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In view of the increasing prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the increased risks of delivering a macrosomic infant, developing preeclampsia, and suffering a perinatal death due to GDM, GDM has emerged as a growing public health problem. Although the placenta was suggested to play a crucial role in the pathology of GDM, the mechanisms that induce the development of GDM are still obscure. Fibrinogen-like protein (FGL)-1 is a hepatokine that plays an important role in hepatogenesis, as well as in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes. Although FGL-1 is also expressed by the placenta, the pathophysiological role of FGL-1 in GDM is still unknown. In this study, FGL-1 levels were evaluated in 45 subjects with (n = 16) or without (n = 29) GDM. We found that FGL-1 was mainly expressed by placental trophoblasts, and FGL-1 expression was significantly higher in subjects with GDM. FGL-1 increased trophoblast proliferation through an extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2-dependent pathway. In addition, plasma concentrations of FGL-1 were higher in subjects with GDM, and the increased circulating FGL-1 might contribute to systemic insulin resistance. FGL-1 disrupted the gluconeogenic action of insulin in HepG2 cells, and decreased insulin-induced glucose uptake by L6 myotubes. Taken together, placental FGL-1 possibly plays a role in the impairment of insulin function in the development of GDM, and it might be a novel biomarker for diagnosing GDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker, is an important insect pest in eastern Asia. Green (520 nm) light with an exposure time of >30 min can result in a stronger phototactic response than the wavelengths of other lights in M. separata moths. The present study was mainly focused to estimate the activities of several enzymes (such as glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HOAD)) involved in the energy metabolism and a ratio of HOAD to GAPDH activity in M. separata moths exposed to the green light for different exposure times. Our results showed that when M. separata moths were exposed to the green light for 30 min, the activities of the two enzymes (GPDH and HOAD) and as well as the ratio of HOAD to GAPDH activity were significantly elevated. The activity of LDH was significantly increased in the moths exposed for 60 min. Furthermore, significant differences in enzyme activities between the male and female moths were recorded in 45 min exposure time group of the GAPDH, all light treatment groups of the LDH, and 45 min group of the ratio of HOAD to GAPDH activity, respectively. We suggest that when M. separata adult moths are exposed to the green light, these enzymes can be activated to produce energy for starting the phototactic behavior to the green light. Our findings may provide a theoretical basis for elucidating a reason of the phototactic behavior of nocturnal moths. Unlabelled Image • The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata , is an important insect pest. • Green LED light can significantly promote energy metabolism in M. separata moths. • The energy metabolic level in the moths under green light differs among sexes. • Energy metabolism activation in the moths may be related to phototactic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Plaque in carotid arteries (CAs) is a major factor of systemic atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The left and right CAs have different anatomic and geometric features and may influence the predictability of CVD. However, the site- and segment-specific prevalence of carotid plaques (CP) and study on severity of carotid atherosclerosis with CVD risks was very limited. Methods We enrolled 1539 healthy residents aged 40-to-74 years from two northern districts in Taiwan. All volunteers received high resolution B-mode carotid ultrasound scans and CVD risk factors evaluations. Results The prevalence rate of extracranial CP was 21.9% in females and 33.8% in males. Carotid bifurcation is the most affected segment. As compared with the right CAs, the age-sex-adjusted matched odds ratio of having plaques in the left CAs was 1.32 (95% confidence interval = 1.02–1.73). The proportions of subjects had a total plaque number≥2, maximum stenosis≥30%, and plaque score≥3 were 8.9, 10.3, and 7.2%, respectively, in females and were 17.7, 17.2, and 15.1%, respectively, in males. Among subjects with moderate and severe carotid atherosclerosis, the mean ± SD of estimated 10-year CVD risk was 19.1 ± 14.6% and more than 65% of them need intensive blood pressure, lipids, or sugar controls. Conclusion We found that bifurcation was the most prevalent segment, and left CAs was more likely to form plaque than right CAs. The major CVD risk factors were highly prevalent and the estimated CVD risks were high in subjects with more advanced carotid atherosclerosis. The study provides further direction for CVD prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recently, light traps equipped with light-emitting diode (LED) lights have been used to monitor and control nocturnal insect pests. The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker, is an important cosmopolitan agriculture pest. The phototactic responses of nocturnal insects, including moths are influenced by abiotic and biological factors. The present study aimed to evaluate the phototactic response to different wavelength LED lights to determine the wavelength to which M. separata adults are most sensitive, and then identify the effects of several factors on the phototactic response. Our experiments revealed that M. separata adult moths had a significantly higher attraction rate to the green (520 nm) LED light compared with other LED lights, the green LED light was 1.28 times more attractive the moths than the commercial double-wave light used as a control. The phototactic response of the adult moths was significantly influenced by several factors, including adaption time in darkness, age, mating status and sexuality. These findings suggest that using a green LED light as a light source in trap could be effective in monitoring or controlling M. separata moths. Our results may provide a theoretical and scientific basis for improving the light trap technique for M. separata moths. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • The oriental armyworm, Mythimna separata Walker, is a cosmopolitan agriculture insect pest. • Green (520 nm) LED light in several LED lights results in the highest phototactic response behavior of M. separata moths. • Phototactic response of the adult moths is significantly influenced by several factors. • The research allows to use green LED light to monitor or control M. separata moths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Clip domain serine proteases (Clips) mediate various biological processes, especially in insect immune responses such as prophenoloxidase (proPO) activation and Toll pathway initiation. In the present study, we cloned and studied the functions of a clip domain serine protease from Antheraea pernyi (ApSnake). ApSnake contains a typical clip domain and a trypsin-like serine protease domain. It shares high similarity with serine protease snake in Bombyx mori , and groups into the CLIPC family. ApSnake mRNA expressions were detected in all tested tissues, particularly high in the hemocytes. Challenged with four different microorganisms ( Escherichia coli , Beauveria bassiana , Micrococcus luteus or Nuclear polyhedrosis virus), the expressions of ApSnake mRNA were induced significantly compared with control, particularly challenged by B. bassiana and M. luteus. Recombinant ApSnake protein stimulated melanization reaction and prophenoloxidase activation in A. pernyi hemolymph, but had no effect on phenoloxidase activity. Injection of recombinant ApSnake into A. pernyi larvae increased the transcript levels of proPO and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in hemocytes significantly. Our results suggested that ApSnake might be a modulating protein that both stimulate the melanization activation process and AMPs synthesis, and plays an important role in the innate immunity of A. pernyi. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A clip domain serine protease from Antheraea pernyi (ApSnake) was cloned. • The expression levels of ApSnake mRNA were significantly induced by microbes. • ApSnake protein stimulates the prophenoloxidase activation in hemolymph. • ApSnake protein induces the transcript levels for AMPs in hemocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Icariside II (ICA II) is used in erectile dysfunction treatment. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are efficient at improving erectile function. This study aimed to explore the action mechanism of ADSCs in improving erectile function. ADSCs were isolated from the adipose tissues of rats. Cell proliferation was determined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. The expressions of mRNA and protein were determined separately through qRT-PCR and western blot. The endogenous expressions of related genes were regulated using recombinant plasmids and cell transfection. A Dual- Luciferase Reporter Assay was performed to determine the interaction between miR-34a and STAT3. Rat models with bilateral cavernous nerve injuries (BCNIs) were used to assess erectile function through the detection of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and intracavernosal pressure (ICP). ICA II promoted ADSCs' proliferation and differentiation to Schwann cells (SCs) through the inhibition of miR-34a. Suppressed miR-34a promoted the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs by upregulating STAT3. ICA II promoted the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs through the miR-34a/STAT3 pathway. The combination of ICA II and ADSCs preserved the erectile function of the BCNI model rats. ADSCs treated with ICA II markedly preserved the erectile function of the BCNI model rats, which was reversed through miR-34a overexpression. ICA II promotes the differentiation of ADSCs to SCs through the miR-34a/STAT3 pathway, contributing to erectile function preservation after the occurrence of a cavernous nerve injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the oncolytic activity of cationic, one-dimensional (1D) fibril assemblies formed from coil-sheet poly( L -lysine)- block -poly( L -threonine) (PLL- b -PLT) block copolypeptides for cancer therapy. The 1D fibril assemblies can efficiently interact with negatively charged cellular and mitochondrial membranes via electrostatic interactions, leading to necrosis via membrane lysis and apoptosis via the mitochondria-lytic effect. The concept is analogous to that of 1D drug carriers that exhibit enhanced cell penetration. In comparison to free PLL chains, PLL- b -PLT fibril assemblies exhibit selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cells, low hemolysis activity, enhanced membranolytic activity, and a different apoptosis pathway, which may be due to differences in the peptide-membrane interactions. Antitumor