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Smart delivery systems with stimuli-responsive capability are able to improve the bioaccessibility through increasing the solubility, physicochemical stability and biocompatibility of bioactive compounds. In this study, the astaxanthin nanoparticles with reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pH dual-response function were design and constructed using poly (propylene sulfide) covalently modified sodium alginate as carriers based on ultrasonic assisted self-assembly strategy. Atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope analysis showed that the nanoparticles were spherical in shape with a size of around 260 nm. Meanwhile, the astaxanthin nanoparticles showed both pH and ROS stimuli-responsive release characteristics. In vitro cell experiments showed that astaxanthin nanoparticles significantly inhibited the production of ROS and mitochondrial depolarization induced by oxidative stress. In vivo colitis experiment of mice revealed that astaxanthin nanoparticles could significantly relieve colitis, protect the integrity of colon tissue and restore the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin. The abundance of Lactobacillus and Lachnospiraceae , and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidota of gut microbiota were significantly improved after intervention of the stimuli-responsive astaxanthin nanoparticles. This work provided a simple strategy for constructing ROS/pH dual response delivery system, which provided an experimental basis for improving the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic active compounds. • ROS/pH responsive carriers prepared by sodium alginate and poly (propylene sulfide). • Mitochondria-targeted carriers improve the antioxidant efficiency of astaxanthin. • Dual-responsive astaxanthin nanoparticles alleviate inflammatory factor secretion. • Restoration of the colonic barrier and up-regulation of probiotic abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To decrease temperature rise in self-healing power capacitor and lay foundation for improvement of applied voltage and lifetime, the influence of elements orientation on the temperature distribution of self-healing capacitor is investigated using Fluent15.0 and validated by thermal stability test. Based on the above investigations, the influences of parameters of film, electrode and element on power loss and temperature rise of capacitor are systematically investigated. The results reveal that if geometry and volume of capacitor remain constant, orientation of spray coating has little influence on temperature rise. In view of manufacturing processes, the mode of spray coating close to the large surface should be selected. The power loss will decrease with increasing/decreasing in film thickness/width. Therefore, thicker film should be selected and its width should be less than 75 mm. Temperature rise decreases slowly with element diameter. However, the element diameter should be a moderate value because of the influence of it on the number of self-healing point. A capacitor group with rated voltage of 11/ 3 kV and capacity of 334 kvar is designed and the scheme with the lowest temperature rise is selected. This study provides a reference to self-healing capacitor geometric optimization and lifetime improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lupus vulgaris is a common form of cutaneous tuberculosis in China, mostly involving the head and neck region. Turkey ear is a clinically descriptive term, used for a massively enlarged earlobe with bluish-red or violaceous indurated plaques and nodules, which can be a sign of lupus vulgaris. A 47-year-old female presented with edema and reddish ulcerated lesions on both ears which was diagnosed as lupus vulgaris by conventional laboratory investigations and the patient showed good response to antituberculous therapy. Occurrence of turkey ears in lupus pernio (sarcoidosis) should also be mentioned here as this presentation was originally described in this condition. Two case reports of turkey ear have been reported with cutaneous tuberculosis (not bilateral). However, occurrence of bilateral turkey ears in cutaneous tuberculosis has not been described so far in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Hemiepiphytic figs killing their host trees is an ecological process unique to the tropics. Yet the benefits and adaptive strategies of their special life history remain poorly understood.We compared leaf phosphorus (P) content data of figs and palms worldwide, and functional traits and substrate P content of hemiepiphytic figs (Ficus tinctoria), their host palm and nonhemiepiphytic conspecifics at different growth stages in a common garden.We found that leaf P content of hemiepiphytic figs and their host palms significantly decreased when they were competing for soil resources, but that of hemiepiphytic figs recovered after host death. P availability in the canopy humus and soil decreased significantly with the growth of hemiepiphytic figs. Functional trait trade‐offs of hemiepiphytic figs enabled them to adapt to the P shortage while competing with their hosts. From the common garden to a global scale, the P competition caused by high P demand of figs may be a general phenomenon.Our results suggest that P competition is an important factor causing host death, except for mechanically damaging and shading hosts. Killing hosts benefits hemiepiphytic figs by reducing interspecific P competition and better acquiring P resources in the P‐deficient tropics, thereby linking the life history strategy of hemiepiphytic figs to the widespread P shortage in tropical soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation is one of the key injury factors for spinal cord injury (SCI). Exosomes (Exos) derived from M2 macrophages have been shown to inhibit inflammation and be beneficial in SCI animal models. However, lacking targetability restricts their application prospects. Considering that chemokine receptors increase dramatically after SCI, viral macrophage inflammatory protein II (vMIP-II) is a broad-spectrum chemokine receptor binding peptide, and lysosomal associated membrane protein 2b (Lamp2b) is the key membrane component of Exos, we speculated that vMIP-II-Lamp2b gene-modified M2 macrophage-derived Exos (vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo) not only have anti-inflammatory properties, but also can target the injured area by vMIP-II. In this study, using a murine contusive SCI model, we revealed that vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo could target the chemokine receptors which highly expressed in the injured spinal cords, inhibit some key chemokine receptor signaling pathways (such as MAPK and Akt), further inhibit proinflammatory factors (such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-18, TNF-α, and iNOS), and promote anti-inflammatory factors (such as IL-4 and Arg1) productions, and the transformation of microglia/macrophages from M1 into M2. Moreover, the improved histological and functional recoveries were also found. Collectively, our results suggest that vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo may provide neuroprotection by targeting the injured spinal cord, inhibiting some chemokine signals, reducing proinflammatory factor production and modulating microglia/macrophage polarization. [Display omitted] • vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo can target the injured spinal cord by vMIP-II. • vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo can inhibit MAPK and AKT signaling pathways. • vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo can reduce proinflammatory factor production. • vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo can inhibit M1 microglia/macrophage polarization. • The early administration of vMIP-II-Lamp2b-M2-Exo is a promising strategy for SCI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overlooked SDP enables nitrate to bypass denitrification to produce 61.1 % ammonium. • A previously concealed nitrogen fate with novel implication for ammonium recovery. • Addition of organic matter inhibits DNRA and weakens the robust network. • Genome-level interspecific relationship of SDP-coupled DNRA was discussed. Sulfur-based denitrification is a promising technology in treatments of nitrate-contaminated wastewaters. However, due to weak bioavailability and electron-donating capability of elemental sulfur, its sulfur-to-nitrate ratio has long been low, limiting the support for dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) process. Using a long-term sulfur-packed reactor, we demonstrate here for the first time that DNRA in sulfur-based system is not negligible, but rather contributes a remarkable 40.5 %–61.1 % of the total nitrate biotransformation for ammonium production. Through combination of kinetic experiments, electron flow analysis, 16S rRNA amplicon, and microbial network succession, we unveil a cryptic in-situ sulfur disproportionation (SDP) process which significantly facilitates DNRA via enhancing mass transfer and multiplying 86.7–210.9 % of bioavailable electrons. Metagenome assembly and single-copy gene phylogenetic analysis elucidate the abundant genomes, including uc_VadinHA17, PHOS-HE36, JALNZU01, Thiobacillus , and Rubrivivax , harboring complete genes for ammonification. Notably, a unique group of self-SDP-coupled DNRA microorganism was identified. This study unravels a previously concealed fate of DNRA, which highlights the tremendous potential for ammonium recovery and greenhouse gas mitigation. Discovery of a new coupling between nitrogen and sulfur cycles underscores great revision needs of sulfur-driven denitrification technology. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the inherent immune evasion properties of the HIV envelope, broadly neutralizing HIV-specific antibodies capable of suppressing HIV infection are rarely produced by infected individuals. We examined the feasibility of utilizing genetic engineering to circumvent the restricted capacity of individuals to endogenously produce broadly neutralizing HIV-specific antibodies. We constructed a single lentiviral vector that encoded the heavy and light chains of 2G12, a broadly neutralizing anti-HIV human antibody, and that efficiently transduced and directed primary human B cells to secrete 2G12. To evaluate the capacity of this approach to provide protection from in vivo HIV infection, we used the humanized NOD/SCID/ γcnull mouse model, which becomes populated with human B cells, T cells, and macrophages after transplantation with human hematopoietic stem cells (hu-HSC) and develops in vivo infection after inoculation with HIV. The plasma of the irradiated NOD/SCID/ γcnull mice transplanted with hu-HSC transduced with the 2G12-encoding lentivirus contained 2G12 antibody, likely secreted by progeny human lymphoid and/or myeloid cells. After intraperitoneal inoculation with high-titer HIV-1JR-CSF, mice engrafted with 2G12-transduced hu-HSC displayed marked inhibition of in vivo HIV infection as manifested by a profound 70-fold reduction in plasma HIV RNA levels and an almost 200-fold reduction in HIV-infected human cell numbers in mouse spleens, compared to control hu-HSC-transplanted NOD/SCID/γcnull mice inoculated with equivalent high-titer HIV-1JR-CSF. These results support the potential efficacy of this new gene therapy approach of using lentiviral vectors encoding a mixture of broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies for the treatment of HIV infection, particularly infection with multiple-drug-resistant isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-specific CD8 cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response plays a critical role in controlling HIV-1 replication. Augmenting this response should enhance control of HIV-1 replication and stabilize or improve the clinical course of the disease. Although cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in immunocompromised patients can be treated by adoptive transfer of ex vivo-expanded CMV- or EBV-specific CTLs, adoptive transfer of ex vivo-expanded, autologous HIV-1-specific CTLs had minimal effects on HIV-1 replication, likely a consequence of the inherently compromised qualitative function of HIV-1-specific CTLs derived from HIV-1-infected individuals. We hypothesized that this limitation could be circumvented by using as an alternative source of HIV-1-specific CTLs, autologous peripheral CD8+ T lymphocytes whose antigen specificity is redirected by transduction with lentiviral vectors encoding HIV-1-specific T-cell receptor (TCR) αand ß chains, an approach used successfully in cancer therapy. To efficiently convert peripheral CD8 lymphocytes into HIV-1-specific CTLs that potently suppress in vivo HIV-1 replication, we constructed lentiviral vectors encoding the HIV-1-specific TCR αand TCR ß chains cloned from a CTL clone specific for an HIV Gag epitope, SL9, as a single transcript linked with a self-cleaving peptide. We demonstrated that transduction with this lentiviral vector efficiently converted primary human CD8 lymphocytes into HIV-1-specific CTLs with potent in vitro and in vivo HIV-1-specific activity. Using lentiviral vectors encoding an HIV-1-specific TCR to transform peripheral CD8 lymphocytes into HIV-1-specific CTLs with defined specificities represents a new immunotherapeutic approach to augment the HIV-1-specific immunity of infected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the crystal structure of the title compound, C22H21N3O2, the packing of the mol­ecules is mainly governed by inter­molecular C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds and π–π inter­actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fractional flow reserve (FFR)-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is used to assess the need for angioplasty in vessels with intermediate blockages. The treatment outcomes of FFR-guided vs. conventional angiography-guided PCI were evaluated in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: Prospective and retrospective studies comparing FFR-guided vs. angiography-guided PCI in patients with multi-vessel CAD were identified from medical databases by two independent reviewers using the terms "percutaneous coronary intervention, fractional flow reserve, angiography, coronary heart disease, major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and myocardial infarction". The primary outcome was the number of stents placed, and the secondary outcomes were procedure time, mortality, myocardial infarction (MI) and MACE rates. Results: Seven studies (three retrospective and four prospective), which included 49,517 patients, were included in this review. A total of 4,755 patients underwent FFR, while 44,697 received angiography-guided PCI. The mean patient age ranged from 58 to 71.7 years. The average number of stents used in FFR patients ranged from 0.3-1.9, and in angiography-guided PCI patients ranged from 0.7-2.7. Analysis indicated there was a greater number of stents placed in the angiography-guided group compared with the FFR group (pooled difference in means: -0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.81 to -0.47, P < 0.001). There were no differences in the secondary outcomes between the two groups. Conclusions: Both procedures produce similar clinical outcomes, but the fewer number of stents used with FFR may have clinical as was as cost implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for over one-quarter of all pediatric cancers. Interacting genes and proteins within the larger human gene interaction network of the human genome are rarely investigated by studies investigating pediatric ALL. In the present study, interaction networks were constructed using the empirical Bayesian approach and the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/proteins database, based on the differentially-expressed (DE) genes in pediatric ALL, which were identified using the RankProd package. Enrichment analysis of the interaction network was performed using the network-based methods EnrichNet and PathExpand, which were compared with the traditional expression analysis systematic explored (EASE) method. In total, 398 DE genes were identified in pediatric ALL, and LIF was the most significantly DE gene. The co-expression network consisted of 272 nodes, which indicated genes and proteins, and 602 edges, which indicated the number of interactions adjacent to the node. Comparison between EASE and Path- Expand revealed that PathExpand detected more pathways or processes that were closely associated with pediatric ALL compared with the EASE method. There were 294 nodes and 1,588 edges in the protein-protein interaction network, with the processes of hematopoietic cell lineage and porphyrin metabolism demonstrating a close association with pediatric ALL. Network enrichment analysis based on the PathExpand algorithm was revealed to be more powerful for the analysis of interaction networks in pediatric ALL compared with the EASE method. LIF and MLLT11 were identified as the most significantly DE genes in pediatric ALL. The process of hematopoietic cell lineage was the pathway most significantly associated with pediatric ALL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follistatin (FS)-like 1 (FSTL1) is a member of the FSSPARC (secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine) family