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Vaginitis, a prevalent gynecological condition in women, is mainly caused by an imbalance in the vaginal micro-ecology. The two most common types of vaginitis are vaginal bacteriosis and vulvovaginal candidiasis, triggered by the virulent Gardnerella vaginalis and Candida albicans, respectively. In this study, a strain capable of inhibiting G. vaginalis and C. albicans was screened from vaginal secretions and identified as Lactobacillus gasseri based on 16S rRNA sequences. The strain, named L. gasseri VHProbi E09, could inhibit the growth of G. vaginalis and C. albicans under co-culture conditions by 99.07% ± 0.26% and 99.95% ± 0.01%, respectively. In addition, it could significantly inhibit the adhesion of these pathogens to vaginal epithelial cells. The strain further showed the ability to inhibit the enteropathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis, to tolerate artificial gastric and intestinal fluids and to adhere to intestinal Caco-2 cells. These results suggest that L. gasseri VHProbi E09 holds promise for clinical trials and animal studies whether administered orally or directly into the vagina. Whole-genome analysis also revealed a genome consisting of 1752 genes for L. gasseri VHProbi E09, with subsequent analyses identifying seven genes related to adhesion and three genes related to bacteriocins. These adhesion- and bacteriocin-related genes provide a theoretical basis for understanding the mechanism of bacterial inhibition of the strain. The research conducted in this study suggests that L. gasseri VHProbi E09 may be considered as a potential probiotic, and further research can delve deeper into its efficacy as an agent which can restore a healthy vaginal ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calmodulin transduces [Ca2+] information regulating the rhythmic Ca2+ cycling between the sarcoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasm during contraction and relaxation in cardiac and skeletal muscle. However, the structural dynamics by which calmodulin modulates the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel, the ryanodine receptor, at physiologically relevant [Ca2+] is unknown. Using fluorescence lifetime FRET, we resolve different structural states of calmodulin and Ca2+-driven shifts in the conformation of calmodulin bound to ryanodine receptor. Skeletal and cardiac ryanodine receptor isoforms show different calmodulin-ryanodine receptor conformations, as well as binding and structural kinetics with 0.2-ms resolution, which reflect different functional roles of calmodulin. These FRET methods provide insight into the physiological calmodulin-ryanodine receptor structural states, revealing additional distinct structural states that complement cryo-EM models that are based on less physiological conditions. This technology will drive future studies on pathological calmodulin-ryanodine receptor interactions and dynamics with other important ryanodine receptor bound modulators. Calmodulin (CaM) modulates the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release channel, the ryanodine receptor (RyR), to facilitate Ca2+ cycling in muscle contraction and release. Using fluorescence lifetime FRET with native sarcoplasmic reticulum from skeletal and cardiac muscle, the authors resolve calcium-driven structural states and kinetics of CaM binding to RyR isoforms one and two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving effective manipulation of perpendicular exchange bias effect remains an intricate endeavor, yet it stands a significance for the evolution of ultra-high capacity and energy-efficient magnetic memory and logic devices. A persistent impediment to its practical applications is the reliance on external magnetic fields during the current-induced switching of exchange bias in perpendicularly magnetized structures. This study elucidates the achievement of a full electrical manipulation of the perpendicular exchange bias in the multilayers with an ultrathin antiferromagnetic layer. Owing to the anisotropic epitaxial strain in the 2-nm-thick IrMn3 layer, the considerable exchange bias effect is clearly achieved at room temperature. Concomitantly, a specific global uncompensated magnetization manifests in the IrMn3 layer, facilitating the switching of the irreversible portion of the uncompensated magnetization. Consequently, the perpendicular exchange bias can be manipulated by only applying pulsed current, notably independent of the presence of any external magnetic fields. Manipulating exchange bias is crucial for advancing spintronic devices. Here, the authors demonstrate full electrical switching of perpendicular exchange bias in multilayers featuring an antiferromagnetic layer with anisotropic epitaxial strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strain-specific probiotics can present antioxidant activity and reduce damage caused by oxidation. Streptococcus alactolyticus strain FGM (S. alactolyticus strain FGM) isolated from the chicken cecum shows potential probiotic properties which have been previously demonstrated. However, the antioxidant properties of S. alactolyticus strain FGM remain unknown. In this view, cell-free supernatant (CFS), intact cells (IC) and intracellular extracts (CFE) of strain FGM and 3 strains of Lactobacillus (LAB) were prepared, and their scavenging capacities against DPPH, hydroxyl radicals and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory were compared in this study. The effects of strain FGM cell-free supernatant (FCFS) on NO production, activity of SOD and GSH-Px in RAW264.7 cells and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were analyzed. The metabolites in the supernatant were quantitated by N300 Quantitative Metabolome. It was shown that the physicochemical characteristics of CFS to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory were significantly stronger than that of IC and CFE in the strain FGM (P < 0.05), respectively 87.12% ± 1.62, 45.03% ± 1.27, 15.63% ± 1.34. FCFS had a promotional effect on RAW264.7 cells, and significantly elevated SOD and GSH-Px activities in RAW264.7 cells. 