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Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in the activation of innate immune response in animals. In this study, we identified a TLR from the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense (MnToll1) and investigated its functions in immunity. The MnToll1 protein shares similar structural characteristics with other known Toll family proteins. MnToll1 transcripts are broadly distributed in all of the examined tissues, and its expression level was significantly up-regulated by bacterial challenge. RNAi-mediated knockdown of MnToll1 significantly impaired the survivability of Vibrio -challenged prawns. RNAi experiments also revealed that the expression of several antimicrobial peptide genes were regulated by MnToll1. Moreover, we found the extracellular region of MnToll1 could directly bind to bacteria and bacterial glycoconjugates. These findings suggest that MnToll1 function as a pattern recognition receptor to recognize invading pathogen and initiate downstream gene expression, to participate in antibacterial defense of M. nipponense. • RNAi-mediated knockdown of MnToll1 significantly impaired the survivability of Vibrio -challenged prawns. • The expression of several antimicrobial peptide genes were regulated by MnToll1. • The extracellular region of MnToll1 could directly bind to bacteria and bacterial glycoconjugates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TM6SF2 , predominantly expressed in the liver and intestine, is closely associated with lipid metabolism. We have demonstrated the presence of TM6SF2 in VSMCs within human atherosclerotic plaques. Subsequent functional studies were conducted to investigate its role in lipid uptake and accumulation in human vascular smooth muscle cells (HAVSMCs) using siRNA knockdown and overexpression techniques. Our results showed that TM6SF2 reduced lipid accumulation in oxLDL-stimulated VSMCs, likely through the regulation of lectin-like oxLDL receptor 1 (LOX-1) and scavenger receptor cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) expression. We concluded that TM6SF2 plays a role in HAVSMC lipid metabolism with opposing effects on cellular lipid droplet content by downregulation of LOX-1 and CD36 expression. • TM6SF2 is highly expressed in SMCs in intimal lesions of human coronary artery atheromas. • OxLDL upregulates the expression of TM6SF2 in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in HAVSMCs. • Knockdown of TM6SF2 enhances oxLDL uptake in HAVSMCs by upregulating the expression of LOX-1 and CD36. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Removal of organic solvents and heavy metals in effluents is of great significance to environmental pollution control and ecological civilization construction. pH-responsive materials have unique advantages in treating complicated oily wastewater. In this work, an intelligent pH-responsive nonwoven fabric with excellent reversible wettability was prepared. The pH-sensitive polymer was synthesized by free radical polymerization (FRP) technique, then dipped with SiO 2 on PP fabric. The particular molecular structure of poly (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) enabled the fabric surface to switch wettability rapidly between hydrophilic/underwater oleophobic and oleophobic/hydrophobic under pH stimulus and exhibit controllable selective separation of various oil/water mixtures. Furthermore, the fabric removed Pb2+ efficiently under a wide pH range. The experimetal results showed that the separation flux reached 19,229 ± 1656.43 L-h−1-m−2 for water and 19,342 ± 1796.77 L-m−2-h−1 for n-hexane. Besides, the obtained fabric effectively realized the separation and collection process of complex ternary mixtures. The fabric removed Pb2+ in solutions with efficiency up to 90.83%. After immersing in acid and alkali solutions for 24 h, no significant damage to the surface wettability. This economical and intelligent fabric is able to meet the different separation purposes of industrial wastewaters with complex compositions. • A polymer coating with pH responsive property was prepared by using non-toxic and biocompatible monomers. • The pHR-PP could convert surface wettability from hydrophilic/oleophobic to hydrophobic/oleophilic under the stimulation of pH. • The pHR-PP could simultaneously adsorb heavy metal ions and realized heavy oil/water/light oil ternary mixture separation. • The pHR-PP possess good reusability and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii , an obligate intracellular parasite, is able to infect many animal species and humans, and can cause toxoplasmosis of the host. In this study, we examined sequence variation in rhoptry protein 47 (ROP47) gene among T. gondii isolates originating from different hosts and geographical regions. The entire genome region of the ROP47 gene was amplified and sequenced, and phylogenetic relationship was reconstructed using maximum parsimony (MP), maximum likelihood (ML) and neighbor-joining (NJ), based on the ROP47 gene sequences. The results of sequence alignments showed that all ROP47 gene sequences were 396 bp in length. There were 19 variable nucleotide positions in the coding region, resulted in 16 