of secreted and extracellular matrix proteins. The functions of FSTL1 have been studied in heart and lung injury as well as in wound healing; however, the role of FSTL1 in the kidney is largely unknown. Here, we show using single-cell RNA-Seq that Fstl1 was enriched in stromal cells in obstructed mouse kidneys. In addition, immunofluorescence demonstrated that FSTL1 expression was induced in fibroblasts during kidney fibrogenesis in mice and human patients. We demonstrate that FSTL1 overexpression increased renal fibrosis and activated the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway, known to promote kidney fibrosis, but not the transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), Notch, Hedgehog, or Yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathways in obstructed mouse kidneys, whereas inhibition of FSTL1 lowered Wnt/ß-catenin signaling. Importantly, we show that FSTL1 interacted with Wnt ligands and the Frizzled (FZD) receptors but not the coreceptor lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6). Specifically, we found FSTL1 interacted with Wnt3a through its extracellular calcium-binding (EC) domain and von Willebrand factor type C-like (VWC) domain, and with FZD4 through its EC domain. Furthermore, we show that FSTL1 increased the association of Wnt3a with FZD4 and promoted Wnt/β-catenin signaling and fibrogenesis. The EC domain interacting with both Wnt3a and FZD4 also enhanced Wnt3a signaling. Therefore, we conclude that FSTL1 is a novel extracellular enhancer of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease occurring in non-obese subjects (the so-called non-obese NAFLD) is a highly prevalent but neglected liver condition, which is closely associated with metabolic disorders and suboptimal lifestyles. Landmark studies have shown that lifestyle interventions are potentially beneficial in decreasing the risk of developing non-obese NAFLD and in ameliorating NAFLD in non-obese individuals with pre-existing NAFLD. Lifestyle interventions usually refer to changes in eating habits and physical activity, both of which have a powerful effect on non-obese NAFLD and on risk factors for non-obese NAFLD. However, to date, patients and health-care professionals have a poor awareness and understanding of non-obese NAFLD and the beneficial effects of lifestyle interventions in this patient population. The aim of this narrative review is to briefly discuss the evidence for the effects of lifestyle changes and what changes are needed amongst medical personnel and other stakeholders in order to raise awareness of non-obese NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural killer (NK) cells with anti-HIV-1 activity may inhibit HIV-1 replication and dissemination during acute HIV-1 infection. We hypothesized that the capacity of NK cells to suppress acute in vivo HIV-1 infection would be augmented by activating them via treatment with an interleukin-15 (IL-15) superagonist, IL-15 bound to soluble IL-15Ra, an approach that potentiates human NK cell-mediated killing of tumor cells. In vitro stimulation of human NK cells with a recombinant IL-15 superagonist significantly induced their expression of the cytotoxic effector molecules granzyme B and perforin; their degranulation upon exposure to K562 cells, as indicated by cell surface expression of CD107a; and their capacity to lyse K562 cells and HIV-1-infected T cells. The impact of IL-15 superagonist-induced activation of human NK cells on acute in vivo HIV-1 infection was investigated by using hu-spl-PBMC-NSG mice, NOD-SCID-IL2rγ-/- (NSG) mice intrasplenically injected with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) which develop productive in vivo infection after intrasplenic inoculation with HIV-1. IL-15 superagonist treatment potently inhibited acute HIV-1 infection in hu-spl-PBMC-NSG mice even when delayed until 3 days after intrasplenic HIV-1 inoculation. Removal of NK cells from human PBMCs prior to intrasplenic injection into NSG mice completely abrogated IL-15 superagonist-mediated suppression of in vivo HIV-1 infection. Thus, the in vivo activation of NK cells, integral mediators of the innate immune response, by treatment with an IL-15 superagonist increases their anti-HIV activity and enables them to potently suppress acute in vivo HIV-1 infection. These results indicate that in vivo activation of NK cells may represent a new immunotherapeutic approach to suppress acute HIV-1 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To research the effects of Lianmei oral liquid on blood index, hormone secretion and antioxidase of damp heat and diarrhea piglet model. [Methods] A total of 60 Rongchang pigs were randomly divided into six groups. Under the simulated hot and humid environment, damp heat syndrome was established. Piglets were given Lianmei oral liquid by gavage, so as to detect the haematological index, biochemical index, hormone content and antioxidase activity of piglets. The effects on nutrition metabolism, hormone secretion and antioxidase were researched in damp heat and diarrhea piglet model. [Results] High- and middle-dosage Lianmei oral liquids could prevent damp heat and diarrhea of piglets with the healing rate being higher than 80%, enhanced the hemoglobin content, erythrocyte count, white blood cells count, lymphocytes count and monocytes count in damp heat and diarrhea piglet model, improved the contents of total protein, globulin, urea nitrogen, glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride, increased the activities of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and alkaline phosphatase, and reduced the urea nitrogen and triglyceride contents, showing significant (P < 0. 05) differences or extremely significant (P < 0.01) differences with those in model group. Lianmei oral liquid enhanced T3, T4 and GH contents, and reduced the GC secretion level, having significant differences with those in model group (P < 0.05). Moreover, Lianmei oral liquid enhanced the T-SOD and GSHPx activities, and reduced the MDA content, CK and LDH activities, showing extremely significant differences (P < 0.01) with those in model group. [Conclusions] Lianmei oral liquid adjusted the nutrient metabolism of damp heat and diarrhea piglet model, enhanced T3, T4 and GH contents, improved the endocrine hormone level of piglets, enhanced the T-SOD and GSH-Px activities, and strengthened the body's antioxidant function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An allocation scheme of water pollutant reduction is the key procedure to implement a watershed total maximum daily load (TMDL) program. In order to improve the equity for the allocation scheme of water pollutant load reduction, five indexes involved in allocation processes were selected from fields associated with society, environment, economics, and resources. The weights of these indexes were determined by using fuzzy optimization and entropy weight methods, and a multi-dimensional Gini coefficient-based allocation model for watershed point source pollutant load reduction was established. Corresponding constraint conditions were set to optimize the allocation scheme of point source pollutant load reduction. This model embodies the variability in importance of various indexes in the allocation process, and improves the equity and scientific basis of the allocation scheme. It is a reasonably ideal allocation model, and was used to allocate amino nitrogen load reductions in the Zhangweinan River basin. As validated by the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model, the optimized reduction scheme meets the water quality criteria for the relevant water functional area in the watershed in various target years. Authors in this paper made great efforts for the reduction allocation of watershed point source pollutant load in the watershed with intensive anthropogenic activities. The results provide a scientific basis and technical support for water environmental protection and sustainable uses of water resources in the Zhangweinan River basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to explore the effect of carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum on tumor proliferation and metastasis in an orthotropic xenograft nude mice model of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and evaluate the safety of CO2 pneumoperitoneum laparoscopy for treating RCC. Material and methods: RCC 786-0 cells were injected to establish an orthotropic xenograft model. Fifty nude mice were given orthotropic inoculations and randomized to five groups: group A (control); group B (CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 2 h); group C (CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 