25 μL FCFS significantly promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS, increased the activities of SOD and GSH-PX, and decreased the release of NO. Furthermore, among the differential metabolites of FCFS quantified by N300, 12 metabolites were significantly up-regulated, including lactic acid, indole lactic acid, linoleic acid, pyruvic acid etc., many of which are known with antioxidant properties. In conclusion, FCFS had good antioxidant properties and activity, which can be attributed to metabolites produced from strain FGM fermentation. It was further confirmed that S. alactolyticus strain FGM and its postbiotic have potential probiotic properties and bright application prospects in livestock and poultry breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two-dimensional van der Waals (2D vdW) magnets have attracted great attention recently and possess the unprecedented advantages of incorporating high-quality vdW heterostructures and homostructures into spintronic devices, and exploring various physical phenomena or technologies. Among them, Fe5GeTe2 (F5GT) has ferromagnetic order close to room temperature, however the magnetic properties near its intrinsic transitions and F5GT-based 2D devices remain mostly unexplored. Here, we systematically demonstrate the peculiar magnetic properties of Fe5GeTe2 nanoflakes near its intrinsic transition temperature (Tp) which is far lower than its Curie temperature (TC) of ∼ 265 K, and firstly discover anomalous magnetoresistance effect in F5GT homo-junctions by magneto-transport measurements. The strongest anomalous Hall effect occurs around Tp which is located in a temperature range from 130 to 160 K for the F5GT nanoflakes with different thicknesses. Furthermore, negative magnetoresistance (N-MR) and butterfly-shaped magnetoresistance (B-MR) are observed in F5GT homo-junction devices, and they appeared only in an intermediate temperature range from 110 to 160 K, noticeably showing the maxima near the Tp rather than the lowest temperature. Our experimental results clearly reveal the significant influence of intrinsic transitions on magnetic properties of F5GT and magnetoresistance effect in F5GT homo-junction devices, which imply a new strategy to achieve high-performance 2D spintronic devices by tuning intrinsic magnetic or structural transitions in 2D vdW magnets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphology manipulation of nanomaterials by ion irradiation builds a way to precisely control physicochemical properties. Under the continuous irradiation of low energy Ga+, Ne+, and He+ ions, an ion compaction effect has been found in hollow FePt nanochains with ultrathin shell that the volumes of the nanochains are gradually compacted by ions. The deep learning algorithm has been successfully applied to automatically and precisely measure average sizes of spheres in hollow FePt nanochains. The compaction under ion irradiation is very fast in the very early period and then proceeds to a slow region. The compaction rates in both regions are linearly fitted and all the values are in the order of 10−17 to 10−14 cm2/ion. Ion species and ion current have effect on the compaction rate. For example, the compaction rate of Ga+ ions is larger than those of Ne+ and He+ ions under an identical current, while irradiation with larger current can compact nanochains faster. The ion compaction effect originates from the local shear deformation caused by the interaction between incident ions and the electrons of Fe and Pt atoms in the ultrathin shell. With continuous irradiation, the crystalline clusters of FePt nanchains firstly grow larger and then become amorphous. The ion compaction effect can be applied to tune the size and crystal structure of hollow structures with a precise rate by choosing appropriate ion species and current. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dormancy survival regulator (DosR) antigens upgraded during latency and resuscitation-promoting factors (Rpfs) expressed over the reactivation from dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) could be used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB) at different stages. We performed a retrospective cohort study based on four groups, including healthy controls (HCs), active tuberculosis infections (ATBs), latent tuberculosis infections (LTBIs), and relapse tuberculosis infections (RTBs) enrolled between November 2020 and June 2021. Compared to the fusion protein E6-C10, combined with early secreted antigenic target 6 kDa (ESAT-6) and culture filtrate of 10 kDa (CFP-10), the DosR- or Rpf-encoded antigens could not elicit significant IFN-γ concentration for the diagnosis of ATB. Of note, the DosR antigens produce significantly more antigen-specific IFN-γ in LTBIs than Rpfs, and the levels of antigen-specific IFN-γ elicited in RTBs stimulated by Rpfs were higher than the DosR antigens. Among the DosR antigens, Rv2003c was the most immunogenic in diagnosing LTBIs, followed by Rv2007c and Rv2005c. As far as Rpfs are concerned, Rv0867c was the best antigen to identify RTBs, followed by Rv2389c and Rv1009. Both Rv2450c