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Clinically, septic males tend to have higher mortality rates, but it is unclear if this is due to sex differences in cardiac dysfunction, possibly influenced by hormonal variations. Cardiac dysfunction significantly contributes to sepsis-related mortality, primarily influenced by metabolic imbalances. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ) is a key player in cardiac metabolism and its activation has been demonstrated to favor sepsis outcomes. While estradiol (E2) is abundant and beneficial in females, its impact on PPARδ-mediated metabolism in the heart with regards to sex during sepsis remains unknown. Here, we unveil that while sepsis diminishes PPARδ nuclear translocation and induces metabolic dysregulation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and dysfunction in the heart thereby enhancing mortality, these effects are notably more pronounced in males than females. Mechanistic experiments employing ovariectomized(OVX) mice, E2 administration, and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1(GPER-1) knockout (KO) mice revealed that under lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis, E2 acting via GPER-1 enhances cardiac electrical activity and function, promotes PPARδ nuclear translocation, and subsequently ameliorates cardiac metabolism while mitigating oxidative stress and apoptosis in females. Furthermore, PPARδ specific activation using GW501516 in female GPER-1−/− mice reduced oxidative stress, ultimately decreasing NLRP3 expression in the heart. Remarkably, targeted GPER-1 activation using G1 in males mirrors these benefits, improving cardiac electrical activity and function, and ultimately enhancing survival rates during LPS challenge. By employing NLRP3 KO mice, we demonstrated that the targeted GPER-1 activation mitigated injury, enhanced metabolism, and reduced apoptosis in the heart of male mice via the downregulation of NLRP3. Our findings collectively illuminate the sex-specific cardiac mechanisms influencing sepsis mortality, offering insights into physiological and pathological dimensions. From a pharmacological standpoint, this study introduces specific GPER-1 activation as a promising therapeutic intervention for males under septic conditions. These discoveries advance our understanding of the sex differences in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction and also present a novel avenue for targeted interventions with potential translational impact. [Display omitted] • Cardiac dysfunction drives sepsis mortality, influenced by metabolic imbalances, which is more pronounced in males than females. • Compared to males, females are associated with augmented PPARδ nuclear translocation, reduced oxidative stress, and decreased apoptosis in the heart during sepsis. • Higher E2 levels and increased GPER-1 expression are closely associated with septic females than males. • Septic females exhibit better cardiac metabolism and function due the estrogenic modulation of GPER-1/PPARδ/NLRP3 signaling • GPER-1 activation holds promise for male-specific sepsis therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroidal alkaloids are the main bioactive components of the bulbs of Fritillaria , which have been used as traditional Chinese medicine, known as "Beimu", for the treatment of cough for thousands of years in China. Cough and dyspnea are the most common symptoms observed in patients with pulmonary fibrosis. However, the antifibrotic activity of steroidal alkaloids has not been reported yet. In this study, two previously unreported cevanine-type steroidal alkaloids (1 and 2), four previously undescribed cevanine-type alkaloid glycosides (3 – 6), and 19 known steroidal alkaloids (7 – 25) were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria unibracteata var. wabuensis. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by comprehensive HRESIMS and NMR spectroscopic data analysis, as well as DP4+ NMR calculations. The biological evaluation showed that compounds 2 , 7 – 10 , 14 , 15 , and 17 downregulated fibrotic markers induced by transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β) in MRC-5 cells. Moreover, compounds 14 and 17 dose dependently inhibited TGF- β -induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition in A549 cells, alleviated TGF- β -induced migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, and decreased the expression of fibrotic markers, fibronectin, and N-cadherin in TGF- β -induced MRC-5 cells. The research showed the potential of cevanine-type alkaloids as a class of natural antifibrotic agents. Six undescribed and nineteen known cevanine-type alkaloids were isolated from the bulbs of Fritillaria unibracteata var. wabuensis and eight alkaloids exhibited antifibrotic activities in vitro. [Display omitted] • 25 cevanine-type alkaloids were isolated from Fritillaria unibracteata var. wabuensis. • The antifibrotic activities of steroidal alkaloids were evaluated for the first time. • Compounds 14 and 17 inhibited TGF- β -induced EMT in A549 cells. • Compounds 14 and 17 inhibited TGF- β -induced