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Background. Growth arrest-specific (Gas) 6 is one of the endogenous ligands of TAM receptors (Tyro3, Axl, and Mertk), and its role as an immune modulator has been recently emphasized. Naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for the active suppression of autoimmunity. The present study was designed to investigate whether Tregs express TAM receptors and the potential role of Gas6-TAM signal in regulating the suppressive function of Tregs. Methods. The protein and mRNA levels of TAM receptors were determined by using Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and RT-PCR. Then, TAM receptors were silenced using targeted siRNA or blocked with specific antibody. The suppressive function of Tregs was assessed by using a CFSE-based T cell proliferation assay. Flow cytometry was used to determine the expression of Foxp3 and CTLA4 whereas cytokines secretion levels were measured by ELISA assay. Results. Tregs express both Axl and Mertk receptors. Gas6 increases the suppressive function of Tregs in vitro and in mice. Both Foxp3 and CTLA-4 expression on Tregs are enhanced after Gas6 stimulation. Gas6 enhances the suppressive activity of Tregs mainly through Axl receptor. Conclusion. Gas6 has a direct effect on the functions of CD4+CD25+Tregs mainly through its interaction with Axl receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oct4 is a major transcription factor related to stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. To fulfill its functions, it must be able to enter the nucleus and remain there to affect transcription. KPNA2, a member of the karyopherin family, plays a central role in nucleocytoplasmic transport. The objective of the current study was to examine the association between Oct4 and KPNA2 expression levels with regard to both the clinicopathological characteristics and prognoses of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression profile of Oct4 and KPNA2 in NSCLC tissues and adjacent noncancerous lung tissues. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression profiles of Oct4 and KPNA2 in lung cancer cell lines. Small interfering RNAs were used to deplete Oct4 and KPNA2 expressions. Double immunofluorescence was used to detect Oct4 expression in KPNA2 knockdown cells. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to detect the interaction of Oct4 and KPNA2.Results: Oct4 was overexpressed in 29 of 102 (28.4%) human lung cancer samples and correlated with differentiation (P = 0.002) and TNM stage (P = 0.003). KPNA2 was overexpressed in 56 of 102 (54.9%) human lung cancer samples and correlated with histology (P = 0.001) and differentiation (P = 0.045). Importantly, Oct4 and KPNA2 expression levels correlated significantly (P < 0.01). Expression of Oct4 and KPNA2 was associated with short overall survival. In addition, depleting Oct4 and KPNA2 expression using small interfering RNAs inhibited proliferation in lung cancer cell lines. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting analysis indicated that reduction of KPNA2 expression significantly reduced mRNA and nucleoprotein levels of Oct4. Double immunofluorescence analysis revealed that nuclear Oct4 signals were reduced significantly in KPNA2 knockdown cells. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that KPNA2 interacts with Oct4 in lung cancer cell lines.Conclusion: Oct4 and KPNA2 play an important role in NSCLC progression. Oct4 nuclear localization may be mediated by its interaction with KPNA2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What is known and objective: For patients after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), clopidogrel combined with aspirin is a conventional dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) method. Because the genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19 gene leads to clopidogrel resistance, guidelines for antiplatelet recommendations in CYP2C19 of ultrarapid metabolizers (UM), extended metabolizers (EM) and poor metabolizers (PM) are clear. However, there is no clear recommendation as to whether ticagrelor or double dose clopidogrel is the best antiplatelet regimen for CYP2C19 of intermediate metabolizers (IM). To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ticagrelor (combined with aspirin) and high‐dose clopidogrel (combined with aspirin) in patients after PCI with CYP2C19 loss‐of‐function (LOF) alleles. Methods: We searched the following databases to select RCTs of comparing ticagrelor with high‐dose clopidogrel in patients after PCI with CYP2C19 LOF alleles: CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed, Clinical trials, Cochrane, Web of Science and Embase. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), platelet function and TIMI bleeding event were defined as the outcomes. revman 5.3 software was used to perform meta‐analysis. Results and discussion: A total of 14 RCTs with 2351 patients were enrolled. Meta‐analysis showed that compared with high‐dose clopidogrel, ticagrelor had reduced incidence of MACEs (OR = 0.32, 95% Cl: 0.23–0.44, p < 0.00001), stent thrombosis (OR: 0.24, 95%CI: 0.13–0.44, p < 0.00001), myocardial infarction OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.22–0.80, p = 0.008), revascularization (OR: 0.29, 95%CI: 0.10–0.82, p = 0.02) and unstable angina (OR: 0.47, 95%CI: 0.29–0.77, p = 0.003) in patients after PCI with CYP2C19 LOF alleles. A subgroup analysis showed that ticagrelor reduced the risk of MACEs compared with high‐dose clopidogrel regardless of the type of metabolizer. Compared with high‐dose clopidogrel, ticagrelor significantly reduced the risk of MACE with longer follow‐up period (more than 3 months) without increasing the risk of bleeding (OR: 0.89, 95%CI: 0.53–1.49, p = 0.30), while elevated dyspnoea (OR: 5.62, 95%CI: 3.07–10.28, p < 0.00001). What is new and conclusions: For patients carrying CYP2C19 LOF alleles after PCI, ticagrelor may be better than high‐dose clopidogrel in reducing the risk of MACEs, while dyspnoea incidents should be alerted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based magnetic absorbents are widely used for electromagnetic wave absorption (EMWA) rubber composites due to the dual electromagnetic wave loss effects of dielectric loss and magnetic loss. Co/Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles decorated carbon nanofiber aerogels (C/Co/Co 3 O 4 aerogels) are prepared by carbonization of nanofiber network structure agarose/cobalt acetate. The in-situ synthetic C/Co/Co 3 O 4 aerogels with carbon nanofiber network