4 h); group D (CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 4 h and 24 h after waking); group E (CO2 pneumoperitoneum for 4 h and 48 h after waking). The proliferation status was observed in RCC specimens by immunohistochemical staining for Ki67. The protein levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined by western blotting. Results: All groups showed similar Ki67-positive staining in RCC samples (p > 0.05). The relative expression of HIF-1α and VEGF gradually increased in both group B and group C, as compared with group A, but only the difference between group C and group A reached statistical significance (p < 0.05). The protein levels of HIF-1α and VEGF decreased in both group D and group E, as compared with group B and group C; however, the differences between group D, group E, and group A did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In an orthotropic xenograft nude mice model of RCC, CO2 pneumoperitoneum has no effect on expression of the cellular proliferation marker Ki67. However, CO2 pneumoperitoneum rapidly induces transient expression of HIF-1α and VEGF. Thus, CO2 pneumoperitoneum laparoscopy may be a safe method for treating RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The growth and development of muscle stem cells (MuSCs) are significant events known to affect muscle plasticity, disease, meat production, and meat quality, which involves the types and functions of mRNA and non-coding RNA. Here, MuSCs were cultured from Guangxi fetal cattle. RNA sequencing was used to analyze the RNA expression of mRNA and non-coding RNAs during the cell proliferation and differentiation phases. Results: Two thousand one hundred forty-eight mRNAs and 888 non-coding RNAs were differentially expressed between cell proliferation and differentiation phases, including 113 miRNAs, 662 lncRNAs, and 113 circRNAs. RT-qPCR verified the differential expression levels of mRNAs and non-coding RNAs, and the differentially expressed circUBE2Q2 was subsequently characterized. Expression profile analysis revealed that circUBE2Q2 was abundant in muscle tissues and intramuscular fat. The expression of cricUBE2Q2 was also significantly upregulated during MuSCs myogenic differentiation and SVFs adipogenic differentiation and decreased with age in cattle muscle tissue. Finally, the molecular mechanism of circUBE2Q2 regulating MuSCs function that affects skeletal muscle development was investigated. The results showed that circUBE2Q2 could serve as a sponge for miR-133a, significantly promoting differentiation and apoptosis of cultured MuSCs, and inhibiting proliferation of MuSCs. Conclusions: CircUBE2Q2 is associated with muscle growth and development and induces MuSCs myogenic differentiation through sponging miR-133a. This study will provide new clues for the mechanisms by which mRNAs and non-coding RNAs regulate skeletal muscle growth and development, affecting muscle quality and diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Metformin promotes the conjugative transfer of antibiotic-resistant plasmids. • Two-component system related genes were significantly expressed. • Two-component system regulates downstream intracellular activities. • The environmental risks of wastewater microbiota system were increased. Plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer facilitates the dissemination of antibiotic resistance, yet the comprehensive regulatory mechanisms governing this process remain elusive. Herein, we established pure bacteria and activated sludge conjugation system to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of conjugative transfer, leveraging metformin as an exogenous agent. Transcriptomic analysis unveiled that substantial upregulation of genes associated with the two-component system (e.g., AcrB/AcrA, EnvZ/Omp, and CpxA/CpxR) upon exposure to metformin. Furthermore, downstream regulators of the two-component system, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytoplasmic membrane permeability, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, were enhanced by 1.7, 1.4 and 1.1 times, respectively, compared to the control group under 0.1 mg/L metformin exposure. Moreover, flow sorting and high-throughput sequencing revealed increased microbial community diversity among transconjugants in activated sludge systems. Notably, the antibacterial potential of human pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Bacteroides, Escherichia-Shigella, and Lactobacillus) was augmented, posing a potential threat to human health. Our findings shed light on the spread of antibiotic resistance bacteria and assess the ecological risks associated with plasmid-mediated conjugative transfer in wastewater treatment systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 60-year-old female visited Guihang Guiyang Hospital (Guiyang, China). She presented with abdominal pain in the right side for the previous 2-months, with a touchable mass identified for the previous 1-month. Computed tomography with magnetic resonance imaging revealed a huge mass in the right abdomen. The diagnosis of well-differentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma with renal involvement was made. During surgery, the tumor was removed, including the fatty renal capsule; however, the kidney was preserved. It is currently debatable whether resection of adjacent organs is required to obtain the negative margins. Conventional viewpoints advise that multi-organ resection is required in order to obtain the negative-margin. However, even if an R0 resection is achieved, the local recurrence rate remains markedly high. Additionally, the complications of organ resection have more impact on patients. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are an important adjuvant method for these patients. In conclusion, retroperitoneal liposarcoma is a rare disease with a high rate of recurrence. Complete resection is the predominant treatment; however, combined resection of adjacent organs must be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transmission of normally incident plane wave through an array of subwavelength metallic slits curved with a single step or mutli-step has been explored theoretically. The transmission spectrum is simulated by using the finite-difference time-domain method. The influences of surface plasmon polaritons make the end of finite long sub-wavelength metallic slit behaves as magnetic-reflecting barrier. The electromagnetic fields in the subwavelength metallic slits are the superposition of standing wave and traveling wave. The standing electromagnetic oscillation behaves like LC oscillating circuit to decide the resonance wavelength. Therefore, the parameters of adding step may change the LC circuit and influence the transmission wavelength. A new explanation model is proposed in which the resonant wavelength is decided by four factors: the changed length for electric field, the changed length for magnetic field, the effective coefficient of capacitance, and the effective coefficient of inductance. The effect of adding step is presented to analyze the interaction of two steps in slit with mutli-step. This explanation model has been proved by the transmission through arrayed subwavelength metallic slits curved with two steps and fractal steps. All calculated results are well explained by our proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the differential evolution algorithm's convergence speed and optimization accuracy, this paper proposed a new algorithm which named a hybrid differential evolution algorithm based on complex method and cloud model (HDECC). The new algorithm used the differential evolution algorithm to search the optimal area first, then introduced the complex method to accelerate the convergence rate of the algorithm and made use of cloud model to improve the optimization accuracy of the algorithm, so that it balanced the preliminary search speed and accuracy in the later stage. Finally, it used seven standard constrained optimization problems and two typical engineering applications to simulate. Experimental results show that, compared with similar algorithms, HDECC is robust in solving global optimal solution, has higher accurate numerical solution, achieves more rapid convergence rate, and maintains good stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogel serve as bone tissue engineering have lately received great attention for their good biocompatibility and structures similar to natural extracellular matrices. However, a single component polymer hydrogel is generally detrimental to cell adhesion due to the weaker mechanical properties, which limits their application considerably. In an effort