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BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment (CI) is a significant public health concern, and bioactive peptides have shown potential as therapeutic agents. However, information about their synergistic effects on cognitive function is still limited. Here, we investigated the synergistic effects of tilapia head protein hydrolysate (THPH) and walnut protein hydrolysate (WPH) in mitigating CI induced by scopolamine in mice. RESULTS: The results showed that the combined supplementation of THPH and WPH (mass ratio, 1:1) was superior to either individual supplement in enhancing spatial memory and object recognition abilities in CI mice, and significantly lessened brain injury in CI mice by alleviating neuronal damage, reducing oxidative stress and stabilizing the cholinergic system. In addition, the combined supplementation was found to be more conducive to remodeling the gut microbiota structure in CI mice by not only remarkably reducing the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota, but also specifically enriching the genus Roseburia. On the other hand, the combined supplementation regulated the disorders of sphingolipid and amino acid metabolism in CI mice, particularly upregulating glutathione and histidine metabolism, and displayed a stronger ability to increase the expression of genes and proteins related to the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB/CrEB signaling pathway in the brain. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that tilapia head and walnut‐derived protein hydrolysates exerted synergistic effects in ameliorating CI, which was achieved through modulation of gut microbiota, serum metabolic pathways and BDNF signaling pathways. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serious shrinkage and warpage are obstacles to the development of ideal isotactic polypropylene (iPP) materials for polymer‐based powder bed fusion (PBF) technique. In this work, the variations of the dimensional accuracy of the PBF‐printed iPP parts were investigated with various printing parameter and nucleating agent. The iPP parts printed at a scanning speed of 700 mm/s exhibit smaller extents of shrinkage and curling than those at lower speeds, due to a lower degree of crystallinity. Interestingly, iPP blended with the α‐ or β‐nucleating agent demonstrates more serious part deformation with respect to neat iPP. Especially, α‐nucleating agent tends to trigger the most severe curling under the investigated printing parameters. Based on X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results, both neat iPP and α‐iPP parts crystallize into α‐crystal, while β‐iPP parts display the coexistence of β‐ and α‐crystals. And, the difference of the crystallinity is less than 3% in three specimens. This suggests that both crystallinity and crystalline structure are not the main reasons for the shrinkage and warpage in this case. Instead, the severe part deformation of the α‐iPP parts is assigned to the narrower sintering window as well as the higher onset crystallization temperature of α‐iPP, which hinder relaxation of residual stresses. This work provides insights into the part deformation mechanism for PBF‐processed polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although empathy for pain plays an important role in positive interpersonal relationships and encourages engagement in prosocial behavior, it remains largely unknown whether empathy for pain could be effectively altered by psychophysiological techniques. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a single session of diaphragmatic breathing practice on empathy for pain and examine the potential mechanism involving interoceptive awareness. A total of 66 healthy participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group. The intervention group received a 15‐minute diaphragmatic breathing (DB) practice with real‐time biofeedback, while the control group was to gaze at a black screen at rest and not engaged in any other activities. Before and after the invention, all participants were instructed to evaluate the intensity and unpleasantness of empathy for pain while watching different pictures with pain or non‐pain conditions. The Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) was then administered to measure interoceptive awareness. The results indicated a significant interaction between group and time with regard to empathy for pain and MAIA. The DB group showed a statistically significant decrease in both pain intensity and unpleasantness during the pain picture condition, as well as a noteworthy increase in MAIA scores. The control group did not demonstrate any substantial changes. More importantly, the regulation of attention, a dimension of MAIA, had a significant mediating effect on the impact of diaphragmatic breathing on reported unpleasantness. Diaphragmatic breathing could serve as a simple, convenient, and practical strategy to optimize human empathy for pain that warrants further investigation, which has important implications not only for individuals with impaired empathy for pain but also for the improvement of interoceptive awareness. This is the first RCT study to adopt a single session of intervention to influence empathy for pain by using an experimental evaluation paradigm. The results showed that 15‐minute diaphragmatic breathing significantly decreased pain intensity and unpleasantness caused by empathy for pain, and interoceptive awareness mediated the effect of diaphragmatic breathing on the unpleasantness level of empathy for pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The essential branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine, and valine play critical roles in protein synthesis and energy metabolism. Despite their widespread use as nutritional supplements, BCAAs' full effects on mammalian physiology remain uncertain due to the complexities of BCAA metabolic regulation. Here a novel mechanism linking intrinsic alterations in BCAA metabolism is identified to cellular senescence and the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP), both of which contribute to organismal aging and inflammation‐related diseases. Altered BCAA metabolism driving the SASP is mediated by robust activation of the BCAA transporters Solute Carrier Family 6 Members 14 and 15 as well as downregulation of the catabolic enzyme BCAA transaminase 1 during onset of cellular senescence, leading to highly elevated intracellular BCAA levels in senescent cells. This, in turn, activates the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) to establish the full SASP program. Transgenic Drosophila models further indicate that orthologous BCAA regulators are involved in the induction of cellular senescence and age‐related phenotypes in flies, suggesting evolutionary conservation of this metabolic pathway during aging. Finally, experimentally blocking BCAA accumulation attenuates the inflammatory response in a mouse senescence model, highlighting the therapeutic potential of modulating BCAA metabolism for the treatment