structure and controllable particle size of Co/Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles that have the good conductivity and tunable magnetic property increasing both of the dielectric loss and magnetic loss capabilities, which can improve the EMWA performance. Lightweight EMWA rubber composites with 3.75 wt% C/Co/Co 3 O 4 aerogels have the same density as that of silicone rubber (PDMS), the effective absorption band (EAB, frequency for reflection loss<−10 dB) of PDMS/Co-1.25 is aways above 3 GHz when the thickness is bigger than 2.5 mm, the max EAB is 4.24 GHz at the thickness of 2.74 mm. The radar cross section (RCS) reduction can achieve 14 dBm2 when the perfectly electrically conductive (PEC) is covered by a 4.5 mm thick PDMS/Co-1.25. The intensity distributions of electric field, magnetic field and power loss density of EMWA rubber composites are exhibited based on the electromagnetic parameters. The rubber composites based on C/Co/Co 3 O 4 aerogels can be used as lightweight flexible EMWA materials. [Display omitted] • C/Co/Co 3 O 4 aerogels with in-situ synthetic Co/Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles on carbon nanofibers are prepared. • Magnetic properties of C/Co/Co 3 O 4 aerogels are investigated based on the characterizations of microstructure morphology and composition. • Lightweight EMWA rubber composites with 3.75 wt% C/Co/Co 3 O 4 aerogels have a maximum effective absorption band of 4.24 GHz. • The power loss density and radar cross section of lightweight EMWA rubber composites are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combination of silica component with other materials is one of the current strategies to design bone regenerative materials. In this study, novel reduced graphene oxide (RGO)–aminosilica hybrid nanosheets with enhanced osteo-compatibility were synthesized from a mixture of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), graphene oxides (GO) and water. The presence of APTES in the mixture not only caused the conversion of GO to RGO, but also led to the hydrolysis and condensation of itself. It was for the first time reported the reducing role of APTES in the conversion of GO to RGO. It was found that the silicon (IV) ions were released from the hybrid nanosheets in a sustained way. The in vitro osteo-compatibility was evaluated by incubating the hybrid nanosheets with osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells. A water soluble tetrazolium salt assay quantitatively indicated that the hybrid nanosheets had no significant toxicity and exhibited good biocompatibility. An alkaline phosphatase assay quantitatively indicated that the hybrid nanosheets enhanced the osteoblast differentiation compared to the GO nanosheets. An immunochemical assay further qualitatively indicated that the hybrid nanosheets stimulated the production of osteopontin as typical marker for osteoblast differentiation. Thus, the resultant hybrids nanosheets had a potential application in the bone regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A statistical analysis of gamma-ray burst host galaxies is presented and a clear metallicity-stellar mass relation is found in our sample. A trend that a more massive host galaxy tends to have a higher star-formation rate is also found. No correlation is found between AV and NH. GRB host galaxies at a higher redshift also tend to have a higher star formation rate, however, even in the same redshift, the star formation rate may vary for three orders of magnitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyester (PET) fibers must undergo impregnation with a resorcinol-formaldehyde-latex (RFL) solution to ensure efficient adhesion with rubber. However, the harmful, carcinogenic resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) resin in RFL impregnation solution negatively affects human health. In this paper, PET was pretreated with blocked isocyanate and epoxy resins to activate the fibers, and a new environmentally friendly fiber impregnation coating was developed. In the new impregnation coatings, ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (EGDE) and m-xylylenediamine (MXDA) were applied to replace the resorcinol and formaldehyde. Moreover, glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) containing epoxy groups and double bonds was introduced to enhance interaction with rubber further, and then styrene-butadiene-vinyl-pyridine (VP) latex was mixed. The results show that the peel strength of the impregnated PET/rubber composites with the new impregnation coatings can reach 14.0 N/mm, representing an increase of 30.8 % compared to that of the sample with the pure RFL impregnation coatings, whose peel strength is only 10.7 N/mm. Furthermore, the mechanism for enhancing the interfacial adhesive properties of PET/rubber composites was performed by analyzing the chemical composition and morphological changes of the impregnated PET surface, as well as the change of sulfur content at the interface of the impregnated PET/rubber composites and the transition gradient of interfacial modulus. [Display omitted] • A multi-component epoxy resin environmentally friendly fiber impregnation coatings was developed. • The new impregnation coatings has even better interfacial adhesive properties compared to the RFL impregnation coatings. • Interfacial elements, structure, and modulus changes of environmentally friendly impregnated coatings were characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to remediate Zn-contaminated livestock and poultry sewage, a zinc-resistant bacterial strain was screened and isolated from the manure of livestock and poultry and identified by molecular biology. The optimal conditions for removing zinc(II) from strain XZN4 were determined by single-factor experiments as follows: within 3 times of repeated use, pH value was 5, initial concentration of zinc(II) was 100 mg/L, the amount of bacteria was 6 g/L, the temperature was 25–30 °C, and the removal equilibrium time was 60 min. Then, through adsorption isotherm model, scanning electron microscope image, energy dispersive spectrum analysis, infrared spectrum analysis and sterilization control experiment, it was found that the removal of zinc(II) by bacteria was single-molecule layer adsorption, which was carried out in coordination with degradation. The influence of different concentrations of copper(II), ammonia nitrogen, phosphorus, and chlortetracycline on the removal of zinc(II) from livestock and poultry sewage by XZN4 strain in the actual application was discussed. The bacteria can reduce the