to overcome this disadvantage, we adopt an unconventional dual network hydrogels consisting of the polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) covalent network, a thiolated chitosan (TCS) ion crosslinking network and thiolated halloysites (T-HNTs) as reinforcing filler. In addition, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) was loaded into the prepared dual network (DN) hydrogel to improve the bone regeneration function of the DN hydrogel. The resulting PEGDA/TCS/T-HNTs hydrogels showed favourable mechanical property, higher crosslinking density, the lower swelling degree, excellent biocompatibility and cell adhesion ability. The histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analyses revealed the excellent bone regeneration ability for composite hydrogel after implant into rat skull defect. Thus, our results indicated that composite scaffold can be applied as a new bone regeneration biomaterial to be applied as a local drug delivery system with good bone induction performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The locus coeruleus (LC) is the main source of noradrenaline in the brain and is implicated in a broad spectrum of physiological and behavioral processes. However, genetic pathways controlling the development of noradrenergic neurons in the mammalian brain are largely unknown. We report here that Rbpj, a key nuclear effector in the Notch signaling pathway, plays an essential role in LC neuron development in the mouse. Conditional inactivation of Rbpj in the dorsal rhombomere (r) 1, where LC neurons are born, resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of Phox2a- and Phox2b-expressing early-differentiating LC neurons, and dopamine-b-hydroxylase- and tyrosine-hydroxylase-expressing late-differentiating LC neurons. In contrast, other neuronal populations derived from the dorsal r1 were either reduced or unchanged. In addition, a drastic upregulation of Ascl1, an essential factor for noradrenergic neurogenesis, was observed in dorsal r1 of conditional knockout mice. Through genomic sequence analysis and EMSA and ChIP assays, a conserved Rbpjbinding motif was identified within the Ascl1 promoter. A luciferase reporter assay revealed that Rbpj per se could induce Ascl1 transactivation but this effect was counteracted by its downstream-targeted gene Hes1. Moreover, our in vitro gene transfection and in ovo electroporation assays showed that Rbpj upregulated Ascl1 expression when Hes1 expression was knocked down, although it also exerted a repressive effect on Ascl1 expression in the presence of Hes1. Thus, our results provide the first evidence that Rbpj functions as a key modulator of LC neuron development by regulating Ascl1 expression directly, and indirectly through its target gene Hes1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel porous metal–organic frameworks {Zn7(btc)4(dmtrz)2(H2O)5}n(1) and {[Zn6(btc)4(dmtrz)3]·3H3O·2H2O}n(2) (H3btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, Hdmtrz = 3,5-dimethyl-1H-1,2,4-triazole) have been solvothermally synthesized. Single-crystal structure analysis reveals that both structure 1and 2contain special triazole-carboxylate shared paddle-wheel units. The crucial factors to the assembly of such paddle-wheel units are discussed. Gas adsorption studies suggest that 2is a potential microporous material for adsorptive separation of CO2over N2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the entanglement capability of non-local Hamiltonian of 2-qutrit system is studied. The expression of the entanglement rate of non-local Hamiltonian of 2-qutrit system is derived, and the condition for maximal entanglement rate is determined. Analytic results show that, considering the entanglement rate, increasing the dimension of the system may not help to enhance the entanglement capability. The effect of auxiliary systems on the entanglement capability of 2-qutrit Hamiltonian is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of the proteome of the early gymnosperm embryo could provide important information for optimizing plant cloning procedures and for establishing platforms for research into plant development/regulation and in vitro transgenic studies. Compared with angiosperms, it is more difficult to induce somatic embryogenesis in gymnosperms; success in this endeavour could be increased, however, if proteomic information was available on the complex, dynamic, and multistage processes of gymnosperm embryogenesis in vivo. A proteomic analysis of Chinese fir seeds in six developmental stages was carried out during early embryogenesis. Proteins were extracted from seeds dissected from immature cones and separated by two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis. Analysis with DeCyder 6.5 software revealed 136 spots that differed in kinetics of appearance. Analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry identified proteins represented by 71 of the spots. Functional annotation of these seed proteins revealed their involvement in programmed cell death and chromatin modification, indicating that the proteins may play a central role in determining the number of zygotic embryos generated and controlling embryo patterning and shape remodelling. The analysis also revealed other proteins involved in carbon metabolism, methionine metabolism, energy production, protein storage, synthesis and stabilization, disease/defence, the cytoskeleton, and embryo development. The comprehensive protein expression profiles generated by our study provide new insights into the complex developmental processes in the seeds of the Chinese fir. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Erosion control is one of the most important functions of forest ecosystems, and its accurate assessment is useful to illuminate the importance of forest ecosystem services for humans so as to rationally conserve forest resources. This paper examines Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the first national forest park in China, to seek practical methods for assessment of the forest erosion control function using a geographical information system (GIS). The results show that the potential and actual amounts of soil erosion are 2.92 million ton and 0.14 million ton per year, respectively, in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The total reduction in soil loss reaches 2.77 million ton per year with the existence of a forest ecosystem. The erosion control function of near mature, mature and over mature broadleaf forest is excellent, and natural forest conservation and natural restoration of the degraded forest ecosystem can provide the largest benefits in soil erosion control. Nearly all the near mature, mature and over-mature forest in the park is at the top and in steep mountain areas, and could be rationally cut and utilized by local communities, but extensive timber felling should be strictly prohibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the use of metabolomics to identify urinary biomarkers for colorectal cancer (CRC). It mentions several types of molecules that are use as potential urinary biomarkers for the early detection of CRC including polyamines, nucleosides, and transrenal DNA (Tr-DNA). It highlights the comprehensive metabolomic assays for cancer research, the metabolomic changes in cancer, and how metabolomic assays can detect biomarkers.

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) ligands have been recently reported to have beneficial effects on organ fibrosis. However, their effects on extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts (HSFs), and the related molecular mechanisms are unknown. HSFs were cultured and exposed to different concentration PPAR-γ ligands in the presence of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). In growth-arrested HSFs, a PPAR-γ natural ligand (15-deoxy-D12,14-prostaglandin J2, 15d-PGJ2) and a synthetic ligand (GW7845) dose-dependently attenuated TGFβ1-induced expression of Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), collagens and fibronectin. Furthermore, the suppression of CTGF mRNA and protein expression are relieved by pretreatment with an antagonist of PPAR-γ (GW9662). Moreover, GW7845 and 15d-PGJ2 partially inhibited the expression and phosphorylation of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway. These results suggest that in TGFβ1-stimulated HSFs, PPAR-γ ligands caused an antiproliferative effect and reduced ECM production through mechanisms that included reducing CTGF expression, and a crosstalk between PPAR-γ and Smad may be involved in the inhibitory effects of PPAR-γ ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Hepatic encephalopathy continues to be a major clinical problem and the current decade has not witnessed major therapeutic breakthroughs in this area.l-ornithine-l-aspartate (LOLA) is not frequently used as there are still some reservations about its benefits. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of LOLA in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. Methods: We used the method recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of LOLA therapy for hepatic encephalopathy including three randomized controlled trials. Results: Three randomized trials randomizing 212 patients were included. LOLA versus placebo had a significant effect on improvement of hepatic encephalopathy (relative risk 1.89; 95% CI 1.32 to 2.71; P = 0.0005). This comparison showed no statistical heterogeneity ( P = 0.85 and χ2 = 0.09). Subgroup analysis showed that LOLA could be effective versus placebo in trials with grade I or II overt hepatic encephalopathy patients (relative risk 1.87; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.68; P = 0.0007) and had no significant effect in trials with subclinical hepatic encephalopathy patients (relative risk 1.69; 95% CI 0.72 to 3.94; P = 0.23). Adverse effects were observed in only three patients treated with LOLA in one report. Conclusions: LOLA benefited patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy (I or II), whereas these data do not support the use of LOLA for patients with subclinical hepatic encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, more than 100 strains of Lentinula edodes are cultivated on a commercial scale in China. A simple, reliable, and effective method to distinguish some commercial strains of the superior type from other commercial strains is very important for the Lentinula industry. In this study, 23 commercial strains of L. edodes cultivated widely in China at present were collected and analyzed with randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Three informative dominant sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers were developed by designing three pairs of specific SCAR primers from three sequenced differential RAPD bands, respectively. Based on the three SCAR markers, three different multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) phenotypes were detected among the 23 studied commercial strains and in which a multilocus phenotype characterizing a commercial strain Cr02 of the superior type could potentially be used to distinguish this strain from the other 22 studied commercial strains. To our knowledge, this study is the first to describe the development of a multiplex PCR technique based on SCAR markers for detecting the molecular phenotypes among commercial strains of L. edodes in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The poly(trans-1,2-cyclohexanediyl-bis acrylamide) (P-CAP) column has so far been primarily used with normal phase and polar organic mobile phase chromatography. Its use in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) was investigated via the analysis of 40 commercial and 100 proprietary compounds using a 12-min gradient with methanol as a modifier. Results were then compared against those obtained from the popular derivatized polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases (CSPs) such as Chiralpak AD-H and Chiralpak AS-H as well as Chiralcel OD-H and Chiralcel OJ-H columns. P-CAP demonstrated separation of 25% of the 140 total compounds, while each of the derivatized polysaccharide-based CSPs separated at least 46%. A study that compared the loading of 1,1′-bi-2-naphthol with P-CAP and Chiralpak AS columns indicated a similar trend in resolution vs. amount injected, though AS appeared capable of allowing a greater loading of material. The P-CAP column was found to be beneficial in the separation of a complex mixture of enantiomers and achiral impurities, where the derivatized polysaccharide-based columns did not show as desirable of a separation. A key advantage of this type of chiral stationary phase is the fact that it is available in both enantiomeric forms, allowing manipulation of elution order of enantiomers, which is especially helpful for preparative applications. P-CAP also demonstrated that it could resolve an achiral impurity from the desired compound in a different mixture, while the same impurity co-eluted on the Chiralpak AD-H column. Overall, the synthetic polymer-based P-CAP showed less chiral discrimination power compared to the derivatized polysaccharide-based CSPs under the conditions explored in this study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the title compound, C16H13F2NO3, the two benzene rings and all attached non-H atoms are indivdually planar. The two planes, viz. the benzene ring and the two substituent F atoms (A), and the benzene ring and the attached carbonyl C atom, oxy O atom and aromatic C atom (B), have largest deviations of -0.0278 (10) and 0.0272 (9) Å, respectively, and a dihedral angle between the planes of 37.78 (3)°. The dihedral angles between plane B and the methylaminocarbonyl and acetoxy groups are 61.83 (5) and 48.82 (8)°, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the title molecule, C18H25N3O2S, the central thienopyrimidine ring system is essentially planar. The cyclohexene ring, in which the four CH2 groups are disordered in an approximately 1:1 ratio, adopts a half-chair conformation, while the morpholine ring is in a standard chair conformation. The butyl group is disordered in an approximately 2:1 ratio. In the crystal structure, weak intermolecular C—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding interactions stabilize the crystal structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The molecule of the title compound, C22H14Cl2O, is built up from three fused rings, two six-membered and one fivemembered, which are coplanar to within 0.015 (3) Å. The dihedral angles between the fluorene ring plane and the benzene and oxirane rings are 58.83 (13) and 55.99 (34)°, respectively. C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into sheets running parallel to the (010) plane. The crystal studied was an inversion twin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne bacteria are important biological components of bioaerosol and play an important role in ecosystem. Bacteria at a high concentration in the atmosphere can result in biological air pollution and all kinds of diseases. In this study, a systematical survey on the culturable airborne bacteria was carried out for 1 year at three sites in Beijing urban area. Results showed that concentrations of culturable bacteria ranged from 71 colony forming units (CFU)/m3 to 22,100 CFU/m3, and the mean was 2,217 CFU/m3. Bacterial concentrations at the human activity-enriched site (RCEES) and the highly trafficked site (XZM) were virtually the same point. They were significantly higher than those at the greener site (BBG). Significant variation in bacterial concentrations in different seasons was observed at RCEES and XZM with higher concentrations in summer and autumn. In a single day, significantly lower concentrations were detected at 13:00 hours through all sampling sites. In this study, 165 species in 47 genera of culturable bacteria were identified. Micrococcus was one of the most dominant bacterial groups and contributed to approximately 20∼30% of the total bacterial concentration, followed by Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Corynebacterium, and Pseudomonas. The bacterial species with a high concentration percentage included Micrococcus luteus and Micrococcus roseus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica/polyurethane (SiO2/PU) nanocomposites, prepared by in situ formation of silica from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in cationic polyurethane microreactor, are used to modify epoxy resin-based electrophoretic coating. The co-electrophoresis property of silica/PU nanocomposites with epoxy particles is verified by X-ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the electrophoretically prepared membrane. The particle sizes and size distribution in the aqueous paint show a considerable reduction as demonstrated by dynamic light scattering. The surface morphology is investigated by scanning electron microscope. The properties of SiO2/PU-modified electrophoretically prepared membrane have a significant improvement compared to those of unmodified and PU-modified membranes. It is noteworthy that both strength and toughness of the electrophoretically prepared membrane increase considerably due to incorporation of rigid silica encapsulated by tough PU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Milletia speciosa Champ (MS), a traditional Chinese medicine, has the abilities