of age‐related and inflammatory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important in tumorigenesis and the development of multiple malignant human tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). We aimed to determine the regulatory mechanism of LINC01485 and its biological function in CRC. We estimated the expression of miR‐383‐5p, KRT80, and LINC01485 in CRC cells and tissues using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) and western blotting. The results were confirmed using RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and dual‐luciferase assays. Binding relationships among miR‐383‐5p, LINC01485, and KRT80 were assessed. We explored the molecular mechanisms and functions of the LINC01485/miR‐383‐5p/KRT80 axis using CCK‐8 and colony formation assays. Expression of the apoptotic markers Bcl‐2 and Bax was quantified by western blotting, and the effects of LINC01485 on tumor development in vivo were investigated using xenograft tumors. Both LINC01485 and KRT80 were upregulated, whereas miR‐383‐5p was downregulated in CRC cells and tissues. Knockdown of LINC01485 attenuated CRC cell growth and xenograft tumor formation in vivo, whereas LINC01485 enhanced the proliferative capacity of CRC cells but inhibited apoptosis by sponging miR‐383‐5p to increase KRT80 expression in CRC cells. The regulatory molecular mechanism of the LINC01485/miR‐383‐5p/KRT80 axis plays a crucial role in CRC progression. Our findings highlight novel pathways and promising biomarkers for diagnostic and therapeutic application to patients with CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cingulin (CGN) is a cytoskeleton‐associated protein localized at the apical junctions of epithelial cells. CGN interacts with major cytoskeletal filaments and regulates RhoA activity. However, physiological roles of CGN in development and human diseases are currently unknown. Here, we report a multi‐generation family presenting with autosomal dominant non‐syndromic hearing loss (ADNSHL) that co‐segregates with a CGN heterozygous truncating variant, c.3330delG (p.Leu1110Leufs*17). CGN is normally expressed at the apical cell junctions of the organ of Corti, with enriched localization at hair cell cuticular plates and circumferential belts. In mice, the putative disease‐causing mutation results in reduced expression and abnormal subcellular localization of the CGN protein, abolishes its actin polymerization activity, and impairs the normal morphology of hair cell cuticular plates and hair bundles. Hair cell‐specific Cgn knockout leads to high‐frequency hearing loss. Importantly, Cgn mutation knockin mice display noise‐sensitive, progressive hearing loss and outer hair cell degeneration. In summary, we identify CGN c.3330delG as a pathogenic variant for ADNSHL and reveal essential roles of CGN in the maintenance of cochlear hair cell structures and auditory function. Synopsis: The tight junction‐related protein Cingulin (CGN) is a novel deafness gene required for maintenance of cochlear hair cell cuticular plates and hair bundles. A frameshift mutation in CGN results in progressive hearing loss in human and mouse model. A frameshift mutation in CGN co‐segregates with autosomal dominant non‐syndromic hearing loss in a Chinese family.CGN is enriched at the apical cuticular plates and circumferential belts of cochlear hair cells.CGN mutation impairs its expression and localization, alters the morphology of hair cell cuticular plates and hair bundles.CGN mutation results in progressive and noise‐sensitive hearing loss in the disease mouse model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high crystallinity and fast crystallization rate of polypropylene (PP) often result in severe warpage of final parts prepared by means of material extrusion additive manufacturing (MEAM). In this work, the effect of bed temperature (Tb) and nozzle temperature (Tn) on the dimensional accuracy and mechanical property of MEAM‐printed PP copolymer parts was investigated. It is found that raising Tb and Tn could significantly reduce the warpage of PP parts by regulating the crystallization behavior of PP. Specially, the amount of γ‐crystal grows obviously while the total crystallinity remains unchanged, as Tb or Tn increases. Moreover, the more the content of γ‐crystal, the lower the warpage height of PP samples is. Hence, a close correlation between the content of γ‐crystal and part deformation of MEAM‐printed PP parts is successfully established. This is mainly related to the large rigidity of γ‐crystal, which significantly reduces the volume shrinkage of PP during MEAM process. Besides, the raise of Tb or Tn also enhances the tensile strength, modulus and the elongation at break of PP parts. This wok provides an effective and convenient method for the manufacture of PP parts with good dimensional accuracy and excellent mechanical properties by means of MEAM techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogel microrobots have blazed new avenues for local drug administration, while their values in inner ear drug delivery remain to be explored. Here, novel magnetic alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA)‐conjugated gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel microrobots are presented for inner ear drug delivery and deafness prevention. The magnetic hydrogel microrobots with features of slow drug release, targeted movement, and biosafety are generated from microfluidic devices. After intratympanic injection, the microrobots can be oriented in the middle ear cavity under a specific magnetic field. In addition, the ALA drug released from the magnetic hydrogel microrobots can remain in the inner ear for a long time. Based on these advantages, the practical value of the magnetic hydrogel microrobots in deafness prevention is demonstrated by pre‐injecting them in the middle ear of cisplatin‐deafened mice. These results indicate that the proposed smart magnetic hydrogel microrobots can effectively deliver drugs to the inner ear through the middle ear drug delivery route, thus opening a new chapter for middle ear deafness treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jinzhen oral liquid (JZOL) is widely used in China. However, its tissue distribution, a vital part of the efficacy substances research, has not been reported yet. This study characterized its chemical components and its prototypes and metabolites in mice, and investigated its tissue distribution in pathological and healthy mice. Several constituents were characterized, including 55 constituents in JZOL, 11 absorbed prototypes and six metabolites in plasma and tissues. The metabolic pathways were demethylation, dehydration and acetylation. A sensitive, accurate and stable quantitative method was established and applied to the tissue distribution. After administration of JZOL, these seven components were rapidly distributed to various tissues, mainly staying in the small intestine, and less distributed to lung, liver and kidney. Compared with healthy mice, the absorption of baicalin, wogonoside, rhein, glycyrrhizic acid and liquiritin