition and cleavage by Cas6 and related processing endonucleases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Box C/D small nucleolar and Cajal body ribonucleoprotein particles (sno/scaRNPs) direct site-specific 2′-O-methylation of ribosomal and spliceosomal RNAs and are critical for gene expression. Here we report crystal structures of an archaeal box C/D RNP containing three core proteins (fibrillarin, Nop56/58, and L7Ae) and a half-mer box C/D guide RNA paired with a substrate RNA. The structure reveals a guide-substrate RNA duplex orientation imposed by a composite protein surface and the conserved GAEK motif of Nop56/58. Molecular modeling supports a dual C/D RNP structure that closely mimics that recently visualized by electron microscopy. The substrate-bound dual RNP model predicts an asymmetric protein distribution between the RNP that binds and methylates the substrate RNA. The predicted asymmetric nature of the holoenzyme is consistent with previous biochemical data on RNP assembly and provides a simple solution for accommodating base-pairing between the C/D guide RNA and large ribosomal and spliceosomal substrate RNAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calenduloside E (CE) is a saponin isolated from Aralia elata (Miq) Seem, which has anti-cardiovascular disease effects. This study aims to evaluate the anti-myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) mechanisms of CE and regulation of BAG3 on calcium overload. We adopted siRNA to interfere with BAG3 expression in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and used adenovirus to interfere with BAG3 expression (Ad-BAG3) in primary neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (PNRCMs) to clarify the role of BAG3 in mitigating MIRI by CE. The results showed that CE reduced calcium overload, and Ad-BAG3 had a significant regulatory effect on L -type Ca2+ channels (LTCC) but no effects on other calcium-related proteins. And BAG3 and LTCC were colocalized in myocardial tissue and BAG3 inhibited LTCC expression. Surprisingly, CE had no regulatory effect on LTCC mRNA, but CE promoted LTCC degradation through the autophagy-lysosomal pathway rather than the ubiquitination-protease pathway. Autophagy inhibitor played a negative regulation of cardiomyocyte contraction rhythm and field potential signals. Ad-BAG3 inhibited autophagy by regulating the expression of autophagy-related proteins and autophagy agonist treatment suppressed calcium overload. Therefore, CE promoted autophagy through BAG3, thereby regulating LTCC expression, inhibiting calcium overload, and ultimately reducing MIRI. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of prime importance to develop anode electrocatalysts for direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) with good performance, which is critical for their commercial applications. Metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived carbon materials are extensively developed as supports of catalysts. Herein, Co embedded nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube hollow porous carbon (Co-NCNT-HPC) derived from MOFs have been fabricated, which were synthesized by pyrolyzing at an optimized temperature of 800 °C using ZIF-8@ZIF-67 as a precursor. The presence of ZIF-8@ZIF-67 ensures the doping of nitrogen and the large specific surface area of the support materials at high temperatures. A Pt/Co-NCNT-HPC800 sample, which was synthesized using Co-NCNT-HPC800 as a support, showed an enhanced mass activity of 416.2 mA mg−1Pt for methanol oxidation reaction (MOR), and the onset potential of COad oxidation of 0.51 V, which shifted negatively about 0.13 V compared with Pt/C (20%). Moreover, the Pt/Co-NCNT-HPC800 sample exhibits high stability. This work provides a facile strategy for MOF-derived carbon materials to construct advanced electrocatalysts for MOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the depth of coal mining is gradually increased in China, the intensity of related coal and gas outbursts will become ever-greater. Accurate forecasting of coal and gas outburst is the key to preventing and controlling such incidents. This study uses gray relational analysis (GRA) to identify the four main geological and environmental indicators of coal and gas outburst risk based on the characteristics of the factors influencing coal and gas outburst and their relationships with outburst strength. A Fuzzy SPA (F-SPA) model was constructed using set pair analysis and the coupled weighting method, and coal and gas outburst intensity level was predicted for 25 locations in coal mine No. 8 in the Pingdingshan mining area using the F-SPA model and applying a confidence criterion. The forecast results were compared with those derived using three other methods as well as against actual outbursts that have occurred at those locations. The results of this comparison show that the