and Rv1884c showed relatively limited IFN-γ concentration in RTBs. Besides, the selected DosR antigens and Rpfs showed ideal specificity and inadequate sensitivity, which could have been enhanced by the fusion antigens prepared by the DosR antigens or Rpfs, respectively. The results of this study can provide more accurate detection methods for LTBIs and RTBs and could be used for screening the dormant M. tuberculosis throughout reactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulus-induced in situ forming hydrogels possess the characteristics of easy management and minimal invasiveness via simple injection at target sites with a liquid and easy forming bulk gels. In the present study, a photoreactive monomer, N'-(2-nitrobenzyl)-N-acryloyl glycinamide (NBNAGA) was introduced to modify polyacrylamide (PAM) hydrogel preparation with stimuli responsiveness. Firstly, poly(acrylamide-co-N'-(2-nitrobenzyl)-N-acryloyl glycinamide), P(AM-co-NBNAGA), copolymer solution was prepared via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using the monomers mixture of AM, NBNAGA, and N,N'- methylene bis-acrylamide (BIS). The obtained polymer solution with viscous, transparent, and flowable appearance contained weak single hydrogen bonding and slight chemical crosslinking in a microscopic perspective. Secondly, without further purification, after irradiation using UV light at 365 nm, poly(acrylamide-co-N-acryloyl glycinamide) (P(AM-co-NAGA)) hydrogel conveniently in situ formed due to the cleavage of o-nitrobenzyl groups and the corresponding emergency of dual hydrogen bonding among "uncaged" dual amide moieties. P(AM-co-NAGA) hydrogel depicted both favorable temperature sensitivity and self-healing properties, then the heating induced in vitro release profiles of doxorubicin (DOX) was analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the multistep proton-coupled electron transfer, it remains a huge challenge to accelerate the kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, we demonstrate that perovskite-type LaCr0.5Fe0.5O3 nanoparticles can be used as highly active and stable OER electrocatalysts, where it shows a low overpotential of 390 mV at 10 mA/cm2, a small Tafel slope of 114.4 mV/dec and excellent stability with slight current decrease after 20 h, superior than that of their individual counterparts (LaFeO3 and LaCrO3). This finding confirms that the present hybrid material would be an effective means to electrocatalyst for catalyzing OER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel electrochromic polymer poly(2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dihydrothieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxine) (PEDOT-Me2) based on 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) with symmetric dimethyl pendant groups was successfully synthesized through electrochemical polymerization in 0.1 M LiClO4/ACN electrolyte. The polymer film displays reversible electrochromism switching between blue neutral state (− 1.2 V) and transmissive sky blue oxidized state (0.5 V) with an enhanced optical contrast (ΔT = 30%) in comparison with the traditional PEDOT (ΔT = 25%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we combine deep learning concepts and some proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) model reduction methods for predicting flow in heterogeneous porous media. Nonlinear flow dynamics is studied, where the dynamics is regarded as a multi-layer network. The solution at the current time step is regarded as a multi-layer network of the solution at the initial time and input parameters. As for input, we consider various sources, which include source terms (well rates), permeability fields, and initial conditions. We consider the flow dynamics, where the solution is known at some locations and the data is integrated to the flow dynamics by modifying the reduced-order model. This approach allows modifying the reduced-order formulation of the problem. Because of the small problem size, limited observed data can be handled. We consider enriching the observed data using the computational data in deep learning networks. The basis functions of the global reduced-order model are selected such that the degrees of freedom represent the solution at observation points. This way, we can avoid learning basis functions, which can also be done using neural networks. We present numerical results, where we consider channelized permeability fields, where the network is constructed for various channel configurations. Our numerical results show that one can achieve a good approximation using forward feed maps based on multi-layer networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel organic/inorganic hybrid star polymer was prepared dually crosslinked within inner-core via divinylbenzene (DVB) and outer-surface via octafunctional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS). Core cross-linked star polymers bearing dialkynyl-terminated polystyrene arms, (dialkynyl-PS)n-CCL, were synthesized at first by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of DVB using α,α-dialkynyl-terminated PS macroinitiator, followed by the subsequent fractionation. Under high dilution conditions, (dialkynyl-PS)n-CCL was subjected to surface cross-linking with octa(3-azidopropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, POSS-(N3)8, via click reaction, affording POSS-functionalized hybrid polymer doubly cross-linked within core and surface regions, SCL-(PS)n-CCL. FT-IR, 1H NMR, GPC, and elemental analysis results revealed that on average, the obtained hybrid polymer possesses a cross-linked PDVB inner core, ∼14 linear PS arms (the Mw per arm of 5.1 kDa), and ∼4-5 POSS moieties at outer surface. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that after surface cross-linking the thermal stability of SCL-(PS)n-CCL is considerably improved. This work provides a proof-of-concept example for the preparation of dually cross-linked hybrid star polymer, which represents a novel category of organic/inorganic composite materials with unique chain architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel conjugated polymer PProDOTCBDEM based on propylenedioxythiophene (ProDOT) with diethyl malonate (DEM) pendant group and a cyclobutane spacer between ProDOT and DEM was successfully synthesized through electrochemical polymerization. The polymer film exhibits reversible electrochromism switching between navy neutral state (− 0.1 V) and transmissive oxidized state (0.7 V). The symmetric double short chain ester substitution pattern was utilized to realize the navy color of the polymer film. The electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry and electrochromic switching properties of the polymer film were studied in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxalate oxidase (OxOx), a well known enzyme catalyzes the cleavage of oxalate to carbon dioxide with reduction of dioxygen to hydrogen peroxide, however its catalytic process is not well understood. To define the substrate binding site, interaction of Fe ions with OxOx was systemically investigated using biochemical method, circular dichrosim spectroscopy, microscale thermophoresis, and computer modeling. We demonstrated that Fe is a non-competitive inhibitor with a milder binding affinity to OxOx, and the secondary structure of the OxOx was slightly altered upon its binding. On the basis of the structural properties of the OxOx and its interaction with Fe ions, two residue clusters of OxOx were assigned as potential Fe binding sites, the mechanism of the inhibition of Fe was delineated. Importantly, the residues that interact with Fe ions are involved in the substrate orienting based on computer docking. Consequently, the interaction of OxOx with Fe highlights insight into substrate binding site in OxOx. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify the molecular mechanism underlying improved spatial learning ability of C57/BL mice on a caloric restricted (CR) diet. Seven-week-old male C57/BL mice were randomly divided into three groups: normal control group (NC group, n = 10), high energy group ( n = 10), and low energy group (CR group, n = 10). Body mass and levels of blood glucose were measured every 2 weeks over the course of 30 weeks. After 30 weeks, metabolic parameters, serum total cholesterol, and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) were measured, and learning and memory ability of animals were tested using the Morris water maze. The expression of insulin signaling pathway-related proteins in the brain tissues also were tested for molecular mechanism. When compared with the NC group, body weight, and levels of serum glucose decreased in the CR group and increased in the high energy group at all time points tested. Average escape latency and swimming distance were lower in the CR group as compared to the control group after 30 weeks. The serum cholesterol level of the high energy group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The expressions of IGF-1, IR, IRS-1, PI3K, Akt/PKB, and p-CREB protein in the CR group were significantly lower and the expressions of PI3K and Akt/PKB protein in the high energy group were significantly lower than those of the control group at post 30 weeks treatment. Our findings demonstrate that the low energy diet may improve hippocampus-dependent spatial learning ability in C57/BL mice, possibly through a regulatory mechanism of the insulin-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was to evaluate the hepatotoxicity effects in mice exposed to copper (Cu) used as dietary supplements for 95 days. Cu-treated mice showed increased body weight, and no toxic symptoms were observed at the beginning, but the tendency gradually changed with progress of experiment. In the liver, beneficial metals [Cu, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and molybdenum (Mo)] were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The content of Cu maintained at the same level during the experiments, but not resulting in the imbalance of Fe, Zn, Mn, and Mo being distributed. The activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and super oxidation dismutase (SOD) showed significantly improvement during the first 30 days in Cu-supplemented group ( P < 0.01) but declined rapidly from 30th to 60th days, and later, they stabilized and were not statistically significant compared with control ( P > 0.05). No statistically significant correlation of ceruloplasmin (CPL) activity was appreciated during the experiment. The histopathological and ultrastructural abnormalities changes were observed in the liver of mice including vacuolar degeneration, necrosis, karyorrhexis, and endolysis. Many hepatocytes showed increased collagenic fibers, appearance of triglyceride droplets, and swollen mitochondria due to oral route of copper, which may lead to lipid peroxidation and free radicals. In conclusion, our study showed that exposure to copper influenced behavioral pattern and body weight, affected several enzymatic activities, and led to the physiological and considerable structural changes in the liver of mice. The public should pay more attention to avoid being exposed to copper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has long been known that