Search

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is an epigenetics related enzyme that has been validated as an important therapeutic target for treating various types of cancer. Upregulation of tumor suppressor hnRNP E1 has also been considered as an effective antitumor therapy. In this study, a series of tetrahydroisoquinolineindole hybrids were designed and prepared, and compounds 3m and 3s4 were found to be selective inhibitors of PRMT5 and upregulators of hnRNP E1. Molecular docking studies indicated that compounds 3m occupied the substrate site of PRMT5 and formed essential interactions with amino acid residues. Furthermore, compounds 3m and 3s4 exerted antiproliferative effects against A549 cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell migration. Importantly, silencing of hnRNP E1 eliminated the antitumor effect of 3m and 3s4 on the apoptosis and migration in A549 cells, suggesting a regulatory relationship between PRMT5 and hnRNP E1. Additionally, compound 3m exhibited high metabolic stability on human liver microsomes (T 1/2 = 132.4 min). In SD rats, the bioavailability of 3m was 31.4%, and its PK profiles showed satisfactory AUC and C max values compared to the positive control. These results suggest that compound 3m is the first class of dual PRMT5 inhibitor and hnRNP E1 upregulator that deserves further investigation as a potential anticancer agent. [Display omitted] • Tetrahydroisoquinolineindoles were screened as PRMT5 inhibitors/hnRNP E1 promoters. • Some compounds exhibited significant antitumor activities. • Compounds 3m and 3s4 significant up-regulate hnRNP E1 protein level. • The study firstly indicates the regulatory relationship between PRMT5 and hnRNP E1. • Compound 3m was observed a 31.4% F and quite satisfying T 1/2 , AUC and Cmax values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of fundamental mechanism and kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is pivotal for designing efficient OER electrocatalysts owing to its key role in electrochemical energy conversion devices. In the past few years, the lattice oxygen oxidation mechanism (LOM) arising from the anodic redox chemistry has attracted significant attention as it involves a direct O─O coupling and thus bypasses thermodynamic limitations in the traditional adsorbate evolution mechanism (AEM). Transition metal‐based oxyhydroxides are generally acknowledged as the real catalytic phase in alkaline media. In particular, their low‐dimensional layered structures offer sufficient structural flexibility to trigger the LOM. Herein, a comprehensive overview is provided for recent advances in anion redox from LOM‐based electrocatalysts. Based on analyses of electronic structure of electrocatalysts and LOM, a strategy is proposed to activate LOM. Possible identification techniques for corroboration of the oxygen redox are also reviewed. In addition, the structural reconstruction process induced by the LOM is focused and the importance of multiple in situ/operando characterizations is highlighted to unveil the structural and chemical origins of the LOM. To conclude, a prospect on the remaining challenges and future opportunities for LOM electrocatalysts is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat shock proteins play crucial roles in various biochemical processes, encompassing protein folding and translocation. HSP90B1, a conserved member of the heat shock protein family, growing evidences have demonstrated that it might be closely associated with cancer development. In the present study, we employed multi-omics analyses and cohort validations to explore the dynamic expression of HSP90B1 in pan-cancer and comprehensively evaluate HSP90B1 as a novel biomarker that hold promise for precision cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. The results suggest HSP90B1 was highly expressed in various kinds of tumors, often correlating with a poor prognosis. Notably, methylation of HSP90B1 emerged as a protective factor in several cancer types. In immune infiltration analysis, the expression of HSP90B1 in most tumors showed a negative association with CD8 + T cells. HSP90B1 expression was positively correlated with microsatellite instability and tumor mutational burden. HSP90B1 expression was also discovered to be positively correlated with tumor metabolism, cell cycle-related pathways and the expression of immune checkpoint genes. The expression of HSP90B1 was mainly negatively correlated with immunostimulatory genes and positively correlated with immunosuppressive genes, as well as strongly correlated with chemokines and their receptor genes. In addition, the HSP90B1 inhibitor PU-WS13 demonstrated significant efficacy in suppressing cancer cell proliferation in both leukemic and solid tumor cells, and remarkably reduced the expression of the cancer cell surface immune checkpoint PD-L1. The single-cell RNA sequencing analysis further highlighted that HSP90B1 was significantly higher in tumor cells compared to surrounding cells, revealing a potential target therapeutic window. Taken together, HSP90B1 emerges as a promising avenue for breakthroughs in cancer diagnosis, prognosis and therapy. This study provides a rationale for HSP90B1 targeted cancer diagnosis and therapy in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel lattice structure with Y-shaped cores was designed. Specimens of the structure were fabricated using 3D printing technology for quasi-static compression tests. Numerical simulations were also performed to investigate the mechanical properties and failure behavior of the lattice structure. The numerical results are in good agreement with the experimental results. The numerical simulations are used to reveal the failure processes and failure mechanisms of structures with different relative densities. The results show that the relative density has significant effects on the mechanical properties of the lattice structure, and that different methods of changing the relative density lead to different results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite acupuncture having been successfully used for the clinical treatment for vascular dementia in Asian countries for centuries, scientifically rigorous evidence is lacking for standardizing therapeutic parameters. To address this problem, it is necessary to examine the parameters of acupuncture using scientific methodology. The goal of this study is to investigate various therapeutic parameters, including manipulation, retention, and frequency of acupuncture, and their contribution to the efficacy of acupuncture in VD. Methods: We selected needle retention, treatment frequency, and needle rotation as the parameters. Acupuncture was performed on acupoints ST36 and GV20. Morris Water Maze was selected to assess the effect of acupuncture on cognitive function and Nissl staining indicated the hippocampal neuronal damage in VD rats. Results: Acupuncture stimulation resulted in a significant improvement in the spatial learning and memory deficit and reversed neuronal damage in the hippocampus. The approach of needle retention with 10 min, rotation for 30s every 5 min or daily treatment with acupuncture was more effective than nonretention, nonrotation, or alternative day treatment group. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that needle retention, treatment frequency, and needle manipulation are important factors in improving the learning and memory as well as reducing the neuronal damage of the hippocampus in a rat VD model. These findings strongly suggest that the appropriate therapeutic parameters could significant influence the efficiency in animal experiments. A series of appropriate therapeutic parameters, including rotating, retaining and frequency, could strongly influence the effectiveness of acupuncture in VD. Provide a new treatment plan that manipulation with twisting‐twirling, retaining needle at least 10 min and once a day treatment after 2VO surgery 1 day or 3 days for future experiments of VD rat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the involvement and interrelationship of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in endometriosis. Methods: Samples from 114 patients undergoing endometrial biopsy or operation for endometriosis and 23 premenopausal women undergoing endometrial biopsy for non‐endometriotic benign disease. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect expression level of EpCAM, E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin in endometrium from patients with (n = 24) and without endometriosis (n = 23), and in lesions from bowel (n = 46), peritoneal (n = 20) and ovarian (n = 24) endometriosis. Results: There was no significant difference in the expression level of EpCAM, E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin, respectively, between endometrium from women with and without endometriosis (P > 0.05). There was also no significant difference in the expression level of EpCAM, E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin, respectively, among lesions from the bowel, peritoneal and ovarian endometriosis (P > 0.05). We found that the immunoreactivity of endometriotic epithelial cells to EpCAM and N‐cadherin was significantly higher than that of eutopic endometrium, but decreased to E‐cadherin (P < 0.05). According to the expression level of EpCAM, the expression level of E‐Cadherin was significantly lower in endometriotic lesions with EpCAM expression above the mean level compared with that of endometriotic lesions with EpCAM expression below mean level, while the expression level of N‐cadherin was contrary (P < 0.001). EpCAM staining level was negatively correlated with E‐cadherin but positively correlated with N‐cadherin (P < 0.001). Conclusions: These data suggest that overexpression of EpCAM, accompanied by an EMT, might be involved in endometriosis. EMT may be induced by the overexpression of EpCAM, thus promoting the development of endometriosis, which needs future studies to confirm for the pathogenesis of endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The cardiovascular efficacy of glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are well documented; however, the differences in cardiovascular efficacy among subpopulations remain unknown. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the differences in cardiovascular efficacy of long-acting GLP-1RAs among subpopulations of patients with T2DM and to assess the drug safety. Methods: Relevant studies up to March 31, 2020 were searched for in six electronic databases, namely PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Clinical Trials, Science Direct, and Web of Science. The primary outcome was three-point major adverse cardiovascular events (including cardiovascular mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke). Subpopulations were defined using ten selected influential factors, and the differences in cardiovascular efficacy in subpopulations stratified by different influential factors were accessed by synthesizing studies with random-effects models one by one. Results: A total of six cardiovascular outcome trials of long-acting GLP-1RAs, comprising 49,936 participants, were included. Among stratified subpopulations, no significant differences in the cardiovascular efficacy of long-acting GLP-1RAs were observed across the ten characteristics of subjects (all P for interaction > 0.05). Favorable trends were observed in the subpopulation with established cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to that without (P = 0.171). With regards to safety, long-acting GLP-1RAs did not significantly increase the risk of retinopathy (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.92–1.29; P = 0.316), but increase the risk of serious gastrointestinal events (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.02–1.83; P = 0.037). Long-acting GLP-1RAs did not significantly increase the risk of serious adverse events (OR 0.92; 95% CI 0.85–1.00; P = 0.039). Conclusions: Our analysis suggested no subpopulation differences in the cardiovascular efficacy of long-acting GLP-1RAs among stratified subpopulations, and favorable trends were only observed in the subpopulation with established CVD. These findings may have implications for the management of long-acting GLP-1RAs across subpopulations of patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Acipenseriformes, as one of the earliest extant vertebrates, plays an important role in the evolution of fishes and even the whole vertebrates. Here we collected and analyzed all complete mitochondrial genomes of Acipenseriformes species. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the polytomous branch included Acipenseridae and Polyodontidae formed five clades. The Polyodontidae clade and the Scaphirhynchus clade both were monophyletic group, whereas the Acipenser species and the Huso species both were polyphyletic group. The Bayesian divergence times showed that the origin time for Acipenseriformes was at 318.0 Mya, which was similar to the some previous results of 312.1 Mya, 346.9 Mya and 389.7 Mya. The result was in good consistent with the paleontological data available and the split time of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous (Laurasia splits in North America and Eurasia). The dN/dS ratios showed the evolutionary rates gradually slow down in five major Acipenseriformes clades from the Clade A (the Pacific sturgeons species) to Clade C (the genus Scaphirhynchus), which was related to the process of geographical formation. • The Polyodontidae and the Scaphirhynchus were monophyletic group, whereas the Acipenser species and the Huso species both were polyphyletic group. • The origin time for Acipenseriformes was at 318.0 Mya, which was in good consistent with the paleontological data available and the split time of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans from the Jurassic to the Cretaceous. • The evolutionary rates of the Acipenseriformes was slow down from the Clade A to the Clade C gradually, which was consistent with the process of geographical formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of several malignant tumours with the highest incidence rates. Currently, there is an urgent need for effective diagnostic and therapeutic targets for LUAD in clinical practice. Numerous studies have shown that there may be differences in the development pattern of LUAD between male and female patients, leading to the need for differential treatment. At the same time, previous studies have shown that competitive endogenous (ce)RNA plays an important role in the development of LUAD, but there is no relevant research on whether there is a gender difference in the ceRNA network of LUAD. In this study, we constructed gender‐independent, male‐specific, and female‐specific ceRNA networks using RNA sequencing results from TCGA database. Subsequently, through analysis of the core genes of the ceRNA network, we determined that the male and female ceRNA networks indeed display different features. In addition, we also found that the osteoclast‐associated receptor (OSCAR) gene was a potential diagnostic target for detecting LUAD in females, and that increased expression of this gene promoted the proliferation and migration of A549 and H1975 LUAD cell lines; more specifically, A549 and H1975 are male and female LUAD cell lines, respectively. This suggests that the OSCAR gene has the potential to serve as target molecule for the diagnosis and treatment of female‐specific LUADs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen that can cause clinical and subclinical endometritis in humans and animals. In this study, a designed CSαβ peptide ID13 from DLP4 exhibited