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Effective separation of various components in biomass is critical for biorefinery. Autohydrolysis is a commercialized unit operation to remove hemicelluloses, such as xylan, in producing high‐quality cellulose (the so‐called dissolving pulp) in the pre‐hydrolysis kraft process. In the present study, the autohydrolysis of eucalyptus woodchips was investigated for the purpose of producing dissolving pulps, with a focus on the production of cellulose acetate grade dissolving pulp. First, the effects of liquid‐to‐solid ratio, maximum temperature, and time on hemicelluloses removal were comprehensively studied, and the total xylose saccharides concentration and total xylose saccharides yield were determined as a function of the P factor and log(Ro). The three‐variable Box–Behnken design of the response surface methodology was followed to optimize the autohydrolysis conditions, aiming to achieving the maximum removal of xylan. The as‐obtained optimal conditions were: liquid‐to‐solid ratio of 5.5 mL · g−1, maximum temperature of 165°C, and time of 120 min, with its P factor of 867 h and log(Ro) of 4.03. Under these conditions, the total xylose saccharides concentration was 16.43 g · L−1. Furthermore, the autohydrolysis yield was investigated. The results showed that the purity of as‐prepared cellulose substrate as a result of autohydrolysis at a P factor of 867 h (log(Ro) of 4.03) can meet the stringent requirement of cellulose acetate grade dissolving pulp. Furthermore, the pre‐hydrolysis liquor compositions were compared between the typical autohydrolysis conditions for rayon grade dissolving pulp (a P factor of 690 h and log(Ro) of 3.91) and the optimal conditions (a P factor of 867 h and log(Ro) of 4.03). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lyocell fiber has emerged as a new generation of green fiber due to its preparation process and unique properties in comparison with viscose fiber. The raw material for the preparation of Lyocell fiber has a great impact on the quality of the finished product. However, unlike viscose-grade dissolving pulp, there is no evaluation system for Lyocell-grade dissolving pulp, making it difficult to assess the quality of the raw material. This study examined the approach to upgrade the paper-grade pulp to dissolving pulp for the preparation of the raw material for Lyocell fiber. Under the sequence of caustic extraction, acid treatment, and enzymatic treatment, the pulp was prepared with competitive properties compared to the commercial Lyocell-grade dissolving pulp. The assessment of prepared pulp was also accomplished by characterizing the pulp properties, the dissolution properties, and the spinnability and stability of Lyocell solution using the prepared sample. In addition, the dissolution mechanism and influencing factors of pulp in the system were elucidated, providing a theoretical basis for upgrading paper-grade pulp to dissolving pulp for Lyocell fiber production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

YiiP from Shewanella oneidensis is a prokaryotic Zn 2+ /H + antiporter that serves as a model for the Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) superfamily, members of which are generally responsible for homeostasis of transition metal ions. Previous studies of YiiP as well as related CDF transporters have established a homodimeric architecture and the presence of three distinct Zn 2+ binding sites named A, B, and C. In this study, we use cryo-EM, microscale thermophoresis and molecular dynamics simulations to address the structural and functional roles of individual sites as well as the interplay between Zn 2+ binding and protonation. Structural studies indicate that site C in the cytoplasmic domain is primarily responsible for stabilizing the dimer and that site B at the cytoplasmic membrane surface controls the structural transition from an inward facing conformation to an occluded conformation. Binding data show that intramembrane site A, which is directly responsible for transport, has a dramatic pH dependence consistent with coupling to the proton motive force. A comprehensive thermodynamic model encompassing Zn 2+ binding and protonation states of individual residues indicates a transport stoichiometry of 1 Zn 2+ to 2-3 H + depending on the external pH. This stoichiometry would be favorable in a physiological context, allowing the cell to use the proton gradient as well as the membrane potential to drive the export of Zn 2+ ., Competing Interests: AH, SF, ML, IK, XZ, OB, DS No competing interests declared, (© 2023, Hussein, Fan et al.)

Background: Compound porcine cerebroside and ganglioside injection (CPCGI) is a neurotrophic drug used clinically to treat certain functional disorders of brain. Despite its extensive usage throughout China, the exact mechanistic targets of CPCGI are unknown. This study was carried out to investigate the protective effect of CPCGI against ischemic neuronal damage in rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) reperfusion injury and to investigate the neuroprotective mechanisms of CPCGI., Materials and Methods: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to MCAO surgery for 2 hours followed by reperfusion. The rats were administered CPCGI once a day for 14 days after reperfusion, and behavioral tests were performed 1, 3, 7, and 14 days post MCAO. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to measure infarct volume, and immunohistochemical analysis was performed to determine the number of NeuN-positive neurons in the ischemic cortex penumbra. Finally, the relative expression levels of proteins associated with apoptosis (Bcl-2, Bax, and GADD45α), synaptic function (Synaptophysin, SNAP25, Syntaxin, and Complexin-1/2), and mitochondrial function (KIFC2 and UCP3) were determined by Western blot., Results: CPCGI treatment reduced infarct size, decreased neurological deficit scores, and accelerated the recovery of somatosensory function 14 days after MCAO. In addition, CPCGI reduced the loss of NeuN-positive cells in the ischemic cortex penumbra. In the ischemic cortex, CPCGI treatment decreased GADD45α expression, increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, augmented Synaptophysin, SNAP25, and Complexin-1/2 expression, and increased the expression of KIFC2 and UCP3 compared with sham rats 14 days after MCAO reperfusion injury., Conclusion: CPCGI displays neuroprotective properties in rats subjected to MCAO injury by inhibiting apoptosis and improving synaptic and mitochondrial function., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.