method proposed in this study has a forecast accuracy of up to 96%. The reliability of the prediction model is verified by error analysis. This case study demonstrates the reliability of the proposed method and provides a new tool for the prevention and control of coal and gas outburst hazards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Statins, the first‐line medication for dyslipidemia, are linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. But exactly how statins cause diabetes is yet unknown. In this study, a developed short‐term statin therapy on hyperlipidemia mice show that hepatic insulin resistance is a cause of statin‐induced diabetes. Statin medication raises the expression of progesterone and adiponectin receptor 9 (PAQR9) in liver, which inhibits insulin signaling through degradation of protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent 1 (PPM1α) to activate ERK pathway. STIP1 homology and U‐box containing protein 1 (STUB1) is found to mediate ubiquitination of PPM1α promoted by PAQR9. On the other hand, decreased activity of hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) seems to be the cause of PAQR9 expression under statin therapy. The interventions on PAQR9, including deletion of PAQR9, caloric restriction and HNF4α activation, are all effective treatments for statin‐induced diabetes, while liver specific over‐expression of PPM1α is another possible tactic. The results reveal the importance of HNF4α‐PAQR9‐STUB1‐PPM1α axis in controlling the statin‐induced hepatic insulin resistance, offering a fresh insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying statin therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Despite its widespread use, in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes are challenged by implantation failure, largely due to factors such as embryo quality and endometrial receptivity. In this study, we investigated the clinical effect of office hysteroscopy (OH) on the subsequent frozen–thawed embryo transfer (FET) in infertile women who experienced a failed IVF–embryo transfer (IVF‐ET) cycle. Methods: We included 577 infertile women who underwent OH because of a history of failed ET between October 2019 and September 2021. During OH, visible endometrial polyps (EPs) were diagnosed and removed by curette or biopsy forceps; chronic endometritis (CE) was diagnosed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry and treated with oral doxycycline (0.2 g/d) for 14 days. According to the hysteroscopic findings and endometrial pathology with immunohistochemistry, patients were divided into three groups: group A (n = 161) had CE with or without EPs, group B (n = 156) had EPs only, and group C (n = 260) had no CE or EPs. Results: In the following FET cycle, the implantation rates were 47%, 51%, and 45% (P = 0.411); the clinical pregnancy rates were 56%, 62%, and 55% (P = 0.436); the live birth rates were 45%, 51%, and 42% (P = 0.205); and the miscarriage rates were 18%, 16%, and 22% (P = 0.497) in groups A, B, and C, respectively. There were no significant differences among groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: OH is helpful for diagnosis and treatment of abnormal intrauterine environment in women with a failed IVF cycle and further improves their pregnancy outcome in the following FET. Synopsis: Before subsequent fertilization–embryo transfer, office hysteroscopy is helpful for improving pregnancy outcome in women with failed in vitro fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A MOF-derived Co embedded into NCNT decorated mesoporous carbon support was synthesized. • In situ formation of NCNTs and mesoporous carbon can effectively enhanced methanol electrooxidation activity. • The high concentration of N containing pyrrole type species is beneficial to the anchoring and growth of Pt nanoparticles. • Mesoporous carbon is beneficial to electron and mass transport enhancing the electrochemical performance. The fabrication of a Pt-based catalyst with high activity and stability for methanol electrooxidation is both of vital importance and challenging for direct methanol fuel cells. Herein, a catalyst support based on Co embedded into N-doped nanotube decorated mesoporous carbon (Co@NCNTs-MC) derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) was synthesized by a pyrolysis method at an appropriate temperature and duration using ZIF-67 as a precursor, and melamine as an additional nitrogen source. The presence of melamine ensures adequate nitrogen content at high temperature, promotes the formation of NCNTs through the help of Co nanoparticles in the pyrolysis process and forms a mesoporous carbon structure. The optimum pyrolysis condition was found to be 800 °C for 4 h. A Pt-based catalyst was synthesized with the as-prepared Co@NCNTs-MC support which was found to significantly improve the dispersion of Pt nanoparticles