high stable antibacterial activity in simulated gastric fluid (90.79%), serum (99.54%), and different pH buffers (> 99%) against S. aureus CVCC 546 and lower cytotoxicity (89.62% viability) than its parent peptide DLP4 (74.14% viability) toward mouse endometrial epithelial cells (MEECs). ID13 caused a depolarization of bacterial membrane and downregulation of the expression of genes involved in membrane potential maintenance and biofilm formation. The in vitro efficacy analysis of ID13 showed a synergistic effect with vancomycin, ampicillin, rifampin, and ciprofloxacin; intracellular antimicrobial activity against S. aureus CVCC 546 in MEECs; and the ability to inhibit lipoteichoic acid-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines from RAW 264.7. In the S. aureus-induced endometritis of mice, similar to vancomycin, ID13 remarkably alleviated pathological conditions, inhibited the production of cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10), and suppressed the TLR2-NF-κB signal pathway. Collectively, these results suggest that ID13 could be a potential candidate peptide for therapeutic application in S. aureus-induced endometritis. Key Points •Higher antibacterial activity and lower hemolysis of ID13 than DLP4. •ID13 could downregulate the genes of bacterial survival and infection. •ID13 could alleviate the S. aureus-induced endometritis of mice. •ID13 could regulate the cytokines and suppress the TLR2-NF-κB signal pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of silicon-chalcogenide-based materials is an important topic for functionalized silicon materials, but the mechanism of this process is not so clear yet. In the present work, mechanistic studies were performed on the modification of the H-terminated Si(100) surface by many organic sulfide molecules by using the density functional theory method. Calculations indicate that the mechanism involves two steps: (1) a concerted rather than a stepwise Si–S bond formation and S–S bond dissociation process and (2) an H abstraction process from the direction along rather than perpendicular to the SiH2–Si–SiH2 skeleton. The first step is the rate-determining step for all the reactions considered. For the reactions of disulfide molecules (RSSR), the steric effect of the R group is the main origin of the different reactivity, while the electronic effect of the R group has just a slight effect on the reaction's reactivity. In the reactions of sulfide molecules (RSXR′, X = S, P, Si, O, N, C), for substrates containing X elements in the same period of the periodic table, the activation barrier increases along with the decrease of the atomic number. Charges on the S atom and dissociation energies of the S–X bonds have a great impact on the reactivity of these reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasites have adapted a distinct invasion mechanism involving a close interaction between the parasite ligands and the sialic acid (SA) receptor. We found that sialic acid binding protein-1 (SABP1), localized on the outer membrane of the zoonotic parasite Toxoplasma gondii , readily binds to sialic acid on the host cell surface. The binding was sensitive to neuraminidase treatment. Cells preincubated with recombinant SABP1 protein resisted parasite invasion in vitro. The parasite lost its invasion capacity and animal infectivity after the SABP1 gene was deleted, whereas complementation of the SABP1 gene restored the virulence of the knockout strain. These data establish the critical role of SABP1 in the invasion process of T. gondii. The previously uncharacterized protein, SABP1, facilitated T. gondii attachment and invasion via sialic acid receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

LDH/P supramolecule with exfoliated and intercalated structure by exfoliation/adsorption and in situ polymerization method is prepared, respectively. Afterward, the LDH/polymer supramolecule with exfoliated (LDH/P‐E, exfoliation/adsorption) and intercalated (LDH/P‐I, in situ polymerization) and partial exfoliated and partial intercalated (LDH/P‐B, physical blending, reported in the previous work) is used in leather tanning and retanning process to evaluate the structure–activity relationship between LDH/P and leather application performance. LDH/P supramolecule with exfoliated structure shows the best intensification ability to most of the leather performances, and the sequence of intensification ability of LDH/P is LDH/P‐E > LDH/P‐B > LDH/P‐I. This is related to the size and penetration property of LDH/P. For the leather performance intensification, the positively charged LDH layers can promote the absorption of negatively charged leather chemicals, and thus the dyeing and softness of leather can be intensified. The nanolayered structure of LDH filled between leather gaps can play a toughening and block effect, and thus the physical and mechanical strength, thickening rate, and the inhibition of volatilization of small organic molecule property of leather can be intensified. Furthermore, the reduction of chemical oxygen demand value of dyeing waste water is also an evidence that the LDH/P is an environmental retanning auxiliary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mockery is pervasive in conversational humour. However, little research has been conducted to explore the influence of localised sociocultural constraints on the linguistic choices of interlocutors during jocular mockery acts, especially in non-English-speaking contexts. This paper was written with a focus on examining the jocular mockery strategies that speakers of Mandarin Chinese use to amuse others and the extent to which the speakers adapt themselves to a playful frame. Data were collected from the jocular episodes of 'The Smiling Proud Wanderer' (' Xiao'ao Jianghu '), a television show that was broadcast in standard Mandarin Chinese at the national level in 2016. Based on a detailed analysis of the data, we classified jocular mockery strategies into four categories: jocular depreciation, jocular criticism, jocular directive, and jocular praise. The results indicate that the Chinese prefer using face-threatening strategies (rather than face-saving strategies) to construct a playful frame while mitigating the denigrating force of jocular mockery in the RTV show context. In addition, while the Chinese with high institutional status tend to contextualise the playful frame in an other-denigrating manner, those with low status tend to construct the frame in a self-denigrating way. • This study examines how Chinese manage conversational humour through jocular mockery in interactions. • Four types of jocular mockery strategies are identified: jocular depreciation, jocular criticism, jocular directives, and jocular praise. • The Chinese prefer using face-threatening strategies to construct a playful frame. • Chinese with a high institutional and social status tend to frame other-directed playfulness. • Chinese with a low institutional and social status generally frame playfulness in a more self-directed way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Array-induced voltages and conventional heating were used for pectin extraction. • Differential effect on the extraction caused by the layout of the induced voltages. • Physicochemical properties and morphology of the pectin were investigated. • Neutral sugars, molecular weight, and esterification degree were affected. Array-induced voltage was used to enhance the extraction of pectin from grapefruit peel. The voltages induced by synchronous alternating magnetic fluxes as stimulus, provided an efficient extraction approach. The dynamics of pectin extraction is described by a pseudo-first-order model. The pectin yield and extraction rate of pectin depended on the vector of the in-phase and reverse-phase voltages. The transposed arrangement of the voltages had no significant