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Podocyte damage is the major cause of glomerular injury and proteinuria in multiple chronic kidney diseases. Metadherin (MTDH) is involved in podocyte apoptosis and promotes renal tubular injury in mouse models of diabetic nephropathy and renal fibrosis; however, its role in podocyte injury and proteinuria needs further exploration. Here, we show that MTDH was induced in the glomerular podocytes of patients with proteinuric chronic kidney disease and correlated with proteinuria. Podocyte-specific knockout of MTDH in mice reversed proteinuria, attenuated podocyte injury, and prevented glomerulosclerosis after advanced oxidation protein products challenge or adriamycin injury. Furthermore, specific knockout of MTDH in podocytes repressed β-catenin phosphorylation at the Ser675 site and inhibited its downstream target gene transcription. Mechanistically, on the one hand, MTDH increased cAMP and then activated protein kinase A (PKA) to induce β-catenin phosphorylation at the Ser675 site, facilitating the nuclear translocation of MTDH and β-catenin; on the other hand, MTDH induced the deaggregation of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) tetramers and promoted PKM2 monomers to enter the nucleus. This cascade of events leads to the formation of the MTDH/PKM2/β-catenin/CBP/TCF4 transcription complex, thus triggering TCF4-dependent gene transcription. Inhibition of PKA activity by H-89 or blockade of PKM2 deaggregation by TEPP-46 abolished this cascade of events and disrupted transcription complex formation. These results suggest that MTDH induces podocyte injury and proteinuria by assembling the β-catenin-mediated transcription complex by regulating PKA and PKM2 function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart rate monitoring among assembly line workers in workshops holds paramount significance for the proactive identification of safety hazards. To address the accuracy problem of remote photoplethysmography (rPPG) caused by motion artifacts and different light sources, we propose heart rate measurement based on spatiotemporal features of facial key points (HRMSF). Initially, to reduce the impact of motion artifacts on the region of interest, the spatial dimension features and the temporal dimension features of the key points in the region of interest are integrated, and a multipatch spatiotemporal feature (MSF) acquisition method for facial key points based on a unit time window is designed. Subsequently, to reduce the impact of different light sources on blood volume pulse (BVP) signal estimation, an extra green component (EGC) model based on the red and blue channels is constructed. Chroma and EGC are integrated into the pulse signal expression, resulting in the formulation of a new rPPG method named CHROM-EGC. Finally, PURE and ECG-Fitness are employed as test datasets, and the experimental results show that the MAEs obtained by HRMSF are 0.96 and 24.39, respectively, which are better than those of the 8 rPPG methods. Furthermore, MSF is migrated to 8 existing rPPG methods, and test results reveal that MSF can improve the performance of existing rPPG methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we focused on the successful construction of [(4,4′-bipy/P 2 Mo 17 Co) 6 ] modified electrodes using the layer-by-layer assembly method for the sensitive detection of sulfathiazole (ST). The redox reaction between ST and the metal ions in the modified layer leads to the transfer of electrons, resulting in the generation of the electrical signal. The introduction of 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) enhanced the molecular recognition of ST by the modified electrode. Under the combined effect of P 2 Mo 17 Co and 4,4′-bipy, the sensor exhibited good performance for ST detection (LOD: 0.5616 μM, linear ST concentration range: 0–50 μM). The spiked recoveries of the two groups were 84.4%–103.2% and 90.9%–109.4% for the determination of ST residues in large yellow croaker and South American white shrimp, respectively. In addition, the electrode showed excellent performance in terms of stability, reproducibility, and anti-interference ability. [Display omitted] • Rapid detection and quantitative analysis of sulfathiazole residues in aquatic products. • A novel POMs electrochemical sensor for sulfonamide residue analysis was developed. • Preparation of [(4,4′-bipy/P 2 Mo 17 Co) 6 ] modified electrodes using the LBL method. • Modified electrodes based on P 2 Mo 17 Co and 4,4′-bipyridine improved detection sensitivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To unlock the potential of indigenous non- Saccharomyces cerevisiae and develop novel starters to enhance the aromatic complexity of kiwifruit wine, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii , Pichia kudriavzevii and Meyerozyma guilliermondii were pairwise combined and then used in sequential fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The impact of different starter cultures on the chemical composition and flavor profile of the kiwifruit wines was comprehensively analyzed, and the aroma evolution during alcoholic fermentation was investigated by examining the changes in key volatiles and their loss rates. Compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae , mixed starter cultures not only improve antioxidant capacity but also increase esters and alcohols yields, presenting intense floral and fruity aromas with high sensory acceptability. The results indicated that sequential inoculation of non- Saccharomyces cerevisiae combination and Saccharomyces cerevisiae promoted the development of volatiles while maintaining the stability of key aroma compounds in the winemaking environment and reducing the aroma loss rates during alcoholic fermentation. • Mixed starter improved chemical composition and antioxidant activity of kiwi wine. • Inoculating two non- Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains enhanced the aroma diversity. • Sequential fermentation resulted in fruity aromas and higher sensory acceptance. • Improvement of volatile compounds may be achieved by reducing aroma loss rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The triangular pyramid nanostructure (TPN) raises a perfect prerequisite for the aggregation of surface plasmon resonances (SPRs). However, the application of TPN in thermoplasmonics