and enhance the transportation of electrons and mass. Co-N x bonds are shown to provide an abundance of active sites. A Pt/Co@NCNTs-MC800-4 sample is found to show mass activities of 700.3 mA mg−1 Pt for methanol electrooxidation, which is approximately 4.5 times higher than that of 20% Pt/C. This work brings new opportunities to design and prepare promising catalyst supports for direct methanol fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Pd/NP-CF catalysts modified by ionic liquid polyoxometalates are synthesized. • The catalysts exhibit enhanced performances in formic acid electrooxidation. • The anionic and cationic parts of polyoxometalates influence the performance. Direct formic acid fuel cells have great application potential in the energy field, but their commercialization is hindered by the CO poisoning and low performance of Pd-based anode catalysts. In this study, novel composite catalysts composed of Pd, organic-inorganic hybrid imidazole ionic liquid polyoxometalates, and N,P-codoped coal-based carbon fibers with good dispersion and smaller Pd nanoparticles were synthesized successfully. Physical and electrochemical characterizations revealed that the as-prepared Pd-based composite catalysts have excellent CO poisoning resistance and enhanced electrocatalytic activity in formic acid electrooxidation. Notably, the CO oxidation onset potential of a catalyst modified by imidazole ionic liquid polyoxometalate with long alkyl chain was 0.1 V lower than that of the unmodified catalyst. The mass activity of the as-prepared Pd catalyst in formic acid oxidation was 754.1 mA mg−1 Pd. It is expected that organic-inorganic hybrid polyoxometalates can be further applied to fuel cell catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panaxatriol (PT) is a natural product derived from ginseng that possesses cardioprotective effects in isolated rat hearts. To develop more potent therapeutic agents against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury from natural products, a novel series of heterocycle ring-fused panaxatriol derivatives were designed and synthesized. In vitro results showed that approximately half of them exhibited increased cytoprotective activity compared with PT in a cardiomyocyte model of oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R) injury. Furthermore, the in vitro activity of the representative derivative, compound 18 , was also confirmed in a rat model of MI/R injury. In vivo results showed that 18 can markedly reduce myocardial infarction size, decrease circulating cardiac troponin I (cTnI) leakage, and alleviate cardiac tissue damage in the rats. Therefore, these findings provide the basis for further development of novel anti-MI/R injury agents. Image 1 • A series of heterocycle ring-fused panaxatriol (PT) derivatives were designed and synthesized. • The compounds were evaluated for cardioprotective activity in a cardiomyocyte model of OGD/R injury. • Approximately half of the PT derivatives exhibited more potent cytoprotective activity than PT. • Representative compound, 18 , attenuated the reperfusion injury in a rat model of myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and its subsequent Omicron variant has raised concerns for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients due to the potential risk of disruptions to healthcare services and unknown comorbidities between COPD and Omicron. Method: In this study, we conducted a follow‐up investigation of 315 COPD patients during the Omicron outbreak at Shanxi Bethune Hospital to understand the impact of the pandemic on this vulnerable population. Among all patients, 228 were infected with Omicron, of which 82 needed hospitalizations. Result: We found that COPD patients with high blood eosinophil (EOS) counts exhibited lower susceptibility to Omicron infection and were more likely to have milder symptoms that did not require hospitalization. Conversely, patients with low EOS counts showed higher rates of infection and hospitalization. Moreover, EOS count was positively correlated with T lymphocyte counts in hospitalized patients after Omicron infection, suggesting potential associations between EOS and specific immune responses in COPD patients during viral infections. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between EOS count and lymphocyte and T‐cells, and a negative correlation between EOS count and age, neutrophil, and C‐reactive protein. Conclusion: Overall, our study contributes to the knowledge of COPD management during the COVID‐19 Omicron outbreak and emphasizes the importance of considering individual immune profiles to improve care for COPD patients in the face of the ongoing global health crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Araloside C (AsC) has potential cardioprotective properties. However, the underlying mechanism of AsC-mediated cardioprotection, especially the role of mitochondrial function, remains largely unknown. Here, we used H9c2 cardiomyocytes to study the cardioprotective mechanisms of AsC through H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative stress. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase release, mitochondrial functions and bioenergetics were evaluated. Western blot analysis was used to measure the protein expression levels of apoptosis and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Results revealed that AsC increased cell viability, improved mitochondrial membrane potential disruption, decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species level, elevated cellular ATP levels and alleviated impaired mitochondrial respiration in H 2 O 2 -induced H9c2 cardiomyoblasts injury. Furthermore, AsC modulated apoptosis-associated protein expression and AMPK pathway in H9c2 cells under oxidative stress. In conclusion, AsC potentially protects H9c2 cardiomyoblasts against oxidative stress by regulating mitochondrial function and AMPK activation. AsC may be an effective therapeutic agent for the prevention of oxidative stress in cardiac injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been verified as a breakthrough with respect to the management of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) in recent decades but associated with some serious adverse phenomena, particularly cardiac functional abnormalities. Salvianolic acid A (Sal A) is a major effective component in treating ATO-induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess whether Sal A had protective effects by the regulation of calcium homeostasis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. For the in vivo study, BALB/c mice were treated with ATO and/or Sal A via daily tail vein injections for two weeks. For the in vitro study, we detected the effects of ATO and/or Sal A in real time using adult rat ventricular myocytes (ARVMs) and an IonOptix MyoCam system. Our results showed that Sal A pretreatment alleviated cardiac dysfunction and Ca2+ overload induced by ATO in vivo and vitro. Moreover, Sal A increased sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) activity and expression, alleviated [Ca2+]ER depletion, and decreased ER stress-related protein expression. Sal A protects the heart from ATO-induced injury and its administration correlates with the modulation of SERCA, the recovery of Ca2+ homeostasis, and the down-regulation of ER stress-mediated apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiotoxicity remains an important concern in drug discovery and clinical medication. Meanwhile, Sophora tonkinensis Gapnep. (S. tonkinensis) held great value in the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine, but cardiotoxic effects were reported, with matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine being the primary toxic components. Methods: In this study, impedance and extracellular field potential (EFP) of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) were recorded using the cardio non-labeled cell function analysis and culture system (Cardio-NLCS). The effects of matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine (2, 10, 50 μM) on cell viability; level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), and cardiac troponin I (CTn-I); antioxidant activities; production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA); and disruption of intracellular calcium homeostasis were also added into the integrated assessment. Results: The results showed that matrine and sophocarpine dose-dependently affected both impedance and EFP, while oxymatrine and cytisine altered impedance significantly. Our study also indicated that cardiotoxicity of matrine, oxymatrine, cytisine, and sophocarpine was related to the disruption of calcium homeostasis and oxidative stress. Four alkaloids of S. tonkinensis showed significant cardiotoxicity with dose dependence and structural cardiotoxicity synchronized with functional changes of cardiomyocytes. Conclusions: This finding may provide guidance for clinical meditation management. Furthermore, this study introduced an efficient and reliable approach, which offers alternative options for evaluating the cardiotoxicity of the listed drugs and novel drug candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigments with color diversity, hydrophobicity, biocompatibility and photostability are significantly attractive in cosmetic, but it is still a challenge to invent them. To achieve this promising goal, this study demonstrates an unprecedented concept of pigments from assembling zein protein to dye-modified layered double hydroxides (zein/dye-LDHs) by a simple two-step method. Elaborate characterizations including X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Ultraviolet−visible absorption spectra and thermogravimetric analysis confirm the successful exploration of