studies using a metastatic LL2 lung carcinoma model indicate that the fibril assemblies significantly inhibited tumor growth, improved survival in tumor-bearing mice and suppressed lung metastasis without obvious body weight loss. An additive efficacy was also observed for treatment with both PLL- b -PLT and cisplatin. These results support the feasibility of using 1D fibril assemblies as potential apoptotic anticancer therapeutics. Statement of Significance We report that cationic, one-dimensional (1D) fibril assemblies formed by coil-sheet poly( L -lysine)- block -poly( L -threonine) (PLL- b -PLT) block copolypeptides exhibited potent anticancer activity by enhancing membranolysis. The 1D fibril assemblies can efficiently interact with negatively charged cellular and mitochondrial membranes via electrostatic interactions, leading to necrosis via membrane lysis and apoptosis via mitochondria-lytic effect. Moreover, the fibril assemblies exhibited low hemolytic activity and selective cytotoxicity toward cancer cell, which is advantageous as compared to PLL and most antimicrobial/anticancerous peptides. This study provides a new concept of using cationic, 1D fibril assemblies for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tick fauna and zoogeographic distribution of Jiangxi Province remain largely unknown due to the lack of data on distribution, occurrence, and host associations of ticks. Considering this, we collected 1,817 individual samples from natural hosts, humans, and vegetation in 18 counties/districts throughout Jiangxi Province, China, from 2015 to 2021. These 1,817 individuals were found to 13 tick species, 4 genera, and 1 family. In addition, the tick sample data from 8 sampling localities (counties and districts) reported in previous studies were also included in our data. A total of 4,021 individuals, including our sample collection and the previously reported data, were assigned to at least 18 species, 6 genera, and 2 families. One newly recorded species Dermacentor sp. (near D. steini Schulze) was found; three misidentified species (Ixodes acuminatus, Haemaphysalis spinigera, and Haemaphysalis verticalis) reported previously were deleted; and one misidentified species Dermacentor auratus Supino was revised as Dermacentor steini Schulze. In addition, we divided the tick fauna in Jiangxi Province into 5 zoogeographic areas and assigned the 18 tick species collected from 26 localities to these 5 zoogeographic areas. To summarize, our findings provide valuable information on the distribution, tick-host associations, and zoogeographic division of ticks in Jiangxi Province, China. Their molecular characterizations, phylogenetic relationships, and tick-borne pathogens that they may transmit should be further explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apolipophorin-III (ApoLp-III) is involved in lipid transport and innate immunity in insects. In this study, we isolated ApoLp-III gene ( As-ApoLp-III ) cDNA from Actias selene Hübner (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). It contained 660 nucleotides with a putative open reading frame (ORF) of 561 bp encoding 186 amino acid residues. It showed similarities with ApoLp-III proteins from other insect species, especially Antheraea pernyi . The recombinant protein of As-ApoLp-III was expressed in Escherichia coli , and anti-As-ApoLp-III antibodies were prepared. The As-ApoLp-III gene was expressed at high levels in the fat body and integument, and at low levels in the hemolymph, testis, silk gland, malpighian tubule, ovary, and midgut. As-ApoLp-III gene can be upregulated by E. coli , Micrococcus luteus , Beauveria bassiana, and nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) and showed a greater sensitivity for gram-negative bacteria and fungi than for gram-positive bacteria and virus. These data indicated that As-ApoLp-III may play an important role in innate immune responses of Actias selene . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptidoglycan recognition proteins (PGRPs) are conserved proteins in animals from insects to mammals and play an important role in immune response by recognizing peptidoglycan on microbial surfaces. In this study, a PGRP gene from Antheraea pernyi , named Ap-PGRP-A , was isolated and characterized. Sequence analysis revealed that the full-length cDNA of Ap-PGRP-A was 961 bp, containing a 40 bp 5′-untranslated sequence, a 339 bp 3′-untranslated region and an open reading frame of 582 bp. This gene encoded a putative protein of 193 amino acid residues. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Ap-PGRP-A had the closest protein sequence similarity to Antheraea mylitta PGRP. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli cells and a rabbit anti- Ap-PGRP-A antibody was also prepared. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that Ap-PGRP-A was extensively expressed in the fat body, midgut, hemocyte, malpighian tubule and epidermis of A. pernyi , especially in the fat body and midgut. The expression levels of Ap-PGRP-A were significantly up-regulated by three types of microorganisms, and Ap-PGRP-A expression was more sensitive in response to the Gram-negative bacterium E. coli than the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis or the fungus Beauveria bassiana . These data indicate that Ap-PGRP-A may play a role in the innate immune responses of A. pernyi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NH4-ZSM-5 is employed for converting dimethyl ether to gasoline (DTG) with the fixed-bed reactor. The lifetime of the catalyst can be extended from 10 hours to 197 hours and the aromatic content can be decreased from 56.6 vol.