migration and proliferation of fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite bipolar plates (BPs) are preferred to graphite BPs and metal BPs, in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), due to their pronounced advantages. However, facile and high-efficiency fabrication of high performance composite BPs, remains a challenge. In this study, high performance polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/graphite/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite BPs with segregated conductive network are prepared by structural design and compression molding. Due to the "brick-mud" structure formed in composite BPs by structural manipulation, its conductivity of low filler content is greatly improved. In addition, segregated synergistic conductive networks are observed in composite BPs after adding MWCNTs. The composite BP (5 wt% MWCNTs and 35 wt% graphite) exhibited electrical conductivity of 161.57 S/cm and area specific resistances of 7.5 mΩ cm2. Moreover, the composite BPs have good flexural strength, excellent hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance. In summary, our work provides a simple and feasible strategy for manufacturing high performance composite BPs with low fillers. In the composite bipolar plate, Graphite and MWCNTs are selectively distributed on the interface of PVDF, forming a segregated synergistic conductive network to provide excellent electrical conductivity. [Display omitted] • Bipolar plates with segregated conductive network are developed. • Performance of bipolar plates with low filler content are greatly improved. • Composite BPs exhibits excellent in-plane conductivity and ASR performance. • The bipolar plate has good corrosion resistance and hydrophobicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Passive immunotherapy against Alzheimer's disease is effective in vitro. • Single chain fragment variables (scFvs) were developed and tested for efficacy. • Two scFvs reacted with Aβ monomers, oligomers, and fibers. • These prevented Aβ oligomer and fiber formation, and blocked their cytotoxicity. Disease-modifying passive immunotherapies focused on reducing amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition are a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the results of Aβ passive immunotherapy clinical trials were unsatisfactory, largely due to the low efficacy of whole antibodies due to their relatively large molecular weight and low blood-brain barrier transmittance. Furthermore, the constant region fragments of whole antibodies can trigger inflammatory reactions, which raises safety concerns. Single chain fragment variables (scFvs), containing only the variable region of the heavy and light chains of antibodies, show great potential for the treatment of AD. With the aim of generating a safe and effective AD passive immunotherapy, we designed and successfully prepared scFvs targeting Aβ and investigated their activity in vitro. The results showed that both the 10D5-scFv and 12B4-scFv have high affinities for Aβ monomers, oligomers, and fibers. Moreover, scFvs could prevent the formation of Aβ oligomers and fibers, and block their cellular toxicity. In addition, 10D5-scFv and 12B4-scFv could bind to Aβ plaques on the sections of mice brains in the in vitro study, indicating potential for the treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two novel compounds were isolated from Tripterospermum chinense. • This type of terpenoid indole alkaloids was reported for the first time. • Compound 2 is the fourth-reported iridoid tetramers with four glucosides. Tripterospermumcin F (1), a novel indole glucoalkaloid, and tripterospermumcin G (2), a new iridoid tetramer, were isolated from the aerial parts of Tripterospermum chinense. Their structures were determined by analysis of 1D and 2D NMR data, as well as by comparison with model compounds. Their cytotoxicities were tested, but neither of them showed obvious activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Highlights • Alzheimer’s disease vaccine using the Aβ1–6 epitope is safe and effective. • The BLP-based AD vaccine induced antibodies against Aβ42 without T-cell activation. • A suitable epitope copy number improved the immunogenicity of the vaccine. • Antibodies effectively blocked toxicity of Aβ42 oligomer at the cellular level. Abstract Amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaque accumulation in the brain is one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Immunotherapy against Aβ was considered a potential strategy for reducing the Aβ load in the brain. However, none of the Aβ immunotherapies have produced clinically meaningful results to date, due to poor safety or lack of efficacy. Thus, we aimed to design a safe and effective vaccine against AD. In this study, we used bacterium-like particles (BLPs) as carriers and different copy numbers of the Aβ 1-6 peptide as epitopes to design four Aβ active immunization vaccines. The epitopes containing different copy numbers of the Aβ 1-6 peptide were specifically loaded on the surface of BLPs via fusion with a peptidoglycan