concentration of zinc(II) from the complex livestock and poultry waste water to below the discharge standard, and has a strong environmental tolerance, the highest removal rate reached 88.6% and the highest removal amount reached 10.30 mg/L. The screening and application of XZN4 strain can thus be of great significance for the microbial treatment of zinc(II) in complex livestock and poultry sewage. The results will provide guidance for the microbial remediation of heavy metal pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large specific surface area porous g-C3N4 nanosheets were prepared by utilizing acetaldehyde-mediated melamine. The synthetic processes adopted two-step thermal treatments which are in N2 and then in an air atmosphere. The introduced acetaldehyde made melamine condensation incompletely and generated body defects in g-C3N4 when heated in N2. Further heating in air realized pores formation at sites of body defects, thus increase the specific surface area of g-C3N4. Notably, the introduction of acetaldehyde is beneficial to generate high concentration defects, which are active sites for thermal oxidative etching, and increase the yield of g-C3N4 by inhibiting the sublimation of melamine. The photocatalytic performance of obtained g-C3N4 was evaluated by the degradation of 2-propanol under visible light irradiation (λ > 4 2 0 nm). The porous g-C3N4 exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance than bulk g-C3N4. The addition of trace acetaldehyde significantly increased the specific surface area and enhanced photocatalytic activity, providing a new idea for the development of simple, low-cost and high active g-C3N4 photocatalyst. Porous g-C3N4 nanosheets were obtained by heating acetaldehyde mediated melamine. The introduced acetaldehyde made melamine condensation incompletely and generated body defects in g-C3N4 when heated in N2. These body defects facilitated the formation of porous g-C3N4 in the following heating in air due to thermal oxidative etching. The precursor of acetaldehyde mediated melamine is also beneficial to increase the yield of g-C3N4 by inhibiting the sublimation of melamine. Finally, the obtained g-C3N4 exhibits excellent photocatalytic performance than pristine g-C3N4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Anisotropic hydrogels are obtained based on a magnetic field pre-induction strategy. • Oriented nanohybrids impart hydrogels with anisotropic electromechanical properties. • Anisotropic hydrogels exhibit highly accurate multidimensional sensing capability. • It contributes to the integration of strain sensing and magnetothermal physiotherapy. In this study, we present the development of wearable electronic devices with integrated sensing and physiotherapy functionalities, aiming to advance flexible multidimensional strain sensors. The as-developed electronic devices are based on a composite hydrogel with unique anisotropic electromechanical properties and exceptional magnetothermal capabilities. Specifically, two-dimensional nanohybrids possessing both conductive and magnetic properties are induced to align orientationally within the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) network through a magnetic field pre-induction strategy, resulting in the conductive hydrogels with anisotropic structures. The as-optimized composite hydrogel demonstrates distinct conductivities in the parallel and vertical directions, enabling the creation of a multidimensional strain sensor. This sensor is capable of accurately sensing strains in orthogonal directions, with distinguishable gauge factors (GF ∥ = 3.20, while GF ⊥ = 1.78) within the tensile strain range of 0 ∼ 60%. Additionally, the strain sensor exhibits a relatively fast response time (t ∥ = 74.47 ms, t ⊥ = 157.63 ms). Moreover, the composite hydrogel exhibits excellent magnetothermal physiotherapy capabilities, making it suitable for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, the conductive hydrogel can be assembled into a 3D distribution array, enabling the detection of both the magnitude and spatial distribution of stress. In summary, the anisotropic conductive hydrogel shows promise as a next-generation, multidimensional flexible strain and stress sensors with rehabilitation assistant functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A synthesis of cephalostatin 1 from hecogenin is described in detail. The gram-scale synthesis of south part features a Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of hecogenin to 16,20-diol, a selective oxidation of C16 OH with Dess–Martin periodinane, a Rh(I)-catalyzed C15 C16 double bond shift to C14 C15 position, and a Hg(OAc) 2 -mediated spiroketal formation from cyclic enol ethers with alkenyl side chain at 2-position. Key transformations in the synthesis of north part, also on gram scale, include an abnormal Baeyer–Villiger oxidation of hecogenin to the corresponding dinorcholanic lactone, where a catalytic amount of iodine acts as a traceless and catalytic switch, an umpolung of steroidal 22-aldehyde to forge C22 C23 bond with good stereochemical control, a cascade spiroketal-forming process to establish DEF rings in one operation, and a selective oxidation of C3 OH. There are also other noteworthy transformations that, although not used in our final route, are valuable and could be applied to other syntheses, including: intra- or intermolecular S N 2′ processes of C14-heteroatom-substituted C15 C16 alkenes, an unprecedented rearrangement of β-adduct of D-ring dienes and singlet oxygen, a chelation-controlled methylallylation of C23 aldehyde, and so on. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Mercuric acetate promotes cyclic enol ethers with alkenyl chain at 2-position to form spiroketals. • Iodide-catalyzed abnormal Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of steroidal sapogenin delivered dinorcholanic lactone. • β-Adduct of D-ring diene with singlet oxygen rearranged to an unprecedented tricyclic structure. • With a leaving group at C14, C15 C16 double bond undergoes S N 2′ reaction inter- or intramolecularly. • Both spiroketals of cephalostatin 1 are thermodynamically favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sn 2 Nb 2 O 7 photoanode has been fabricated by the electrophoretic deposition method and its photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties were studied carefully. The energy band structure of Sn 2 Nb 2 O 7 was analyzed by Mott-Schottky plots, the results show that its energy band structure matches the requirement of PEC water splitting, the low absolute onset potential of −0.12 V vs NHE achieved with the Sn 2 Nb 2 O 7 /Co-Pi. The influence of film thickness and calcination temperature on the photocurrent of Sn 2 Nb 2 O 7 was studied, and an optimum condition was identified. The obtained maximum photocurrent density was 0.18 mA/cm2. After surface modification with the water-oxidation electrocatalyst Co-Pi, the photocurrent density was improved furtherly, reached to 0.24 mA/cm2, and the incident photon current efficiency (IPCE) value increased to 2.25% when irradiated by 365 nm light. Water oxidation was carried out over Sn 2 Nb 2 O 7 photoanode, the evolved oxygen reached to 3.5 μmol within 100 min at the experimental conditions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been performed to investigate the kinetics of electrolyte and electrode interface. Highlights • Sn 2 Nb 2 O 7 photoanode with enhanced PEC performance was obtained. • The conduction level of Sn 2 Nb 2 O 7 was confirmed by Mott-Schottky plot. • The max IPCE of Sn 2 Nb 2 O 7 /Co-Pi reached to 2.25%. • Oxygen production was realized on Sn 2 Nb 2 O 7 under illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, Ag-decorated apatite nanosheet-coated silica nanofibers (Ag-Ap-Si NFs) with enhanced anti-bacterial and photo-catalytic properties were synthesized through incubation of apatite nanosheet-coated silica nanofibers (Ap-Si NFs) in the suspension of chitosan-stabilized Ag nanoparticles (NPs). SEM observations showed that Ag-Ap-Si NFs had the diameter of 840–2340 nm and possessed a hierarchical structure. TEM observations showed the surface of Ag-Ap-Si NFs was constructed by the composites of apatite nanosheets with the thickness around 10 nm and Ag NPs with the size of 5–20 nm. It was found that Ag-Ap-Si NFs showed enhanced anti-bacterial property to inhibit the growth of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and superior photo-catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaBH 4 . The present Ag-Ap-Si NFs would be applicable as multi-functional materials with both photo-catalytic and anti-bacterial properties for wastewater treatment at weak acidic and basic pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immune dysfunction contributes to secondary infection and worse outcomes in sepsis. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have been implicated in sepsis-induced immunosuppression. Nevertheless, the role of Tregs in secondary infection after sepsis remains to be determined. In the present study, a two-hit model which mimics clinical conditions was used and the potential role of Tregs in secondary Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection post-sepsis was investigated. Results showed that mice were susceptible to secondary P. aeruginosa infection 3 days, but not 7 days, post-cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). The levels of IL-17A, IL-1β, and IL-6 remained low in CLP mice after P. aeruginosa infection, while the levels of IL-10 increased significantly. Additionally, increased number of Tregs in both lung and spleen was observed in “two-hit” mice. Injection with PC61 (anti-CD25) mAb reduced the number of Tregs by 50% in spleen and 60% in lung of septic mice. This partial depletion of Tregs elevated IL-17A, IL-1β, and IL-6 production and decreased IL-10 levels in septic mice with P. aeruginosa infection, leading to lower bacterial load, attenuation of lung injury, and improvement of survival. The present findings demonstrate that Tregs play a crucial role in secondary P. aeruginosa infection after sepsis by modulating the inflammatory response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effects of Cyclocarya Paliurus aqueous extract (CPAE) on pancreatic (3 cell apoptosis in type 2 diabetic (T2D) rats. Methods T2D ract model was established by high-fat diet feeding for 8 weeks and single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. From the ninth week, the rats in the model group (sodium chloride solution), metformin group (0.3 g/kg), low, medium and high dose CPAE groups (0.18, 0.36, 1.08 g/kg) were treated for 4 consecutive weeks. Glucose tolerance was measured at the last administration. After sacrifing the rats and removing the pancreas, the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), malondialdehyde (MDA) and free fatty acid (FFA) were detected with colorimetric method. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured with radioimmunoassay. The levels of apoptosis factor (Fas) and its ligand (Fasl), activated cysteine protease (Caspase8) were detected by using ELISA. Western blot assay was used to detect total c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (T-JNK1), phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (P-JNK1), pancreatic duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX-1) protein expression; TUNEL staining was used to observe pancreatic cell's apoptosis. Results CPAE treated groups presented with increased contents of SOD, CAT, GSH-PX and increased expression of PDX-1 in the pancreas of the CPE groups; fasting blood glucose, area under the curve, MDA, FFA, TNFα, IL6, Fas, Fasl, Caspase8 content, T-JNK1, p-JNK1 expression, and pancreatic cell apoptosis rate were all reduced in the model group. Conclusion CPAE can improve the pancreas antioxidant, alleviate oxidative stress, and inhibit pancreatic β cell's apoptosis. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of T-JNK1 and P-JNK1 protein, increasing the expression of PDX-1 protein and decreasing the content of Fas, Fasl and Caspase8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoextraction is an environmentally friendly phytoremediation technology that can reduce the total amount of heavy metals (HMs) in the soil. Hyperaccumulators or hyperaccumulating transgenic plants with biomass are important biomaterials for phytoextraction. In this study, we show that three different HM transporters from the hyperaccumulator Sedum pumbizincicola , SpHMA2, SpHMA3, and SpNramp6, possess Cd transport. These three transporters are located at the plasma membrane, tonoplast, and plasma membrane, respectively. Their transcripts could be strongly stimulated by multiple HMs treatments. To create potential biomaterials for phytoextraction, we overexpressed the three single genes and two combining genes, SpHMA2 & SpHMA3 and SpHMA2 & SpNramp6 , in rapes having high biomass and environmental adaptability, and found that the aerial parts of the SpHMA2 -OE3 and SpHMA2&SpNramp6 -OE4 lines accumulated more Cd from single Cd-contaminated soil because SpNramp6 transports Cd from root cells to the xylem and