% to 30.2 vol.% as H-ZSM-5 replaced by NH4-ZSM-5 for DTG reaction at the experimental conditions of P = 1 atm, T = 300 °C, and WHSV (Weight Hourly Space Velocity) = 6.5 h-1. The durability of NH4-ZSM-5 is performed by the reaction (1 atm/300 °C/WHSV 6.5 h-1) - regeneration (air 0.5 lpm/570 °C/10 hrs) cycle test. The product distribution of the DTG with the NH4-ZSM-5 undergone 6 times regeneration is similar to the fresh one. Moreover, the products were analyzed by the in-line GC-MS. The product distribution is similar ether the sample from starting or the sample from the 240 hours on stream running at the reaction conditions of P = 1 atm, T = 400 °C, and WHSV = 3.6 h-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly synthesized amino acids are the principle compounds created after inorganic nitrogen (N) is rapidly immobilized into microbial tissues. However, little is known about the mineralization kinetics of these newly synthesized amino acids compared to the amino acids originally present in the soil, and how substrate availability controls their mineralization. With 15N isotope tracing, the newly synthesized (15N-labeled) amino acids can be differentiated from the amino acids originally present (unlabeled) in soil, making it possible to evaluate the mineralization of the newly synthesized amino acids in tandem with the original amino acids. As amino acids can serve as both N and carbon (C) sources for microorganisms, the mineralization dynamics of amino acids may be manipulated by the availability of extraneous C and N. In this study, an aerobic 30-week intermittent leaching experiment was conducted, using glucose as C source and (14NH4)2SO4 as N source, following separate additions to soil. The newly synthesized amino acids were determined by an isotope-based high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS). The newly synthesized soil amino acids mineralized faster than the original ones, which indicated more rapid cycling of N in the newly synthesized soil amino acids pool. Glucose addition significantly decreased the mineralization of both the newly synthesized and the original amino acids. However, when inorganic N was abundant, the newly synthesized amino acids decomposed rapidly, and preferentially as a C source and energy, while N addition inhibited the mineralization of the original amino acids in the soil. We conclude that the presence of readily degradable C (e.g. glucose) and inorganic N controls the mineralization of newly synthesized and original amino acid pools in soil differently, which is a crucial mechanism in adjusting the N supply and sequestration processes in soil ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial residues represent a significant soil organic matter pool and participate in soil aggregation. The addition of organic manure is known to modify soil aggregation and strongly influence soil microbial residues. How manure application influences the spatial distribution of microbial residues in soil aggregates is largely unknown. This study attempts to determine the effect of manure application at various rates on the content and distribution of microbial residues among aggregates of different sizes. We used a long-term manure application experiment in a Mollisol in northeastern China, where manure has been applied since 2001 at rates of 0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1 (dry weight). The abundance of microbial residues was indicated by amino sugar analysis. Glucosamine and muramic acid were used as biomarkers for fungal and bacterial residues, respectively. Amino sugars were examined within four aggregate fractions: large macroaggregate (>2000 µm), small macroaggregate (250-2000 µm), large microaggregate (53-250 µm) and small microaggregate (<53 µm). Application of manure at 15 and 22.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1 provided significantly higher proportions of macroaggregates and mean weight diameter (MWD) than non-manure treatment and manure applied at 7.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1. Manure application, especially at higher rates, significantly stimulated the accumulation of total amino sugars in both macroaggregates and large microaggregates and more amino sugars were found in >250 µm macroaggregates compared with microaggregates. However, effects of manure application rates on amino sugar accumulation in larger aggregates were limited when manure rate was increased from 15 to 22.5 Mg ha-1 yr-1. The response of fungal- and bacterial-derived amino sugars to manure application rates differed among aggregate fractions, i.e., glucosamine associated with macroaggregates increased more than that of microaggregates, whereas the enhancement of muramic acid was prominent in both macroaggregates and large microaggregates. The mass proportions of macroaggregates and MWD showed signi?cant positive correlations with amino sugar contents, indicating that these microbial residues are involved in the formation and stabilization of aggregates. Manure applications greatly increased the contribution of microbial residues to soil organic C (SOC) in small macroaggregates and large microaggregates (P = 0.05). We conclude that higher manure input may promote soil aggregation and higher SOC storage, which is closely related to a greater microbial residues-mediated improvement of soil aggregate stability. Our results also suggest that measurement of amino sugar content is a useful approach to assess fungal and bacterial contributions