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In this paper, we prove the strong unique continuation property for the following fourth order degenerate elliptic equation Δ X 2 u = V u , where Δ X = Δ x + | x | 2 α Δ y (0 < α ≤ 1), with x ∈ R m , y ∈ R n , denotes the Baouendi-Grushin type subelliptic operators, and the potential V satisfies the strongly singular growth assumption | V | ≤ c 0 ρ 4 , where ρ = (| x | 2 (α + 1) + (α + 1) 2 | y | 2) 1 2 (α + 1) is the gauge norm. The main argument is to introduce an Almgren's type frequency function for the solutions, and show its monotonicity to obtain a doubling estimate based on setting up some refined Hardy-Rellich type inequalities on the gauge balls with boundary terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of tea polyphenols (TP) and different types of teas (green, black and oolong tea) processed from the same fresh leaves on pancreatic α-amylase activity were studied using potato starch and cooked potato as substrates. The results showed that, with the both substrates, low concentration of TP significantly increased α-amylase activity while high concentration inhibited it by non-competitive fashion. In addition, the extents of enzymatic activation and inhibition were different when TP was pre-incubated with α-amylase or starch, respectively. The interaction of TP with enzyme/starch led to decreased antioxidant capacity. Results also showed that all the three types of teas significantly enhanced α-amylase activity for a wide range of concentrations (0.34–27.14 mg/mL), and green tea showed the highest activation effect. It is concluded that high concentration of TP exhibits mild inhibitory effect against α-amylase, while green tea, black tea and oolong tea enhance α-amylase activity, which may be due to other constituents in the tea, enhancing α-amylase activity that counteracts the inhibitory effect of TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Carbon nanotubes can be adsorbed with liquid metal nanoparticles to form a complex (LM@CNTs) • LM@CNTs can initiate the rapid polymerization of water-soluble vinyl monomers to form hydrogel. • LM@CNTs acts as initiator, crosslinker and conductive filler simultaneously. • The resulting hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical, adhesive and electrical performance. • Hydrogels are injectable and are expected to be used in 3D printing. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) usually served as conductive and reinforcing nanofillers for making nanocomposites have never been reported to play a role in accelerating fabrication of hydrogels. Herein, we report an important discovery that by involving CNTs and liquid metal (LM) to form a complex (LM@CNTs), multifunctional hydrogels are rapidly prepared from vinyl monomers without heating or adding any initiators and crosslinkers. Study results demonstrate that LM@CNTs not only performs as both initiator and crosslinker for synthesizing hydrogels, but also dramatically reduces the polymerization duration from 3 days to minute levels, compared with that of only LM involved in hydrogel fabrication. Specifically, the complex initiates (<60 s) and crosslinks (<8min) monomers to form the high-performance hydrogels, which significantly reduces energy consumptions. The resulting polyacrylic acid (PAA) hydrogel possesses super stretchability (∼1200 %), high tensile strength (0.96 MPa), outstanding strain sensitivity (Gauge factor = 15.40 at 300–500 % strain), and excellent adhesion to various substrate surfaces. Additionally, the injectable molding performance will benefit the mass production of the hydrogels, which exhibits great potential for applications of wearable flexible sensors. This study provides an environmentally friendly, rapid polymerization, and energy-saving strategy by effectively applying nano-fillers for viable fabrication and application of multifunctional hydrogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Global prior shape for ultrasound kidney segmentation. [•] Maximum likelihood of Fisher–Tippett distribution as a region term. [•] Fast algorithm for segmentation with region and shape term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, we prove an asymptotic mean value formula of sub-p-harmonic functions in the viscosity sense on the Heisenberg group. As an application, we give a new proof of the Harnack inequality for sub-p-harmonic functions on the Heisenberg group. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper we consider a new variational model for multiplicative noise removal. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the minimizer for the variational problem. Furthermore, we derive the existence and uniqueness of weak solutions for the associated evolution equation. Finally, some numerical experiments are shown to compare the proposed model with the model given by Aubert and Aujol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alcohol intake is one of the important lifestyle factors for the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Acetaldehyde, the major ethanol metabolite which is far more reactive than ethanol, has been postulated to participate in alcohol-induced tissue injury although its direct impact on insulin signaling is unclear. This study was designed to examine the effect of acetaldehyde on glucose uptake and insulin signaling in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells. Akt, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), ribosomal-S6 kinase (p70S6K), the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E)-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2 were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Glucose uptake and apoptosis were measured using [3H]-2-deoxyglucose uptake and caspase-3 assay, respectively. Short-term exposure (12 h) of acetaldehyde (150 μM) facilitated glucose uptake in a rapamycin-dependent manner without affecting apoptosis, IRS-2 expression and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in SH-SY5Y cells. Acetaldehyde suppressed basal and insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation without affecting total Akt expression. Acetaldehyde inhibited mTOR phosphorylation without affecting total mTOR and insulin-elicited response on mTOR phosphorylation. Rapamycin, which inhibits mTOR leading to inactivation of p70S6K, did not affect acetaldehyde-induced inhibition on phosphorylation of Akt and mTOR. Interestingly, acetaldehyde enhanced p70S6K activation and depressed 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, the effect of which was blunted and exaggerated, respectively, by rapamycin. Collectively, these data suggested that acetaldehyde did not adversely affect glucose uptake despite inhibition of insulin signaling cascade at the levels of Akt and mTOR, possibly due to presence of certain mechanism(s) responsible for enhanced p70S6K phosphorylation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we establish a generalization of Hadamard''s inequality to r-convex functions on Carnot groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] The active cyano-group in polyacrylonitrile has severe passivation of lithium anode under larger current density, which restricts the wide application of polyacrylonitrile(PAN) in lithium metal batteries. Herein, in order to address the excessive passivation of lithium metal by PAN, inspired by the pre-oxidation of carbon fibers, PAN was pre-oxidized at 230 °C, which transformed part of the cyano group into a more chemically stable cyclized structure. The electrochemical and mechanical properties of the composite solid electrolyte were effectively improved by introducing the fast ionic conductor Li 6.25 La 3 Zr 2 Al 0.25 O 12 into PAN by electrospinning. The oxidized PAN-based composite solid electrolyte presents high ionic conductivity (3.05 × 10−3 S·cm−1) and high lithium transference number of 0.79 at 25 °C, further contributing to a high electrochemical window (5.3 V). The solid-state batteries assembled by Li||10 wt%-LLZAO@230-oxy-PAN||NCM523 behave superb electrochemical performance, delivering a high initial discharge capacity of 157 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C. After 100 cycles, the capacity retention was 93.3 %, indicating the electrolyte displays great electrochemical stability. This work provides new insights into the structural design of polymer-based high-voltage batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Enhancing the flame retardancy of epoxy (EP) resins typically entailed a trade-off with other physical properties. Herein, hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) (HPAA) and phytic acid (PA) were used to functionalize graphene oxide (GO) via electrostatic self-assembly in water to prepare a phosphorus-nitrogen functionalized graphene oxide nanosheet (PN-GOs), which could be utilized as high efficient flame-retardant additive of epoxy resin without sacrificing other properties. The PN-GOs demonstrated improved dispersion and compatibility within the EP matrix, which resulted in significant concurrent enhancements in both the mechanical performance and flame-retardant properties of the PN-GOs/EP nanocomposites over virgin EP. Notably, the incorporation of just 1.0 wt% PN-GOs yielded a 20.4, 6.4 and 42.7 % increases in flexural strength, flexural modulus and impact strength for the PN-GOs/EP nanocomposites, respectively. Furthermore, simultaneous reductions were achieved in the peak heat release rate (pHRR) by 60.0 %, total smoke production (TSP) by 43.0 %, peak CO production rate (pCOP) by 57.9 %, and peak CO 2 production rate (pCO 2 P) by 63.9 %. This study presented a facile method for the design of GO-based nano flame retardants, expanding their application potential in polymer-matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] To achieve rapid preparation of hydrogels without