SpHMA2 from the stems to the leaves. However, the accumulation of each HM in the aerial parts of all selected transgenic rapes was strengthened in multiple HMs-contaminated soils, probably due to the synergistic transport. The HMs residuals in the soil after the transgenic plant phytoremediation were also greatly reduced. These results provide effective solutions for phytoextraction in both Cd and multiple HMs-contaminated soils. [Display omitted] • Transgenic rapes to remediate heavy-metal contaminated soil were created. • Sedum SpHMA2, SpHMA3, and SpNramp6 responded to Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Zn stress. • Transgenic SpHMA2 and SpHMA2 & SpNramp6 rapes accumulated more Cd in shoots. • The synergistic transport of multiple HMs to shoots appeared in transgenic rapes. • The transport mechanism of SpHMA2, SpHMA3, and SpNramp6 was deduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, novel flower-like apatite@Au composite nanosheet spheres were synthesized through in situ immobilization of Au nanoparticles on the bone-like apatite nanosheets. SEM observations indicated that the as-synthesized spheres had a diameter of 0.8–3 µm and was constructed by numerous primary apatite nanosheets with the thickness around 10 nm. TEM images showed that ∼10 nm Au nanoparticles were immobilized on the apatite nanosheets. When incubated with the mixture of 4-nitrophenol and NaBH 4 , the resultant apatite@Au composite nanosheet spheres exhibited the superior photo-catalytic activity for reduction of 4-nitrophenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gelatin/hydroxyapatite (HAp) composites are of great interest in the biomedical applications because of their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. However, little attention has been paid to synthesis of the gelatin/HAp composites with photo-thermal property. In this study, near-infrared (NIR) responsive gold nanorod (GNR) doped gelatin/HAp composite microspheres were synthesized via an emulsion technique and their microstructure and NIR-responsive photo-thermal property were investigated. SEM observations showed that the composite microspheres were spherical and their diameter was ranged from 10 to 50 µm. XRD patterns showed that the composite microspheres presented the typical diffraction peaks of HAp and GNR components. FT-IR spectra showed that P-O-P bonds, -COOH groups and –NH 2 groups were involved in the composite microspheres. Under an 808-nm NIR light irradiation, the temperature of the suspension of composite microspheres was increased from 37 °C to 42 °C due to the presence of GNR component, indicating that the composite microspheres possessed NIR-responsive photo-thermal property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We aimed to investigate how the embryonic stem cell-related gene Oct3/4 changes during the injury-repair process of distal pulmonary epithelium induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu). Methods. We have developed the lung injury model induced by 5-Fu and observed the dynamic changes of Oct3/4 by indirect immunofluorescence, Western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR. Immunofluorescence double staining was used to compare the positions of Oct3/4(+) cells and other reported alveolar epithelial stem cells. Results. Oct3/4(+) cells were not found in normal rat lung epithelial cells. However, after treatment with 5-Fu, Oct3/4(+) cells appeared at 12 h, reached the peak at 24 h, then decreased at 48 h, and eventually disappeared at 72 h. Oct3/4 was localized in the nucleus. We found that the sites of Clara cell secretory protein and surfactant protein-C dual positive cells were apparently different from Oct3/4(+) cells. Conclusions. Our results revealed that, in rat alveolar epithelium, expression of Oct3/4 could be induced after treatment with 5-Fu, then decreased gradually, and was silenced following the alveolar epithelial differentiation. We hold that Oct3/4(+) cells are lung stem cells, which can provide new evidence for identification and isolation of lung epithelial stem cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was to evaluate the immunostimulatory effects of N-(2-hydroxy) propyl-3-trimethylammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC) as an adjuvant for improving a commercial live attenuated hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine efficacy in mice. Mice in the experimental group were intraperitoneally immunized with a solution of HTCC and live attenuated HAV vaccine. And for those injected with sterile water, HTCC or live attenuated HAV vaccine were treated as mock group, negative group, and positive group in turn. The serum HAV-specific IgG titers and the ratios of the serum HAV-specific IgG2a/IgG1 in the experimental group were significantly increased ( p = 0.00042 and p = 0.040, respectively). Splenocyte proliferation stimulation index in experimental group was higher than positive group ( p = 0.021), and significantly higher than mock group and negative group ( p = 0.0078 and p = 0.0050, respectively). The percentages of CD4+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood in experimental group were significantly higher than positive group, negative group, and mock group ( p = 0.012, p = 0.012, and p = 0.045, respectively). Compared to the other three groups, experimental group showed a slightly higher ratio of CD4+/CD8+, but there were no significant differences ( p > 0.05). In the percentages of CD8+ T lymphocytes, there were no significant differences among the four groups ( p > 0.05). HTCC can enhance live attenuated HAV vaccine to generate stronger humoral responses and induce a Th1-biased immune response, as well as IgG2a class switching, compared with the live attenuated HAV vaccine alone. This study validated an important concept for further development of a safe and potent vaccine adjuvant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural products are still the principal source of drug candidates or leading compounds in new drug discovery. It is an important challenge to innovate and construct a rapid and efficient research system of natural products. Microfluidic technology can miniaturize the analytical process such as sample pretreatment, reaction, separation and detection onto a single chip with multichannel. It is particularly suitable for the analysis and screening of trace natural products, with the benefits of rapid analysis, high information content, and low fabrication cost. This review comprehensively summarized the natural products-related design of the microfluidic