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Abstract: In the present study, sufu, a soft cheese-like oriental fermented food, was prepared by ripening the salted-tofu cubes in Aspergillus oryzae-fermented soybean-rice koji at 37°C for 16days (16-day sufu). Sufu was further held at room temperature for another 30days (46-day sufu). The volatile components of the non-fermented tofu cubes and the sufu products were identified and quantified by GC and GC–MS. A total of 70 volatile compounds including 20 aldehydes, 18 alcohols, 16 esters, 5 ketones, 5 acids and 6 other compounds were identified. Sufu products contained more volatile compounds than non-fermented tofu cubes qualitatively and quantitatively. After 16-days of ripening, fatty acid, aldehyde and ester were noted to be the dominant volatile fractions. In contrast, the 46-day sufu contained ester, and alcohol as the major volatile fractions. They comprise approximately 63.9% of the total volatile components. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-carbon nanotubes (CNTs) composite films were successfully fabricated by electrophoretic deposition and used as electrode materials for electrochemical supercapacitors. RGO was obtained by microwave-assisted reduction of graphene oxide dispersion in acidic aqueous solution using a microwave synthesis system. The electrochemical performances of the films were analyzed through cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry tests. The results showed that as compared with pure RGO and CNTs, RGO–CNTs composite with 40% CNTs exhibited an optimal electrochemical capacitance of 87F/g due to a synergistic effect of RGO and CNTs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Graphene–ZnO nanocomposite was successfully synthesized via microwave-assisted reduction of zinc ions in aqueous solution with graphite oxide dispersion using a microwave synthesis system. The electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite was analyzed through cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry tests. The results showed that as compared with pure graphene, graphene–ZnO composite exhibited an improved electrochemical capacitance of 146F/g with good reversible charge/discharge behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Graphene, graphene–ZnO and graphene–SnO2 films were successfully synthesized and used as electrode materials for electrochemical supercapacitors, respectively. The screen-printing approach was employed to fabricate graphene film on graphite substrate while the ZnO and SnO2 were deposited on graphene films by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. The electrochemical performances of these electrodes were comparatively analyzed through electrochemical impedance spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry and chronopotentiometry tests. The results showed that the incorporation of ZnO or SnO2 improved the capacitive performance of graphene electrode. Graphene–ZnO composite electrode exhibited higher capacitance value (61.7F/g) and maximum power density (4.8kW/kg) as compared with graphene–SnO2 and pure graphene electrodes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The load transfer efficiency from surrounding matrix to the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the CNTs reinforced nanocomposites was studied. Both single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) and multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) were taken into account in the investigation. A cylindrical representative volume element (RVE) containing the CNTs and matrix phases were employed in the shear lag analysis from which the axial stress distribution as well as the load transfer efficiency in the CNTs was characterized. The effects of the layer number, atomistic interaction of graphite layers, and the aspect ratio of the CNTs on the load transfer efficiency were of concern. Results indicated that the SWCNTs exhibit a greater load transfer efficiency than MWCNTs associated with the same CNTs volume fraction in the nanocomposites. Moreover, the incompetent behaviors of the MWCNTs would become substantial as the number of graphite layers increases, and the deficient load transfer efficiency in the MWCNTs would not be modified effectively even though the chemical bonding between the graphite layers were constructed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effect of different drying methods on steroidal saponins, furostanol and spirostanol glycosides, in Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto, were studied. The yams were either steam-blanched or not blanched before drying. Results showed that solar and shaded drying without prior blanching would cause significant changes of yam saponins; hot air drying caused slight variation, and other drying methods showed almost no change. A similar phenomenon was observed in a model system containing crude yam saponin extract; it indicated that higher temperature and light exposure had very little effect on the stability of yam saponins during drying. On the other hand, the endogenous glucosidase in yam might play an important role in altering the saponin structures during drying. This was confirmed by a model experiment; a crude furostanol glycoside 26-O-β-glucosidase prepared from yam was shown to remove the glucose at position C-26 of the furostanol glycoside structure and change it to the respective spirostanol glycoside. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Previous studies have indicated that ER-α can influence the activity of the MMP-13 promoter. ER-α activity is mediated by two separate transcriptional activation domains (AF-1 and AF-2). The present study focused on analyzing the roles of these domains on the activation of the MMP-13 promoter. Transfection of synoviocytes with an ER-α construct lacking the C-terminus AF-2 domain led to significant elevation in MMP-13 promoter activity compared to wild type ER-α. Progressive deletions in the N-terminal AF-1 domain led to significant losses in MMP-13 promoter activity. MMP-13 promoter mutagenesis indicated that an AP-1 regulatory site was essential for ER-α mutant activity. Thus, both AF-1 and AF-2 domains of ER-α are required for regulation of MMP-13 promoter activity. As ER variants and ER related proteins have been implicated in bone and joint disorders, these findings provide understanding of the possible role of ER variants in the development of such conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The provision of universal service in China is currently executed under a “Village Access Project” (“VAP”), which is neither explicit nor sustainable in terms of both regulatory incentives and regulatory governance. Four years after the execution of the VAP, this paper reviews possible deficiencies underlying the current regime and explores a sustainable institutional arrangement for Universal Service Obligations (USOs) in China based on the identification of unique institutional constraints. It is argued that the Universal Service Fund (“USF”) is currently unsuitable for China. Instead, a layer-based regulatory approach featuring a “non-subsidy” regime could be a sustainable institutional arrangement when coordination and agency problems are properly addressed in a governance architecture based on a “Joint-Commission” with members from various stakeholder groups. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• This study explores the feasibility of using laser generated ultrasonic wave to detect human skin tumors. • The pearson correlation coefficient method is used to evaluate the skin tumor-induced waveform variation and thus position the skin tumor accurately. • The correlation coefficient method is a feasible tool detecting and characterizing tumor in human skin. Tumor as a kind of skin cancer is a serious threat to human health, In order to diagnose and treat skin diseases, many organizations are studying methods to confirm and monitor skin diseases by detecting the characteristics of human skin. This study explores the feasibility of using laser generated ultrasonic wave to detect human skin tumors, the pearson correlation coefficient method is used to evaluate the skin tumor-induced waveform variation and thus position the skin tumor accurately. The simulation results show that the correlation coefficient method is a feasible tool detecting and characterizing tumor in human skin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Estrogen receptors (ER) are present in connective tissues and therefore it is possible that the loss of estrogen after menopause influences the integrity of these tissues, contributing to development of degenerative conditions such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis in a subset of women. Aberrant expression of matrix metalloproteinases (e.g. MMP-1 and MMP-13) has been implicated in the progression of these diseases. The present study investigated potential molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of expression of MMP-1 and MMP-13 promoter variants by ER-α and ER-β (+/−estrogen) in a transient transfection system. The results demonstrate that the activity of human MMP-1 and MMP-13 polymorphic variants is elevated in the presence of ER-α and ER-β, and the single nucleotide polymorphisms present in the promoters of MMP-1 and MMP-13 variants leads to differential activities in response to the ER isoforms. Furthermore, the influence of 17-β estradiol also varies depending upon whether the alpha or the beta isoform of ER is the modulator of these polymorphic variants. These findings support the conclusion that ER isoforms may be contributing to disease development and/or progression in genetically distinct subsets of women following menopause, and provide mechanistic insights into how such contributions are manifested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For elucidating the influence of granular properties on the viscoelastic characteristics of starch gel, in this study waxy corn and waxy rice starches pre-heated at different temperatures were mixed with amylose isolated from normal corn starch to form amylose–waxy starch composites. Rheological properties of the amylose, the waxy starches and the composites during aging at 25°C were determined and compared. Results showed that the storage modulus (G′) of amylose solution (2%, w/w) during aging was lower than 48Pa, and the rheological properties during aging of waxy starches pre-heated at 60°C were too weak to be detected. The G′ of waxy starches during aging decreased with increasing pre-heating temperature from 70 to 90°C, and the decrement on G′ value was more obvious for waxy corn starch. The amylose–waxy starch composites had higher gel strength than that of amylose or waxy starch alone. The G′ of amylose–waxy corn starch composite increased with increasing pre-heating temperature from 60 to 80°C and then decreased at 90°C, however, the G′ of amylose–waxy rice starch composite increased with increasing pre-heating temperature from 60 to 90°C. Waxy corn starch had lower hot paste and final viscosities, but higher breakdown than waxy rice starch. Waxy corn starch also showed a rapid increase on the swelling power at temperature above 70°C, while waxy rice starch increased slowly. The rigidity and integrity of waxy corn starch granules was found lower than waxy rice starch at 90°C. Results indicate that granule properties and interaction occurred between amylose and starch granules play important roles during gelation of starch. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Many females develop bone diseases such as osteoporosis, and joint diseases such as osteoarthritis after menopause when estrogen levels decline. As estrogen receptors (ER) are present in such tissues, it is possible that the loss of estrogen at menopause influences the expression of enzymes such as members of the MMP family of proteinases to affect bone and connective tissue metabolism. The present study was undertaken to assess a possible relationship between ER-α and MMP-13 expression at the promoter level, and to determine how such a relationship could be modulated by ligands such as estrogen. Using a rabbit synovial cell line lacking endogenous ER, a transient transfection system with an ER-α construct, and a series of MMP-13 promoter-luciferase constructs of varying lengths and with specific mutations in transcription factor binding sites, it was found that ER-α can significantly enhance MMP-13 promoter activity via the AP-1 site, with modulatory influences by the Runx and PEA-3 sites on this ER-α dependent enhancement of the promoter activity. This enhancement by ER-α was significantly depressed in the presence of 17-ß-estradiol in a dose dependent manner. The influence of tamoxifen and raloxifen on the activity of the ER-α was consistent with their known agonist/antagonist activity. These findings indicate that loss of estrogen in vivo could potentially lead to enhanced expression of MMP-13, a proteinase that has been implicated in both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, and thus contribute to the development and progression of these conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Starch was extracted from the tubers of two cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) cultivars (KCX01 and KCX02) planted in three different seasons (summer, winter and spring). Physicochemical properties of the starch were determined in order to investigate the seasonal effect on cocoyam starch. Cocoyam tubers planted in the summer showed higher contents of total starch than tubers planted in other seasons. Starches from both cultivars of cocoyam tubers planted in the summer season had significantly (p<0.05) higher average granule sizes, higher contents of amylose, higher ratios of short-to-long chains of amylopectin, and lower values of the average degree of polymerization (DP) of the chain length distribution profiles. The distinct properties of the fine structure of cocoyam starch from tubers planted in summer season were associated with lower values of onset and peak temperatures and enthalpies of gelatinization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of amino acids on the cmc of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) in the Tris–HCl buffer solution were studied by surface tension measurement. The results show that the effect of the additives depends on their nature and concentration at a fixed temperature. For the three amino acids, steric effect is predominant over hydrophobicity during the interaction process between them and CTAB. The cmc and surface tension at the cmc (γcmc) of CTAB in the presence and absence of glycine at different temperature decrease with the increase of temperature. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization were determined and an enthalpy–entropy compensation effect was observed for the systems. The cmc of CTAB decreases with the increasing concentration of glycine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A Suzuki-type cross-coupling of aryldioxaborolane with 2-bromo-N,N-dimethylacetamide in the presence of a catalytic amount of tricyclohexylphosphine as the ligand and hydroquinone as the free-radical scavenger has been demonstrated as a convenient and simple way for the synthesis of α-arylacetamide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Initial alterations in ECV indicate the efficacy of first-line chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab in the treatment of CRLM. • High CRD_score status can be used as a risk factor for the classification of CRLM with survival outcomes. • The TR model has good prediction performance in both the training and test set. To assess the prognostic value of pre- and post-therapeutic changes in extracellular volume (ECV) fraction of liver metastases (LMs) for treatment response (TR) and survival outcomes in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). 186 LMs were confirmed by pathology or follow-up (Training: 130; Test: 56). We analyzed the changes in ECV fraction of LMs before and after 2 cycles of chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab. After 12 cycles, we evaluated the TR on LMs based on the RECIST v1.1. Relative changes in ECV fraction and Hounsfield Units (HU), defined as ΔECV and ΔHU, were associated with progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and TR. We identified TR predictors with multivariate logistic regression and PFS, OS risk factors with COX analysis. 