amino acid substitutions (12.21%) among all examined T. gondii strains and the existence of polymorphic restriction sites for endonucleases SacI and AflIII, allowing the differentiation of the three major clonal lineage types I, II and III by PCR-RFLP. Phylogenetic analysis of ROP47 gene sequences showed that three major clonal lineage types I, II and III were clustered differently, consistent with PCR-RFLP results. These results suggest that ROP47 gene sequence may represent a potential novel genetic marker for population genetic studies of T. gondii isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, two new organometallic triprisms catalytic systems, 1 , 2 were successfully constructed by the reaction of edge arm units E1 , E2 and a tridentate ligand 4, 4′, 4''-(1H-imidazole-2, 4, 5-triyl) tripyridine (L1), respectively through the coordination-driven self-assembly strategy at room temperature. The structural configuration of triprisms 1 and 2 were determined by X-ray crystallography in combination with NMR spectroscopy. And a carefully structural analysis shows that there exists an obvious and ordered supramolecular pockets based on accumulation effect of these discrete triprisms, which could accommodate appropriate guest molecules by space effect and supramolecular interactions including hydrgen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Interestingly, anthracene (ANT) molecules could be wrapped in the confined pockets to form stable ANT@ 1 complex in solution, which could be confirmed forcefully by UV–vis and 1H NMR spectra. Notably, when the ANT@ 1 was irradiated in methanol under UV light of 365 ​nm, a new set of NMR peaks appeared, well matching these signals of di-paraanthracene, clearly demonstrating the occurrence of [4 ​+ ​4] cycloaddition reaction. This research provides a new idea for photodimerization of ANT into di-paraanthracene. Two new organometallic triprism, 1 , 2 were constructed successfully based on a tridentate ligand L1 through the coordination-driven self-assembly. The structural analysis of triprism shows the ordered supramolecular pore channel could provide an effective space to accommodate appropriate guest molecules. The 1H NMR and UV–vis spectrum display that anthracene (ANT) in 1 could achieve [4 ​+ ​4] cycloaddition reaction under UV irradiation of 365 ​nm in methanol. [Display omitted] • Two novel organometallic triprism, 1 , 2 were constructed successfully based on a tridentate ligand L1 through the coordination-driven self-assembly. • The structural analysis of triprism shows the ordered supramolecular channel based on accumulation effect could provide an effective space to accommodate appropriate guest molecules. • The 1H NMR and UV–vis spectrum display that anthracene (ANT) in 1 could achieve the [4 ​+ ​4] cycloaddition reaction under UV light irradiation of 365 ​nm in methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a new metal-organic framework (MOF) {[Co(azpy) (bps) (H 2 O)]·DMF·2.3H 2 O} n , 1 , (azpy ​= ​4,4′-azopyridine, H 2 bps ​= ​4, 4′- bibenzoic acid-2, 2′-sulfone (H 2 bps) has been synthesized by solvothermal method. Complex 1 was characterized in detail by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectrum, PXRD and thermogravimetric analysis. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis for 1 indicates that two azpy ligands bearing unusual cis -configuration bridge two Co2+ cations, forming an interesting one-dimensional nanopore channel. And these nanopore channels finally form a three-dimensional framework by multiple π···π stacking interactions. Besides, visible-light-driven H 2 production exhibited that complex 1 displayed a high-efficiently photocatalytic hydrogen generation (1.44 ​mmol ​g−1·h−1) without additional photosensitizers and cocatalysts. Moreover, the photocurrent response of 1 , solid-state UV–Vis absorption spectra of 1 and free ligands were also explored. A new three-dimensional Co (II) based MOF structure was synthesized successfully by one-dimensional pore channel accumulation. The MOF displays a high-efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution capacity without additional photosensitizers and cocatalysts, arising from the electron transfer between the ligand and the metal in the stacking system. [Display omitted] • One new 3D Co (II) based MOF structure was synthesized successfully by one-dimensional pore channel accumulation. • The MOF displays a high-efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution capacity without additional photosensitizers and cocatalysts. • High-efficient photocatalytic hydrogen of the MOF arise from the electron transfer between the ligand and the metal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The C1q tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related proteins 9 (CTRP9), an adipocyte-derived cytokine, affects a number of physiological processes, including immune function and inflammation. We investigated whether CTRP9 affects the expression of inflammation-related genes in Raw 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages. The CTRP9-induced expression of iNOS increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner. LPS and CTRP9 promote the expression of iNOS