using conventional chemical initiators, a stable suspension of eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn) liquid metal nanoparticles is explored by probe-sonicating the metal in an aqueous solution. Liquid metal suspension was sonicated to serve as a photo-initiator for acrylamide polymerization and produce hydrogels. The initiation effect comes from the fact that liquid metal suspension after sonication can produce a large number of free radicals when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, leading to initiation. The changes of liquid metal nanodroplets under UV light irradiation have been systematically investigated. Further, the liquid metal colloidal solutions were used to prepare hydrogels with the same transparency and adjustable mechanical properties as the samples initiated by commercial photo-initiators. This work shows the great application potential of liquid metal in the preparation of hydrogels and provides a new technical idea for the design of multifunctional hydrogels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Linear polymer (e.g. polyethylene oxide, PEO) based electrolytes have been widely studied due to their flexibility and relatively good contact against electrodes. However, the linear polymers are prone to crystallization at room temperature and melting at moderate temperature, restricting their application in lithium metal batteries. To address these problems, a self-catalyzed crosslinked polymer electrolyte (CPE) was designed and prepared by the reaction of poly (ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether) (PEGDGE) and polyoxypropylenediamine (PPO) with only the bistrifluoromethanesulfonimide lithium salt (LiTFSI) added and with no any initiators. LiTFSI catalyzed the reaction by reducing the activation energy to form a crosslinked network structure, which was identified by calculation, NMR and FTIR. The as-prepared CPE has high resilience and a low glass transition temperature (Tg = −60 °C). Meanwhile, the solvent-free in-situ polymerization technique has been adopted in the assembly of the CPE with electrodes to decrease the interfacial impedance greatly and improve the ionic conductivity to 2.05 × 10−5 S cm−1 and 2.55 × 10−4 S cm−1 at room temperature and 75 °C, respectively. As a result, the in-situ LiFeO 4 /CPE/Li battery exhibits outstanding thermal and electrochemical stability at 75 °C. Our work has proposed an initiator-free and solvent-free in-situ self-catalyzed strategy of preparing high performance crosslinked solid polymer electrolytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The garnet ceramic Li 6.4 La 3 Zr 1.4 Ta 0.6 O 12 (LLZTO) modified separators have been proposed to overcome the poor thermal stability and wettability of commercial polyolefin separators. However, the side reaction of LLZTO in the air leads to deterioration of environmental stability of composite separators (PP-LLZTO), which will limit the electrochemical performance of batteries. Herein, the LLZTO with the polydopamine (PDA) coating (LLZTO@PDA) was prepared by solution oxidation, and then applied it to a commercial polyolefin separator to achieve a composite separator (PP-LLZTO@PDA). LLZTO@PDA is stable in the air, and no Li 2 CO 3 can be observed on the surface even after 90 days in the air. Besides, LLZTO@PDA coating endows the PP-LLZTO@PDA separator with the tensile strength (up to 103 MPa), good wettability (contact angle 0°) and high ionic conductivity (0.93 mS cm−1). Consequently, the Li/PP-LLZTO@PDA/Li symmetric cell cycles stably for 600 h without significant dendrites generation, and the assembled Li//LFP cells with PP-LLZTO@PDA-D30 separators deliver a high capacity retention of 91.8% after 200 cycles at 0.1C. This research provides a practical strategy for constructing composite separators with excellent environmental stability and high electrochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Carbon nanofiber (CNF)/polycaprolactone (PCL) composites were three-dimention (3D) printed into electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding parts. 3D-printing process led to an inhomogeneous CNFs distribution in printed composites. The special high-resistance "internal surfaces" introduced between printed threads reduced the conductivity of printed parts and resulted in characteristic secondary percolation phenomena. Meanwhile, the accelerated melt flow in nozzle oriented CNFs in composites along the printing direction, increasing the percolation threshold compared to the random arrangement. As two stage of percolation networks formed, the 3D-printed CNF/PCL parts exhibited excellent EMI shielding performance, with EMI shielding effectiveness value up to 58.7 dB. By controlling the packing density of the printed part, a large number of apertures and heterogeneous interfaces were easily introduced into the interior of parts. It promoted multiple reflection and absorption of electromagnetic waves