influence on the pectin extraction rate. The maximum yield of 10.34%, obtained at 1000 V, a 0° phase difference and a 3 × 3 in-phase voltage array, was 5.74- and 1.3-fold higher than that of the control (0 V) and conventional heating method, respectively. This approach led to a rapid release of pectin with lower neutral sugar content, average molecular weight, Galacturonic acid content, esterification degree, and dynamic viscosity as a result of local heating by the voltage sources (potential hotspots) in the sample solution. Morphological analysis demonstrated the increased extraction of pectin from grapefruit peel by array-induced voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Electroacupuncture (EA) is widely used in various gastrointestinal diseases around the world, including POI. Here, we investigated different therapeutic effects of EA using lower limb and abdomen acupoints. Methods: Intestinal manipulation was performed in 88 mice, and eight mice underwent a sham operation. Forty mice were randomly divided into model group and four EA groups receiving stimulation at ST36 (2, 10, 30, 100 Hz). The most effective frequency was then used in the following experiments. Forty‐eight mice were randomly divided into six groups receiving EA treatment at ST37, ST39, ST25, CV4, CV12, and a non‐acupuncture point. Gastrointestinal motility and plasma TNF‐α, IL‐6 were evaluated in all mice. The local immune response and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) expression were assessed by immunofluorescence, ELISA, and HE staining. Results: ST36 stimulated with 10 or 30 Hz EA significantly increased the gastrointestinal motility and attenuated peripheral inflammation; however, ST36 stimulated with 2 or 100 Hz did not induce any effect. The therapeutic effects on motility and inflammation of 10 Hz EA in the ST36 group were similar in the ST36, ST37, ST39, or CV4 groups, but when applied to ST25, CV12 or non‐acupoint had no significant differences. EA at ST36, ST37, ST39, or CV4 significantly inhibited local MPO activity, immune cells infiltration, and increased α‐SMA. Conclusions: EA at lower limb and abdomen acupoints with the same stimulation parameters had different therapeutic effects on postoperative dysmotility and inflammation. Furthermore, EA protected SMC to improve gastrointestinal transit by reducing local inflammation in the intestinal musculature in POI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only a few studies have reported nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in young patients notwithstanding its fatal and devastating characteristics. This study investigated the clinical characteristics and outcome of nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in young patients in comparison to those of the elderly. A retrospective review of consecutive patients admitted at the department of neurosurgery of two tertiary care medical centers presenting with first-ever nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage was performed. We identified and compared the demographics, etiologies, risk factors, and laboratory, radiological, and clinical findings between elderly and young patients. Additionally, logistic regression analyses of independent prognostic factors associated with 1-month mortality and favorable functional outcome were performed. Altogether, 247 patients including 69 young patients and 178 elderly patients were enrolled. On multivariate analysis, young patients exhibited significantly more often an infratentorial hematoma location, excessive alcohol consumption, and high body mass index (BMI), but less frequent systemic hypertension. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in 1-month mortality (17.46% and 18.01% for young and elderly patients, respectively), but the favorable functional outcome based on modified Rankin scale score of 0 or 1 was significantly different between the two groups (favorable outcome in 51.79% and 29.93% of patients, respectively). Predictors of 1-month mortality was the presence of herniation in the young group, and lower Glasgow Coma Scale score, renal or heart disease, and leukocytosis (WBC > 10,000) in the elderly group. Lower National Institutes Health Stroke Scale score was associated with favorable functional outcome in both groups. Nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage in younger patients appears to be associated with excessive alcohol consumption and high BMI. Younger patients had similar short-term mortality but more favorable functional outcome than the elderly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: The local prevalence of HPgV‐1 has been reported from different countries worldwide, but the global prevalence of HPgV‐1 remains unknown. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to gather data from the literature to estimate the prevalence of HPgV‐1 in healthy volunteer blood donors in the world. Materials and methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar databases for records up to January 2019 and included studies reporting HPgV‐1 virus prevalence amongst healthy volunteer blood donors based on the detection of HPgV‐1 RNA. Results: In all, we included 79 studies for the systematic review and 63 for the meta‐analysis. Based on the random effect meta‐analysis of 35 468 volunteer blood donors, we found the global prevalence of HPgV‐1 to be 3·1% (95% CI, 2·4–4·1). The pooled prevalences of HPgV‐1 were 1·7% (95% CI, 1·1–2·6) in North America, 9·1% (95% CI, 6·4–12·7) in South America, 2·3% (95% CI, 2%, 2·8) in Europe and 2·4% (95% CI, 1·4–4) in Asia. Subgroup analyses based on age, gender or risk factors were not possible. Conclusion: Approximately 3 in 100 blood donations worldwide are positive for HPgV‐1 increasing the risk of infection from transfusion of their components to subsequent recipients. Further research on virus pathogenicity is required before recommending routine screening of HPgV‐1 for healthy volunteer blood donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobitis macrostigma, a small-sized benthic fish species, is an endemic species distributing in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of C. macrostigma was first sequenced and the phylogenetic relationship with its closely related species was estimated. It was 16,573 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 tRNAs and a control region. The total base composition was A 29.6%, T 28.1%, C 25.7%, G 16.6%, with A + T content of 57.7%. This species shared the same gene composition and structural arrangement of mitogenome with other Cobitidae fish. Phylogenetic analyses showed that C. macrostigma has a relatively close relationship with other 18 Cobitinae species and was closer to Cobitis qujiangensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Verticillium wilt of cotton is a serious soil-borne disease that causes a substantial reduction in cotton yields. A previous study showed that the endophytic fungus Chaetomium globosum CEF-082 could control Verticillium wilt of cotton, and induce a defense response in cotton plants. However, the comprehensive molecular mechanism governing this response is not yet clear. Results: To study the signalling mechanism induced by CEF-082, the transcriptome of cotton seedlings pretreated with CEF-082 was sequenced. The results revealed 5638 DEGs at 24 h post inoculation with CEF-082, and 2921 and 2153 DEGs at 12 and 48 h post inoculation with Verticillium dahliae, respectively. At 24 h post inoculation with CEF-082, KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the DEGs were enriched mainly in the plant-pathogen interaction, MAPK signalling pathway-plant, flavonoid biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways. There were 1209 DEGs specifically induced only in cotton plants inoculated with V. dahliae in the presence of the biocontrol fungus CEF-082, and not when cotton plants were only inoculated with V. dahliae. GO analysis revealed that these DEGs were enriched mainly in the following terms: ROS metabolic process, H2O2 metabolic process, defense response, superoxide dismutase activity, and antioxidant activity. Moreover, many genes, such as ERF, CNGC, FLS2, MYB, GST and CML, that regulate crucial points in defense-related pathways were identified and may contribute to V. dahliae resistance in cotton. These results provide a basis for understanding the molecular mechanism by which the biocontrol fungus CEF-082 increases the resistance of cotton to Verticillium wilt. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that CEF-082 could regulate multiple metabolic pathways in cotton. After treatment with V. dahliae, the defense response of cotton plants preinoculated with CEF-082 was strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus hyicus, considered as a leading pathogen of exudative epidermitis, is a serious threat to humans and animals. The emergency of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, especially in human and animal health fields, leads to an urgent need of exploration of new antimicrobial agents. In this study, NZX, a plectasin-derived peptide, was firstly expressed in Pichia pastoris X-33 and was purified by cation exchange chromatography, followed by detection of its antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the total secreted protein concentration in fermentation supernatant was up to 2820 mg/L (29 °C) after 120-h induction in a 5-L fermentor. The yield of NZX reached up to 965 mg/L with a purity of 92.6%. The recombinant expressed NZX had a strong antimicrobial activity, high stability, and low toxicity. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of NZX and ceftriaxone (CRO) against Gram-positive bacteria were 0.46 to 0.91 μM and 6.04 to 12.09 μM, respectively. The time-killing curves showed that S. hyicus NCTC10350 was killed completely by 2× and 4 × MIC of NZX within 24 h. NZX also exhibited the intracellular activity against S. hyicus in Hacat cells. After treatment with NZX (10 mg/kg) and CRO (60 mg/kg), the survival rates of mice were 100% and 83.3%, respectively. NZX inhibited the bacterial translocation, downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-6), upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10), and ameliorated multiple-organ injuries (the liver, spleen, lung, and kidney). This study provides evidence that the expressed NZX has the potential to become a powerful candidate as novel antimicrobial agents against S. hyicus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was considered as a poisonous gas or waste of the body. Later, researchers found that H2S-producing enzymes exist in mammals. Moreover, their findings indicated that endogenous H2S was associated with the occurrence of many diseases. Therefore, endogenous H2S is able to participate in the regulation of physiological and pathological functions of the body as a gas signaling molecule. In this review, we summarize the regulation mechanism of endogenous H2S on the body, such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration, angiogenesis, as well as vasodilation/vasoconstriction. Furthermore, we also analyze the relationship between H2S and some chronic diseases, including hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, myocardial infarction, ischemic perfusion kidney injury, diabetes, and chronic intestinal diseases. Finally, we discuss dietary restriction and drugs that target for H2S. Hence, H2S is expected to become a potential target for treatment of these chronic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-dimensional lattice model consisting of truss elements was developed in this study to characterize the failure behavior under arbitrary loading and fracture behavior of wood. The characteristic of this model is to use the integral analytical procedure to determine the elastic stiffness and ultimate strengths of bonds based on energy and strength criteria, respectively, instead of using the trial-and-error method adopted by the current scholars in the field of timber. To prove the feasibility of the lattice model, the tension test, compression test, shear test, and off-axis test on Korean pine were carried out, and two types of fracture tests of Pinus pinaster were cited. The properties of the truss elements were determined from the basic mechanical parameters of wood. The simulated results from using the proposed lattice model were compared with the experimental data, and good agreements including deformation and stress–strain curves were observed. The lattice model in this paper can accurately simulate the failure and fracture behavior of heterogeneous wood, and this method can promote the use of lattice models in the wood mesoscopic and microscopic fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) is a promising but extremely challenging approach for ammonia synthesis under ambient conditions. Herein, we report the excellent NRR performance of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with multiple high-index facets, prepared by a modified seed-mediated method. At −0.3 V vs. RHE and in 0.1 M Li2SO4 aqueous solution, the AuNPs afford the highest faradaic efficiency (FE) of 73.32% reported so far, with a remarkable ammonia generation rate of 9.22 μg h−1 cm−2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the high-index faceted surfaces of the AuNPs have greater preference for the adsorption of NRR intermediates (*NNH) and significantly hinder the adsorption of competing hydrogen evolution intermediates (*H). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apelin and its G protein-coupled receptor APJ are specifically expressed in endocrine organs. As well known, the hypothalamus is the regulatory center of endocrine activity, which combined with the pituitary and other gonads form regulatory axes involved in endocrine function. Evidence to date has shown that the apelin/APJ system plays an important role in mediating these axes, such as food intake, acute stress, steroid release, as well as, an anti-depressant-like activity. Here we review the effect of the apelin/APJ system on hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axes. Although the apelinergic system exerts a positive effect on these axes, there are contradictory reports on the role of apelin in endocrine disease caused by hypothalamic-pituitary disorders. Thus, as research continues to evolve we expect that apelin-related drugs can be used as a treatment for clinical diseases resulting from hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction. • Apelin/APJ system is widely distributed in the hypothalamic-pituitary axes. • Apelin/APJ system affects hypothalamic-pituitary axes via signaling pathways. • Drugs for apelin used as a treatment for hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many timber structures around the world were built hundreds of years ago, and they are still standing after a long period of service with environmental erosion and damages caused by human activities. This is due to a combination of excellent form of construction, careful maintenance and outstanding physical properties of wood. How to evaluate the safety margin of wood, understand its working performance and evaluate the residual life duration accurately are the common problems with all structural engineers. This paper proposes a set of simplified models based on the widely used Gerhards cumulative damage model to intuitively describe the relationship between the stress level and life duration of wood under different load conditions. The scope of application of these models with existing experimental data sets was then analyzed. Finally, a method to predict the residual strength and residual life duration of wood in bending is proposed based