to soil aggregation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ZnO nanowires have been successfully grown by thermal oxidation of metallic zinc films at 430°C. Polycrystalline zinc films were deposited on Si (100) substrates by RF magnetron sputtering utilizing discharge power from 70 to 180W. Experimental results show that 70W discharge power results in the formation of porous zinc nanoparticles that prevent zinc atom from diffusion and thus does not result in the formation of ZnO nanowires by subsequent thermal oxidation. By increasing discharge power to 120W the zinc film transforms to Zone II with a columnar structure, while further increase in discharge power to 180W results in re-crystallization and formation of micron-sized hexagonal structures on the surface. Vertically aligned ZnO nanowires can only be obtained by thermal oxidation of columnar zinc films that exhibit a field emission threshold of 5.3V/μm (at a current density of 10μA/cm2) with a field enhancement factor of 1834. A target current density of 0.75mA/cm2 is achieved with a bias field less than 10V/μm. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Metallic zinc film with various surface roughnesses was deposited on Si (100) substrates by ion beam sputter deposition utilizing beam energies at 8, 12 and 16 keV. The surface roughness of the metallic zinc film increased as ion beam energy increased and was found to act as a crucial factor for the formation of ZnO nanowires by subsequent thermal oxidation. ZnO nanowires with diameters of ∼30 nm and average length of ∼1 μm were obtained from 12 to 16 keV ion beam deposited samples while no ZnO nanowires were found on 8 keV ion beam deposited samples. Photoluminescence study of ZnO nanowires exhibits a strong UV emission at 377.2 nm (3.287 eV) with a full-width at half maximum of 95.0 meV and negligible defect related deep level emission. The ZnO nanowires are grown along the [110] direction and the growth mechanism is likely due to a solid state based-up diffusion process. Field-emission measurement shows a turn-on field of 7.9 MV/m and a field enhancement factor β of 691 is achieved. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Percutaneous liver biopsy is the gold standard for staging hepatic fibrosis of hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C before renal transplantation or antiviral therapy. Concerns exist, however, about serious post-biopsy complications. To evaluate a more simple approach using standard laboratory tests to predict hepatic fibrosis and its evolution, we studied 279 consecutive hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C and a baseline biopsy. Among them, 175 receiving antiviral therapy underwent follow-up biopsy to evaluate the histological evolution of fibrosis. Multivariate analysis of routine laboratory tests at baseline showed the aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index was an independent predictor of significant hepatic fibrosis. The areas under curves of this ratio to predict fibrosis stages F2-4 were 0.83 and 0.71 in the baseline and follow-up sets; and 0.75 and 0.80 respectively, for patients with sustained or non-sustained virological response groups in the follow-up sets. By a judicious setting of cut-off levels for the baseline and non-sustained groups, and the sustained virological response group, almost half and 60 percent of the baseline and follow-up sets could be correctly diagnosed without biopsy. Our study found the aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index is accurate and reproducible for assessing hepatic fibrosis in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C. Applying this simple index could decrease the need of percutaneous liver biopsy in this clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: ZnO thin films have been deposited on Si substrates by reactive ion beam sputtering deposition utilizing a capillaritron ion source. All the as-deposited ZnO films exhibit a preferred (002) growth direction while the grain size increases as oxygen partial flow rate increases. An optimum photoluminescence result was achieved using oxygen partial flow rate of ∼40% that the ratio of integrated deep level emission to that of integrated near-band-edge emission is less than 1.5. The atomic percentage ratio of Zn:O remains at 55/45, regardless of oxygen partial flow rates. With the applied substrate bias, the atomic percentage ratio of Zn/O changes to 40/60, indicating that stoichiometric ZnO may be achieved by selecting appropriate substrate bias. With the substrate bias applied, increased amount of oxygen atoms were found located in oxygen deficient matrixes, likely due to the bombardment of secondary ions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: ZnO thin films were deposited by capillaritron ion beam sputtering deposition. The crystalline quality, stoichiometry and photoluminescence properties of as-deposited and annealed ZnO thin films were studied. The as-deposited ZnO films show no preferred crystallographic orientations while annealed films exhibit a strong single ZnO (002) diffraction peak at 34.50°. The stoichiometry of ZnO films were found to be dependent on both beam energy and annealing conditions that the atomic percent ratio of Zn/O can be controlled between 0.95 and 1.10. ZnO films deposited with 4keV ion beam and annealed at 800°C in oxygen shows the lowest defect related deep level visible emission, while 80% of oxygen atoms are still located in fully oxidized stoichiometric ZnO matrixes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]