has not yet been developed. The aim of this study is to explore the development potential of TPNs for enhanced noble metal photothermal applications. We investigated the optical absorption properties, photothermal conversion efficiency, and photothermal response under continuous wave irradiation of TPNs based on Ag and Au nanomaterials. The results show that TPN helps to enhance the SPR excitation of Ag and Au in the near-infrared. TPN based on noble metal nanomaterials shows good light absorption capacity and photothermal response. The photothermal conversion efficiencies of the TPN nanoparticle suspensions increased by 56.95% (Ag) and 49.57% (Au), respectively, compared to the same volume of noble metal nanospheres. This work is intended to researchers better understand the development potential of TPN in thermoplasmonics applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Distribution of indigenous yeasts at kiwifruit and natural fermentation was analyzed. • Yeasts were screened based on β -glucosidase and esterase activity. • Sequential fermentation significantly increases esters and alcohols in kiwi wines. • Involvement of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii significantly enhanced sensory scores. • Floral and tropical fruit aromas were positively correlated with sensory acceptance. To explore the diversity and fermentation potential of non- Saccharomyces cerevisiae associated with kiwifruit, indigenous yeasts isolated from kiwifruit and natural fermentation were comprehensively analyzed. A total of 166 indigenous yeasts were isolated, of which 54 representative strains were used for subsequent enzyme activity characterization. Different colorimetric methods were used to verify the ability of these strains to secrete hydrolytic enzymes, and then six strains were selected for sequential fermentation by specific activity assay. The performance of indigenous yeasts in improving organic acids, polyphenols, volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of wines was evaluated holistically. Results indicated that most sequential fermentations exhibited significant improvements in vitamin C and polyphenols. Remarkably, the involvement of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii , Meyerozyma guilliermondii , and Pichia kudriavzevii increased the concentrations of ethyl esters, acetates and alcohols, enhancing floral and tropical fruit odors and ultimately achieving the highest overall sensory acceptability, thereby highlighting their potential in kiwifruit wine fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of cross-cultural competence (3C) and related constructs is of vital importance for both theoretical and practical reasons. The present review was undertaken to evaluate the quality of instrumentation designed to measure individuals' capabilities for living and working successfully in cross-cultural contexts. The psychometric properties of five instruments deemed most important, useful, and visible in the field were evaluated with a focus on 3C measurement literature that became available since the publication of reviews by Gabrenya and colleagues (2013) and Matsumoto and Hwang (2013). Findings regarding the quality of 3C measures were mixed. First, we found that convergent validity was generally good across instruments and most showed reasonable criterion validity. However, discriminant validity was lacking in several instruments. The internal structures of instruments claiming to assess multiple constructs through subdimensions was in most cases poor. Content and face validity varied widely. Cross-cultural measurement equivalence was found to be poor in the limited research conducted on this important issue, as adaptation of instruments for use outside the culture in which they were developed rarely extends beyond the use of back-translation procedures. We suggest alternate approaches to assessing 3C and evaluating the validity of 3C instruments based on modeling sojourner outcomes such as expatriate adjustment and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grid nanoindentation method is commonly adopted to probe micro-mechanical properties of composite materials, providing the basis of multi-scale design of materials and furtherly supporting the research of Materials Genome Engineering. To overcome the disadvantages of traditional nanoindentation data processing methods, a new analysis framework based on intelligence recognition technology was proposed in present work. Curve clustering analysis was established based on principal component analysis to identify the minerals of cementitious materials represented by the indentation load-depth curves. This method avoids the Gaussian distribution assumption and matches every mineral with the test data at effective indentation depth. Compared with deconvolution analysis, Gaussian Mixture Model and point clustering analysis, curve clustering analysis offers more reasonable results. Furthermore, two supervised classification methods, Support Vector Machine classifier and Back Propagation neural network classifier, are introduced to recognize and group nanoindentation data. The training and testing results indicate that they are feasible and highly accurate. • A new analysis framework based on intelligence recognition method is developed to deal with grid nanoindentation test data. • The curve clustering method can distinguish major mineral phases in higher accuracy compared with deconvolution analysis. • The effective indentation depth range of each phase can be determined by the derivative curve of average E - h curve. • Supervised classification methods perform well in the classification of grid nanoindentation test data with high accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the paper, to enhance the value and utilization rate of hawthorn wine pomace waste, four kinds of pectin were gained from hawthorn wine pomace by hydrochloric acid method (HA-HP), citric acid method (CA-HP), cellulase method (E-HP) and microwave-assisted chelating agent method (MH-HP). The physical and chemical properties of extracted hawthorn pectin were analyzed, however, different extraction methods lead to different characteristics of extracted pectin samples. We found that the extracted hawthorn pectin was all low-methoxy pectin, and the highest extraction yield of 72.89% with high ash (9.20%) was obtained by