186 LMs were classified as TR lesions (TR+: 84) and non-TR lesions (TR-:102). ΔECV, ΔHU A-E , and texture could distinguish the TR of LMs in training and test set (P < 0.05). ΔECV [Odds ratio (OR): 1.03; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.02–1.05, P < 0.01] was an independent predictor of TR-. Area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of TR model in training and test set were 0.87, 0.84, 90.14%, 90.32%, 72.88%, 64.00%, respectively. High CRD_score indicates that patients have shorter PFS [Hazard ratio (HR): 2.01; 95%CI: 1.02–3.98, P = 0.045)] and OS (HR: 1.89, 95%CI: 1.04–3.42, P = 0.038). ΔECV can be used as an independent predictor of TR of CRLM chemotherapy combined with bevacizumab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A catalyst-free synthesis of 6,9-dihydro-[1,3]dioxolo[4,5- g ]thieno[3,4- b ]quinolin-8(5 H )-ones as novel analogues of podophyllotoxins was developed by a three-component reaction of aldehydes, ethyl 2,4-dioxotetrahydrothiophene-3-carboxylate and 3,4-(methylenedioxy)aniline. This methodology not only provides new chemical library for the screening of anticancer activity, but also features excellent isolated yields, short reaction time, simple work up procedure and little environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Porous carbon nanoflakes were prepared by carbonizing xylose with KHCO 3. • Porous carbon nanoflakes exhibited a satisfactory salt adsorption capacity. • Porous carbon nanoflakes have great potential for large-scale application. Capacitive deionization (CDI) works by using the electrical double layer on various materials including nanoporous carbons to separate ions from saline water. To help realize industrial application, there has been an increasing interest in the exploration of carbon materials from low cost, eco-friendly and abundant biomass for CDI to align with the demands of sustainable development strategies. Herein we report pyrolysis of xylose with KHCO 3 to prepare hierarchically porous carbon nanoflakes which display a satisfactory salt adsorption capacity of 16.29 mg g−1. This novel strategy can design highly efficient carbon materials from naturally-developed biomass materials with its low preparation cost, environmentally friendliness and superior desalination performance. Our xylose-derived hierarchically porous carbon nanoflakes are promising for potential industrial application for CDI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sharp contradiction between environment and economy arouses stronger expectancy that corporates should engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Unfortunately, there is little empirical evidence that explains CSR from an air-pollution perspective. Based on this research gap, adopting 482 Chinese listed companies from 2014 to 2017 as sample, this study explores the effect of air pollution on CSR performance in Chinese high energy-consumption industry. The results show that worse air pollution significantly increases the CSR performance. And this relationship is stronger under higher executive political ties, firms' better prior performance, and higher market development level. Our conclusions provide plentiful theoretical contributions to CSR and clean production field, as well as some implications for enterprises and governments. • We investigate the effect of air pollution on CSR performance in China. • Air pollution significantly increased CSR performance in our sample. • The political ties, prior performance and market development work as moderators. • Heckman two stage model is used to control the possible selection bias problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mechanism of alkali-oxygen oxidation from lignite to BCAs is simulated by ReaxFF. • The ReaxFF simulation results well agree with previous experimental results. • Reaction pathway and active sites for the carboxyl group formation are clarified. • Hydroxy radical is the major oxidant for dehydrogenation and oxygenation. • Alkali can promote side chains break and aromatic ring-opening. Alkali-oxygen oxidation of lignite is a potential route to produce high-value carboxylic acids, especially benzene carboxylic acids. However, this method leads to an unfavorably large consumption of inorganic alkali and a loss of more than 50% of the carbon in lignite as byproduct CO 2. A combined theoretical and experimental study was applied to investigate the lignite alkali-oxygen oxidation mechanism at a molecular level. By analyzing lignite model simulations and the experimental results of model compounds, we obtained the formation pathways of carboxyl moieties and the alkali catalytic effect. The hydroxy radical is the major oxidant for dehydrogenation and oxygenation. The carboxyl group formation followed a chain-reaction pathway, which included side-chain/bridge-bond oxidation, aromatic carbon ring-opening oxidation and decarboxylation. Active sites for carboxyl group formation were clarified and confirmed by model compound experiments. Density functional theory calculations showed that the added alkali could promote side-chain/bridge-bond oxidation and the ring-opening reaction of polycyclic moieties by decreasing their reaction energies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Separation of soluble KAPs and KIFs from hair samples were obtained. • Various KAPs/KIFs ratios may lead to different protein structures in a gel. • Modulated KAPs/KIFs ratios in a gel determine the gel's properties. • More purified hair keratin is a prerequisite for the controllable keratin hydrogels. Keratin/chitosan composite is a readily available source for a hybrid hydrogel in tissue engineering. While human hair keratins could provide biological functions, chitosan could further enhance the mechanical strength of the hybrid hydrogels. However, hair keratin is a group of natural proteins, and the uncontrolled hair protein contents in a hydrogel may lead to the batch-to-batch inconsistent gel properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of hair protein composition, including the keratin-associated proteins (KAPs, 6−30 kDa) and keratin intermediate filaments (KIFs, 45−60 kDa) on gel characteristics of the keratin/chitosan hydrogel. The various compressive and tensile modulus of the gel was observed based on the selection of different protein fractions as the significant gel components. These results thus suggest a straightforward method of preparing hair keratin/chitosan hydrogel with much more controllable gel properties by merely modulating the KAPs/KIFs ratios in a gel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiotherapy (RT) is one of the most commonly employed approaches in the treatment of malignant tumors and is often combined with radiosensitizers to enhance the therapeutic efficacy for clinical use. For developing a smart therapeutic strategy leveraging local tissue response to photo-mediated reactions and the combination of multiple treatment modalities involving ROS-induced sensitization of RT, a novel nanophototherapeutic system has been developed. The nanotherapeutics prepared from the assembly of poly (thiodiethylene malonate) (PSDEM) and PEG-PSDEM-PEG and loaded with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) employed as the RT sensitizer and indocyanine green (ICG) as the photothermal/photodynamic agent, demonstrated the capability of undergoing structural change and releasing therapeutic payloads in response to near-infrared irradiation and X-ray radiotherapy. With highly localized and controllable reactions within the tumor site, the reactive oxygen species (ROS)-triggered SAHA unloading and the hyperthermia-induced vascular permeability of oxygen led to a significant sensitization of the target tissue in RT, which, in turn, led to the promotion of therapeutic effect in conjunction with photodynamic/photothermal therapies (PDT/PTT). In vitro studies demonstrated the damage in intracellular DNA double strands and the inhibition of cell proliferation in 4T1 breast cancer cells treated with ROS-induced sensitized RT. A substantial reduction in cell viability was also observed owing to the effects of the combination of photo-mediated treatments with sensitized RT compared to the effects of RT administration alone. Complete eradication of the primary tumor and the inhibition of lung metastasis was observed in five of six orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer-bearing mice subjected to combined PDT/PTT in nanophototherapeutics with ROS-induced sensitized RT at a low dosage (6 Gy), leading to the prominent survival fraction of ca. 83% over 60 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing number of studies have reported mental health problems in men with prostate