of antistress, antifatigue, anti-oxidation and so on. In our previous study, MS was found to antidepression while the underlying mechanism of which needs further elucidation. Methods Here, a proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR)-based metabonomics combined network pharmacology research approach was performed to investigate the antidepressive mechanism of MS act on mouse with chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depression. Key findings Results showed that MS could alleviate the ethology of depression (including sucrose preference degree, crossing lattice numbers and stand-up times) and disordered biochemical parameters (5-hydroxytryptamine, norepinephrine and brain-derived neurotrophic factor). Metabonomics study and network pharmacology analysis showed that MS might improve depression through synergistically regulating five targets including Maoa, Maob, Ache, Ido1 and Comt, and three metabolic pathways such as tryptophan metabolism, synthesis of neurotransmitter and phospholipid metabolism. Conclusions This study for the first time preliminary clarified the potential antidepressive mechanism of MS and provided theoretical basis for developing MS into novel effective antidepressant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TMI and Chernobyl accidents, having pronounced impact on nuclear industries, triggered the governments as well as interested institutions to devote much attention to the safety of nuclear power plant and public’s requirements on nuclear power plant safety were also going to be stricter and stricter. It is obvious that safety level of an ordinary light water reactor is no longer satisfactory to these requirements. Recently, the safety authorities have recommended the implementation of passive system to improve the safety of nuclear reactors. Passive safety system is one of the main differences between Chinese advanced PWR and other conventional PWR. The working principle of passive safety system is to utilize the gravity, natural convection (natural circulation) and stored energy to implement the system’s safety function. Reactors with passive safety systems are not only safer, but also more economical. The passive safety system of Chinese advanced PWR is composed of three independent systems, i.e. passive containment cooling system, passive residual heat removal system and passive core makeup tank injection system. This paper is a summary of experimental research progress on passive containment cooling system, passive residual heat removal system and passive core makeup tank injection system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • The layer-by-layer assembled lutein nanoparticles improved the stability of lutein. • Oral nanoparticles improved lutein bioavailability through M cell transport. • Lutein nanoparticles could alleviate the corneal injury of DED mice. Bioactive compound intervention of dry eye disease has been considered as a promising approach due to the lower adverse reactions. In this study, layer-by-layer oral-deliverable lutein nanoparticles targeted to microfold cells in the intestinal Peyer's patches through the specific interaction between yeast β-glucan and receptor dectin-1 were designed and prepared using phycocyanin, chitosan and 3-boronobenzoic acid modified yeast β-glucan as carriers in alleviating dry eye disease. In vitro studies confirmed that the dectin-1 specific lutein nanoparticles could specifically target microfold cells from Peyer's patches of the intestine, which significantly inhibited the reactive oxygen species elevation and mitochondrial membrane potential reduction produced by oxidative stress and inflammation. Pharmacokinetic results showed that the bioavailability of lutein in plasma and eyeballs was increased by 2.63 and 1.81 times by oral administration of lutein nanoparticles. The lutein nanoparticles could effectively relieve dry eye disease by alleviating corneal damage, restoring tear film homeostasis and reducing corneal keratinization in Balb/c mice. The oral deliverable dectin-1 specific lutein nanoparticles constructed in this study provided potential application for improving bioavailability of hydrophobic nutrients during the intervention of dry eye diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: People living with HIV (PLWH) are living longer and developing more non-AIDS comorbidities, which negatively impact antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Tenofovir diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots (DBS) is a novel pharmacologic measure of cumulative ART adherence that is predictive of viral suppression and future viremia. However, the relationship between non-AIDS comorbidities and this adherence measure is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the association between 3 non-AIDS comorbidities (diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia) and TFV-DP in DBS in PLWH. Methods: Blood for TFV-DP in DBS and HIV viral load was prospectively collected from PLWH on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for up to 3 times over 48 weeks. Non-AIDS comorbidities were recorded. Mixed effect multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the changes in TFV-DP concentrations in DBS according to the presence of comorbidities and to estimate the percent differences in TFV-DP concentrations between these groups. Results: A total of 1144 person-visits derived from 523 participants with available concentrations of TFV-DP in DBS were included in this analysis. In univariate analysis, no significant association between non-AIDS comorbidities (categorized as having 0, 1, 2, or 3 comorbidities) and the concentrations of TFV-DP in DBS was observed (P = 0.40). Participants who had DM had 25% lower (95% confidence interval: 236% to 212%; P, 0.001) TFV-DP in DBS than participants without DM after adjusting for age, gender, race, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, CD4+ T-cell count, hematocrit, ART class, patient-level medication regimen complexity index, and 3-month self-reported adherence. Conclusions: Diabetic PLWH have lower concentrations of TFVDP in DBS compared with those without DM. Further research is required to identify the clinical implications and biological mechanisms underlying these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1 (PDX1) is an important transcription factor that regulates islet β-cell proliferation, differentiation, and function. Reduced expression of PDX1 is thought to contribute to β-cell loss and dysfunction in diabetes. Thus, promoting PDX1 expression can be an effective strategy to preserve β-cell mass and function. Previously, we established a PDX1 promoter-dependent luciferase system to screen agents that can promote PDX1 expression. Natural compound tectorigenin (TG) was identified as a promising candidate that could enhance the activity of the promoter for the PDX1 gene. In this study, we first demonstrated that TG could promote the expression of PDX1 in β-cells via activating extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), as indicated by increased phosphorylation of ERK; this effect was observed under either normal or glucotoxic/lipotoxic conditions. We then found that TG could suppress induced apoptosis and improved the viability of β-cells under glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity by activation of ERK and reduction of reactive oxygen species and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. These effects held true in vivo as well: prophylactic or therapeutic use of TG could obviously inhibit ER stress and decrease islet β-cell apoptosis in the pancreas of mice given a high-fat/high-sucrose diet (HFHSD), thus dramatically maintaining or restoring β-cell mass and islet size, respectively. Accordingly, both prophylactic and therapeutic use of TG improved HFHSD-impaired glucose metabolism in mice, as evidenced by ameliorating hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance. Taken together, TG, as an agent promoting PDX1 expression exhibits strong protective effects on islet β-cells both in vitro and in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Facultative epiphytes exploit rock and bark interchangeably in a Chinese karst forest. • Lithophytes were enriched in δ15N and Ca, and depleted in Fe, K, and Mn. • Stoichiometry differences between two ecotypes suggested the flexibility of non-organically bound elements. • A substrate shift led to foliar stoichiometry differences between two ecotypes. Understanding the stoichiometric characteristics of plants to a substrate shift is a key step in the use of a stoichiometric framework to predict ecosystem responses to environmental change. However, the