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Bacillus velezensis has gained increasing recognition as a probiotic for improving animal growth performance and gut health. We identified six B. velezensis strains from sixty Bacillus isolates that were isolated from the cecal samples of fifteen different chicken breeds. We characterized the probiotic properties of these six B. velezensis strains. The effect of a selected strain (B. velezensis CML532) on chicken growth performance under normal feeding and Clostridium perfringens challenge conditions was also evaluated. The results revealed that the six B. velezensis strains differed in their probiotic properties, with strain CML532 exhibiting the highest bile salt and acid tolerance and high-yield enzyme and antibacterial activities. Genomic analyses showed that genes related to amino acid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as genes related to starch and cellulose hydrolysis, were abundant in strain CML532. Dietary supplementation with strain CML532 promoted chicken growth, improved the gut barrier and absorption function, and modulated the gut microbiota. Under the C. perfringens challenge condition, strain CML532 alleviated intestinal damage, reduced ileal colonization of C. perfringens, and also improved chicken growth performance. Collectively, this study demonstrated that the newly isolated B. velezensis strain is a promising probiotic with beneficial effects on chicken growth performance and gut health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Na-attapulgite was explored as an excipient to prepare domperidone sustained-release tablets and test them in accordance with United States Pharmacopoeia requirements. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were employed to explore the compatibility between Na-attapulgite and domperidone. The XRD and DSC show no interaction between the drug and Na-attapulgite. The FTIR spectrum indicates a shift in the absorption of N-H in the drug molecule, which can be explained by the hydrogen bonding interaction between the N-H in the DOM molecule and the -OH on the surface of Na-ATP. The diameter, hardness, friability and drug content of the tablets were measured, and they all met the relevant requirements of the United States Pharmacopoeia. In addition, the tablets with Na-attapulgite as excipient exhibit a better release performance within the release time of 12 h. These results demonstrate that the domperidone sustained-release tablets have been successfully prepared by using Na-attapulgite as an excipient. The doping of Na-ATP in domperidone sustained-release tablets improves the cytocompatibility. Moreover, with the increase of Na-ATP content, cells proliferate remarkably and cell activity is significantly enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coatings are of great significance for irons and steels in regards to the harsh marine environment. Graphene oxides (GO) have been considered as an ideal filler material of epoxy coating. However, the undesired dispersion in the epoxy together with easy agglomeration and stacking remain great problems for practical application of GO composited epoxy coatings. A method that can effectively solve both self-aggregation and poor dispersion of GO is highly desired. Herein, we present a high dispersion strategy of graphene oxides in epoxy by co-decoration of nano-SiO2 and silane coupling agent. The co-decorated GO filled epoxy coating exhibits high anti-corrosion performance, including high electrochemical impedance, high self-corrosive potential, low self-corrosive current, and superior electrochemical impedance stability for ten days to Q235 carbon steel. This work displays new possibilities for designing novel coating materials with high performance toward practical marine anti-corrosion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) and Transcriptional Co-activator with PDZ-binding Motif (TAZ) have both emerged as important drivers of cancer progression and metastasis. YAP and TAZ are often upregulated or nuclear localized in aggressive human cancers. There is abundant experimental evidence demonstrating that YAP or TAZ activation promotes cancer formation, tumor progression, and metastasis. In this review we summarize the evidence linking YAP/TAZ activation to metastasis, and discuss the roles of YAP and TAZ during each step of the metastatic cascade. Collectively, this evidence strongly suggests that inappropriate YAP or TAZ activity plays a causal role in cancer, and that targeting aberrant YAP/TAZ activation is a promising strategy for the treatment of metastatic disease. To this end, we also discuss several potential strategies for inhibiting YAP/TAZ activation in cancer and the challenges each strategy poses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]