zein/dye-LDHs biohybrid with the sandwich structure that dye is intercalated into the interlayer space of LDHs by the host-guest interaction between host sheets and guest dye anions, while zein is grafted on dye-LDHs surface via electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The intercalation into the interlayer region of LDHs and zein grafting remarkably improved the hydrophobicity and photostability of organic dyes and obviously decreased their irritation potential. Further, the diversified color could be easily achieved via adjusting the dosage of pigment and the lipstick formulated with zein/dye-LDHs demonstrated good water resistance, low color migration, natural appearance and high sustainability. These results open a new direction for fabricating pigment with adjustable color hue, good hydrophobicity, high photostability and outstanding biocompatibility, which would inspire more exploration of other biohybrid pigments and applications. [Display omitted] • Zein/dye-LDHs biohybrid with a sandwich structure is first reported in hydrophobic pigment. • Zein/dye-LDHs exhibits enhanced photostability, better hydrophobicity as well as less toxicity compared to organic dyes. • The performance of Zein/dye-LDHs is elucidated by water resistance test, color migration test and sustainability evaluation. • The combination of LDHs intercalation and zein grafting is vital for determining the pigmentary and cosmetic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to identify the key potential insulin resistance (IR)-related genes and investigate their correlation with immune cell infiltration in type 2 diabetes (T2D). The GSE78721 dataset (68 diabetic patients and 62 controls) was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and utilized for single-sample gene set enrichment analysis. IR-related genes were obtained from the Comparative Toxicology Genetics Database, and the final IR-differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by intersecting with the DEGs obtained from the GSE78721 datasets. Functional enrichment analysis was performed, and the networks of the target gene with microRNA, transcription factor, and drug were constructed. Hub genes were identified based on a protein–protein interaction network. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Random Forest and Boruta analysis were combined to screen diagnostic biomarkers in T2D, which were validated using the GSE76894 (19 diabetic patients and 84 controls) and GSE9006 (12 diabetic patients and 24 controls) datasets. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to validate the biomarker expression in IR mice and control mice. In addition, infiltration of immune cells in T2D and their correlation with the identified markers were computed using CIBERSORT. We identified differential immune gene set regulatory T-cells in the GSE78721 dataset, and T2D samples were assigned into three clusters based on immune infiltration. A total of 2094 IR-DEGs were primarily enriched in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Importantly, HDAC9 and ARRDC4 were identified as markers of T2D and associated with different levels of immune cell infiltration. HDAC9 mRNA level were higher in the IR mice than in control mice, while ARRDC4 showed the opposite trend. In summary, we discovered potential vital biomarkers that contribute to immune cell infiltration associated with IR, which offers a new sight of immunotherapy for T2D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of O2 with Ptn and the optical absorption properties of PtnO2 were explored under the framework of density functional theory. The Ptn (n= 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 14, 18, 22, and 27) clusters were selected, which were reported as magnetic number Ptn clusters in reference (V. Kumar and Y. Kawazoe, Phys. Rev. B 77(20), 205418 (2008)). The single Pt atom was also considered. The longest O2 bonds were found for Pt27O2, Pt6O2 and Pt14O2, while PtO2 and Pt2O2 have the shortest O2 bonds. This result showed that the single Pt atom was not preferred for O2 activation. The O2 bond length was closely related to the electron transfer from Ptn to O2. The optical absorptions of PtnO2 were investigated with time-dependent density functional theory method. A new term of charge transfer strength was defined to estimate the further electron transfer from Ptn to O2 caused by the optical absorption in the visible light range. Our calculations showed that with the increasing n, the further electron transfer from Ptn to O2 caused by optical absorption will become very weak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrodiae Rhizoma is a highly valuable traditional herbal medicine commonly used to treat neurological disorders. The present study is designed to determine the antidepressant-like effect of the Gastrodiae Rhizoma water extract (GRWE) on a depression model and the potential mechanisms. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rat model was used to induce depression. The sucrose preference test, open field test, forced swimming test, and tail suspension test were performed to assess the depressive-like behaviors, respectively. Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) function was measured via plasma corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) concentrations. Plasma concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were also evaluated. The results showed that GRWE significantly attenuates the behavioral abnormalities in CUMS rats, as shown by elevated sucrose consumption, raised locomotor activity, and reduced immobility duration. Moreover, GRWE treatment reduced CORT, ACTH, CRF, and GR levels and decreased the plasma IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations. These findings indicate that GRWE improves depressive behaviors in a chronic stress model of rats; its effect may be ascribed to the modulation of the HPA axis activity and inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient and inexpensive electrocatalysts play an important role in the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of electrolytic water splitting. Herein, Ni2P-MoC/coal-based carbon fiber (Ni2P-MoC/C-CF) self-supporting catalysts were obtained by low-temperature phosphorization and high-temperature carbonization. The Mo source and oxidized coal were uniformly dispersed in the carbon support by electrospinning technology. A precursor of Ni was introduced by the impregnation method. The synergistic effect of MoC and Ni2P may reduce the strong hydrogen adsorption capacity of pure MoC and provide a fast hydrogen release process. In addition, the C-CFs prepared by electrospinning can not only prevent the agglomeration of MoC and Ni2P particles at a high temperature but also provide a self-supporting support for the catalyst. As a result, the catalytic performance of the HER was improved greatly, and a low overpotential of 112 mV at 10 mA cm−2 was exhibited stably by the Ni2P-MoC/C-CFs. This work not only converts coal into coal-based carbon materials but also provides a feasible pathway for the rational design of large-scale molded hydrogen electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To design highly efficient electrochemistry system was important for construct simple and sensitive biosensors, which was crucial in clinical diagnosis and therapy. In this work, a novel electrochemistry probe N,N′-di (1-hydroxyethyl dimethylaminoethyl) perylene diimide (HDPDI) with positive charges was reported to show two-electron redox behavior in neutral phosphate buffer solution between 0 and -1.0 V. And K 2 S 2 O 8 in solution could significantly increase the reduction current of HDPDI at −0.29 V, which was interpreted with cyclic catalysis mechanism of K 2 S 2 O 8. Moreover, HDPDI as electrochemical probe and K 2 S 2 O 8 as signal enhancer was used to design aptasensors for protein detection. Thrombin was used as target model protein. Thiolate ssDNA with thrombin-binding sequence was immobilized on gold electrode to selectively capture thrombin and adsorb HDPDI. The thiolate ssDNA without binding with thrombin was with random coil structure and could adsorb HDPDI through electrostatic attraction interaction. However, the thiolate ssDNA binding with thrombin became G-quadruplex structure and hardly adsorbed HDPDI. Thus, with increasing the concentration of thrombin, the current signal stepwisely decreased and was taken as detection signal. Compared with other aptasensors based on electrochemistry molecules without signal enhancer, the proposed aptasensors exhibited wider linear response for thrombin between 1 pg mL−1 and 100 ng mL−1 with lower detection limit 0.13 pg mL−1. In addition, the proposed aptasensor showed good feasibility in human serum samples. [Display omitted] • The electrochemistry of N,N'-di(1-hydroxyethyl dimethylaminoethyl) perylene diimide(HDPDI) in aqueous system was reported. • K 2 S 2 O 8 could largely increase the reduction current of HDPDI at -0.29 V due to the cyclic catalysis of K 2 S 2 O 8. • The aptasensors based on HDPDI and K 2 S 2 O 8 exhibited wider linear response for thrombin between 1 pg mL−1 and 100 ng mL−1. • The aptasensors showed good feasibility in human serum sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometriosis is a common inflammatory disorder in women of reproductive age due to an abnormal endometrial immune environment and is associated with infertility. This study aimed to systematically understand the endometrial leukocyte types, inflammatory environment, and impaired receptivity at single-cell resolution. We profiled single-cell RNA transcriptomes of 138 057 endometrial cells from endometriosis patients (n = 6) and control (n = 7), respectively, using 10x Genomics platform. We found that