response and mechanism of stoichiometry to a substrate shift in facultative epiphytes remains unknown. The foliar stoichiometric (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Na, and Fe concentrations) and isotopic characteristics (δ13C and δ15N) of nine facultative epiphyte species in Xishuangbanna karst forest in southwest China were determined. The stoichiometry and isotopy were compared between the epiphytic and lithophytic individuals in the facultative epiphytes, and the possible causes of changes in elemental concentrations to substrate shifts were studied. We found that the lithophytes were enriched in δ15N and Ca, but depleted in elements such as Fe, K, and Mn compared with the epiphytes. The δ15N was positively correlated with P, N, S, and K, while the δ13C was negatively correlated with δ15N, P, N, S, and Fe. Following a principal component analysis (PCA), the first axis loaded organically bound elements (P, N, and S), while the second axis loaded non-organically bound elements (Fe, Mn, and K). The variances of non-organically bound elements were mostly affected by the substrate-related factors than organically bound elements. These results revealed that the substrate factor has a strong partitioning effect on elements such as K, Ca, Fe, Mn, and δ15N. The differences of element concentration and isotopy between the two ecotypes suggested stoichiometric and isotopic flexibility, which enabled facultative epiphytes to exploit rock and bark interchangeably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epiphytes in tree canopies make a considerable contribution to the species diversity, aboveground biomass, and nutrient pools in forest ecosystems. However, the nutrient status of epiphytes and their possible adaptations to nutrient deficiencies in the forest canopy remain unclear. Therefore, we analyzed the stoichiometry of five macroelements (C, N, P, K, and Ca) in four taxonomic groups (lichens, bryophytes, ferns, and spermatophytes) to investigate this issue in a subtropical montane moist evergreen broad‐leaved forest in Southwest China. We found that the interspecific variations in element concentrations and mass ratios were generally greater than the intraspecific variations. And there were significant stoichiometric differences among functional groups. Allometric relationships between N and P across the epiphyte community indicated that P might be in greater demand than N with an increase in nutrients. Although canopy nutrients were deficient, most epiphytes could still maintain high N and P concentrations and low N:P ratios. Moreover, ferns and spermatophytes allocated more limited nutrients to leaves than to stems and roots. To alleviate frequent drought stress in the forest canopy, vascular epiphytes maintained several times higher K concentrations in their leaves than in the tissues of lichens and bryophytes. Our results suggest that epiphytes may have evolved specific nutrient characteristics and adaptations, so that they can distribute in heterogeneous canopy habitats and maintain the stability of nutrient metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 73-year-old male presented with a 3-month history of two penile masses: one on the shaft and one on the glans penis. Both lesions were poorly defined, fixated and without tenderness. The sizes were 1.0 × 1.0 × 1.0 cm and 1.2 × 1.5 × 1.5 cm, respectively. The patient underwent lumpectomy of the glans penis; we confirmed malignant lymphoma of the glans penis (B-cell derived; diffused large B-cell) by postoperative pathological examinations. CHOP (cyclophosphamide-hydroxydaunorubicin-oncovin-prednisone) chemotherapy was administered. The patient was tumour-free at the 33-month follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The title dysprosium coordination polymer [Dy(IN)3(H2O)2] n, where IN− is the isonicotinate anion C6H4NO2−, has been hydro­thermally synthesized. The polymer exhibits a doubly carboxyl­ate-bridged infinite chain-like structure with the metal center lying on a crystallographic twofold axis and coordinating by two carboxyl­ate O atoms from a chelating isonicotinate group (also lying on a twofold axis), four carboxyl­ate O atoms from four bridging isonicotinate ligands, and two water mol­ecules, to yield an eight-coordinate square-anti­prismatic geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although epiphytic habitats are more stressful and heterogeneous than terrestrial habitats, how facultative epiphytes acclimate to such contrasting environments has been poorly understood. Our study focused on the variation of functional traits between epiphytic and terrestrial individuals of Selliguea griffithiana, and provided considerable functional acclimation of this species to such contrasting environments. We sampled ramets of S. griffithiana from epiphytic and terrestrial habitats of a subtropical montane moist forest, SW China. Morphological and anatomical traits, photosynthesis, biomass and ramet density of S. griffithiana were measured and it was found that these traits differed significantly between the two habitats. Frond length, stipe length, spacer length (interramet distance), stomatal density, vein density, maximal chlorophyll fluorescence and relative chlorophyll content of fronds, and biomass per ramet were all lower in epiphytic habitat than those in terrestrial habitat, whereas frond thickness and ramet density were higher in the former. Photosynthetic light–response curves revealed a higher carbon assimilation capability of individuals in terrestrial habitat than in epiphytic habitat, whereas cumulative water loss curves showed a lower water loss rate in the latter. The findings demonstrate acclimation of S. griffithiana to both habitats, that is, epiphytic ramets can mitigate water scarcity at some cost of a reduced photosynthetic capacity, whereas terrestrial ramets can afford to improve the light capture to a higher photosynthetic capacity without any water stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Oxidative stress is a critical cause for the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that screening natural antioxidant and pharmacological targeting of mechanism need more attention. Natural plant polysaccharides are the primary group of natural antioxidants showing mighty antioxidant activity. Therefore, a polysaccharide (AFP-2) from flowers of Apios americana Medik was isolated, purified and characterized. Then, a H 2 O 2 -induced PC12 cells oxidative stress model was established to investigate the neuroprotective role of AFP-2 and to clarify the potential mechanism of action against H 2 O 2 -induced neurotoxicity. It was found that AFP-2 reduced ROS production and mitochondrial damage caused by hydrogen peroxide in PC12 cells. In addition, data from transmission electron microscope and western blot displayed that AFP-2 significantly activated autophagy in PC12 cells via Akt-mTOR pathway. These results together qualify AFP-2 as an interesting natural polysaccharide worth further investigation as a neuroprotective agent. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A polysaccharide (AFP-2) was purified from Apios americana Medikus flowers. • AFP-2 protected against oxidative stress in H 2 O 2 -induced PC12 cells. • AFP-2 mediated autophagy was a potential anti-oxidation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Since flavonoids are antioxidant compounds, they could beneficially affect neurodegenerative diseases where reactive oxygen species are involved. In this study, we firstly isolated and identified fourteen compounds from the flowers of Apios americana Medik. Then, we tested whether Apios americana Medik flowers water extract (AFWE) exerts a protective effect on H 2 O 2 induced PC12 cells injure. As expected, pretreatment with AFWE inhibited cytotoxicity and DNA condensation in H 2 O 2 induced PC12 cells. Exposure of PC12 cells to H 2 O 2 resulted in reactive oxygen species accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction, while AFWE alleviated these damages. AFWE obviously reversed the alternations as H2O2 increased Caspase-3 and decreased the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax expressions. Furthermore, autophagy in PC12 cells was further activated by AFWE, which was beneficial to resisting adversity. These results manifest that AFWE prevents H 2 O 2 induced damage via regulating autophagy. Highlights • We firstly isolate and identify 14 compounds from Apios americana Medik flower. • Antioxidant effect of AFWE was firstly studied. • AFWE attenuates oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. • AFWE activates autophagy in H 2 O 2 induced PC12 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]