anchoring domain. These four BLP-based Aβ vaccines successfully induced high levels of Aβ42-specific antibodies in mice. However, none of the vaccines induced a T-cell-mediated immune response. Importantly, the antibodies induced by these four vaccines were effective in blocking Aβ42 oligomer toxicity at the cellular level. Among the four vaccines, 6copy-Aβ 1-6 -PA-BLP was the most effective in inducing Aβ-specific antibodies, indicating that a suitable epitope copy number is critical for high immunogenicity of the BLP-based vaccine. Furthermore, high levels of serum Aβ-specific antibodies could still be detected 3 months after the final administration of 6copy-Aβ 1-6 -PA-BLP. Thus, 6copy-Aβ 1-6 -PA-BLP may be a potential therapeutic treatment for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in reproductive-aged women. However, the exact pathophysiology of PCOS remains largely unclear. We performed deep sequencing to investigate the mRNA and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression profiles in the ovarian tissues of letrozole-induced PCOS rat model and control rats. A total of 2147 mRNAs and 158 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between the PCOS models and control. Gene ontology analysis indicated that differentially expressed mRNAs were associated with biological adhesion, reproduction, and metabolic process. Pathway analysis results indicated that these aberrantly expressed mRNAs were related to several specific signaling pathways, including insulin resistance, steroid hormone biosynthesis, PPAR signaling pathway, cell adhesion molecules, autoimmune thyroid disease, and AMPK signaling pathway. The relative expression levels of mRNAs and lncRNAs were validated through qRT-PCR. LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed to explore ceRNAs involved in the PCOS model and were also verified by qRTPCR experiment. These findings may provide insight into the pathogenesis of PCOS and clues to find key diagnostic and therapeutic roles of lncRNA in PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, novel spinel-NiFe 2 O 4 /natural mineral (sepiolite, diatomite and kaolinite) composites were developed using microwave (MW) hydrothermal method, and applied in MW-induced catalytic degradation (NiFe 2 O 4 /natural mineral/MW) of organic pollutants such as sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS), azo fuchsine (AF), methyl parathion (MP), and crystal violet (CVL) in solution. Catalytic activities of three NiFe 2 O 4 /natural mineral composites were compared. The effects of material synthesis process parameters such as molar ratios of NiFe 2 O 4 and natural mineral, and pH of precursor solutions for synthesizing catalysts, and degradation parameters such as MW irradiation time and catalyst reuse cycles were also investigated. The principle on NiFe 2 O 4 /natural mineral/MW degradation was provided. The results reveal that organic pollutants in wastewater can be removed completely using NiFe 2 O 4 /natural mineral/MW within minutes. NiFe 2 O 4 /sepiolite shows higher catalytic activity than the others. The calculated degradation rate constants are 1.865, 0.672, 0.472, and 0.329 min −1 for SDBS, AF, MP, and CVL, respectively, using NiFe 2 O 4 /sepiolite/MW system. The performance of NiFe 2 O 4 /natural mineral can be maintained for three reuse cycles. Active species OH, O 2 − , and h + play main roles in NiFe 2 O 4 /sepiolite/MW degradation. Hence, NiFe 2 O 4 /sepiolite/MW technology with rapid and cost-effective degradation, magnetic separation, and no secondary pollution, demonstrates to be promising in treating organic contaminants in wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite unremitting efforts since the discovery of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), an effective vaccine has not been generated. Viral vector-mediated transfer for expression of HIV-1 broadly neutralizing antibodies (BnAbs) is an attractive strategy. In this study, a recombinant adeno-associated virus 8 (rAAV8) vector was used to encode full-length antibodies against HIV-1 in 293T cells and Balb/c mice after gene transfer. The 10E8 or NIH45-46 BnAb was expressed from a single open reading frame by linking the heavy and light chains with a furin cleavage and a 2A self-processing peptide (F2A). The results showed that the BnAbs could be expressed in the 293T cell culture medium. A single intramuscular injection of rAAV8 led to long-term expression of BnAbs in Balb/c mice. The expressed antibodies in the supernatant of 293T cells and in Balb/c mice showed neutralization effects against HIV-1 pseudoviruses. Combined immunization of rAAV8 expressing 10E8 and rAAV8 expressing NIH45-46 in Balb/c mice could increase these neutralization effects on strains of HIV-1 sensitive to 10E8 or NIH45-46 antibody compared with a single injection of rAAV8 expressing either antibody alone. Therefore, the combined immunization may be a potential vaccine approach against HIV-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blending with biodegradable poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) is an effective