device and the typical applications in the analysis, activity/toxicity evaluation, ADME study of natural products. We also discussed the limitations and challenges in previous studies. Finally, we proposed future research directions, development trends and potential applications of microfluidic device in natural products research. • Various fabrications of microfluidic chips for natural products research have been presented. • Applied in assay, activity screening, toxicity evaluation, ADME study of natural products. • Miniaturized screening chips showed rapid analysis, high sensitivity, high throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of sepsis, which has a high mortality rate. Growth arrest-specific protein 6 (Gas6), the protein product of the growth arrest specific gene 6, has been shown to have an anti-apoptotic effect as well as pro-survival capability. Here, we investigated the effects of Gas6 on sepsis-associated AKI in mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We found that the administration of rmGas6 significantly reduced serum urea nitrogen and creatinine and improved the survival of septic mice. Furthermore, the renal pathological damage induced by CLP was attenuated by rmGas6 treatment. Finally, rmGas6 reduced the renal tissue apoptotic index and the expression of Bax, while it upregulated the expression of Bcl-2. The data suggest that rmGas6 might be used as a potential therapeutic agent for sepsis-induced AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the main constituents of the essential oil isolated from Fortunella crassifolia Swingle peel by hydro-distillation, and to test the efficacy of the essential oil on antimicrobial activity. Twenty-five components, representing 92.36% of the total oil, were identified by GC-MS analysis. The essential oil showed potent antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative (E. coli and S. typhimurium) and Gram-positive (S. aureus, B. cereus, B. subtilis, L. bulgaricus, and B. laterosporus) bacteria, together with a remarkable antifungal activity against C. albicans. In a food model of beef extract, the essential oil was observed to possess an effective capacity to control the total counts of viable bacteria. Furthermore, the essential oil showed strongly detrimental effects on the growth and morphological structure of the tested bacteria. It was suggested that the essential oil from Fortunella crassifolia Swingle peel might be used as a natural food preservative against bacteria or fungus in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Outbreak detection algorithms play an important role in effective automated surveillance. Although many algorithms have been designed to improve the performance of outbreak detection, few published studies have examined how epidemic features of infectious disease impact on the detection performance of algorithms. This study compared the performance of three outbreak detection algorithms stratified by epidemic features of infectious disease and examined the relationship between epidemic features and performance of outbreak detection algorithms. Methods: Exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA), cumulative sum (CUSUM) and moving percentile method (MPM) algorithms were applied. We inserted simulated outbreaks into notifiable infectious disease data in China Infectious Disease Automated-alert and Response System (CIDARS), and compared the performance of the three algorithms with optimized parameters at a fixed false alarm rate of 5% classified by epidemic features of infectious disease. Multiple linear regression was adopted to analyse the relationship of the algorithms' sensitivity and timeliness with the epidemic features of infectious diseases. Results: The MPM had better detection performance than EWMA and CUSUM through all simulated outbreaks, with or without stratification by epidemic features (incubation period, baseline counts and outbreak magnitude). The epidemic features were associated with both sensitivity and timeliness. Compared with long incubation, short incubation had lower probability (β* = −0.13, P<0.001) but needed shorter time to detect outbreaks (β* = −0.57, P<0.001). Lower baseline counts were associated with higher probability (β* = −0.20, P<0.001) and longer time (β* = 0.14, P<0.001). The larger outbreak magnitude was correlated with higher probability (β* = 0.55, P<0.001) and shorter time (β* = −0.23, P<0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the MPM is a prior algorithm for outbreak detection and differences of epidemic features in detection performance should be considered in automatic surveillance practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, BSA–tetraphenylethene derivative conjugates with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties were constructed and used as fluorescent probes for label-free detection of protease and α1-antitrypsin. Conjugated AIE probes were formed based on the electrostatic induced assembly between an ammonium cation of quaternized tetraphenylethene salt and carboxyl anion groups of BSA. While water soluble quaternized tetraphenylethene salt showed very low fluorescence in its well-dispersed state, obvious enhancement in the fluorescence of the aggregated tetraphenylethene derivative on the BSA templates was achieved due to the abnormal aggregation-induced emission properties of tetraphenylethene. These BSA–tetraphenylethene derivative conjugates enabled label-free detection of protease. In the presence of trypsin, the BSA templates were enzymatically hydrolyzed and the conjugates decomposed. Therefore the quaternized tetraphenylethene molecules became increasingly isolated from each other. Accordingly, the aggregation to dispersing state change of tetraphenylethene derivative resulted in an obvious decrease in the fluorescence of the conjugates probes and enabled the sensitive and selective detection of trypsin. Furthermore, upon addition of α1-antitrypsin, the enzymatic activity of trypsin was inhibited and the fluorescence was consequently preserved. Sensitive detection of α1-antitrypsin was thus realised. The protein–tetraphenylethene derivative conjugates with aggregation-induced emission properties therefore show great promise for the monitoring of biological processes and cancer diagnostics with simplicity, high sensitivity, and rapid response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For in-situ Ti 48 Zr 20 Nb 12 Cu 5 Be 15 metallic glass matrix composites (MGMCs) upon cold rolling, the yield strength is obviously enhanced, and the plasticity instability