the MH-HP method, while the galacturonic acid (Gal A) content was up to 72.24% after dealing with the CA-HP method which was the highest among the four samples, besides, the quality of gel formed by E-HP method was the best. What's more, the four extracted samples all reveled degrees of antioxidant activity with dose-dependent in vitro antioxidant, and it was CA-HP method had the best antioxidant activity, making this the first comprehensive research describing the extracting pectin from hawthorn wine pomace. This research also provides a base for industrial production of high-value products from low-cost raw materials. • Molecular weights of hawthorn pectin were depended on the extracting method. • Antioxidant activity of pectin was related to Gal A content and molecular weight. • Physicochemical properties of pectin were affected by different extraction methods. • Pectin from cellulase method can be used as a gelling agent. • Directional extraction of pectin can be realized by selecting different methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A POM-based detector for EU. • Organic-inorganic material composite increases electrode stability. • Achieved rapid and sensitive determination of EU. • Successfully compared EU content of different parts of the perch. Food safety concerns caused by the application of spice allergens to fish anaesthesia. In this paper, a chitosan-reduced graphene oxide/polyoxometalates/poly- l -lysine (CS-rGO/P 2 Mo 17 Cu/PLL) modified electrode was constructed by electrodeposition and successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of eugenol (EU). The detection limit was 0.4490 μM in the linear range of 2x10-6 M to 1.4x10-5 M. It was applied to the determination of EU residues in kidney, liver and meat tissues of perch with recoveries ranging from 85.43 to 93.60%. Besides, the electrodes demonstrate high stability (2.56% drop in current value after 70 days at room temperature), high reproducibility (RSD of 4.87% for 6 parallel electrodes) and extremely fast response time. This study provided a new material for the electrochemical detection of EU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction on objective and subjective sleep parameters and hypnotic medication use of patients with insomnia secondary to cervical cancer. This was a randomized controlled trial enrolled insomnia patient who were caused or worsened by cervical cancer. Seventy patients with insomnia caused or aggravated by cervical cancer were at random divided into either a usual care group or an 8-week mindfulness-based stress reduction group. Subjective sleep parameters, objective sleep parameters and hypnotic medication consumption were assessed at baseline, after the program, 6- and 12-month after finishing the interventions. The results showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction had a positive effect on subjective sleep parameters (Total wake time: ∆ = 45.32, P < 0.05; Sleep efficacy: ∆ = 6.87, P < 0.05; Total sleep time: ∆ = 22.22, P < 0.01). Compared with control group, polysomnography data in mindfulness-based stress reduction group were not improved significantly. There were no associations between subjective sleep parameters and objective sleep parameters. Mindfulness-based stress reduction had a definite impact on patients with insomnia that was secondary to cervical cancer just after the intervention, but no long-term influences. ChiCTR1800018571; 9/25/2018; retrospectively registered. • MBSR was conducted on insomnia secondary to cervical cancer. • MBSR had a definite impact on patients just after the intervention. • No association between subjective sleep parameters and objective sleep parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effects of ultrasonic on the degradation kinetics, structure properties, and antioxidant activity of hawthorn pectin were studied. According to our study, as ultrasonic time extended, the intrinsic viscosity for different hawthorn pectin concentrations decreased. The ultrasonic degradation of hawthorn pectin reaction conformed to the first-order kinetic equation. As the reaction rate constant (k) decreased, hawthorn pectin concentration increased. When ultrasonic time was 10 min, the Gal A increased by 10.62% and the DE decreased by 45.57% compared with control, additionally, the particle size, turbidity and gel properties of hawthorn pectin decreased. Hawthorn pectin molecular weight and its distribution all decreased after ultrasonic treatment. FTIR analysis indicated that ultrasonic treatment did not change pectin's primary structures, and SEM analysis showed that the surface characteristic of ultrasonic treatment pectin was different from native pectin. Moreover, in vitro antioxidant activity assays indicated that ultrasonic treatment significantly improved the antioxidant activity of pectin. It was concluded that ultrasonic treatment not only affected the properties of pectin, but also affected its antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Developing an efficient non-precious metal catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in regenerative energy conversion and storage devices is very imperative but still challenging. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical porous Co/CoO x nanoparticles embedded N-doped carbon hybrid threaded with carbon nanotubes (Co/CoO x @NC-CNTs) was prepared via in situ threading CNTs through ZIF-67 polyhedron and a succedent carbonation process. Compared to those of commercial electrocatalysts (Pt/C and RuO 2), the as-prepared hybrid showed comparable electrocatalytic activity with positive ORR half-wave potential (E 1/2) of 0.836 V, low OER potential (E j=10 = 1.62 V), good methanol tolerance and excellent electrocatalytic stability. Moreover, the small overpotential difference value (Δ E = E j=10 - E 1/2) of 0.784 V is competitive to those of recent reported outstanding bifunctional oxygen electrocatalysts. The high electrocatalytic properties of the Co/CoO x @NC-CNTs hybrid are attributed to the synergistic effect of high surface area, desirable pore structure and reasonable chemical composition. Graphical abstract A 3D hierarchical porous Co/CoO x embedded N-doped carbon hybrid threaded with carbon nanotubes was prepared as high efficient bifunctional catalysts for oxygen electrode reactions. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]