way for improving the performance of PLA. However, the property of the blends is not significantly improved due to poor compatibility between the two polymers. Herein, we propose a simple method to prepare biodegradable PLA/PBS blends successfully by UV-induced reactive extrusion. Multifunctional monomer trimethylolpropane tri-acrylate (TMPTA) is used as chain extender to react with PLA and PBS to generate graft copolymers at the PLA/PBS interface. Addition of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) could further promote the graft reaction, thus increase the compatibility and the mechanical properties of the blends. The occurrence of the long chain branched reaction between the PLA and PBS is evidenced by the rheological results and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Appropriate amount of GMA reduces the size of dispersed PBS phase and enhances the interfacial strength. The crystallization of PLA is effectively improved, as evidenced by the increased cool crystallization peak and apparent enhancement crystallinity. Ultimately, PLA/PBS blends compatibilized with GMA/TMPTA exhibit a remarkable improvement in elongation at break of 341%, notched impact strength and a preferable maintenance of 50 MPa in tensile strength. [Display omitted] • The synergistic effect of GMA and TMPTA plays a good role in compatibilization. • Chain extension and crystallization of PLA/PBS blends are realized simultaneously. • This strategy can maintain good mechanical properties of composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Baicalein is a widely used Chinese herbal medicine extracted from Labiatae plants Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi's dry root, which has multiple pharmacological activities. However, the precise mechanism of baicalein against myocardial remodeling remains poorly understood. The aim of our study was to investigate the underlying mechanism of baicalein treatment in rats model of heart failure (HF) and rat myocardial cells (H9C2). Main methods HF model was established by abdominal aorta constriction in rats and incubation with 50 μM isoproterenol for 48 h in H9C2 cells. Various molecular biological experiments were performed to assess the effects of baicalein on cardiac function, myocardial remodeling, apoptosis and Ca 2 + handling proteins. Key findings In the present study, first we found that baicalein alleviated HF in vivo. Additionally, treatment with baicalein inhibited the myocardial fibrosis, restrained the expression and activity of MMP2 and MMP9, and suppressed apoptosis in heart tissue. Moreover, baicalein could inhibit the cardiac myocyte hypertrophy and apoptosis induced by isoproterenol in vitro. Finally we found that baicalein could modulate the expressions and activities of Ca 2 + handling proteins, including downregulation of phosphorylation of Ca 2 + /calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and expression of Na(+)/Ca(2 +)-exchangers (NCX1), upregulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2 +) ATPase 2 (SERCA2) and ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2). Baicalein also restrained the decreased SERCA activity induced by aortic banding. Significance Our studies suggested that baicalein alleviated myocardial remodeling and improved cardiac function via modulation of Ca 2 + handling proteins, which may be a potential phytochemical flavonoid for therapeutics of HF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eliciting efficient broadly neutralizing antibodies (BnAbs) is a major goal in vaccine development against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). Conserved epitopes in the membrane-proximal external region (MPER) of HIV-1 are a significant target. In this study, Norovirus P particles (NoV PPs) were used as carriers to display conformational 4E10 and 10E8 epitopes in different patterns with an appropriate linker. Immune responses to the recombinant NoV PPs were characterized in guinea pigs and Balb/c mice and could induce high levels of MPER-binding antibodies. Modest neutralizing activities could be detected in sera of guinea pigs but not of Balb/c mice. The 4E10 or 10E8 epitopes dispersed on three loops on the outermost surface of NoV PPs (4E10-loop123 PP or 10E8-loop123 PP) elicited higher neutralizing activities than the equivalent number of epitopes presented on loop 2 only (4E10-3loop2 PP or 10E8-3loop2 PP). The epitopes on different loops of the PP were well-exposed and likely formed an appropriate conformation to induce neutralizing antibodies. Although sera of immunized guinea pigs could neutralize several HIV envelope-pseudoviruses, a vaccine candidate for efficiently inducing HIV-1 BnAbs remains to be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active vaccination against amyloid β (Aβ42) is considered a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, immunization with synthetic human Aβ1–42 has resulted in meningoencephalitis in 6% of patients and generated only low-titer anti-Aβ42 antibodies. In order to develop a safe and effective vaccine against Alzheimer’s disease, the Aβ1–6 peptide was used as