inside the parts, and enabled adjustment of weight and shielding effectiveness. Therefore, the 3D printing enabled the flexible formation of complex porous structures. From basic materials to designed components, the 3D printing technology can facilitate the transformation of shielding materials into high performance components that are finely designed both internally and externally, making it a promising technology in the field of manufacturing lightweight, high performance EMI shielding materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a dynamic network, the characteristics of local nodes include first and higher-order proximity among the nodes as well as different attributes attached to each node. This complexity impose significant challenge for dynamic network modeling. As a result, few dynamic network studies have considered high-order proximity among local nodes. In this paper, we adopt the network embedding method to map high-order proximity of local nodes into low-dimensional, dense and real-valued vectors. Morevoer, we incorporate it into a model-based evolutionary clustering method through regularity conditions. Such a unified framework can increase the effectiveness and robustness of dynamic community detection while pertaining a good explanatory and visualization ability. Experiments based on synthetic and real world data sets show that our model can produce better community detection results than other popular models such as DECS and Genlouvain in dense networks. This result is consistent with the advantage of network embedding method in dense networks. • NEDCF is proposed, which incorporates network embedding with an evolutionary clustering. • NEDCF preserves a good explanatory ability in describing community evolution patterns. • Extensive experimental results show that NEDCF can produce better results than other models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bi-MOF nanocomposites were synthesized by self-assembly in hydrothermal reaction. • Quantum dot-like magnetic metals were embedded in C matrix derived from bilayer MOFs. • The core-shell double carbon layer enhanced dielectric loss and impedance matching. • Unique nanostructures contributed to efficient and tunable absorbing properties. • The reflection loss and effective absorption bandwidth of Bi-MOF nanocomposites are adjustable through structure control. Metal-organic framework materials (MOF) have become a new generation of microwave absorption (MA) materials. However, it is still challenging to design an appropriate microstructure that can efficiently adjust the microwave absorbing characteristics. Herein, a novel bimetal-doped core-shell carbon derived from nickel-cobalt dual-ligand MOF has been successfully prepared. By changing the ratio of the second ligand, the morphology can change from sea urchin-like to rod-like and petal-like shapes, thereby regulating the final wave absorption performance of MOF derivatives. The Bi-MOF-1 exhibited strong microwave absorption (up to −70.70 dB), while Bi-MOF-2 presented broad effective absorption bandwidth (5.92 GHz). The analyses indicated that the excellent impedance matching can be attributed to the double-layer magnetic loss and multiple dielectric loss of the core-shell structure. This work provides a feasible approach for the design and preparation of functional composite structures based on MOF derivatives with controllable microwave absorbing properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Triterpenoids GLTA and GLTB display anti-EV71 activities without cytotoxicity. [•] The compounds prevent EV71 infection by blocking adsorption of the virus to the cells. [•] GLTA and GLTB bind to EV71 capsid at the hydrophobic pocket to block EV71 uncoating. [•] The two compounds significantly inhibit the replication of EV71 viral RNA. [•] GLTA and GLTB may be used as potential therapeutic agents to treat EV71 infection. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Procymidone (PCM) below the no-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL) has previously been proven to induce ovarian and uterine damage in adolescent mice due to its raised circRNA Scar, decreased circZc3h4, and overactivated unfolded protein response (UPR). Also, 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA) inhibits histone deacetylase and endoplasmic reticulum stress, reduces UPR, improves metabolism, and ensures homeostasis within the endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, 20, 40 and 80 mM of 4-PBA were utilized respectively to intervene the damage caused by 1.0 × 10−5 M PCM to ovaries and uterus in vitro culture. Besides, 100 mg/kg /d 4-PBA was intraperitoneally injected to female adolescent mice before, during and after oral administration of 100 mg/kg /d PCM for prevention and cure to observe tissue changes in the ovaries and uteri, and levels of circRNA Scar, circZc3h4 and UPR members. Our findings demonstrated that in