cancer. Relationships of median household income and ethnicity to suicide in prostate cancer are poorly characterized. A retrospective study from database data answered this question. Median household income and ethnicity are important factors strongly related to suicide risk in prostate cancer patients, and the lower median household income individuals and non-Spanish-Hispanic-Latino individuals were associated with higher suicide risk. Purpose: To determine whether socioeconomic disparities have an impact on the likelihood of suicide among prostate cancer patients. Methods: Data were extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for patients diagnosed with malignant prostate cancer between 2005 and 2020. The socioeconomic disparities of the patients were evaluated by median household income (MHI) and ethnicit y. Ethnicit y included Spanish-Hispanic-Latino and non-Spanish-Hispanic-Latino. A Cox proportional risk model was utilized. Using the Kaplan-Meier approach, the cumulative incidence of suicide mortality was measured. Results: A total of 857,418 US population with prostate cancer were included. In the multivariate analysis, individuals with MHI over $75,000 had a lower risk of suicide mortality than those with MHI between $54,999 and $74,999 in all patients (aHRs: 0.693, 95 CI%: 0.603-0.797). Spanish-Hispanic-Latino displayed lower overall suicide mortality in all patients (aHRs: 0.426, 95% CI: 0.323-0.561). In the subgroup analysis of different ages, individuals with MHI over $75,000 had a lower risk of suicide than those with MHI between $54,999 and $74,999 in patients 60 to 79 years (aHRs: 0.668, 95% CI: 0.562-0.794) and individuals with MHI below $54,999 had higher suicide risk than those with MHI between $54,999 and $74,999 in patients 80 + years (aHRs: 1.786, 95% CI: 1.100-2.902). Hispanic-Latino individuals had lower overall suicide mortality in 00 to 59 years (aHRs: 0.420, 95% CI: 0.240-0.734), 60 to 79 years (aHRs: 0.445, 95% CI: 0.319-0.621), 80 + years (aHRs: 0.363, 95% CI: 0.133-0.988). Conclusion: Socioeconomic disparities, including MHI and ethnicity, are important factors strongly related to suicide risk in prostate cancer patients. The lower MHI individuals and non-Spanish-Hispanic-Latino individuals were associated with higher suicide risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, optical properties of the nitrogen-doped β-Ga2O3 nanowires (N-doped β-Ga2O3 NWs) were synthesized by exposing β-Ga2O3 NWs under high input power nitrogen plasma (2kW), using a microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPECVD) system. The nitrogen contents in the NWs were as-prepared about 7.4, 8.9, 9.7, 13.9, 19.3, and 26.6at.%, respectively. Low temperature (10K) cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra exhibit significantly different optical properties for the different nitrogen contents. The CL result of the N-doped β-Ga2O3 NWs (210s N2 plasma treatment) exhibited four distinct emission peaks at 378, 516, 759, and 970nm. The possible light emission mechanism including the effect of the nitrogen dopant was discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are important members in synthetic microbial consortia due to their 'generally recognized as safe' status and diverse metabolic activities. Defined communities with LAB show great potential in elucidating metabolic interactions that drive their assembly and demonstrating power to address sustainability challenges in food, environment, and health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Composite antioxidants were used to improve oxidative stability of DHA algae oil. • Phytic acid was used in combination with other antioxidants. • Shelf life were predicted by accelerated shelf life testing with Arrhenius model. • Optimum composite antioxidant extended 3.80-fold shelf life of DHA algae oil. • Loss of PUFA was significantly reduced by the composite antioxidants. Based on various antioxidant mechanisms, four kinds of antioxidants including ascorbyl palmitate (AP), vitamin E (VE), phytic acid (PA) and one of the polyphenols (antioxidant of bamboo leaves, tea polyphenol palmitate or tea polyphenols (TP)) were used in combination to improve oxidative stability of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) algae oil. To achieve the best effect, the formulations and mixture ratios of the antioxidant combinations were optimized. The effects were monitored by peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, acid value, free radicals, Rancimat induction time and fatty acid composition of DHA algae oil undergoing accelerated storage. Finally, the DHA algae oil containing 80 mg/kg AP, 80 mg/kg VE, 40 mg/kg PA and 80 mg/kg TP had the highest oxidative stability. Furthermore, the shelf life of DHA algae oil containing the optimum composite antioxidant was predicted by using accelerated shelf life testing coupled with Arrhenius model, which was 3.80-fold longer than the control sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huangkuisiwufang (HKSWF) is composed of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik., Astragalus mongholicus , Polygonum cuspidatum , Curcuma longa L. Abelmoschus Manihot (L.) Medik. has been widely used for the treatment of chronic renal disease, oral ulcers and burn in China for centuries (Committee of the Pharmacopoeia of PR China, 2010). Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medik., Polygonum cuspidatum , Curcuma longa L. have been mainly applied in folk medicine for their therapeutic effects on diabetes, cancer, heart disease and other diseases. Aim of the study : We aimed to investigate the renoprotective function of HKSWF in anti-Thy nephritis model and clarify the relevant mechanisms. One week after the model of glomerulonephritis created by injecting anti-thymocyte serum (ATS), rats were treated with Huangkui capsule, enalapril or HKSWF by gavage for a period of 8 weeks. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by detection of proteinuria, plasma creatine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), podocyte injury, glomerular accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and the markers of oxidative stress and renal fibrosis. RNA Sequencing (RNA-seq), KEGG and western blotting analysis were performed to indicate the signaling pathway involved in the therapeutic effect of HKSWF. Nephritic rats presented the increase of BUN, serum creatinine (Scr), proteinuria, podocyte damage, glomerular fibrosis, Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), and the reduction of creatinine clearance (Ccr). In contrast, application of HKSWF to nephritic rats decreased the levels of BUN and proteinuria, promoted mesangial cell recovery and improved oxidative stress level and podocyte injury. KEGG analysis revealed that pyruvate metabolism was the most significantly upregulated pathway in rats treated with HKSWF compared to disease control group. Increased pyruvate dehydrogenase and PAI-1 caused by nephritis was inhibited by HKSWF interposition. Furthermore, dichloroacetate sodium (DCA), an agonist of pyruvate dehydrogenase, could stimulate PAI-1 expression, which was suppressed by HKSWF. Chinese herbal preparation HKSWF has remarkable curative effects on glomerulonephritis animals. HKSWF attenuates pyruvate dehydrogenase to improve glomerular injury. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general population is widely exposed to fenvalerate. However, the effects of maternal exposure to fenvalerate on neurodevelopment in offspring and the underlying metabolic mechanism are largely unknown. Pregnant mice were exposed to fenvalerate for 11 consecutive days. The forced swimming test (FST) was performed in 35 day-old offspring to investigate the effects of fenvalerate on neurobehavioral responses. Blood serum free T4 and free T3 concentrations were measured using commercial ELISA. Blood and thyroid samples were used for metabolomic analyses with UPLC Q-Exactive. The expression levels of neurotransmitter metaolite receptors were determined in the frontal cortex of offspring using real-time PCR. The immobility time, free T4 and free T3, and expression levels of Htr1a and Htr2a were statistically changed in offspring male mice. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the pentose phosphate pathway, starch and sucrose metabolism, glutamic acid metabolism were the key changed pathways in the blood, and thiamine metabolism was the key changed pathway in the thyroid. Prenatal exposure to fenvalerate affected neurodevelopment in male offspring mice both via the changed abundances of metabolites involved in glycolysis related metabolism and medium-chain fatty acid metabolism, and the changes in 5-HT receptor expression. Unlabelled Image • Pregnant mice were exposed to fenvalerate for 11 consecutive days. • This exposure exerted gender-dependent effect on neurodevelopment in offspring. • Immobility time and mRNA of Htr1a and Htr2a in brain were changed in male mice. • Metabolomics identified 22 specifically differential metabolites. • Glycolysis and MCFAs metabolism in thyroid and blood played roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A fractional-order mathematical model for HBV with CTL immune response and time delay is constructed. • Through qualitative analysis, we find that the time delay has tremendous effect on the dynamics of the system. • Through numerical simulations, we find the fractional order and time delay have great impact on the stability of the system. In this paper, a fractional-order delayed model with Holling II functional response and CTL immune response is constructed to describe the transmission of hepatitis B virus. Firstly, the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions are proved. Secondly, the basic reproduction number and the sufficient conditions for the existence of three equilibriums are obtained. Thirdly, the stability of three equilibriums are investigated. In addition, some sufficient conditions for the occurrence of Hopf bifurcation near the endemic equilibrium are demonstrated by using time delay as the bifurcation parameter. After that, some numerical simulations are performed to verify the theoretical prediction. At last, a brief discussion is presented to end this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by social interaction impairment, stereotypical/repetitive behaviors and emotional deregulation. The endocannabinoid (eCB) system plays a crucial role in modulating the behavioral traits that are typically core symptoms of ASD. The major molecular mechanisms underlying eCB-dependent long-term depression (eCB-LTD) are mediated by group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-induced removal of postsynaptic α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs). Recently, modulation of anandamide (AEA), one of the main endocannabinoids in the brain, has been reported to alter social behaviors in genetic models of ASD. On this basis, we investigated the effects of treatment and the synaptic mechanism underlying AEA-mediated signaling in prenatal exposure to valproic acid (VPA) in rats. We found that the social deficits, repetitive behaviors and abnormal emotion-related behaviors in VPA-exposed offspring were improved after treatment with an inhibitor of AEA degrading enzyme, URB597. Using an integrative approach combing electrophysiological and cellular mechanisms, the results showed that the impaired eCB-LTD, abnormal mGluR-mediated LTD (mGluR-LTD) and decreased removal of AMPAR subunits GluA1 and GluA2 were reversed by URB597 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of VPA-exposed offspring. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence that rescue of the ASD-like phenotype by URB597 is mediated by enhancing the mechanism of removal of AMPAR subunits GluA1/2 underlying AEA signaling in the PFC in a VPA-induced model of ASD. • URB597 improved socio-emotional behaviors and endocannabinoid-mediated synaptic plasticity in VPA-induced ASD offspring. • The impaired eCB-LTD and mGluR-LTD was attributed to the dysfunctional of AMPAR trafficking in VPA-induced offspring. • URB597 alleviated autistic behaviors and synaptopathology was mediated by facilitating the removal AMPAR subunits GluA1/2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomerulonephritis is the major cause of chronic kidney disease characterized by mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix deposition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBPs) on anti-Thy 1 nephritis rats and explore the protective mechanism of LBPs. After the model of glomerulonephritis created by injecting anti-thymocyte serum (ATS), rats were treated with enalapril or LBPs for 8 weeks. The therapeutic effect was evaluated by detection of renal-related biochemical parameters, histological observation and markers of renal fibrosis. Moreover, RNA-seq analysis and experiments in vitro were employed to explore the signaling pathway involved in LBPs treatment. The results found that LBPs treatment significantly suppressed ATS-caused increment at levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, proteinuria, PAI-1 protein expression, glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and extracellular matrix hyperplasia, along with reduction of creatinine clearance. RNA sequencing showed pyruvate metabolism acting as a potential signaling pathway, which was evidenced by the inhibitory effect on up-regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase and PAI-1 levels via treatment with LBPs in vitro. LBPs are the promising agents for the management of glomerulonephritis through pyruvate metabolism signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile Suzuki type cross-coupling reaction of alkenylborane with 2-bromo-N,N-dimethylacetamide in the presence of a catalytic amount of tricyclohexylphosphine as the ligand has been demonstrated to be a convenient way for the synthesis of (E)-β,γ-unsaturated amides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: Influenza infection could trigger acute myocardial infarction. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases risk for myocardial infarction. Evidence evaluating the risk of influenza in patients with OSA is limited. We aimed to investigate the association between OSA and influenza using a nationwide population-based data set.Methods: A total of 5483 individuals with OSA were enrolled from January, 2000, to December, 2012, and compared with a control group of 21,932 individuals who had never been diagnosed with OSA (at a 1:4 ratio propensity score matched by age, sex, index years, and comorbidities) in the context of subsequent influenza infection. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to analyze the association between OSA and influenza incidence. We conducted sensitivity analyses to examine our finding.Results: During the 1.81 (±2.12) years of the follow-up period, the incidence rate of influenza infection was higher in the OSA group compared with the non-OSA group (36.40 and 30.09 per 100 person-years). After adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, outpatients visits, the risk of influenza infection among patients with OSA was significantly higher (hazard ratio = 1.18; 95% confidence interval = 1.14-1.23; P < 0.001). Sensitivity analyses showed consistent positive association. Males with OSA had increased risk of influenza infection compared with males without OSA (adjusted HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.16-1.27; P value for interaction = 0.03).Conclusions: This study found a significantly higher risk of influenza infection in patients with OSA, and sex acted as an effect modifier between OSA and risk of influenza infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For centuries, food, herbal medicines, and natural products have been valuable resources for discovering novel antiviral drugs, uncovering new structure-activity relationships, and developing effective strategies to prevent/treat viral infections. One such resource is Phellinus linteus, a mushroom used in folk medicine in Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and China. In this rich historical context, the key metabolites of Phellinus linteus mycelia ethanolic extract (GKPL) impacting the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at multiple stages have yet to be explored. Thus, this study systematically identifies and assesses the inhibitory effect of GKPL on the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Initially, the concentrations and contact times of GKPL against SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus were assessed in HepG2 cells. Subsequently, utilizing the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry method, potential biomarkers in the fungal extract were discerned. Metabolomic analysis identified 18 compounds in GKPL, with hispidin and hypholomine B present in the highest amounts. These compounds were isolated using chromatographic techniques and further identified through 1D NMR spectroscopic and mass spectrometry analysis. Hispidin and hypholomine B were found to inhibit the infection of SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus by reducing angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 gene expression in HepG2, thereby decreasing viral entry. Moreover, hispidin and hypholomine B effectively block the spike receptor-binding domain, while hypholomine B, for the first time, showed significant inhibition of 3CL protease. This suggests that GKPL, enriched with hispidin and hypholomine B, has the potential to be used as an active ingredient against SARS-CoV-2. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore whether reduced-dose (RD) gemstone spectral imaging (GSI) and deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR) of 40 keV virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) enhanced the early detection and diagnosis of colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM). Thirty-five participants with pathologically confirmed colorectal cancer were prospectively enrolled from March to August 2022 after routine care abdominal computed tomography (CT). GSI mode was used for contrast-enhanced CT, and two portal venous phase CT images were obtained [standard-dose (SD) CT dose index (CTDI vol) = 15.51 mGy, RD CTDI vol = 7.95 mGy]. The 40 keV-VMI were reconstructed via filtered back projection (FBP) and iterative reconstruction (ASIR-V 60 %, AV60) of both SD and RD images. RD medium-strength deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR-M) and RD high-strength deep learning image reconstruction (DLIR-H) were used to reconstruct the 40 keV-VMI. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the liver and the lesions were objectively evaluated. The overall image quality, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence were subjectively evaluated, to compare the differences in evaluation results among the different images. All 35 participants (mean age: 59.51 ± 11.01 years; 14 females) underwent SD and RD GSI portal venous-phase CT scans. The dose-length product of the RD GSI scan was reduced by 49–53 % lower than that of the SD GSI scan (420.22 ± 31.95) vs (817.58 ± 60.56). A total of 219 lesions were identified, including 55 benign lesions and 164 metastases, with an average size of 7.37 ± 4.14 mm. SD-FBP detected 207 lesions, SD-AV60 detected 201 lesions, and DLIR-M and DLIR-H detected 199 and 190 lesions, respectively. For lesions ≤ 5 mm, there was no statistical difference between SD-FBP vs DLIR-M (χ2 McNemar = 1.00, P = 0.32) and SD-AV60 vs DLIR-M (χ2 McNemar = 0.33, P = 0.56) in the detection rate. The CNR, SNR, and noise of DLIR-M and DLIR-H 40 keV-VMI images were better than those of SD-FBP images (P < 0.01) but did not differ significantly from those of SD-AV60 images (P > 0.05). When the lesions ≤ 5 mm, there were statistical differences in the overall diagnostic sensitivity of lesions compared with SD-FBP, SD-AV60, DLIR-M and DLIR-H (P ＜0.01). There were no statistical differences in the sensitivity of lesions diagnosis between SD-FBP, SD-AV60 and DLIR-M (both P ＞0.05). However, the DLIR-M subjective image quality and lesion diagnostic confidence were higher for SD-FBP (both P < 0.01). Reduced dose DLIR-M of 40 keV-VMI can be used for routine follow-up care of colorectal cancer patients, to optimize evaluations and ensure CT image quality. Meanwhile, the detection rate and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of small lesions, early liver metastases is not obviously reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It remains a major challenge to prime the cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) response for the treatment of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Inspired by an important natural biological behavior, membrane fusion, we constructed a pH-responsive nanocarrier (HBsAg&CpG@Lip) with a membrane fusion capacity for HBsAg intracellular delivery and subsequent process of CTLs. In the in vitro experiments, HBsAg&CpG@Lip greatly promoted the cellular uptake of HBsAg and the activation of BMDCs. It induced the cytosolic release of HBsAg in BMDCs, which was in conformity with the membrane fusion capacity of HBsAg&CpG@Lip. Such a capacity was improved by 4.4-fold in pH = 5.0 than that in pH = 7.4 at 60 min, which was calculated through fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency. Furthermore, the cross-presentation activity induced by liposome at 1 μg/mL was equivalent to that by soluble antigen at 2000 μg/mL, which indicated an advantage for the liposome in cytosolic antigen delivery and potent CTLs activation. In respect of the transport of liposomes into draining lymph nodes (DLNs), the recruitment of liposome+migratory DCs at 24 h raised 11-fold than that at 3 h, suggesting that liposomes were mainly carried by migratory DCs. Meanwhile, HBsAg&CpG@Lip also elicited the activation of DCs and the generation of T fh cells in DLNs. After immunization, HBsAg&CpG@Lip induced a higher anti-HBsAg IgG and ratio of IgG2c/IgG1 than that by HBsAg or Alum+HBsAg group. It also augmented a strong CTLs response as expected. Specifically, stimulation with HBsAg&CpG@Lip increased the number of IFN-γ-secreting splenocytes, the proportion of CD107α+CD8+and FasL+CD8+ T cells and the secretion of Granzyme B, which verified the design of membrane fusion in vivo. In summary, this design for HBsAg cytosolic delivery exhibits great benefits for triggering CTLs, opening an avenue for the development of a potent therapeutic HBV vaccine. Unlabelled Image • The HBsAg delivery system was endowed with a pH-responsive liposome and a synergistic strategy with CpG. • The membrane fusion event of liposome was uncovered in a dynamical and quantitative way. • The liposome improved HBsAg cytosolic trafficking and cross-presentation activity. • An enhanced CTLs response was elicited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multileaf collimators (MLC) leaf positions in a volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan is determined from inverse treatment planning process. On the isocenter plane, leaf projections should not be set too far out of projected PTV boundary. In this study we developed an automatic method of adjusting leaf positions outside a reference region of interest (ROI) for VMAT plans generated in Pinnacle treatment planning system (TPS). The proposed method consisted of a Pinnacle script and a Python program. It checked each MLC leaf position for all control points in a VMAT arc relative to a reference ROI created by adding a small margin to PTV. For leaves opened outside the reference ROI, the method adjusted their positions to reduce dose to normal tissue while maintaining PTV coverage and satisfying leaf position constraints. The deliverability and dose accuracy of the method was verified by applying it to 15 VMAT plans which were delivered in five different linacs in our department. Dosimetric improvement of the proposed method was analyzed for another group of 16 randomly selected VMAT plans. The average gamma passing rate using a 3%/3 mm criteria for the verification group of VMAT plans was 98.3% and all passing rates were above our internal passing threshold. Dosimetric improvement was observed for the evaluation group of VMAT plans. The method can improve normal tissue protection for VMAT plans. It can be safely applied in routine clinic work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut allergen Ara h 1 is one of the most common food allergens in the world, and it is highly allergenic owing to its stable structure. Cold plasma is an emerging non-thermal processing technology that generates reactive radicals that enable the rapid degradation of allergenic protein. In this study, the effectiveness of two plasma treatment gases on the inhibition of the Ara h 1 allergen in peanut protein extract was investigated as the gases were expected to react with the allergen differently. The results revealed that the antigenicity of Ara h 1 decreased by approximately 55% after 13 min of cold plasma treatment. This may be attributed to the destruction of the α-helix structure. In addition, compared to air cold plasma treatment, nitrogen plasma treatment only