apioside was reduced in influenza mice, but their elimination was slow. However, influenza infection had no obvious effect on the overall distribution of the most important components (baicalin, glycyrrhizic acid and wogonoside) in the plasma or small intestine, but obviously affected the distribution of baicalin in liver. In summary, seven components are rapidly distributed to various tissues, and influenza infection has certain influence on the tissue distribution of JZOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of tacrolimus (TAC) vary greatly among individuals, hindering its precise utilization. Moreover, effective models for the early prediction of TAC efficacy in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are lacking. We aimed to identify key factors affecting TAC efficacy and develop efficacy prediction models for childhood NS using machine learning algorithms. Design: This was an observational cohort study of patients with pediatric refractory NS. Setting: Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center between June 2013 and December 2018. Patients 203 patients with pediatric refractory NS were used for model generation and 35 patients were used for model validation. Intervention: All patients regularly received double immunosuppressive therapy comprising TAC and low‐dose prednisone or methylprednisolone. In this observational cohort study of 203 pediatric patients with refractory NS, clinical and genetic variables, including single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), were identified. TAC efficacy was evaluated 3 months after administration according to two different evaluation criteria: response or non‐response (Group 1) and complete remission, partial remission, or non‐remission (Group 2). Measurements Logistic regression, extremely random trees, gradient boosting decision trees, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting algorithms were used to develop and validate the models. Prediction models were validated among a cohort of 35 patients with NS. Main Results The random forest models performed best in both groups, and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve of these two models was 80.7% (Group 1) and 80.3% (Group 2). These prediction models included urine erythrocyte count before administration, steroid types, and eight SNPs (ITGB4 rs2290460, TRPC6 rs3824934, CTGF rs9399005, IL13 rs20541, NFKBIA rs8904, NFKBIA rs8016947, MAP3K11 rs7946115, and SMARCAL1 rs11886806). Conclusions: Two pre‐administration models with good predictive performance for TAC response of patients with NS were developed and validated using machine learning algorithms. These accurate models could assist clinicians in predicting TAC efficacy in pediatric patients with NS before utilization to avoid treatment failure or adverse effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The model pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum is able to assimilate a range of iron sources. It therefore provides a platform to study different mechanisms of iron processing concomitantly in the same cell. In this study, we follow the localization of three iron starvation induced proteins (ISIPs) in vivo, driven by their native promoters and tagged by fluorophores in an engineered line of P. tricornutum. We find that the localization patterns of ISIPs are dynamic and variable depending on the overall iron status of the cell and the source of iron it is exposed to. Notwithstanding, a shared destination of the three ISIPs both under ferric iron and siderophore‐bound iron supplementation is a globular compartment in the vicinity of the chloroplast. In a proteomic analysis, we identify that the cell engages endocytosis machinery involved in the vesicular trafficking as a response to siderophore molecules, even when these are not bound to iron. Our results suggest that there may be a direct vesicle traffic connection between the diatom cell membrane and the periplastidial compartment (PPC) that co‐opts clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and the "cytoplasm to vacuole" (Cvt) pathway, for proteins involved in iron assimilation. Proteomics data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD021172. Highlight: The marine diatom P. tricornutum engages a vesicular network to traffic siderophores and phytotransferrin from the cell membrane directly to a putative iron processing site in the vicinity of the chloroplast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photoredox and copper‐catalyzed sulfonylphosphorothiolation of alkenes has been developed. With the use of readily available aryl or alkyl sulfonyl chlorides as radical precursors and (RO)2P(O)SH as coupling partners, a wide range of decorated β‐sulfonyl phosphorothioates could be obtained in 37–98% yields with good functional group tolerance. Importantly, this three‐component reaction can be conveniently extended to late‐stage modification of bioactive molecules and gram‐scale synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cover image is based on the Research Article Synergistic effects of tilapia head protein hydrolysate and walnut protein hydrolysate on the amelioration of cognitive impairment in mice by Jun Ji et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.13369. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the purposes is to reduce the sample bias that may be caused by data imputation by controlling the number of missing variables and their missing rates. The machine learning algorithm is used to balanced samples to build a model, each variable can have at least 10 observations according to the common guideline.[1] Similarly, the same is true for the model construction in Group 2, and there are only 5 independent variables. [Extracted from the article]

Qiwei Tongbi oral liquid (QWTB), a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, is widely used to treat arthritis‐related diseases in clinical practice. Currently, in vivo metabolic characteristics and pharmacokinetic studies are lacking. This study analyzed the prototype components of QWTB absorbed in the blood and their metabolic transformation process after intragastric administration and compared the differences in pharmacokinetic properties between healthy and rheumatoid arthritis model rats. In sum, 17 prototype components and 21 related metabolites were identified in the plasma and urine of the treated rats. Metabolites were derived from sinomenine and magnoflorine. Through systematic methodology verification, an accurate and stable detection method for sinomenine and magnoflorine in plasma samples was established and applied to pharmacokinetic research of QWTB. At the three dose levels, the AUC0–∞ (area under the curve) of the two components showed a good positive correlation with the dose (R2 > 0.9). Compared with healthy rats, the Tmax, t1/2z, and AUC of sinomenine were markedly increased, and Cmax was decreased in rheumatoid arthritis model rats, indicating that the rate of absorption and elimination rate decreased, but the body exposure increased. However, there were no significant differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of magnoflorine under healthy and pathological conditions. In summary, the main active ingredients of QWTB are sinomenine and magnoflorine, which exhibit linear kinetic characteristics within a set dose range, and the rheumatoid arthritis pathological state is more conducive to the absorption and efficacy of sinomenine. The results of this study demonstrate the rationality of the clinical application of the QWTB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) assisted photocatalytic production of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2 has already attracted the interest of many researchers due to its environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, the inherent drawbacks of g‐C3N4 limit its progress. Metal‐free modification strategies, including nanostructure design, defect introduction, doping, and heterojunction construction, have been developed to improve the efficiency of g‐C3N4 photocatalytic H2O2 production. Compared to metal modification, metal‐free strategies avoid the use of precious metals and the leaching of heavy metal ions, which have the advantages of good stability and environmental friendliness. However, a comprehensive review of H2O2 production from g‐C3N4 modified by metal‐free strategies is still lacking. This review first recaps the mechanism of photocatalytic H2O2 production by g‐C3N4, including photoexcitation, carrier separation and redox reactions. Then, the perspective advances in metal‐free modified g‐C3N4 photocatalysts are presented, with the special focus on the kernel connection between different strategies and mechanism based on the pivotal stages of H2O2 production. Subsequently, recent applications of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts for in situ generated H2O2, mainly including water purification and organic synthesis, are briefly discussed. Finally, the prospects of g‐C3N4‐based photocatalysts are envisioned with the hope that it will have “something to do” in the field of H2O2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depressive symptoms are common in patients with first‐episode psychosis. However, the neural mechanisms underlying the comorbid depression in schizophrenia are still unknown. The main purpose of this study was to characterize the structural abnormalities of first‐episodes drug‐naïve (FEDN) schizophrenia comorbid with depression by utilizing both volume‐based and surface‐based morphometric measurements. Forty‐two patients with FEDN schizophrenia and 29 healthy controls were recruited. The 24‐item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD‐24) was administrated to divide all patients into depressive patients (DP) and non‐depressive patients (NDP). Compared with NDP, DP had a significantly larger volume and surface area in the left isthmus cingulate cortex and also had a greater volume in the left posterior cingulate cortex. Correlation analysis showed that HAMD total score was positively correlated with the surface area of the left isthmus cingulate and gray matter volume of the left isthmus cingulate cortex. In addition, gray matter volume of the left isthmus cingulate was also correlated with the PANSS general psychopathology or total score. The findings suggest that prominent structural abnormalities of gray matter are mainly concentrated on the cingulate cortex in FEDN schizophrenia patients comorbid with depression, which may contribute to depressive symptoms and psychopathological symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current work planned to assess the protecting properties of nimbolide against doxorubicin (DOX)‐treated myocardial damage. Myocardial damage was produced with 2.5 mg/kg of DOX given on alternative days (14 days). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels of a lipid peroxidative marker were elevated, whereas reduced body weight, heart weight, blood pressure indices and reduced levels of antioxidants like glutathione‐S‐transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione, and glutathione reductase were observed in the heart tissue of DOX‐treated animals. DOX‐treated animals showed augmented levels of cardiac markers likes monocyte chemotactic protein‐1, interferon‐gamma, aspartate transferase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase‐muscle/brain, heart‐type fatty acid‐binding protein, glycogen phosphorylase isoenzyme BB, transforming growth factor‐β, brain natriuretic peptide, myoglobin, and cTnI in serum. Histopathological assessment confirmed the DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, DOX‐induced rats showed augmented inflammatory mediators (nuclear factor‐κB [NF‐kB], tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α], and interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β]) and increased PI3K/Akt signaling proteins (PI3K, p‐Bad/Bad, caspase‐3, and p‐Akt), whereas decreased oxidative markers (HO‐1 and NQO‐1) and p‐PTEN were observed. Nimbolide‐supplemented rats showed reduced activity/levels of cardiac markers and TBARS levels in serum and heart tissue. Levels of enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants were augmented in the heart tissue of nimbolide‐supplemented rats. Nimbolide influence decreased apoptosis, inflammation, and enhanced antioxidant markers through the modulation of p‐Bad/Bad, caspase‐3, PI3K, p‐Akt, TNF‐α, NF‐kB, IL‐1β, HO‐1, NQO‐1, and p‐PTEN markers. The histopathological explanations were observed to be in line with biochemical analysis. Therefore, the finding of current work was that nimbolide has a defensive effect on the myocardium against DOX‐induced cardiac tissue damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L‐Ser is often used to synthesize some significant l‐noncanonical α‐amino acids(l‐ncAAs), which are the prevalent intermediates and precursors for functional synthetic compounds. In this study, threonine aldolase from Escherichia coli k‐12 MG1655 has been used to synthesize l‐Ser. In contrast to the maximum catalytic capacity (20 g/L) for l‐threonine aldolase(LTA), d‐Ser was synthesized with high yield (240 g/L) from cheap Gly and paraformaldehyde using d‐threonine aldolase (DTA) from Arthrobacter sp ATCC. In order to fully utilize d‐Ser and expand the resource of l‐Ser, a dynamic kinetic resolution system was constructed to convert d/dl‐Ser to l‐Ser through combining alanine racemase (Alr) from Bacillus subtilis with l‐tryptophan synthase (TrpS) from Escherichia coli k‐12 MG1655, and l‐ncAAs including l‐Trp and l‐Cys derivatives were synthesized with excellent enantioselectivity and in high yields. The results indicated l‐ncAAs could be efficiently synthesized from d‐Ser using this original and green dynamic kinetic resolution system, and the reliable l‐Ser resource has been established from simple and achiral substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study aimed to explore the impact of overt hypothyroidism on diastolic left ventricular (LV) deformation and the effect of levothyroxine therapy using 2‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE) strain