one cluster of epithelial cells that expressed PAEP and CXCL14 was mostly from the control during the window of implantation (WOI). This epithelial cell type is absent in the eutopic endometrium during the secretory phase. The proportion of endometrial immune cells decreased in the secretory phase in the control group, whereas the cycle variation of total immune cells, NK cells, and T cells was absent in endometriosis. Endometrial immune cells secreted more IL-10 in the secretory phase than in the proliferative phase in the control group; the opposite trend was observed in endometriosis. Proinflammatory cytokines levels in the endometrial immune cells were higher in endometriosis than in the control group. Trajectory analysis revealed that the secretory phase epithelial cells decreased in endometriosis. Ligand–receptor analysis revealed that 11 ligand–receptor pairs were upregulated between endometrial immune and epithelial cells during WOI. These results provide new insights into the endometrial immune microenvironment and impaired endometrial receptivity in infertile women with minimal/mild endometriosis. We systematically revealed the eutopic endometrial single-cell transcriptome immune landscape in minimal/mild endometriosis and compared it with that of disease-free controls. Our study provides new insights into the eutopic endometrial inflammatory microenvironment and defective endometrial receptivity in patients with endometriosis-associated infertility. Our results give clues into immunopathogenesis of endometriosis endometriosis-associated infertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As one of the most effective analgesics, opioids are essential for patients with cancer-related pain, even in the context of the opioid abuse crisis. The current meta-analysis aimed to identify whether concomitant exposure to opioids can affect the efficacy of ICIs and lead to a worse prognosis. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched based on the PRISMA checklist, through April 2022, for the following terms: ("opioids" OR "concomitant medication") AND ("Neoplasm" OR "Carcinoma" OR "Cancer" OR "Tumor") AND ("Immunotherapy" OR "Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor" OR "PD-L1 Inhibitor" OR "PD-1 Inhibitor" OR "CTLA-4 Inhibitor"). The outcomes considered were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) calculated using the random-effects or fixed-effects model. Results: After screening 531 studies, a total of 7 articles involving 2690 patients were eligible for quantitative analysis. The use of opioids was negatively correlated with OS (HR 1.75, 95%CI 1.32–2.31, P < 0.001; I2 = 81%, P < 0.001) and significantly reduced the PFS (HR 1.61, 95%CI 1.41–1.83, P < 0.001; I2 = 0%, P = 0.63) of patients treated with ICIs. Similar results were obtained in each subgroup analysis. While NSAIDs could lead to poor OS (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.03–1.51, P = 0.02; I2 = 0%, P = 0.60) but not PFS (HR 1.11, 95% CI = 0.89–1.39, P = 0.36) for ICIs patients. And sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability of the results. Conclusion: Opioids significantly reduced OS and PFS in patients receiving ICI therapy. Thus, the use of different types of opioids should be considered with caution, and it is necessary to actively develop alternative treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The associations between short- and long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and allergic symptoms in middle-aged and elderly populations remain unclear, particularly in China, where most cities have severe air pollution. Methods: Participants (n = 10,142; age = 40–75 years) were recruited from ten regions in China from 2018 to 2021 for the Predictive Value of Inflammatory Biomarkers and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s (FEV1) for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (PIFCOPD) study. Short-term (lag0 and lag0–7 day) and long-term (1-, 3- and 5-year) PM2.5 concentrations at residences were extracted from the air pollutant database known as Tracking Air Pollution (TAP) in China. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate associations for short- and long-term PM2.5 exposure concentrations and long-term exposure models were additionally adjusted for short-term deviations. Results: A 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 on the day the allergic symptoms questionnaire was administered (lag0 day) was associated with higher odds of allergic nasal (1.09, 95% CI 1.05, 1.12) and eye symptoms (1.08, 95% CI 1.05, 1.11), worsening dyspnea caused by allergens (1.06, 95% CI 1.02, 1.10), and ≥ 2 allergic symptoms (1.07, 95% CI 1.03, 1.11), which was similar in the lag0–7 day concentrations. A 10 µg/m3 increase in the 1-year average PM2.5 concentration was associated with an increase of 23% for allergic nasal symptoms, 22% for eye symptoms, 20% for worsening dyspnea caused by allergens, and 21% for ≥ 2 allergic symptoms, similar to the 3- and 5-year average PM2.5 concentrations. These associations between long-term PM2.5 concentration and allergic symptoms were generally unchanged after adjustment for short-term deviations. Conclusions: Short- and long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 was associated with an increased risk of allergic nasal and eye symptoms, worsening dyspnea caused by allergens, and ≥ 2 allergic symptoms. Trial registration: Clinical trial ID: NCT03532893 (29 Mar 2018). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An RNA-based gene silencing pathway that protects bacteria and archaea from viruses and other genome invaders is hypothesized to arise from guide RNAs encoded by CRISPR loci and proteins encoded by the cas genes. CRISPR loci contain multiple short invader-derived sequences separated by short repeats. The presence of virus-specific sequences within CRISPR loci of prokaryotic genomes confers resistance against corresponding viruses. The CRISPR loci are transcribed as long RNAs that must be processed to smaller guide RNAs. Here we identified Pyrococcus furiosus Cas6 as a novel endoribonuclease that cleaves CRISPR RNAs within the repeat sequences to release individual invader targeting RNAs. Cas6 interacts with a specific sequence motif in the 5' region of the CRISPR repeat element and cleaves at a defined site within the 3' region of the repeat. The 1.8 angstrom crystal structure of the enzyme reveals two ferredoxin-like folds that are also found in other RNA-binding proteins. The predicted active site of the enzyme is similar to that of tRNA splicing endonucleases, and concordantly, Cas6 activity is metal-independent. cas6 is one of the most widely distributed CRISPR-associated genes. Our findings indicate that Cas6 functions in the generation of CRISPR-derived guide RNAs in numerous bacteria and archaea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, tin nanoparticles were green synthesized using the aqueous extract of Calendula officinalis. Different techniques such as FE-SEM, XRD, FT-IR, and EDS analysis were used to characterize SnNPs@ C. officinalis. A 21.87 nm was obtained for the crystal size of the tin nanoparticles using XRD analysis. The FE-SEM images show a spherical morphology for SnNPs@ C. officinalis with a range size of 21.63–64.07 for the synthetic nanoparticles. The anti-breast cancer effects of biologically synthesized SnNPs@ C. officinalis against breast cancer cell lines were assessed. The anti-breast cancer properties of the SnNPs@ C. officinalis could significantly remove the MCF7, Hs 319.T, and MCF10 cancer cell lines in a time and concentration-dependent manner by MTT assay. The antioxidant activity of SnNPs@ C. officinalis was determined by the DPPH method. The SnNPs@ C. officinalis showed the highest antioxidant activity according to the IC50 value. It seems the anti-human breast cancer effect of recent nanoparticles is due to their antioxidant effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypothesis: Cochlear microphonic recorded at ear canal (CM‐EC) can be a substitute for the one recorded at round window (CM‐RW). Background: Almost all clinics do not measure tone‐burst evoked CM due to technical difficulty although it can provide more information than click evoked CM. Moreover, clinicians like the CM‐EC more than that measured at CM‐RW because CM‐EC is non‐invasive. There is difference between CM‐RW and CM‐EC, for example, CM‐EC is less prominent than CM‐RW, therefore, studying tone‐burst evoked CM‐EC and its relationship with CM‐RW are highly significant and can promote the clinical application of CM‐EC. Method: Nine guinea pigs were randomly allocated into three groups, group 1 was not exposed to noise, called normal control. group 2 and group 3 were exposed to the low‐ (0.5–2 kHz) and high‐frequency band‐noise (6–8 kHz) at 120 dB SPL for 1 h, respectively. It was difficulty to record low‐frequency CM due to severe environmental interruption, in current study the recording technology of tone‐burst evoked CM was optimized so that tone‐burst evoked CM was measured across full speech frequency (0.5–8 kHz) in the presence of normal hearing and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Results: CM‐RW and CM‐EC were successfully recorded across speech frequency. Significant reduction in CM amplitude was observed at 0.5 and 2 kHz in group 2, at 6 and 8 kHz in group 3 as compared to group 1, p <.05, indicating that CM amplitude was sensitive to band‐noise exposure. Significant correlation between CM‐RW and CM‐EC was also verified, p <.05. Conclusion: CM‐EC is a useful objective test for evaluation of hearing function; the result of current study supports the clinical application of non‐invasive CM‐EC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]