caused less than one third of oxidative damage to the samples. In summary, air and nitrogen plasmas are both effective in reducing peanut allergen Ara h 1, but the peanut maintained most of its original quality after nitrogen cold plasma treatment. The result of this study demonstrated that nitrogen cold plasma is a great candidate for reducing Ara h 1 for effective food processing. [Display omitted] • Cold plasma changed the structure of antigen via free radicals and oxidation. • The α-helix structure and antigenicity reduction were induced by cold plasma. • Nitrogen and air plasma have equivalent efficacy to reduce Ara h 1. • The antigenicity of Ara h 1 was decreased by 55% after cold plasma treatment. • Nitrogen plasma is a better option for reducing allergen that keep a good quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic biology tools can be used to develop novel sustainability solutions for global ocean health challenges. Tailored microbial consortia can be designed to target plastic waste for biodegradation and upcycling. Engineering and altering coral holobiont dynamics may enhance coral reef resilience in the face of climate-induced extinction. CRISPR-based nucleic acid sensors can enable the rapid and inexpensive identification of toxic HAB events. Ocean health is faltering, its capability for regeneration and renewal being eroded by a steady pulse of anthropomorphic impacts. Plastic waste has infiltrated all ocean biomes, climate change threatens coral reefs with extinction, and eutrophication has unleashed vast algal blooms. In the face of these challenges, synthetic biology approaches may hold untapped solutions to mitigate adverse effects, repair ecosystems, and put us on a path towards sustainable stewardship of our planet. Leveraging synthetic biology tools would enable innovative engineering approaches to augment the natural adaptive capacity of ocean biological systems to cope with the swiftness of human-induced change. Here, we present a framework for developing synthetic biology solutions for the challenges of plastic pollution, coral bleaching, and harmful algal blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shengmai formula (SMF) is a well-known Chinese herbal compound preparation, which is utilized extensively for the treatment of myocardial ischemia, arrhythmia and other life-threatening conditions. Our previous researches have shown that some of the active ingredients in SMF can interact with organic anion transport polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1), etc. Organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2) is a highly expressed uptake transporter in the kidney, and its interaction with the major active components in SMF remains unclear. We purposed to explore OCT2-mediated interactions and compatibility mechanisms of the main active compounds in SMF. Fifteen active ingredients of SMF, including ginsenoside Rb1, Rd, Re, Rg1, Rf, Ro and Rc, methylophiopogonanone A and B, ophiopogonin D and Dˊ, schizandrin A and B, schizandrol A and B, were selected to investigate OCT2-mediated interactions in Madin-Darby cacine kidney (MDCK) cells stably expressing OCT2. Among the above 15 main active components, only ginsenosides Rd, Re and schizandrin B could significantly inhibit the uptake of 4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)-N-methyl pyridiniumiodide (ASP+), a classical substrate of OCT2. Ginsenoside Rb1 and methylophiopogonanone A can be transported by MDCK-OCT2 cells, and their uptake was significantly reduced when OCT2 inhibitor decynium-22 was added. Ginsenoside Rd could remarkably reduce the uptake of methylophiopogonanone A and ginsenoside Rb1 by OCT2, ginsenoside Re only decreased the uptake of ginsenoside Rb1, while schizandrin B had no effect on the uptake of both. OCT2 mediates the interaction of the major active components in SMF. Ginsenosides Rd, Re and schizandrin B are the potential inhibitors of OCT2, while ginsenosides Rb1 and methylophiopogonanone A are the potential substrates of OCT2. There is an OCT2-mediated compatibility mechanism among these active ingredients of SMF. [Display omitted] • Ginsenosides Rd, Re and schizandrin B are potential inhibitors of organic cation transporter 2 (OCT2). • Ginsenosides Rb1 and methylophiopogonanone A are potential substrates of OCT2. • OCT2 mediates the interaction of major active components in Shengmai Formula (SMF). • There is an OCT2-mediated compatibility mechanism between these active ingredients of SMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whelk has been exploited commercially as a delicacy for a long time. Although previous studies have suggested that whelk might serve as a potential rich source of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) enriched phospholipid (PL), the molecular species profile of the PL have not been reported yet. In this study, more than 220 molecular species of glycerophospholipid (GP) belonging to eight classes including glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoethanolamine, glycerophosphoserine, glycerophosphoinositol, lysoglycerophosphocholine, lysoglycerophosphoethanolamine, lysoglycerophosphoserine and lysoglycerophosphoinositol in three species of edible whelks ( Buccinium yokomaruae , Neptunea arthritica cumingi Cosse and Volutharpa ampullaceal ) were identified for the first time by using direct infusion tandem mass spectrometric method. Most of the predominant GP molecular species contained n-3 LC-PUFA, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Meanwhile, the whelk lipids contained a high proportion of PL (32.92–55.55% of total lipids) and PUFA (30.45–41.42% of total FA). Among PL, phosphatidylcholine (44.18–65.49 mol%) was dominant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, porous Co 3 O 4 was easily prepared via thermal decomposition of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). TG, FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM and N 2 adsorption-desorption were employed for characterizing the synthesized products. Based on cataluminescence (CTL) transduction principle, three MOFs including dodecahedra ZIF-67, nanosheets packed Co-MOF-71, nanoplate Co-BTC, and their corresponding derivatives Co 3 O 4 were used as sensing materials for H 2 S detection, respectively. The dodecahedra ZIF-67-derived dodecahedra Co 3 O 4 with high specific surface and exposed {110} lattice planes presented superior strong CTL property, and had a good linear relation in the concentration range of 3.3–27.5 μg L −1 with the detection limit of 1 μg L −1 (S/N = 3), while the original MOFs displayed no CTL signal. Eighteen common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were investigated as possible interference, and the results indicated that MOFs-derived porous dodecahedra Co 3 O 4 would be one of excellent sensing material candidates for monitoring H 2 S with a promising application in routine analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sea urchin gonad has been regarded as a “healthy” food. Although previous studies have suggested that sea urchin gonad might serve as a potential rich source of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA) enriched phospholipid (PL), the molecular species profile of its PL has rarely been reported. In this study, about 200 molecular species of glycerophospholipid (GP), including glycerophosphocholine, glycerophosphoethanolamine, glycerophosphoserine, glycerophosphoinositol, lysoglycerophosphocholine and lysoglycerophosphoethanolamine, in gonads from three species of sea urchin ( Glyptocidaris crenularis , Strongylocentrotus intermedius and Strongylocentrotus nudus ) were characterized using tandem mass spectrometry. Most of the predominant GP molecular species contained PUFA, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Meanwhile, the sea urchin lipids contained a high proportion of PL (39.45–50.30% of total lipids) and PUFA (34.47–46.56% of total FA). Among PL, phosphatidylcholine (67.88–72.58 mol%) was dominant. Considering the high level of PUFA enriched GP, sea urchin gonads provide great potential as health-promoting food for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Capacitive deionization (CDI) has been attracted great interest as an emerging desalination technology and the electrode materials play a critical role on improving CDI performance. In this work, nitrogen-enriched activated carbon fibers (AN-CFs) were prepared from the natural based silk cocoon through simple carbonization and CO 2 activation. Their electrochemical and electrosorption behaviors were studied in NaCl solution. The results show that AN-CFs exhibit a fibri form porous structure with rich nitrogen element and CO 2 activation enhances their specific surface area. Compared with unactivated nitrogen-enriched carbon fibers (196.05 F g − 1 at 1 mV s − 1 , 12.02 mg g − 1 in 1000 mg l − 1 NaCl solution), AN-CFs exhibit more excellent capacitive (236.03 F g − 1 ) and CDI (16.56 mg g − 1 ) performances, showing that CO 2 activation is proved to be an effective method to improve electrochemical and electrosorption performances and the AN-CFs should be a promising electrode material for CDI application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel composite containing CoSe and porous carbon polyhedra (PCP), denoted as CoSe@PCP, was successfully synthesized using Co-based zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) as precursor through a two-step method, including carbonization of ZIF-67 and subsequent selenization. The field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy characterizations confirm that CoSe nanoparticles are uniformly dispersed in PCP. When the CoSe@PCP was used as anode material for lithium-ion batteries, it exhibits superior performance with a high reversible capacity of 675 mAh g −1 at 200 mA g −1 after 100 cycles and 708.2 mAh g −1 at 1 A g −1 after 500 cycles as well as excellent cycling stability. Additionally, the CoSe@PCP also demonstrates excellent performance as anode material for sodium-ion batteries. A reversible capacity of 341 mAh g −1 can be obtained over 100 cycles at 100 mA g −1 with high cycling stability. The excellent battery performance of CoSe@PCP should be attributed to the synergistic effect of nanostructured CoSe and PCP derived from ZIF-67, in which the nanostructured CoSe possesses high reactivity towards lithium and sodium ions and the PCP can provide a continuous conductive matrix to facilitate the charge transfer and an effective buffering to mitigate the structure variation of CoSe during cycling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste is landfilled or pollutes the environment. Additionally, global food production must increase to support the growing population. This article explores the feasibility of using microorganisms in an industrial system that upcycles PET into edible microbial protein powder to solve both problems simultaneously. Many microorganisms can utilize plastics as feedstock, and the resultant microbial biomass contains fats, nutrients, and proteins similar to those found in human diets. While microbial degradation of PET is promising, biological PET depolymerization is too slow to resolve the global plastic crisis and projected food shortages. Evidence reviewed here suggests that by coupling chemical depolymerization and biological degradation of PET, and using cooperative microbial communities, microbes can efficiently convert PET waste into food. Innovative solutions are needed to resolve the ongoing global issues of excess plastic waste and food insecurity. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymers can be depolymerized and biodegraded by naturally occurring microorganisms, although rates of degradation are too slow to independently form the foundation of a biotechnological process and help to resolve the global plastic crisis. Chemical depolymerization of PET can deconstruct plastics into aromatic building blocks. Microorganisms can more rapidly break down the aromatic building blocks of PET after chemical depolymerization, greatly improving rates of biodegradation. Single-cell protein (SCP) is a food source that is derived from microbial cells. Microbial cells grown on waste products offer a promising source of alternative protein and other nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive polymers have been investigated as a medium for the transmission of electrical signals in biological tissues, but their capacity to rewire cardiac tissue has not been evaluated. Myocardial tissue is unique in being able to generate an electrical potential at a fixed rate; this potential spreads rapidly among cells to trigger muscle contractions. Tissue injuries result in myocardial fibrosis and subsequent non-uniform conductivity, leading to arrhythmia. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained arrhythmia, associated with disruption of atrial electrical signaling, which can potentially be restored by the epicardial delivery of conductive polymers. In this work, poly-3-amino-4-methoxybenzoic acid, conjugated to gelatin, is fabricated as a membrane (PAMB-G) to support conductive velocities that are close to that of the myocardium. A cross-linked gelatin membrane (Gelatin) is used as a control. The as-fabricated PAMB-G has similar tensile elasticities, determined using the Young's modulus, as contracting myocardium; it can also transmit electrical signals to initiate cardiac cell and tissue excitation. Delivering PAMB-G onto the atrium of a rat AF model shortens AF duration and improves post-AF recovery for the duration of a 28-day-long study. Atrial tissue in the PAMB-G-implanted group has lower impedance, higher conduction velocity, and higher field potential amplitude than that in the Gelatin-implanted group. Therefore, the as-proposed PAMB-G is a suitable medium for restoring proper cardiac electrical signaling in AF hearts. [Display omitted] • A conductive membrane is successfully formed by conjugating PAMB onto gelatin. • This conductive membrane, PAMB-G, can be delivered epicardially to the atrium. • PAMB-G lowers atrial impedance and re-synchronizes conduction in fibrotic tissue. • PAMB-G improves post-atrial fibrillation recovery and cardiac function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, sulfur-doped carbon spheres with hierarchical micro/mesopores (denoted as S-MCSs) were fabricated via a sol-gel method combined with surfactant-directing assembly strategy and subsequent sulfuration process. When used as anode materials of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), S-MCSs show excellent electrochemical performance with a high maximum reversible capacity of 443.4 mA h g −1 after 50 cycles at 50 mA g −1 , and even at a high current density of 1 A g −1 , a reversible capacity of 238.2 mA h g −1 is obtained after 600 cycles, mainly due to their hierarchical micro/mesoporous structure with high specific surface area, large pore volume and high sulfur content. The excellent cycling performance and high capacity enable the S-MCSs to be a promising candidate for SIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents receive psychological or emotional care from both parents and peers, which is crucial for mental health at this stage. Little research has been undertaken to evaluate the experience and consequences of caregiver psychological neglect during adolescence. Less is known about the unique and combined impacts of neglectful experiences with parents and peers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between exposure to caregiver psychological neglect and isolation from peers with depression for a population of at-risk adolescents. A sample of 2776 adolescents who represent a cohort population of adolescents in contact with Child Protective Services in the U.S. was studied. Data come from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW) and are pooled across four waves representing seven years duration. Structural equation modeling with latent variables was used to estimate within-time associations. A two-stage-least squares path model was used to determine within-time reciprocal effects between depression and neglectful experiences. Adolescents who are emotionally neglected by their primary caregivers and are isolated from peers have substantially increased depression, a combined standardized effect of 0.78–0.91. Isolation from peers is more impactful for depression compared to psychological neglect by caregivers. The effects of deficits in these two primary sources of emotional support explain 40 percent of the variation in depression. The relationships between depression and peer isolation and depression and psychological neglect are reciprocal, but the primary direction of effect is from neglectful experiences to depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]