rate (SR) imaging. Methods: Forty‐seven newly diagnosed hypothyroidic patients and 51 controls were prospectively enrolled. All participants underwent comprehensive 2‐dimensional echocardiography. Besides the recently recommended parameters of LV diastolic function, strain imaging for LV systolic global longitudinal strain (GLS), and diastolic SR imaging at isovolumic relaxation period (SRivr), early (SRe) and late (SRa) diastole were assessed. Repeated echocardiography in hypothyroidic patients was made 6 months after the euthyroidic state was achieved. Results: Hypothyroidic patients had a lower ejection fraction (EF) than the controls (68.6 ± 5.2% vs 71.5 ± 4.0%, P = 0.002) but all within normal range (57%–80% and 64%–79%, respectively). No difference in the ratio of early mitral flow (E) to early diastolic septal or lateral myocardial motion velocity (e′) was found (both P > 0.05), but significant difference was identified for SRa (0.85 ± 0.17 [/s] vs 1.00 ± 0.17 [/s], P = 0.000) and GLS (−20.8 ± 3.2% vs −23.6 ± 2.3%, P = 0.000). Upon follow‐up, LV SRa (1.01 ± 0.20 [/s], P = 0.99 vs control) normalized when GLS (−21.6 ± 3.1%, P = 0.004 vs control) remained worse than the controls. Conclusion: This study demonstrates subtle LV diastolic impairment in untreated hypothyroidic patients using SR imaging, which normalizes with short‐term therapy and predates GLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Immobilization of enzyme on a solid support can improve its stability, however, this is often accompanied by a decrease of the initial catalytic activity. The design and preparation of immobilized enzyme with simultaneous high activity and stability is a challenge. RESULTS: A hierarchically porous metal organic framework H‐MOF(Zr) which was prepared by 'crystal defect' strategy was very stable in aqueous solution and possessed well‐defined, tunable and adjacent hierarchical pores. When using the H‐MOF(Zr) as support for enzyme immobilization, a single array of enzyme in a single mesoporous channel was achieved so as to avoid aggregation of the enzyme. Meanwhile the micropores can be utilized to concentrate substrates, resulting in a decrease in the mass transfer resistance of substrate compared with that in the bulk buffer due to the enzymes and substrates closely embedded on the same support. The prepared immobilized enzyme CPO/HRP@H‐MOF(Zr) was more stable at elevated temparatures, showing 58.2% enhanced activity compared with free enzymes at 70 °C for 1 h incubation. After 12 cycles, 70.7% of activity remained. When the CPO/HRP@H‐MOF(Zr) was applied in the treatment of wastewater containing isoproturon and 2,4‐dichlorophenol, complete degradation was achieved in only 15 min. CONCLUSION: Both high activity and stability under harsh reaction conditions give the CPO/HRP@H‐MOF(Zr) composites potential for practical application in wastewater treatment. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Polystyrene (PS) microencapsulated paraffin wax (MePW) and PS–SiO2 MePW were used to improve the form‐stability of PW in hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene‐derived polyurethane (HTPB) binder. HTPB matrix containing different contents of PS MePW, PS–SiO2 MePW, and PW were prepared. The chemical composition, crystallinity, microstructure, heat capacities, thermal stabilities, thermal reliabilities, leakage, and mechanical properties of the composites were compared using Fourier transforms infrared spectroscope, X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electronic microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, thermo‐gravimetric analyzer, thermal cycling test, leaking test, compression, and tensile tests, respectively. The results showed that the MePW/PW/HTPB composites were prepared without chemical reaction. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of PS–SiO2 MePW/PW/HTPB increased more dramatically than that of PS MePW/PW/HTPB. With the increasing contents of MePWs, the PW leakage of the composites decreased, especially for PS MePW/PW/HTPB. Consequently, the MePW/PW/HTPB composites possess a potential application for PW‐based polymer‐bonded explosive system. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46222. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The dried roots of Inula helenium L. (IH) and Inula racemosa Hook f. (IR) are used commonly as folk medicine as ‘tumuxiang’ (TMX). The mixing and sharing of IH and IR in clinical use is a universal phenomenon. Modern pharmacological studies confirmed that IH and IR display anti‐inflammatory activities. However, the difference in anti‐inflammatory pharmacodynamic substances between these two herbs is still unknown. In the present study, the fingerprints of 18 IH and nine IR samples were established using UPLC/QTOF‐MSE. A dimethylbenzene‐induced mouse ear vasodilation model was applied in evaluating the anti‐inflammatory properties of all 27 samples. Then, the spectrum–efficacy model between chemical characteristic peaks and anti‐inflammatory activities was investigated using principal component regression and partial least squares. Finally, the combination of UNIFI Scientific Information System with a library search of traditional Chinese medicines was employed to automatically characterize the peaks. UNIFI identified a total of 80 chemical components. Among the components, the 53 characteristic peaks showed correlation with anti‐inflammatory activities, pointing to phenolic and organic acids as primary anti‐inflammatory ingredients of TMX. This approach can efficiently and intelligently facilitate the identification of bioactive components from traditional Chinese medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT With particular focus on the characterization of polymer-nanoparticle interaction, the effects of polymer molecular weight ( Mn) on confined crystallization of the interfacial region in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/silica (SiO2) composites were investigated, employing differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic light scattering, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance relaxation techniques. Dependence of crystallization on Mn in PEO/SiO2 composites is found to be closely related to the microstructure changes in adsorbed polymer. PEO adsorbs in a manner that produces a tightly bound layer (amorphous) with constant thickness, independent of Mn, and creates a loosely bound layer with flattened structure for short PEO chains but coiled conformation for long chains. The contribution of this Mn-dependent layer to crystallization grows with Mn, showing a transition from non-crystalline phase to the formation of a crystallization peak (−25 to −33 °C), and then to crystallization together with non-adsorbed PEO. The comprehensive description of the interfacial region should be a helpful tool in the preparation and modification of polymer nanocomposites. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 1608-1616 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) myocardial injuries and cardiac function in patients with newly diagnosed severe primary overt hypothyroidism (HT) before and after achieving euthyroidism by short-term levothyroxine treatment. Levothyroxine treatment improves cardiovascular performance and ventricular remodeling in patients with HT, but diffuse myocardial injuries induced by HT are difficult to detect clinically.Materials and Methods: Myocardial longitudinal relaxation time (T1 ) mapping using the modified Look-Locker inversion-recovery (MOLLI) sequences at 3.0T was performed before and after euthyroidism was achieved by levothyroxine treatment in 24 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and compared to 17 healthy controls. Subjects underwent measurements of T1 values and left ventricular stroke volume (SV), ejection fraction (EF), cardiac index (CI), and peak filling rate (PFR). Cardiac data were expressed as an index, as per body surface area, except for heart rate and EF.Results: Patients with untreated HT exhibited significantly longer native myocardial T1 values (all P < 0.05) accompanied by reduced SV (30.7 ± 5.6 vs. 34.9 ± 6.8 mL/m2 , P < 0.05), CI (2.1 ± 0.4 vs. 2.4 ± 0.4 L/min/m2 , P < 0.05), and PFR (3.5 ± 0.9 vs. 4.2 ± 1.1 EDV/s, P < 0.05) compared to healthy controls at baseline. Achieving euthyroidism resulted in a significant decrease in T1 values and improved SV, CI, and PFR values (all P < 0.05) in the patients with HT. Negative correlations of the T1 values with free triiodothyronine (r = -0.55, P < 0.001) and PFR (r = -0.46, P = 0.0016) were observed.Conclusion: We suggest that the negative effect induced by severe overt HT on the cardiovascular system can be significantly improved by restoring euthyroidism with short-term levothyroxine therapy.Level Of Evidence: 1 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:897-904. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A domino three-component strategy with high efficiency for the synthesis of spiro[indoline-3,4′-pyrazolo[3,4- b]pyridines] from easily available isatins, pyrazol-5-amines and β-ketonitriles under microwave heating. During reaction process, HOAc plays dual roles as reaction media as well as a Brønsted acid-promoter. Flexible structural modification, broad functional group compatibility and mild reaction conditions make this strategy a useful and attractive process of library generation for drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The confinement effects introduced by nanoparticles have been reported to influence the phase behaviors thus the properties of polymer nanocomposites. In this study, molecular dynamics and crystallization behaviors of polyethylene (PE) composited with three types of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles, namely unmodified SiO2, hydrophobically modified SiO2, SiO2-APTES (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) and SiO2-PTES ( n-propyltriethoxysilane), were systematically investigated via a combination of DSC, XRD and 1H solid-state NMR measurements. The suppressions in crystallization and chain mobilities of PE rank in the order of unmodified SiO2 < SiO2-APTES < SiO2-PTES due to the increasing interfacial interactions between PE and SiO2 nanoparticles. Additionally, independent of polymer-nanoparticle interactions, a silica network forms for all three kinds of nanocomposites when SiO2 content reaches 83 wt %. The mobilities of polymer chains are severely restricted by such a percolated network structure, leading to a turning point in the crystallization ability of nanocomposites and a new crystallization peak at 45 °C lower than that of pure PE. The synergetic effects of interfacial interactions and filler network on polymer crystallization have been thoroughly studied in this work, which will provide guidance on modifying and designing nanocomposites with controlled properties. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 498-505 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tai Chi Chuan ( TCC) practice is currently intentionally applied in clinical populations, especially those with cardiovascular diseases because of its potential benefits on the autonomic nervous system. The long-term effect of TCC practice on heart rate variability ( HRV) remains largely unknown. In this study, we recruited 23 TCC practitioners whose experience averaged approximately 21 years and 19 controls matched by age, sex and education to examine the effect of TCC practice on the autonomic nervous system during a resting state and during an abdominal breathing state. HRV was measured by traditional electrocardiogram ( ECG) recording. The results showed that the low frequency, total power frequency, and normalized low frequency components and the low-frequency/high-frequency ratio were significantly higher, whereas the normalized high frequency was significantly lower in the TCC practitioners relative to controls during the abdominal breathing state. However, we did not detect any significant difference in the HRV measures during the resting state between the two groups. Additionally, TCC experience did not correlate with HRV components either in the abdominal state or the resting state in the TCC group. Considering all of these findings, we suggest that TCC improves vagal activity and the balance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activity during the relaxation state. This study also provides direct physiological evidence for the role of TCC practice in relaxation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The impact of nanoconfinement introduced by nanoparticles on polymer crystallization has attracted extensive attention because it plays an important role in the ultimate properties of polymer nanocomposites. In this study, interfacial and spatial confinement effects of silica (SiO2) nanoparticles on the crystallization behaviors of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/SiO2 composites were systematically investigated by changing the size and concentration of SiO2 in PEO matrix. The composites with high silica loadings exhibit two crystallization peaks of PEO as determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The first peak at 7-43 °C is related to the bulk PEO, while the second peak at −20 to −30 °C is attributed to the restricted PEO segments. Three-layer (amorphous, interfacial, and bulk) model is proposed to interpret the confined crystallization of PEO/SiO2 composites, which is supported by the results of thermogravimetric analysis and solid-state 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. In amorphous layer, most PEO segments are directly adsorbed on SiO2 surface via hydrogen bonding. The interfacial PEO layer, which is nonuniform, is composed of crystallizable loops and tails extending from amorphous layer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 414-423 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Poly(propylene oxide) (PPO)-grafted nanosilica (NS)/polyurethane foam (PUF) composites were synthesized by a ring-opening polymerization catalytic process and reaction-molding technology. The raw NS and PPO-NS were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and compressive strength tests were used to compare the morphology and thermal and mechanical properties of the PPO-NS/PUF and raw NS/PUF composites with a series of filler contents. The PPO-NS/PUF composites generally exhibited better morphology, thermal and mechanical properties than raw NS/PUF composites. Moreover, the PPO-NS/PUF composites with lower contents (0.5, 1 php) of filler showed even higher mechanical reinforcement than that with higher contents (1.5, 2 php) of filler, which was caused by the interaction between additives and PUF matrix. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42400. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogeneous carbanilation of cellulose with nine kinds of substituted phenyl isocyanates, in which the substituents were varied from electron-donating to electron-withdrawing groups, was carried out in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl) without any catalyst. The degree of substitution (DS) of cellulose phenylcarbamates in a range from 0 to 3 was readily controlled by altering reaction temperature, reaction time andmolar ratio of phenyl isocyanate/anhydroglucose unit. Furthermore, the electronic effect of the substituents on the aromatic ring had a prominent impact on the reactivity of phenyl isocyanates. The phenyl isocyanates with stronger electron-withdrawing substituents exhibited a higher reactivity. A plot of DS and Hammett substituent constants exhibited linearity with a positive slope. Subsequently, four kinds of partially substituted cellulose phenylcarbamates with DS of 2.0 were synthesized successfully in AmimCl, and then employed as coated-type chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for high-performance liquid chromatography. The enantioseparation results demonstrated that these CSPs exhibited high chiral recognition abilities for some racemates. The substituents on the phenyl moieties had a considerable effect on the chiral recognition ability of cellulose phenylcarbamate-based CSPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs and Yes-associated protein (YAP) play an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatic carcinomas. However, the interaction between microRNAs and YAP was seldom elucidated. In this study, we showed that miR-132 could target YAP gene by using dual-luciferase reporter system. Further quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blotting showed that miR-132 could significantly reduce the expression of YAP at mRNA and protein levels. Results of annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate, 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine staining and transwell assays showed that miR-132 significantly promoted the cell apoptosis and effectively inhibited the proliferation and invasion of hepatoma cells. These results indicated that miR-132 could inhibit the growth of hepatoma cells by targeting YAP gene and reducing its expression level. Taken together, results from this study would help us to understand the mechanisms for occurrence and development of hepatic carcinoma and provide new targets for diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to clarify the effects of acute exercise and cardiovascular fitness on cognitive function using the Stroop test and event-related desynchronization ( ERD) in an aged population. Old adults (63.10 ± 2.89 years) were first assigned to either a high-fitness or a low-fitness group, and they were then subjected to an acute exercise treatment and a reading control treatment in a counterbalanced order. Alpha ERD was recorded during the Stroop test, which was administered after both treatments. Acute exercise improved cognitive performance regardless of the level of cognition, and old adults with higher fitness levels received greater benefits from acute exercise. Additionally, acute exercise, rather than overall fitness, elicited greater lower and upper alpha ERDs relative to the control condition. These findings indirectly suggest that the beneficial effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance may result from exercise-induced attentional control observed during frontal neural excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dongpu sag is located in the south of the Bohai Bay basin, China, and has abundant oil and gas reserves. To date, there has been no systematic documentation of its geothermal fields. This study measured the rock thermal conductivity of 324 cores from 47 wells, and calculated rock thermal conductivity for different formations. The geothermal gradient and terrestrial heat flow were calculated for 192 wells on basis of 892 formation-testing data from 523 wells. The results show that the Dongpu sag is characterized by a medium-temperature geothermal field between stable and active tectonic areas, with an average geothermal gradient of 32.0°C/km and terrestrial heat flow of 65.6 mW/m2. The geothermal fields in the Dongpu sag is significantly controlled by the Changyuan, Yellow River, and Lanliao basement faults. They developed in the Paleogene and the Dongying movement occurred at the Dongying Formation depositional period. The geothermal fields distribution has a similar characteristic to the tectonic framework of the Dongpu sag, namely two subsags, one uplift, one steep slope and one gentle slope. The oil and gas distribution is closely associated with the present geothermal fields. The work may provide constraints for reconstructing the thermal history and modeling source rock maturation evolution in the Dongpu sag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report a simple microfluidic chip-based technique as an effective online electrochemical platform for continuous monitoring of neurochemicals in rat brain by using ascorbate as an example. To establish the platform for neurochemical monitoring, a single-channel microfluidic chip is developed into an electrochemical cell by incorporating an indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode as working electrode, an Ag/AgCl wire as reference electrode, and a Pt tube as counter electrode. The selective detection of ascorbate is accomplished by dip-coating single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) onto the ITO electrode. As reported in our early studies, the use of SWNTs largely facilitates the electron transfer of ascorbate, well differentiating the potential for the ascorbate oxidation from those for other kinds of electrochemically active neurochemicals existing in the cerebral systems. With the microfluidic chip-based electrochemical cell as selective detector, an online electrochemical detecting system is established by directly integrating the microfluidic chip-based electrochemical detector with in vivo microdialysis. The system is demonstrated to have a good linear response toward ascorbate, high stability, and good in vivo reproducibility and stability. These excellent properties substantially enable this system to be particularly useful for continuous monitoring of ascorbate in rat brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Aim: Glucocorticoid