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Netrin-1 is typically known as a neuronal guidance factor. Studies have reported the proangiogenic, antiapoptotic, and antiinflammatory properties of Netrin-1. A critical role for Netrin-1 in ischemic organ damage, myocardial infarction (MI) in particular, has also been demonstrated, making Netrin-1 a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promising therapeutic efficacy in preclinical studies. However, limited clinical success was observed, mainly due to poor MSC survival. Given the reported beneficial impact of Netrin-1 in tissue repair and cell survival, we examined the effects of Netrin-1 in MSC therapy against MI-induced ischemic cardiac injury in rats and type 2 diabetic (T2D) mice. MSCs were isolated and Netrin-1-expressing MSCs were obtained by transduction with a Netrin-1-encoding retroviral vector. The Netrin-1-MSCs were then delivered intramyocardially to the infarct sites of rats and T2D mice with MI. Thirty days after MSC implantation, changes at the infarct area, level of collagen deposition, and cardiac hypertrophy were assessed. Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of Netrin-1 were also investigated. Attenuated MI-induced myocardial dysfunction was observed after Netrin-1-MSC treatment. Protective effects of the Netrin-1-MSCs were attributable primarily to better MSC survival and migration, which is mediated by Netrin-1-induced phosphorylation of p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase. Netrin-1-stimulated nitric oxide production was also responsible, which could promote neovessel formation and progenitor cell mobilization in vivo. We report a protective role for Netrin-1 against MI-induced ischemic injuries, reinstating its promising potential as a therapeutic target for CVDs and, more importantly, for patients with CVD with coexisting diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microstructure, internal friction (IF) behavior spectra, heat flow curves, and mechanical strength of Fe-18Ga- x La (x = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 at.%) alloys were systematically analyzed in this investigation. In the IF spectra, a relaxation IF peak (Labeled as P 1) and a peak related to order-disorder phase transition (Labeled as P tr) are observed in the temperature range of 400 °C–690 °C. It is found trace La doping has a significant effect on the P tr peak. With the increase of the La-doped content, the peak of P tr gradually shifts to a lower temperature and the net peak height decreases. Combining with phase diagram, DSC, Grazing Incidence X-ray diffraction (GI-XRD) spectra and SEM, the mechanisms of the reduction of both the critical temperature and the strength of P tr peak for the Fe-18Ga- x La alloy are ascribed to the precipitation of LaGa 2 phase, which reduces the Ga content gradually in the matrix. Further, the mechanism is verified in Fe-18.1Ga alloy and Fe-19.3Ga alloy. In addition, the trace La doping can significantly improve the mechanical strength of the Fe − 18Ga alloy. • A series of IF peaks were observed in Fe-18Ga- x La alloy. • Trace La doping has a significant effect on the P tr peak. • The mechanism of the reduction of the peak position is ascribed to the precipitation of LaGa 2 phase. • Trace La doping can significantly improve the mechanical strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hg2+ is a serious environmental contaminant that can cause severe damage to the immune and nervous systems, and Hg2+ monitoring is critical. Herein, we report a novel, simple, and sensitive Hg2+ sensor based on the enhanced peroxidase‐like activity of chitosan–gold nanoparticles (CS‐AuNPs). The peroxidase‐like activity of the CS‐AuNPs can be markedly enhanced by Hg2+ as seen by the deeper color and increased absorbance at 652 nm. This improved catalytic ability was used to develop a sensitive and selective colorimetric sensor for Hg2+ detection. The limit of detection via the absorption spectra is as low as 0.02 μM. The mechanism underlying the enhanced catalytic ability is discussed. This approach is label‐free, simple, and offers detection with the naked eye. Thus, it has potential applications for the detection of Hg2+ in environmental and food samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid, reliable and sensitive reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method with fluorescence detection (RP-FLD-HPLC) was developed and validated for simultaneous analysis of the abamectin (ABA), emamectin (EMA) benzoate and ivermectin (IVM) residues in rice. After extraction with acetonitrile/water (2 : 1) with sonication, the avermectin (AVMs) residues were directly derivatised by N-methylimidazole (N-NMIM) and trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) and then analysed on RP-FLD-HPLC. A good linear relationship (r2 > 0.99) was obtained for three AVMs ranging from 0.01 to 5 µg ml−1, i.e. 0.01–5.0 µg g−1 in rice matrix. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) were between 0.001 and 0.002 µg g−1 and between 0.004 and 0.006 µg g−1, respectively. Recoveries were from 81.9% to 105.4% and precision less than 12.4%. The proposed method was successfully applied to routine analysis of the AVMs residues in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]