is effectively alleviated. The increase in yield strength in such kinds of composites is due to the fact that the work hardening of dendrites overwhelms the softening of the amorphous matrix. A quantitative model of predicting yield strengths with rolling straining in MGMCs is successfully established. This provides useful guidances for structural applications of ductile MGMCs. • A quantitative model is established to predict the yield strengths for in-situ dendrite-reinforced MGMCs upon cold rolling. • Proper cold rolling not only improves the yield strength of the current MGMCs, but also relieves the plasticity instability. • The plastically deformed dendrites have reduced ability to inhibit shear band expansion due to work hardening. • The amorphous matrix would be locally softened due to the generation of shear bands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a facile and low-cost strategy for fabrication lysozyme-loaded mesoporous silica nanotubes (MSNTs) by using silk fibroin (SF) nanofiber templates. The "top-down method" was adopted to dissolve degummed silk in CaCl2/ formic acid (FA) solvent, and the solution containing SF nanofibrils was used for electrospinning to prepare SF nanofiber templates. As SF contains a large number of -OH, -NH2 and -COOH groups, the silica layer could be easily formed on its surface by the Söber sol-gel method without adding any surfactant or coupling agent. After calcination, the MSNTs were obtained with inner diameters about 200 nm, the wall thickness ranges from 37 ± 2 nm to 66 ± 3 nm and the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface area was up to 200.48 m2/g, the pore volume was 1.109 cm3/g. By loading lysozyme, the MSNTs exhibited relatively high drug encapsulation efficiency up to 31.82% and an excellent long-term sustained release in 360 h (15 days). These results suggest that the MSNTs with the hierarchical structure of mesoporous and macroporous will be a promising carrier for applications in biomacromolecular drug delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) is a promising material for photocatalytic environmental purification. However, the application of g-C 3 N 4 has been limited by its synthetic processes, where a low-cost and high-activity synthetic method could promote its application. Here, by utilizing formaldehyde and changing the thermal condensation processes, g-C 3 N 4 with a large specific surface area was obtained, and its photocatalytic activity was 12.3 and 6.5 times that of pristine g-C 3 N 4 for photocatalytic organic pollutant degradation and photocatalytic water splitting, respectively. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be attributed to the large specific surface area, which reached 137.3 m2/g, as well as the improved efficiency of the separation and transfer of charge carriers. Moreover, the additional trace amounts of formaldehyde can increase the yield of g-C 3 N 4 , and the yield reached 21%, which is 7 times that obtained with traditional thermal condensation processes. • The yield of g-C 3 N 4 reached 21% by heating formaldehyde-treated melamine. • The synthetic method has easy scale-up, low cost, and environmental friendliness. • The photocatalytic activity of the obtained g-C 3 N 4 was increased by 12.3 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new precursor was developed for the preparation of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C 3 N 4) with a large specific surface area and N vacancies. The SEM and TEM results show that the obtained samples have porous nanosheet structure, XPS, EPR and UV–Vis spectra indicate N vacancy defects existed in the g-C 3 N 4. During the synthesis process, glyoxylic acid inhibited the condensation of melamine, thus increasing the porosity of g-C 3 N 4 , generating abundant defects, and improving yield. Under light irradiation, g-C 3 N 4 samples prepared by glyoxylic acid mediated melamine shown enhanced photocatalytic activities in gaseous organic pollution photodegradation. This study developed a potential agent for producing inexpensive and highly active g-C 3 N 4 photocatalysts. The large specific surface area porous g-C 3 N 4 sheets with nitrogen vacancies have been fabricated successfully by using a glyoxylic acid treated melamine. This method is a high-yield and low-cost synthetic pathway to form large specific surface area porous g-C 3 N 4 nanosheet. The photocatalytic activity of g-C 3 N 4 was enhanced in gaseous pollution photodegradation. Image 1 • Glyoxylic acid results in harvesting specific surface area, and generating defects in g-C 3 N 4 simultaneously. • Glyoxylic acid reduces the cost of g-C 3 N 4 greatly by increase the yield. • Enhanced activities in gaseous iso-propanol photodegradation and photoelectric properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-sized amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) have a great potential for drug transport and drug delivery because of their high drug loading capacity, excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, ACC is the thermodynamically least stable phase of calcium carbonate, and such thermal metastability often transforms it into more stable vaterite or calcite phases, so the inhibition of the phase transformation of ACC is of great significance for its application in drug delivery systems. Herein, phosphate as a morphology controlling additive was introduced to stabilize the metastable ACC. The results showed that the composite nanoparticles (named here the ACCP) with narrow size distribution located at approximately 128 nm (measured by dynamic light scattering) were obtained, when Ca2+ concentration and C/P were 10 mM and 7/3 respectively, prepared at 30 °C for 10 min. The powdered X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that phosphate has an excellent ability to stabilize ACC, and even after storage for 60 days at room temperature, the structure of ACCP remains amorphous. The in vitro drug release tests showed that ACCP nanoparticles had a high curcumin (Cur) loading capacity and a sustained drug release property. Moreover, the 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) radical scavenging activity assay showed that ACCP-encapsulating strategy could effectively prevent the decomposition of Cur. In vitro cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that the resultants have excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, the as-prepared ACCP nanoparticles are promising for drug delivery applications. • The nano-sized ACCP particles were successful prepared using phosphate as a