imidazole can enhance the catalytic activity of catalase model compounds; however, the role of imidazole is still not well understood. In an attempt to elucidate the role of imidazole in promoting the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide by model compounds, four mononuclear manganese salen (Mn-Salen) complexes with and without axial imidazole ligands were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, UV-vis spectroscopy, electrochemical and HPLC measurements. By comparing the Mn-Salen compounds with and without imidazole ligands, we demonstrated that the activity enhancement of imidazole originated from coordination of imidazole to the manganese center when less than one equivalent of imidazole was present, and from assisted deprotonation of the substrate when excess imidazole was present. These results provide direct evidence for the mechanism of activity enhancement of imidazole in the catalysis of enzyme model compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report herein a facile method for the preparation of sodium tungsten bronzes hollow nanospheres using hydrogen gas bubbles as reactant for chemical reduction of tungstate to tungsten and as template for the formation of hollow nanospheres at the same time. The chemical composition and the crystalline state of the as-prepared hollow Na0.15WO3 nanospheres were characterized complementarily, and the hollow structure formation mechanism was proposed. The hollow Na0.15WO3 nanospheres showed large Brunauer–Emment–Teller specific area (33.8 m2 g−1), strong resistance to acids, and excellent ability to remove organic molecules such as dye and proteins from aqueous solutions. These illustrate that the hollow nanospheres of Na0.15WO3 should be a useful adsorbent. [Figure not available: see fulltext.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shallow gas reservoirs are distributed widely in Chinese heavy oil-bearing basins. At present, shallow gas resources have opened up giant potentials. The previous researches indicate the intimate genetic relationship between shallow gas and heavy oil. Shallow gas resources are generated from crude oil degraded by anaerobic microscopic organism, it belongs to biogenic gas family of secondary genesis, namely heavy oil degraded gas. Shallow gas resources are usually distributed in the upward position or the vicinity of heavy oil reservoirs. They are mainly of dry gas, which are composed of methane and only tiny C heavy hydrocarbon and relatively higher contents of nitrogen gas. Generally, methane isotopes are light, whose values are between biogenic gas and thermal cracking gas. Ethane isotopes are heavy, which mixed possibly with thermogenic gas. Carbon dioxide bear the characteristics of very heavy carbon isotope, so carbon isotopic fractionation effects are very obvious on the process of microscopic organism degradation crude oil. The heavy oil degraded gas formation, a very complex geological, geochemical and microbiological geochemical process, is the result of a series of reactions of organic matter-microbes and water-hydrocarbon, which is controlled by many factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bimetallic nickel cobalt sulfide (Ni,Co)S2 nanosheet arrays were demonstrated as a multifunctional catalyst for OER, HER, and ORR.First principle calculations were performed to probe the rate-limiting step, which involves the formation of *OOH from HO− on the (Ni,Co)S2 surface.A water-splitting system was designed with the (Ni,Co)S2 serving as both cathode and anode, and a Zn-air battery cathode electrocatalyst. The development of efficient earth-abundant electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction, oxygen evolution, and hydrogen evolution reactions (ORR, OER, and HER) is important for future energy conversion and energy storage devices, for which both rechargeable Zn-air batteries and water splitting have raised great expectations. Herein, we report a single-phase bimetallic nickel cobalt sulfide ((Ni,Co)S2) as an efficient electrocatalyst for both OER and ORR. Owing to the synergistic combination of Ni and Co, the (Ni,Co)S2 exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance for ORR, OER, and HER in an alkaline electrolyte, and the first principle calculation results indicate that the reaction of an adsorbed O atom with a H2O molecule to form a *OOH is the potential limiting step in the OER. Importantly, it could be utilized as an advanced air electrode material in Zn-air batteries, which shows an enhanced charge-discharge performance (charging voltage of 1.71 V and discharge voltage of 1.26 V at 2 mA cm−2), large specific capacity (842 mAh gZn−1 at 5 mA cm−2), and excellent cycling stability (480 h). Interestingly, the (Ni,Co)S2-based Zn-air battery can efficiently power an electrochemical water-splitting unit with (Ni,Co)S2 serving as both the electrodes. This reveals that the prepared (Ni,Co)S2 has promising applications in future energy conversion and energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, W(NxS1−x)2 nanoflowers were fabricated by simple sintering process. Photocatalytic activity results indicated our fabricated N-doped WS2 nanoflowers shown outstanding photoactivity of degradating of rhodamine B with visible light. Which is attributed to the high separation efficiency of photoinduced electron-hole pairs, the broadening of the valence band (VB), and the narrowing of energy band gap. Meanwhile, our work provided a novel method to induce surface sulfur vacancies in crystals by introduing impurities atoms for enhancing their photodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]