jointly in Raw 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages. CTRP9 induced the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 in Raw 264.7 and peritoneal macrophages. VX509 (JAK2 inhibitor) reduced the CTRP9-induced iNOS protein production. In addition, the CTRP9-induced phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 was dramatically reduced by VX509. Collectively, these results suggest that JAK2/STAT3 signaling is involved in the CTRP9-induced expression of iNOS. • CTRP9 promotes iNOS expression in a dose-and time-dependent manner. • CTRP9 has synergistic effect with LPS in inducing expression of iNOS protein. • JAK2/STAT3 pathway is involved in CTRP9-induced iNOS expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The immune deficiency (IMD) signal pathway mediates innate immunity against Gram-negative bacteria in crustaceans. In the present study, an IMD homolog (MnIMD) from the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense was identified. The full-length cDNA of MnIMD was 782bp with an open reading frame of 549 bp that encodes a putative protein of 182 amino acids including a death domain at the C-terminus. Multiple alignment analysis showed that IMDs in prawn M. nipponense and other crustaceans shared high similarity. The recombinant protein of MnIMD was expressed and purified for further functional analyses. Western blot analysis indicated that MnIMD was present in many tissues, but with the highest level in the gills, which was consistent with the qRT-PCR results. After Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge, MnIMD was significantly induced in gills. RNA interference analysis showed that the IMD pathway was involved in regulating the expression of different antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes, including Cru4 and Cru6. These results are helpful in promoting research on the innate immunity in M. nipponense. Highlights • MnIMD specifically regulates the expression of two crustins (Cru4 and Cru6). • The MnIMD gene is up-regulated after Vibrio challenge in prawns. • The two crustins, regulated by the MnIMD , also respond to Vibrio challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of cardiac interstitial fibrosis. In this study, we explored the role of interleukin-17 in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy and the underlying mechanisms. The level of IL-17 increased in both the serum and cardiac tissue of diabetic mice. Knockout of IL-17 improved cardiac function of diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ), and significantly alleviated interstitial fibrosis as manifested by reduced collagen mRNA expression and collagen deposition evaluated by Masson's staining. High glucose treatment induced collagen production were abolished in cultured IL-17 knockout cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). The levels of long noncoding RNA-AK081284 were increased in the CFs treated with high glucose or IL-17. Knockout of IL-17 abrogated high glucose induced upregulation of AK081284. Overexpression of AK081284 in cultured CFs promoted the production of collagen and TGFβ1. Both high glucose and IL-17 induced collagen and TGFβ1 production were mitigated by the application of the siRNA for AK081284. In summary, deletion of IL-17 is able to mitigate myocardial fibrosis and improve cardiac function of diabetic mice. The IL-17/AK081284/TGFβ1 signaling pathway mediates high glucose induced collagen production. This study indicates the therapeutic potential of IL-17 inhibition on diabetic cardiomyopathy disease associated with fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of high-activity MOF-on-MOF derived carbon nanomaterials are elaborately prepared via heteroepitaxial growth and subsequent calcination, which exhibit efficient oxygen reduction as well as Zn-air battery. [Display omitted] • A series of MOF-on-MOF heterostructures can be synthesized by.heteroepitaxial growth. • CoZnNC -2 endows abundant N -doping, dispersive Co nanoparticles, and large porosity. • The rational regulation of MOF-derived carbons is demonstrated for efficient ORR. The rational design and facile construction of hybrid metal–organic framework (MOF) with hierarchical nanostructures can motivate novel and multifunctional platforms to attain desirable performance. In this work, a new series of MOF-on-MOF heterostructures, including ZIF-8 / Zinc(II)-hexamethylenetetramine (ZIF-8/Zn-HMT) and ZIF-8 + ZIF-67/Zn-HMT-X (ZIF/Zn-HMT-X) , can be conveniently synthesized by heteroepitaxial growth. The as-obtained carbon nanosheets of CoZnNC-X are calcined from a CoZn MOF-on-MOF precursor, and they have abundant N -doping, dispersive Co particles, conductive network and large specific surface area, exhibiting efficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) as well as Zn-air battery (ZAB) performance. Among them, the most optimal CoZnNC-2 shows an onset potential of 0.95 V, high diffusion-limited current density of 5.41 mA cm−2, small Tafel slope of 59.1 mV dec−1 and excellent stability. Furthermore, the as-assembled ZAB based on CoZnNC-2 reveals a large power density of 113 mW cm−2 and a high specific capacity of 713.5 mAh g−1. Hence, the demonstrated work paves a brand-new route to rationally regulate MOF-derived carbon nanomaterials as efficient electrocatalysts for energy conversion and storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) in water environments attracts more attention; however, the mechanisms involved in this process have not been clearly elucidated yet. In this study, the photocatalytic reduction of Cr(VI) by polydopamine modified Bi 2.15 WO 6 (PDA/BWO) under visible light was conducted. Kinetics results show that PDA apparently accelerates the reduction of Cr(VI). The quasi-first-order kinetic constant of Cr(VI) reduction by 5PDA/BWO is 70.0 times that of the original BWO, reaching 0.070 min−1. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman analyses confirm the formation of ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) complex [Bi(III) O C] between PDA and BWO. The formed Bi(III) O C complex enhances visible light response and narrows the bandgap of PDA/BWO. The photoelectrochemical and photoluminescent characterization further reveals that the formed Bi(III) O C complex inhibits the recombination of carriers, thus enhancing the photocatalytic reactivity of PDA/BWO. Electrons, are derived from three paths, including dye sensitization, LMCT and bandgap excitation, contribute to Cr(VI) reduction by PDA/BWO. This study provides new insights on the paths of Cr(VI) reduction by PDA/BWO under visible light. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are expressed in cardiomyocytes, which gate a type of influx of extracellular calcium, the capacitative calcium entry. TRP channels play a role in mediating Ca2+ overload in the heart. Calcium-sensing receptors (CaR) are also expressed in rat cardiac tissue and promote the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes by Ca2+ overload. However, data about the link between CaR and TRP channels in rat heart are few. In this study, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting were used to examine the expression of the TRP canonical proteins TRPC1 and TRPC3 in adult and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Laser scan confocal microscopy was used to detect intracellular [Ca2+] i levels in isolated adult rat ventricular myocytes. The results showed that, in adult rat cardiomyocytes, the depletion of Ca2+ stores in the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) by thapsigargin induced a transient increase in [Ca2+] i in the absence of [Ca2+] o and the subsequent restoration of [Ca2+] o sustained the increased [Ca2+] i for a few minutes, whereas, the persisting elevation of [Ca2+] i was reduced in the presence of the TRPC inhibitor SKF96365. The stimulation of CaR by its activator gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) or spermine also resulted in the same effect and the duration of [Ca2+] i increase was also shortened in the absence of [Ca2+] o . In adult and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes, GdCl3 increased the expression of TRPC3 mRNA and protein, which were reversed by SKF96365 but not by inhibitors of the L-type channels and the Na+/Ca2+ exchangers. However, GdCl3 had no obvious effect on the expression of TRPC1 protein. These results suggested that CaR stimulation induced activation of TRP channels and promoted the expression of TRPC3, but not TRPC1, that sustained the increased [Ca2+] i . [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Inspired by fish scales, this study prepares a thermo-responsive underwater oleophobic PNIPAM/PAN/TiO 2 nanofibrous membranes by traditional electrospinning technique using poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN). Thermal properties, mechanical properties, surface chemical composition, wettability, photocatalysis, and oil/water separation of PNIPAM/PAN/TiO 2 membrane are explored compared to pure PNIPAM membrane. Result reveals that PAN/TiO 2 compounds make PNIPAM membrane with a smaller fiber diameter of 141 nm and high tensile stress of 7.4 MPa, and also decompose 98% of rhodamine B after UV light radiation. This bioinspired design structure endows the membrane with superhydrophilicity with a low water contact angle, and underwater superoleophobicity with a high oil contact angle of 157° (petroleum ether) and 151° (dichloromethane). This membrane can efficiency separate oil/water mixture with a high separation efficiency. Moreover, the resultant PNIPAM/PAN/TiO 2 membrane has the bionic fish scale structure, and has wettability respond at lower critical solution temperature making the water flux decreased from 10013 ± 367 L m−2·h−1 to 7713 ± 324 L m−2·h−1, and thus has a potential to be used in purification of reclaimed water and separation of oil from water. Image 1 • Hydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic PNIPAM/PAN/TiO 2 membranes are fabricated through traditional electrospinning inspired by fish-scale. • This membrane possesses excellent photocatalysis, self-cleaning and temperature responsive performance. • The membranes can effectively separation oil/water mixture with high flux. • The membranes show a much higher critical tensile stress and tensile strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), an extracellular signaling molecule, influences diverse biological events, including the pathophysiological process induced after ischemic brain injury. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating the pathological change after ischemic stroke remain elusive. Here we report that asparagine endopeptidase (AEP), a lysosomal cysteine proteinase, is regulated by LPA during stroke. AEP proteolytically cleaves tau and generates tauN368 fragments, triggering neuronal death. Inhibiting the generation of LPA reduces the expression of AEP and tauN368, and alleviates neuronal cell death. Together, this evidence indicates that the LPA-AEP pathway plays a key role in the pathophysiological process induced after ischemic stroke. Inhibition of LPA could be a useful therapeutic for treating neuronal injury after stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, one interdigitated molecular and two metallarectangles were realized successfully using two rigid bidentate ligands (L1 , L2) and two building blocks (E1 , E2) via coordination-driven self-assembly strategy. Interestingly, a novel interdigitated structure has been successfully formed through triple π-π stacking interactions, different from the previously reported interlocked [2]catenanes. Based on the π-π stacking interaction, nonradiative transitions were promoted and obvious photothermal transitions effect was triggered in solution and solid states. In addition, it is found that the interdigitated structure has a decent photothermal conversion efficiency of about 12% in solution state. This study provides open up new ideas for our future development of near-infrared photothermal conversion materials. A series of discrete metallarectangles and an interdigitated molecule were synthesized by coordination-driven self-assembly. These topologies were unambiguously confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, IR spectroscopy as well as X-ray crystallography. In addition, triple π-π stacking interactions were found in the interdigitated structure, which results in the capability of photothermal conversion. [Display omitted] • One interdigitated molecular and two metallarectangles were realized successfully using two rigid bidentate ligands and two building blocks via coordination-driven self-assembly strategy. • The interdigitated structure was constructed through triple π-π stacking interactions, different from the previously reported interlocked [2]catenanes, which result in nonradiative transitions and trigger photothermal conversion in both the solution and the solid states. • The photothermal conversion study exhibits a good photothermal conversion efficiency (12%) for the interdigitated structure at 660 ​nm in the solution state. This study provides open up new ideas for our future development of near-infrared photothermal conversion materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a novel organometallic Figure-of-Eight was designed rationally and constructed smoothly by coordination driven self-assembly. Single X-ray diffraction analysis displayed that the molecular Figure-of-Eight bear two ways of winding (left handed and right handed). In addition, two sets of strong π-π stacking interactions could be observed clearly based on four imide groups from two ligand L 2 , which might result in nonradiative transitions and trigger photothermal conversion in both the solution and the solid states. Thus, the photothermal conversion study was performed in different laser densities (0.5, 0.7, 0.9, 1.1, 1.3, 1.5 ​W/cm2) at 660 ​nm in both solution and solid states. The results exhibited a good photothermal conversion efficiency (16.34%) at the laser density of 0.9 ​W/cm2 in the solution state. This study reflects clearly that the half-sandwich-based complexes could be utilized as valuable NIR photothermal conversion materials, which might be promising candidates for further improvement of materials science. A novel molecular Figure-of-Eight with bearing two ways of winding (clockwise and counterclockwise) was synthesized based on a flexible ligand and one building block. Surprisingly, the molecular Figure-of-Eight shows excellent NIR photothermal conversion in the solution state because of π-π stacking interactions. Besides, the NIR photothermal conversion efficiency will change as well as the current intensity of the near-infrared laser. [Display omitted] • A novel organometallic Figure-of-Eight was designed rationally and constructed smoothly by coordination driven self-assembly. • Two sets of strong π-π stacking interactions result in the formation of this topological complex and result in nonradiative transitions and trigger photothermal conversion in both the solution and the solid states. • The photothermal conversion study exhibits a good photothermal conversion efficiency (16.34%) at the laser density of 0.9 ​W/cm2 at 660 ​nm in the solution state. This study reflects clearly that the half-sandwich-based complexes could be utilized as valuable NIR photothermal conversion materials, which might be promising candidates for further improvement of materials science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a series of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, [Co(pip)(4,4′-bpy)] n (1), [Co 2 (pip) 2 (bibp)] n (2), [Mn(pip)bidmp] n (3) and [Ni(pip)(bibp)(H 2 O)] n (4) (bpy ​= ​4,4′-bipyridine, bibp ​= ​4,4-bis(imidazolyl)biphenyl, bidmb ​= ​1,4-bis(1-imidazoly)-2,5-dimethylbenzene), have been solvothermally synthesized based on the main ligand 6-(3-pyridyl)isophthalic acid (H 2 pip) and structurally characterized by various methods. These MOFs all present three dimensional (3D) pillared-layer frameworks, and through systematic modulation of auxiliary ligands and metal ions, their structures can be well regulated from nonporous to porous. Considering their excellent thermal and water stability, the dye removal properties from water solutions of these MOFs were further studied, and notably, 2 which has the largest porosity of the four MOFs, exhibits very fast selective adsorption of methyl orange over Rhodamine B (MO/RhB) with a total MO uptake amount of 83.4 ​mg ​g−1. Moreover, the catalytic CO 2 transformation properties of these MOFs were also carried out under mild conditions, of which 2 exhibited the highest catalytic activity with 69.57% yield for propylene carbonate and 50.55% for butylene carbonate, respectively. [Display omitted] • Four 3D pillared-layer MOFs, namely 1 – 4 , have been synthesized by systematic modulation of auxiliary ligands and metal ions. • All of the four MOFs reveal excellent hydrothermal stability. • 2 exhibits superior behavior in fast selective MO adsorption over RhB and CO 2 catalytic conversion processes. • The unique framework structures endow compound 2 with multifunctional applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] MGOs/SA could be easily separated from reaction medium by a permanent magnet. [•] The presence of aniline affected the removal characteristic of Cd(II). [•] Precipitation curve was applied to the mechanism study of Cd(II) removal. [•] Increase of ionic strength resulted in a decrease of the Cd(II) adsorption. [•] The Cd(II) removal was a physicochemical process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Capacitative calcium entry (CCE) refers to the influx of calcium through plasma membrane channels activated on depletion of endoplasmic sarcoplasmic/reticulum (ER/SR) Ca2+ stores, which is performed mainly by the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. TRP channels are expressed in cardiomyocytes. Calcium-sensing receptor (CaR) is also expressed in rat cardiac tissue and plays an important role in mediating cardiomyocyte apoptosis. However, there are no data regarding the link between CaR and TRP channels in rat heart. In this study, in rat neonatal myocytes, by Ca2+ imaging, we found that the depletion of ER/SR Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin (TG) elicited a transient rise in cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i), followed by sustained increase depending on extracellular Ca2+. But, TRP channels inhibitor (SKF96365), not L-type channels or the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger inhibitors, inhibited [Ca2+]i relatively high. Then, we found that the stimulation of CaR with its activator gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) or by an increased extracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]o) increased the concentration of intracelluar Ca2+, whereas, the sustained elevation of [Ca2+]i was reduced in the presence of SKF96365. Similarly, the duration of [Ca2+]i increase was also shortened in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Western blot analysis showed that GdCl3 increased the expression of TRPC6, which was reversed by SKF96365. Additionally, SKF96365 reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by GdCl3. Our results suggested that CCE exhibited in rat neonatal myocytes and CaR activation induced Ca2+-permeable cationic channels TRPCs to gate the CCE, for which TRPC6 was one of the most likely candidates. TRPC6 channel was functionally coupled with CaR to enhance the cardiomyocyte apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Infection with human papillomaviruses (HPV) is strongly associated with the development of cervical cancer. The HPV E6 oncogene induces apoptosis in cervical cancer precursor lesions but the mechanism is poorly understood. While it is expected that inactivation of p53 by E6 should lead to a reduction in apoptosis, E6 also sensitizes cells to apoptosis under some experimental conditions. Here, we demonstrate that expression of E6 in human keratinocytes rendered sensitization to chemotherapeutic agents. The cell death was shown to be by apoptosis involving caspase activation and the mitochondria pathway. To explore mechanisms involved in sensitization of E6 expressing cells to apoptosis, we used a proteomic approach to identify proteins differentially expressed in E6 expressing and control keratinocytes. Among nearly a thousand proteins examined, Cdc2 was demonstrated to be the most dramatically up-regulated protein in E6 expressing cells. p53 degradation appears to be important for the up-regulation of Cdc2 by E6. Using genetic, pharmacologic, and siRNA strategies, a role for Cdc2 in E6 expression-conferred apoptosis was demonstrated. Thus, these results have important therapeutic implications in enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]