vitro experiments, all doses of 4-PBA could inhibit ovarian and uterine damage caused by PCM, and the effect of 80 mM was especially noticeable. In the in vivo experiments, the best results were obtained when PCM was given with simultaneous 4-PBA intervention, i.e., minimal ovarian and uterine damage. Both in vivo and in vitro, 4-PBA in the ovary and uterus resulted in decreased circRNA Scar levels, increased circZc3h4 abundance, and moderately elevated levels of UPR members. So, it is suggested that 4-PBA moderately activates UPR, partially or completely antagonizing the elevated circRNA Scar and decreased circZc3h4 and consequently preventing PCM-induced ovarian and uterine damage effectively in adolescent mice. [Display omitted] • Procymidone damaged ovary and uterus by elevated circRNA Scar and decreased circZc3h4 • 4-PBA moderately elevated UPR in ovary and uterus • Moderate UPR antagonized circRNA Scar and circZc3h4 • 4-PBA repaired procymidone-induced ovarian and uterine damage [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), a member of the human herpesvirus family, is a common opportunistic virus causing severe ailments and deaths in people with immature or compromised immune systems. UL23 is a virion protein found in the tegument and is expressed in the cytoplasm in HCMV infected cells. However, UL23 is dispensable for viral replication in cultured cells and little is currently known about its function. In order to further study of UL23, polyclonal antibody of UL23 was prepared. UL23 gene fragment was cloned from HCMV Towne by PCR and ligated into pET28a (+). The recombinant plasmid pET28a (+)-UL23 was transformed into E.coli BL21(DE3) to induce expression of the target protein. Then we efficiently purified the recombinant protein affinity chromatography under unique denaturation conditions. Recombinant UL23 protein was used as immunogen to inoculate New Zealand white rabbits and the sera was collected after the fourth immunization. UL23 Polyclonal antibody was purified from antisera using CNBr-activated Sepharose 4 beads. Our UL23 Polyclonal antibody showed specific reaction with UL23 in ELISA, Western-blot and immunofluorescence. More importantly, UL23 Polyclonal antibody could specifically recognize UL23 protein in HCMV infected cells, which laid a foundation for further study of HCMV UL23. • HCMV UL23 protein was expressed in prokaryotic expression system and purified. • HCMV UL23 polyclonal antibody was prepared for the first time. • HCMV UL23 polyclonal antibody has good specificity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The strategy of using multipotential stem cells like bone mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) for nerve tissue engineering is proven feasible. The promotion effects on neural transdifferentiation of BMSCs from factors including nerve growth factor (NGF), laminin and electrical stimulation (ES) have been reported, while it is not known if these factors can achieve a strong synergetic impact when the cells are cultured on conductive substrates. In this study, it was identified that any single factor (NGF, laminin, or conductive substrate) combined with ES demonstrated the capacity to induce BMSCs transdifferentiating into neural cells, while the efficiency was found in the order of NGF > laminin > conductive substrate. The combination of any two of the factors would be more efficient in inducing the neural transdifferentiation than individual factor. As expected, the strongest promotion in inducing BMSCs to transdifferentiate into neural cells was identified when BMSCs were cultured on laminin-treated conductive nanofibrous mesh in the presence of NGF and under proper ES simultaneously, showing significant synergetic efficiency from these multiple factors. Studies on the Notch-1 signaling pathway, a main negative regulator of neurogenesis, revealed these factors sharing a similar molecular mechanism in regulating the neural transdifferentiation of BMSCs. The results suggested that satisfactory nerve regeneration might be achievable if these synergetic multiple factors could be involved in nerve guidance conduit design, especially, when BMSCs were applied as co-implanted cells. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • Neural transdifferentiation of BMSCs are studied by incorporating multiple promoting factors. • The promoting factors include nerve growth factor, laminin, conductive nanofibers and electrical stimulation. • These four factors demonstrate strong synergetic promotion in inducing the neural transdifferentiation of BMSCs. • Notch-1 signaling pathway is involved in the transdifferentiation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intends to produce a black tea vinegar (BTV) from low-quality bulk black tea in order to increase its consumption and added value, and to benefit from its functional characteristics. Three strains (Acetobacter sp. GDMCC1.152, Acetobacter pasteurianus