the novel immunogen and Norovirus P particles as the vaccine platform in this study. By inserting and presenting Aβ1–6 on the outermost surface of the P particle, we showed that the chimeric P particle-based AD protein vaccine could elicit a strong immune response, inducing highly specific antibody titers against Aβ42 without causing T-cell activation. Furthermore, antibodies induced by the AD protein vaccines were demonstrated to be effective at the cellular level. In addition, we also compared the immunogenicity of the chimeric P particles with different insertional loci in the loop structure domain and demonstrated that insertion of the antigen into all three loops of the P particle at the same time could significantly improve immune responses to the vaccine. In conclusion, the Norovirus P particle is an excellent vaccine platform for stimulating Aβ42 antibody production, and chimeric P particles may be developed as an effective therapy for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Cell membranes are key interfaces where materials engineering meets biology. Traditionally regarded as just the location of receptors regulating the uptake of molecules, we now know that all mammalian cell membranes are 'sugar coated'. These sugars, or glycans, form a matrix bound at the cell membrane via proteins and lipids, referred to as the glycocalyx, which modulate access to cell membrane receptors crucial for interactions with drug delivery systems (DDS). Focusing on the key blood-tissue barrier faced by most DDS to enable transport from the place of administration to target sites via the circulation, we critically assess the design of carriers for interactions at the endothelial cell surface. We also discuss the current challenges for this area and provide opportunities for future research efforts to more fully engineer DDS for controlled, efficient, and targeted interactions with the endothelium for therapeutic application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Acting in a cellular signaling pathway, Janus kinase 1 (JAK1) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) play critical roles in several kinds of physiological and pathological responses, including inflammatory response. In this study, we detected three coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs) of JAK1 and four cSNPs of STAT3 in New Zealand White rabbits. We analyzed their association with genetic resistance to nonspecific digestive disorder (NSDD) based on a case–control study (253 cases and 227 controls). The rabbits were genotyped for c.1421 C>T and c.3036 G>A in JAK1 using restriction fragment length polymorphisms and for c.831 T>C and c.399 G>A of STAT3 using high-resolution melting technology. The frequencies of the alleles and genotypes differed significantly between the case and control groups (P<0.05). The case–control association analysis revealed that in JAK1, allele C increased the risk of NSDD (OR: 1.60, 95% CI 1.166–2.185, P=0.003), whereas allele A played a potentially protective role against NSDD (OR: 0.74, 95% CI 0.572–0.952, P=0.019). We used five inheritance models to evaluate the importance of the associated genotypes. Under the dominant inheritance model, the association analysis suggested that the CT/TT genotype increased the risk of NSDD (OR: 1.65, 95% CI 1.13–2.40, P=0.009). A haplotype analysis showed that allele H2 (the two cSNPs: CG; OR: 1.354, 95% CI 1.050–1.747, P=0.019) markedly increased the risk of the disorder. The association analysis revealed that in STAT3, allele G played a potentially protective role against NSDD (OR: 0.74; 95% CI 0.569–0.951; P=0.019), whereas allele C increased the risk of NSDD (OR: 1.37; 95% CI 1.059–1.760; P=0.016). Recessive inheritance was shown to be the best fitting model for c.399 and c.831. Under the recessive inheritance model, the association analysis suggested that the G/G genotype increased the risk of NSDD (OR: 1.73; 95% CI 1.07–2.80; P=0.025). A haplotype analysis showed that H1′ (the two cSNPs: AC; OR: 1.365; CI 1.059–1.760; P=0.016) significantly increased the risk of the disorder. The CATMOD program (SAS 9.2) and the multifactor dimensionality reduction method were used to analyze the genetic interactions between JAK1 and STAT3. Data on the genetic interactions revealed that the JAK1 and STAT3 risk alleles described above contribute to NSDD susceptibility in combination with each other, and that model (c1421, c3036, c831) was the best model (OR: 2.7262; 95% CI: 4.7408–5.1986; P<0.0001). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the genetic polymorphisms of the JAK1 and STAT3 genes and their associations with the incidence of NSDD in rabbits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to investigate the effects of testosterone-replacement therapy on peripheral blood stem cells and angiogenesis after acute myocardial infarction, a castrated rat acute myocardial infarction model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary followed by treatment with testosterone. CD34+ cells in myocardium and in peripheral blood after 1 and 3days were measured by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, respectively. In the early phase of acute myocardial infarction, the expression levels of hypoxia-inducible factor 1a (HIF-1a), stromal cell-derived factor 1a (SDF-1a) and vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF) in ischemic myocardium were determined by real time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Infarct size, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, capillary density and cardiac function were assessed after 28days. These results showed that the number of CD34+ cells in the peripheral blood and in myocardium was significantly decreased in castrated rats, and the early expression levels of HIF-1a, SDF-1a and VEGF in the myocardium were also decreased. Furthermore, reduced capillary density, worsened cardiac function, increased infarct size and cardiomyocyte apoptosis at 28days post-infarction were found in castrated rats. But these adverse effects could be reversed by testosterone-replacement therapy. These findings suggested that testosterone can increase the mobilization and homing of CD34+ cells into the ischemic myocardium and further promote neoangiogenesis after myocardial infarction. The pro-angiogenesis effect of testosterone-replacement therapy is associated with the enhanced expression of HIF-1a, SDF-1a and VEGF in myocardium after myocardial infarction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, the authors try to propose a new index—'the classification size ratio (CSR)'—which is defined as CSR = (Dv(10) of the coarse part)/(Dv(90) of the fine part). The CSR can be used to judge effectiveness of separation between coarse and fine powder. If CSR ≥ 1, it represents the classification to be considerably good in separating into two groups of powder; however, if CSR « 1, it represents poor separation of powder. After careful discussions, Dv(10) and Dv(90) are suitable for describing the classification effectiveness because most optical instruments will report these data. Results also show that the new expression, i.e. CSR, is a good index for describing the effectiveness of powder classification and this idea deserves to be promoted for future utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The techniques to prepare 6-amino-6-deoxy cellulose were optimized. • 6-Amino-6-deoxy cellulose can be readily prepared in bulk with the optimized method. • The position of amino group was confirmed by 1H-1H COSY NMR and 1H-13C HSQC NMR. • Chiral stationary phases (CSPs) were developed from the 6-amino-6-deoxy cellulose. • The CSPs showed enantioseparation power towards some chiral compounds. In order to find a facile and practical method to synthesize amino cellulose in bulk with high regional selectivity and high degree of substitution, the reaction conditions to brominate cellulose and to reduce azido group were carefully studied and some interesting phenomena were observed. With the optimized method, 6-amino-6-deoxy cellulose could be easily prepared with very simple separation techniques. The degree of substitution of the amino group amounted to 0.97 which was determined by 1H NMR spectrum of 6-benzamido-6-deoxy cellulose. Moreover, the amino group was evidenced to be at the C 6 of glucose unit by 1H-1H COSY NMR and 1H-13C HSQC NMR spectra. In addition, three cellulose 6-acetamido-6-deoxy-2,3-bis(phenylcarbamate)s were prepared from the 6-amino-6-deoxy cellulose prepared with the techniques optimized in the present study. The developed cellulose derivatives were used as chiral selectors with which chiral stationary phases (CSPs) were prepared. The CSPs exhibited enantioseparation power to some chiral compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the atrial electrical remodeling and the susceptibility of atrial fibrillation (AF) in diabetic rats. Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were chosen as diabetic animal model, and age-matched non-diabetic littermate Zucker lean (ZL) rats as control. AF susceptibility was determined by electrophysiological examination. The current density of I to , I Kur and I Ca-L were detected by whole-cell patch-clamp technique, and ion channel protein expression in atrial tissue and HL-1 cells treated with advanced glycation end products (AGE) was analyzed by western blotting. Diabetic rats had significantly enlarged left atria and evenly thickened ventricular walls, hypertrophied cells and interstitial fibrosis in atrial myocardium, increased AF susceptibility, and prolonged AF duration after atrial burst stimulation. Compared with atrial myocytes isolated from ZL controls, atrial myocytes isolated from ZDF rats had prolonged action potential duration, decreased absolute value of resting membrane potential level and current densities of I to , I Kur and I Ca-L. The ion channel protein (Kv4.3, Kv1.5 and Cav1.2) expression in atrium tissue of ZDF rats and HL-1 cells treated with high concentration AGE were significantly down-regulated, compared with controls. The atrial electrical remodeling induced by hyperglycemia contributed to the increased AF susceptibility in diabetic rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]