therapy has been used in childhood nephrotic syndrome since the 1950s, where the characteristic change is effacement of the actin-rich foot process of glomerular podocytes. Recent studies have shown that glucocorticoids, in addition to their general immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, have a direct effect on podocytes, regulate some apoptotic factors, and increase the stability of actin filaments. However, the precise mechanism(s) underlying the protective effects of glucocorticoids on podocytes remain unclear. It is known that adriamycin (ADR) can induce podocyte foot process effacement and trigger massive proteinuria in rodent models. However, few reports have examined the direct role of ADR in podocyte actin rearrangement in vitro. In this study, we investigated how ADR directly induced podocyte actin cytoskeleton rearrangement and further analyzed how dexamethasone prevented such injury. Methods: We used confocal microscopy to assess podocyte actin rearrangement. Western blot analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to measure the protein and mRNA levels of α-actinin-4. Results: We demonstrated that there was a time-dependent ADR-induced podocyte actin rearrangement with less than 12 h of ADR treatment in cultured podocytes. Dexamethasone could protect podocytes from ADR-induced injury and also stabilize the expression of α-actinin-4. Conclusion: This study showed that dexamethasone had direct effects on podocytes: α-actinin-4 may be one of the potential target molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nonenzymatic amperometric electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was fabricated based on highly dense silver nanowires (Ag NWs) and chitosan (CS) film. Ag NWs were synthesized by a poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP)-mediated polyol process in the presence of manganese chloride (MnCl2), and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Under the optimal conditions, the proposed nonenzymatic sensor exhibited good electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of H2O2, and could detect H2O2 in the linear range of 0.008-1.35 mM, with a detection limit of 2 µM ( S/ N=3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Xanthine oxidase-derived superoxide production and oxidative stress contribute to the development of diabetic complications including diabetic cardiomyopathy. We hypothesized that xanthine oxidase-inhibitor allopurinol (ALP) may decrease hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, ameliorate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis, and attenuate the development of left ventricle (LV) diastolic dysfunction in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. Methods Control Sprague Dawley (C) or streptozotocin-induced diabetic (D) rats were either untreated or treated with allopurinol (100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks starting at 1 week after streptozotocin injection. Free 15-F2t-isoprostane, a specific indicator of oxidative stress was measured by enzymatic immunoassay. The cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin-stained paraffin-embedded sections of LVs. Myocardial collagens I and III were assessed by immunol histochemistry and Western blotting. Echocardiography was performed to characterize cardiac structure and function. Results In diabetic rats, both plasma and cardiac tissue levels of free 15-F2t-isoprostane were increased ( p < 0.05 vs. control), accompanied with significant increase ( p < 0.05 vs. control) in cross-section area and myocardial collagen deposition of LV cardiomyocyte. Echocardiography in diabetic rats showed that LV weight/body weight ratio was significantly higher than in control rats, whereas the levels of LV end-diastolic volume and stroke volume were decreased (all p < 0.05 diabetic vs. control). All these changes were either attenuated or prevented by allopurinol. In addition, LV ejection fraction in diabetic rats treated with allopurinol was higher than that in untreated diabetic rats ( p < 0.05). Conclusion Allopurinol can attenuate hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress, ameliorate cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis and subsequently prevent left ventricular dysfunction in early diabetes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an acceptable proxy for innovative activity, patents have become increasingly important in recent years. Patents and patent citations have been used for construction of technology indicators. This article presents an alternative to other citation-based indicators, i.e., the patent h-index, which is borrowed from bibliometrics. We conduct the analysis on a sample of the world's top 20 firms ranked by total patents granted in the period 1996–2005 from the Derwent Innovations Index in the semiconductor area. We also investigate the relationships between the patent h-index and other three indicators, i.e., patent counts, citation counts, and the mean family size (MFS). The findings show that the patent h-index is indeed an effective indicator for evaluating the technological importance and quality, or impact, for an assignee. In addition, the MFS indicator correlates negatively and not significantly with the patent h-index, which indicates that the “social value” of a patent is in disagreement with its “private value.” The two indicators, patent h-index and MFS, both provide an overview of the value of patents, but from two different angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginkgo diterpene lactone (GDL) is the raw material for ginkgo diterpene lactone meglumine injection, which is used for treating cerebral ischemia. The aims of this study were to explore the cellular pharmacokinetics of GDL in whole cells and subcellular fractions, and detect cellular pharmacodynamics on the human SH‐SY5Y cells induced by oxygen–glucose deprivation and reoxygenation (OGD/R). Firstly, a simple, sensitive and reliable liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated for assessing the amount of ginkgolide A (GA), B (GB) and K (GK) in cellular/subcellular samples. Then, phosphatidylserine and mitochondria membrane potential were assayed to evaluate the extent of apoptosis effect. The study showed that the cellular/subcellular accumulation of GA and GB were increased in a concentration‐dependent manner; the levels of GA and GB in cytosol were the highest among these subcellular organelles. Meanwhile, GDL also attenuated the OGD/R‐induced increases in the percentage of apoptotic and mitochondria membrane potential. In addition, verapamil increased the rate and amount of GA and GB entering cellular/subcellular compartments through inhibition of P‐glycoprotein activity, and promoted the protective effect of GDL. The present study reports the cellular pharmacokinetics profiles of GA and GB in normal and OGD/R‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells in vitro for the first time, which provided valuable information for clinical safety application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]