GDMCC1.67, and Acetobacter aceti ATCC15973) of acetic acid bacteria (AAB) were inoculated into black tea infusion (BTI) with ethanol to produce BTV, and their effects on bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and volatile compounds in the vinegars were revealed. The results showed that the three strains were suitable for the production of BTV, and the vinegar quality was the best after acetic acid fermentation for 6 days. Compared with BTI, the contents of organic acids and volatile compounds and the antioxidant activity of the vinegars increased significantly. Among them, the vinegar produced by GDMCC1.152 strain had the highest content of organic acids, tea polyphenols (TPs), thearubigins (TRs), theabrownines (TBs), and volatile compounds. It also possessed the strongest antioxidant activity and a rich taste with an apple-like aroma. In summary, AAB fermentation can effectively improve the flavor and quality of BTI and produce a new healthy product with high activity, and Acetobacter sp. GDMCC1.152 is the most suitable strain for the production of BTV. • A black tea vinegar was prepared from low-quality bulk black tea. • Acetobacter sp. GDMCC1.152 was the most suitable strain for the production of black tea vinegar. • AAB fermentation improved the quality and antioxidant activity of black tea infusion. • Black tea vinegar is a healthy product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) is positively correlated with the interphase properties between resin and carbon fiber (CF). With purpose of improving interface properties of the CFRC, a novel hierarchical reinforcement structure (ZnO-MOF) containing zinc oxide (ZnO) and metal-organic framework (MOF) was built on the surface of CFs. The sheet-like ZnO-MOF structure can strengthen the mechanical interlocking between CFs and epoxy, and introduced a dual-platform modulus transition layer to the composite interfacial region which can deliver load from resin to CFs efficaciously. Compared with the commercial CFs, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and transverse fiber bundle tensile (TFBT) strength of the modified T700 CF was increased by 64.70% and 51.81%, respectively. These results indicate that the construction of the ZnO-MOF structure is a promising design solution with practical value in endowing CF composites more excellent interfacial properties. [Display omitted] • A novel ZnO-MOF structure was established to enhance the interfacial properties. • A dual-platform modulus transition layer was introduced into the composite interface. • The MOF prepared by this facile method had smaller and more uniform particle size. • The T700 CF/epoxy composites showed improved IFSS and TFBT strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the inflammatory responses associated with defect occurrence and materials implantation, immunoregulation has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance bone regeneration. It has been widely reported that a material could facilitate osteogenesis if it can guide macrophages to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype, vice versa, a substrate will influence macrophage phenotype if it is osteoinductive. However, few studies have looked into the intercellular crosstalking directly. Herein, the compound catalpol was selected for its multiple functions to study the interactions between bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) and macrophages. This iridoid glucoside exhibits excellent anti-inflammatory and osteoinductive activities. The effects of catalpol on mediating M1/M2 polarization of macrophages, inhibiting osteoclast differentiation, promoting osteogenesis and angiogenesis were systematically investigated to correlate the biological responses of BMSCs and macrophages. To extend its in vivo application, the catalpol was then loaded onto an electrospun polylactide/gelatin composite fibrous mesh and subcutaneously implanted to evaluate the local inflammation and ectopic osteogenesis. The results revealed that the functions of catalpol displayed in modulating cellular behaviors are via cell paracrine to strengthen intercellular crosstalking, hence demonstrating that catalpol itself could serve as a promising bioactive stimulator for bone tissue engineering. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DJ-1/PARK7 mutations or deletions cause autosomal recessive early onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Thus, DJ-1 protein has been extensively studied in brain and neurons. PD patients display visual symptoms; however, the visual symptoms specifically attributed to PD patients carrying DJ-1/PARK7 mutations are not known. In this study, we analyzed the structure and physiology of retinas of 3- and 6-month-old DJ-1 knockout (KO) mice to determine how loss of function of DJ-1 specifically contributes to the phenotypes observed in PD patients. As compared to controls, the DJ-1 KO mice displayed an increase in the amplitude of the scotopic ERG b-wave and cone ERG, while the amplitude of a subset of the dc-ERG components was decreased. The main structural changes in the DJ-1 KO retinas were found in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which were observed at 3 months and progressively increased at 6 months. RPE thinning and structural changes within the OPL were observed in the retinas in DJ-1 KO mice. DJ-1 KO retinas also exhibited disorganized outer segments, central decrease in red/green cone opsin staining, decreased labeling of ezrin, broader distribution of ribeye labeling, decreased tyrosine hydroxylase in dopaminergic neurons, and increased 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine-labeled DNA oxidation. Accelerated outer retinal atrophy was observed in DJ-1 KO mice after selective oxidative damage induced by a single tail vein injection of NaIO 3, exposing increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. Our data indicate that DJ-1-deficient retinas exhibit signs of morphological abnormalities and physiological dysfunction in association with increased oxidative stress. Degeneration of RPE cells in association with oxidative stress is a key hallmark of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Therefore, in addition to detailing the visual defects that occur as a result of the absence of DJ-1, our data is also relevant to AMD pathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of calcific aortic valve stenosis, and aortic valve interstitial cells (AVICs) play an important role in valve disease and remodeling. We have previously shown that human AVICs express functional toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and express increased levels of ICAM-1 in response to stimulation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This study examines (1) the role of TLR4 in regulating ICAM-1 expression in human AVICs, (2) the interaction of ICAM-1 with microfilaments, and (3) the influence of microfilament integrity on ICAM-1 expression. Materials and Methods: AVICs isolated from explanted human hearts were stimulated with LPS (0.2μg/mL) to induce ICAM-1 expression, as shown by Western blot. TLR4 activity was influenced with a neutralizing antibody or by gene knockdown with siRNA. Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence were used to characterize membrane localization of ICAM-1. Immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence were employed to show colocalization of ICAM-1 with microfilaments. Microfilament function was influenced with an actin polymerization inhibitor as well as siRNA. Results: Cellular ICAM-1 levels increased 10-fold after 24h of LPS stimulation, and this increase was significantly attenuated by prior treatment with TLR4-neutralizing antibody or TLR4 siRNA. ICAM-1 exhibited a filamentous distribution pattern after 4h LPS stimulation, which was associated with increased total and cell-surface ICAM-1 expression. ICAM-1 colocalized and coprecipitated with the microfilament proteins F-actin and α–actinin 1. Pretreatment with the actin polymerization inhibitor latrunculin B and silencing α-actinin 1 with siRNA reduced LPS-induced total and cell-surface ICAM-1 expression. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that (1) LPS-stimulated ICAM-1 expression in human AVICs is mediated by TLR4, (2) ICAM-1 interacts with microfilaments soon after LPS stimulation, and (3) microfilament disruption reduces ICAM-1 expression. These results suggest that the interaction between ICAM-1 and microfilaments facilitates LPS-induced ICAM-1 expression in human AVICs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The zinc-complexes of tea polyphenols (TP), including (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), were prepared with zinc chloride at pH 6.5 in the absence of oxygen. The complexes were characterized with field emission scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectroscopy (FE-SEM/EDS), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities were studied. The results showed that TP/EGCG complexed with zinc ion in the B-ring at 1:1, and the thermal stability of the complexes was better than that of TP/EGCG, and the scavenging activities of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl and superoxide radicals and the antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) were significantly stronger than those of EGCG/TP. We speculated that the complexation with zinc ion might enhance the thermal stability, the antioxidant activity and the antibacterial activity of TP/EGCG. It can be expected that the zinc-complexes of TP/EGCG will have a bright prospect for their potent biological activity. • TP-Zn complex was prepared and characterized. • The thermal stability of the complex was high. • The antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the complex were stronger than those of TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]