stabilizer. • Cur-loaded ACCP shows favorable Cur release properties. • The ACCP-Cur showed a promising of DPPH free radicals scavenging capacity. • Cytotoxicity tests showed that ACCP and ACCP-Cur have low and high cells toxicity, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, novel dendritic TiO 2 nanofibers (D-Ti NFs) with ultrahigh surface area were for the first time synthesized through in situ hydrothermal treatment of the electrospun TiO 2 nanofibers (E-Ti NFs) and their microstructure, formation mechanism, in vitro biocompatibility and drug delivery property were investigated. SEM observations showed that D-Ti NFs had dendritic and fibrous morphology with the controllable diameter of 899 ± 26 nm to 1955 ± 64 nm. TEM observations showed the individual D-Ti NF was assembled by numerous primary nanowires with the diameter of 7 ± 1 nm. XRD pattern showed that the D-Ti NFs displayed the characteristic peaks at 24.1°, 28.1°, and 48.3°, all of which were assigned to hydrogen titanium oxide hydrate. BET measurement indicated that D-Ti NFs had the ultrahigh specific surface area of 213.41 m2/g. D-Ti NFs showed good in vitro biocompatibility when exposed to Hela cells. After soaked in solution of tetracycline hydrochloride (TH, one of the representative antibiotics, model drug), D-Ti NFs supported the loading of TH with the loading efficiency of 63.73 ± 4.61%. TH-loaded D-Ti NFs supported a sustained release model for TH when immersed in the phosphate buffer saline. After separately incubated with two representative types of bacteria: Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus , TH-loaded D-Ti NFs showed excellent antibacterial property to inhibit the growth of the bacteria, indicating that the released TH was biologically active. • Dendritic TiO 2 nanofibers with high surface area were facilely synthesized. • They were biocompatible when exposed to Hela cells. • They supported the loading and sustained release behavior of drugs. • They well maintained the biologic activity of loaded drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by selective dopaminergic (DAergic) neuronal degeneration in the substantia nigra (SN) and proteinaceous α-synuclein-positive Lewy bodies and Lewy neuritis. As a chemical chaperone to promote protein stability and an autophagy inducer to clear aggregate-prone proteins, a disaccharide trehalose has been reported to alleviate neurodegeneration in PD cells and mouse models. Its trehalase-indigestible analogs, lactulose and melibiose, also demonstrated potentials to reduce abnormal protein aggregation in spinocerebellar ataxia cell models. In this study, we showed the potential of lactulose and melibiose to inhibit α-synuclein aggregation using biochemical thioflavin T fluorescence, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) and prokaryotic split Venus complementation assays. Lactulose and melibiose further reduced α-synuclein aggregation and associated oxidative stress, as well as protected cells against α-synuclein-induced neurotoxicity by up-regulating autophagy and nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2 (NRF2) pathway in DAergic neurons derived from SH-SY5Y cells over-expressing α-synuclein. Our findings strongly indicate the potential of lactulose and melibiose for mitigating PD neurodegeneration, offering new drug candidates for PD treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch has been widely explored in food additives such as thickeners, stabilizers, and gelling agents due to its excellent properties. However, the poor dispersion and emulsification of starch limit direct applications. To overcome this challenge, starch is extracted from potatoes and etherified to carboxymethyl starch sodium (CMS) to form a cold water soluble starch, which is prepared as an amphiphilic colloid by esterification with lauric acid using Novozym 435 catalyst. As a result of the new groups introduced and concomitant changes produced in the granule structure, carboxymethyl starch sodium laurate starch (CMS‐LS) typically shows strong emulsifying properties, low surface tension, and good amphiphilic properties. Characterizations by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Scanning Electron microscope (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) show that CMS‐LS is successfully prepared. The results of water solubility, surface tension, contact angle measurement, and emulsification test indicate that CMS‐LS is an excellent emulsifier, amphiphilic polymer and surfactant. Therefore, CMS‐LS is successfully synthesized and esterified, which can be widely used in food, cosmetics, and biomedicine fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying new indications for existing drugs may reduce costs and expedites drug development. Drug-related disease predictions typically combined heterogeneous drug-related and disease-related data to derive the associations between drugs and diseases, while recently developed approaches integrate multiple kinds of drug features, but fail to take the diversity implied by these features into account. We developed a method based on non-negative matrix factorization, DivePred, for predicting potential drug–disease associations. DivePred integrated disease similarity, drug–disease associations, and various drug features derived from drug chemical substructures, drug target protein domains, drug target annotations, and drug-related diseases. Diverse drug features reflect the characteristics of drugs from different perspectives, and utilizing the diversity of multiple kinds of features is critical for association prediction. The various drug features had higher dimensions and sparse characteristics, whereas DivePred projected high-dimensional drug features into the low-dimensional feature space to generate dense feature representations of drugs. Furthermore, DivePred's optimization term enhanced diversity and reduced redundancy of multiple kinds of drug features. The neighbor information was exploited to infer the likelihood of drug–disease associations. Experiments indicated that DivePred was superior to several state-of-the-art methods for prediction drug-disease association. During the validation process, DivePred identified more drug-disease associations in the top part of prediction result than other methods, benefitting further biological validation. Case studies of acetaminophen, ciprofloxacin, doxorubicin, hydrocortisone, and ampicillin demonstrated that DivePred has the ability to discover potential candidate disease indications for drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]