on the simplified model under constant load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thresholding is an efficient step to extract quantitative information since the potential artefacts are often introduced by the point-spread effect of tomographic imaging. The thresholding value was previously selected only relying on engineering experience or histogram of tomographic image, which often presents a great challenge to determine an accurate thresholding value for various applications. As the tomographic image features often do not provide sufficient information to choose the best thresholding value, the information implicit in the measured boundary data is introduced into the thresholding process in this paper. A projection error, the relative difference between the computed boundary data of current segmentation and the measured boundary data, is proposed as a quantitative measure of such image segmentation quality. Then, a new multistep image segmentation process, called size projection algorithm (SPA), is proposed to automatically determine an optimal thresholding value by minimising the projection error. Results of simulation and experiment demonstrate the improved performance of the SPA-based tomographic image segmentation. An application of size projection algorithm for gas-water two-phase flow visualisation is also reported in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the α-satisfactory goal programming (GP) method is proposed for multi-objective optimization (MOO) with priorities and fuzzy parameters. Fuzzy parameters are treated as fuzzy numbers, and all objectives are modeled into fuzzy goals over α-level sets. The order of α-satisfactory degrees is applied to preemptive priority requirement, where the objectives with higher priority can achieve the higher α-satisfactory degree. In order to guarantee the feasibility and seek the preferred solution, a priority variable is introduced to relax the strict order. For three fuzzy relations, GP is combined with the relaxed order constraint to formulate the different α-satisfactory optimization models. By regulating optimization parameters λ and α, the most satisfactory solution over fuzzy parameters can be obtained, and the balance between optimization and priority can be realized. The reformulated α-GP models are proved to be feasible, and their solutions are guaranteed to be M-α-Pareto optimal by the test model. In order to decrease optimization burden, the algorithm to compute the α-maximum regulating parameter is proposed, by which the bound of λ can be determined. The effectiveness of the proposed method is well demonstrated by numerical examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a potent anti-neoplastic agent with cumulative cardiotoxicity. DOX-induced cardiotoxicity has been shown to depend on the different dosing times. However, the basis for determining the dosing time to minimize DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Here we first showed that SIRT3, the major mitochondrial deacetylase, is negatively correlated to DOX-induced cardiotoxicity through the regulation of ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) level and ROS level in human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs). Then, we used in vivo experiments to demonstrate that DOX significantly reduced the SIRT3 expression and the SIRT3 activity as reflected by the increased AcK68MnSOD/MnSOD ratio in rats after six weeks of treatment. Notably, the activity of SIRT3 had an obvious diurnal rhythm pattern in the myocardium of healthy rats. More importantly, an obvious lower AcK68MnSOD/MnSOD ratio was observed in rat hearts with DOX administrated at Zeitgeber time (ZT) 9 (ZT 0 was the time lights were turned on) than ZT1, which represent the peak and trough of SIRT3 activity. Moreover, DOX ZT9 reduced the body weight loss, extended the survival period, improved the heart function and alleviated the myocardial lesions compared to DOX ZT1. Mechanistic investigations demonstrated that DOX ZT1 significantly reduced ATP production, oxygen consumption rate (OCR) at various respiration states, MMP level and MnSOD activity and enhanced the H 2 O 2 level compared with CON ZT1, whereas there was no significant effect for DOX ZT9 compared with CON ZT9. Taken together, dosing at the peak time of SIRT3 activity reduced DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, which may be related to the increased endogenous tolerance against the mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress caused by DOX. • SIRT3 plays a critical role in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in hiPSC-CMs. • Dosing depending on SIRT3 activity attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. • Dosing depending on SIRT3 activity renders tolerance against mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A catalase-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers-based colorimetric platform was prepared for visual detection of hydrogen peroxide. • Catalase-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers were prepared for colorimetric detection of H 2 O 2. • Catalase-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers showed enhanced activity compared with free catalase. • Catalase-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers exhibited good stability and reusability. A catalase-inorganic hybrid nanoflowers (Cat-HNFs)-based colorimetric platform was prepared for visual detection of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2). Catalase via coordination was self-assembled and embedded in the copper phosphate crystals by sonication. Under the designed colorimetric system, Cat-HNFs showed linear absorbance responses toward H 2 O 2 in the concentration range of 1 μM to 1 mM, and the detection limit was 1 μM. Compared to free catalase, Cat-HNFs exhibited enhanced activity and stability for H 2 O 2 detection. Moreover, after 5 cycles via centrifugal recovery, Cat-HNFs still remained 68% of their initial activity. The detection result in human serum suggested Cat-HNFs can be a promisng candidate for the detection of H 2 O 2 in biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cutting mixed oil in product pipelines has a great influence on the economy of the pipeline operation processes. The reasonable prediction of CDMS (the concentration distribution in the mixed segment) is important for cutting mixed segments. The classical model cannot explain the tailing phenomenon well which should not be neglected during operation processes. Based on Fick's diffusion law, a new model for calculating the diffusion coefficient is proposed in this article, which originates from the essence of the diffusion phenomenon and considers the effects of both physical properties of oil products and the turbulence. At the same time, the dynamic fluid equilibrium model of CDMS near the pipe wall is given which has considered the adsorption effect of wall roughness. Based on these two factors, a novel numerical model for simulating the quantity of tailing oil is proposed, which is solved via the characteristic method and the finite difference method. The effects of different physical properties, as well as the adsorption, on both LFMS (the length of the front of the mixed segment) and LTMS (the length of the tail of the mixed segment), are analyzed. The comparison between the simulation results and the experimental data is utilized to validate the proposed numerical model. The simulation results show that the novel model can well describe the mixed segment tailing phenomenon and also explain the mixing essence of two miscible but dissimilar fluids in the pipeline more clearly. To sum up, this model can provide theoretical guidance for the prediction of CDMS and cutting process in practical operation processes; therefore, more economic benefit can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an urgent need to discover new active drugs to combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is a serious threat to humans and animals and incompletely eliminated by antibiotics due to its intracellular accumulation in host cells, production of biofilms, and persisters. Fungal defensin-like peptides (DLPs) are emerging as a potential source of new antibacterial drugs due to their potent antibacterial activity. In this study, nine novel fungal DLPs were firstly identified by querying against UniProt databases and expressed in Pichia pastoris, and their antibacterial and anti-biofilm ability were tested against multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus. Results showed that among them, P2, the highest activity and expression level, showed low toxicity, no resistance, and high stability. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of P2 against Gram-positive bacteria were < 2 μg/mL. P2 exhibited the potent activity against intracellular MDR S. aureus (bacterial reduction in 80–97%) in RAW264.7 macrophages. P2 bound to/disrupted bacterial DNA, wrinkled outer membranes and permeabilized cytoplasmic membranes, but maintained the integrity of bacterial cells. P2 inhibited/eradicated the biofilm and killed 99% persister bacteria, which were resistant to 100× MIC vancomycin. P2 upregulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) and downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α/IL-1β) and chemokine (MCP-1) levels in RAW 264.7 macrophages and in mice, respectively. Five milligram per kilogram P2 enhanced the survival of S. aureus-infected mice (100%), superior to vancomycin (30 mg/kg), inhibited the bacterial translocation, and alleviated multiple-organ injuries (liver, spleen, kidney, and lung). These data suggest that P2 may be a candidate for novel antimicrobial agents against MDR staphylococcal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate estimation of potential evapotranspiration (ET 0) is important for the sound design of irrigation schedules, management of water resources, assessment of hydrological drought, and research on atmospheric variations. The present study proposed a novel deep learning (DL) approach for daily ET 0 estimations with limited daily climate data: HS- LSTM. This approach was constructed based on a classic ET 0 model and a long short-term memory neural network (LSTM). Specifically, the Hargreaves-Samani (HS) model was employed as the classic model, and the predictors were restricted to the daily maximum and minimum air temperature data. Ground truth data for ET 0 were employed to train, validate, and test the models. Traditional machine learning (ML) algorithms comprising adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), genetic programming (GP), multi-gene genetic programming (MGGP), and one-dimensional CNN (1D-CNN), as well as the HS-ML models (HS-ANFIS, HS-GP, HS-MGGP, HS-1D-CNN), were also established and assessed for daily ET 0 estimations. Compared to the other tested approaches, the errors of the HS-LSTM technique significantly decreased, demonstrating that the novel HS-LSTM approach significantly outperformed the other techniques beyond the study area (in Songliao Basin, Northeast China, which is a semi-humid zone with temperate continental climate). The developed models can then be used to estimate future ET 0 with only air temperature forecasts, which can be readily obtained from public weather forecasts. The present study provides a new and promising strategy that can provide more accurate estimations of daily ET 0 with limited meteorological data, along with significant implications for enhancing atmospheric research. • We propose a novel HS-LSTM approach for improving daily ET 0 estimation. • The approach was applied in Northeast China with a temperate continental climate. • The proposed approach performed better than traditional machine learning approaches. • The developed models can accurately estimate daily ET 0 using only air temperature data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is emerging as a serious liver disorder characterized by hepatic steatosis and liver inflammation. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and NAD+-dependent deacetylase, SIRT1, play important roles in lipid metabolism in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, their effects on liver inflammation and homeostasis of bile acids (BAs), the extensively proved pathophysiological actors in NASH, have not been fully understood. NASH animal model was induced by a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet in C57BL/6J mice and intraperitoneally injected with NAD+ precursor, an agonist of upstream rate-limiting enzyme NAMPT or downstream SIRT1, or their vehicle solvents. Free fatty acid (FFA) was applied to HepG2 cells to construct the cell model. Induction of NAMPT/NAD+/SIRT1 axis could remarkably alleviate the aggravated inflammation in the liver of NASH mice, accompanied by decreased levels of total BAs throughout the enterohepatic system and a switch of BA synthesis from the classic pathway to the alternative pathway, resulting in less production of pro-inflammatory 12-OH BAs. The expressions of key enzymes including cyp7a1 , cyp8b1 , cyp27a1 and cyp7b1 in BA synthesis were significantly modulated after NAMPT/NAD+/SIRT1 axis induction in both animal and cell models. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in liver were significantly negatively correlated with the intermediates in NAD+ metabolism, which may also be related to their regulation on BA homeostasis. Our results indicated that induction of NAMPT/NAD+/SIRT1 axis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for NASH or its complications related with BAs. [Display omitted] • Induction of NAMPT/NAD+/SIRT1 axis alleviates liver inflammation in NASH mice. • Total BAs and pro-inflammatory 12-OH BAs decreased after NAMPT/NAD+/SIRT1 induction. • A switch of BAs from the classic to alternative pathway occurred in NASH mice. • NAMPT/NAD+/SIRT1 directly influenced the key enzymes of BAs in HepG2 cell model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of mortality in patients with diabetes and obesity. Hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in diabetes alters cardiac function, which is associated with broader cellular processes such as aberrant inflammatory signaling. Recent studies have shown that a pattern recognition receptor called Dectin-1, expressed on macrophages, mediates pro-inflammatory responses in innate immunity. In the present study, we examined the role of Dectin-1 in the pathogenesis of diabetic cardiomyopathy. We observed increased Dectin-1 expression in heart tissues of diabetic mice and localized the source to macrophages. We then investigated the cardiac function in Dectin-1-deficient mice with STZ-induced type 1 diabetes and high-fat-diet-induced type 2 diabetes. Our results show that Dectin-1 deficient mice are protected against diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, tissue fibrosis, and inflammation. Mechanistically, our studies show that Dectin-1 is important for cell activation and induction of inflammatory cytokines in high-concentration glucose and palmitate acid (HG + PA)-challenged macrophages. Deficiency of Dectin-1 generate fewer paracrine inflammatory factors capable of causing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and fibrotic responses in cardiac fibroblasts. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that Dectin-1 mediates diabetes-induced cardiomyopathy through regulating inflammation. Dectin-1 may be a potential target to combat diabetic cardiomyopathy. [Display omitted] • Dectin-1 is upregulated in cardiac tissue of diabetic mice. • Dectin-1 aggravates diabetic cardiomyopathy via regulating Syk/NF-κB activation and cardiac inflammatory response. • Dectin-1-mediated cytokines in macrophages promote hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes and fibrosis in cardiac fibroblasts. • Targeting Dectin-1 may offer new promises in diabetes-induced cardiac injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Aqueous gel supercapacitors, as an important component of flexible energy storage devices, have received widespread attention for their fast charging/discharging rates, long cycle life and high electrochemical stability under mechanical deformation condition. However, the low energy density of aqueous gel supercapacitors has greatly hindered their further development due to the narrow electrochemical window and limited energy storage capacity. Therefore, different metal cation-doped MnO 2 /carbon cloth-based flexible electrodes herein are prepared by constant voltage deposition and electrochemical oxidation in various saturated sulphate solutions. The influence of different metal cations as K+, Na+ and Li+ doping and deposition conditions on the apparent morphology, lattice structure and electrochemical properties are explored. Furthermore, the pseudo-capacitance ratio of the doped MnO 2 and the voltage expansion mechanism of the composite electrode are investigated. The specific capacitance and pseudo-capacitance ratio of the optimized δ-Na 0.31 MnO 2 /carbon cloth as MNC-2 electrode could be reached 327.55 F/g at 10 mV/s and 35.56% of the pseudo-capacitance, respectively. The flexible symmetric supercapacitors (NSCs) with desirable electrochemical performances in the operating range of 0–1.4 V are further assembled with MNC-2 as the electrodes. The energy density is 26.8 Wh/kg at the power density of 300 W/kg, while the energy density can still reach 19.1 Wh/kg when the power density is up to 1150 W/kg. The energy storage devices with high-performance developed in this work can provide new ideas and strategic support for the application in portable and wearable electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is clear that the advantages of fibre glass-reinforced plastics surpass those of steel, but the failure analysis of composite structures is much more complex than that of isotropic materials as composite materials may fail in a variety of ways. In order to simulate the damage and fracture of bolted joints of fibre reinforced composite, the bond-based peridynamic method suitable for elastic, brittle and anisotropic characteristics of composite material is used. The peridynamic model for composite laminate is validated by the finite element method. Then a peridynamic program of composite damage is applied to calculating the damage of bolted joint structure and the damage propagation process and failure mode of the structure is obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Gracilaria lemaneiformis grew well under different nutrient conditions. • Gracilaria lemaneiformis had high nutrient removal efficiencies under different nutrient conditions. • Gracilaria lemaneiformis showed high ecosystem services in mariculture areas. Abstract The growth and nutrient uptake of Gracilaria lemaneiformis under different nutrient conditions, with implications for ecosystem services, were evaluated in the laboratory and in an enclosed mariculture sea area in Yantian Bay at the coast of East China Sea. In laboratory experiments, the specific growth rate (SGR) ranged 1.29%/d–7.99%/d, and nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and dissolved inorganic carbon (C) uptake rate was 0.067–1.603 μmol/(g∙h), 0.002–0.069 μmol/(g∙h), and 4.01–31.25 μmol/(g∙h), respectively, under different nutrient conditions. In field experiments, the SGR ranged from 6.30%/d to 13.00%/d, and the average C sequestration rate was 9.25 mg/(g DW·h) and 6.68 mg/(g DW·h) in the G. lemaneiformis cultivation area (region 1) and fish cage area (region 4), respectively. The NH 4 +-N uptake rate of G. lemaneiformis was the highest in region 1 and region 4 with 56.98 ± 4.81 μg/(g DW·h) and 38.68 ± 7.12 μg/(g DW·h), respectively. The maximum removal efficiency of NH 4 +-N, NO 3 −-N, NO 2 --N, and PO 4 3--P were 45.99–59.79%, 13.10–30.21%, 12.88–14.11%, and 27.07–31.49% in G. lemaneiformis cultivated areas compared with those in fish cage area. The extrapolated results showed that 1192.03 tonnes of C, 128.10 tonnes of N and 15.89 tonnes of P would be simultaneously sequestered from the seawater through G. lemaneiformis cultivation in Yantian Bay. Results indicated that G. lemaneiformis had high growth rates and nutrient removal efficiencies under different nutrient conditions, which made it a good candidate for seaweed/animals integrated multi-trophic aquaculture in nutrient bioextraction and economic diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Chemical waste compositions are important for municipal solid waste management, as they determine the pollution potentials from different waste strategies. A representative dataset for chemical characteristics of individual waste fractions is frequently required to assess chemical waste composition, but it is usually reported in developed countries and not in developing countries. In this study, a dataset for Chinese waste was established through careful data screening and assessment, named as CN dataset. Meanwhile, a dataset for Danish waste (DK dataset) was also summarized based on previous studies. In order to quantitatively evaluate the reliabilities of CN and DK datasets, the chemical waste compositions in four Chinese cities were estimated by utilizing both of them, respectively. It is indicated that the usage of CN datasets led to significantly lower discrepancies from the actual values based on laboratory analysis in most cases. Within the datasets, the moisture contents of food waste, paper, textiles, and plastics, the carbon content of food waste, as well as the oxygen content of plastics would induce significant divergences, which should be paid special attention when gathering the information. In addition, the fractional waste compositions in China showed similar features with other developing countries but differ significantly with developed countries. Thus the above-mentioned conclusions could also be true in other developing countries. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper proposes a framework to predict the buckling limit states of C-section purlins under wind uplift load with top flange restrained by the sheeting. The prediction framework includes a nonlinear twisting model to account for the flexural-torsional behavior and the application on the Direct Strength Method. The torsional effect induced by load eccentricity and the diaphragm effects provided by sheeting are incorporated into the flexural-torsional differential equations of the nonlinear twisting model. The biaxial bending moments and bi-moment, the flexural-torsional buckling strength and the stress distribution of the purlin can be obtained from the proposed model. On the basis of the Finite Strip Method (FSM), the elastic buckling load can be calculated through reducing the applied bending moments by the load factor. Thereafter, the Direct Strength Method is modified to account for the buckling interaction behavior influenced by the warping-torsion and diaphragm effects. A database of 17 simple-span purlin tests is used to validate the proposed model. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Proposed a nonlinear twisting model to calculate the biaxial bending moments and bi-moment. • Elastic buckling load can be obtained based on the biaxial bending moments and bi-moment combined with FSM. • Proposed a modified Direct Strength Method to account for the interaction behavior considering the diaphragm effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bupleuri radix and liquorice are commonly used as a hepatoprotectants. Their main effective ingredients are triterpenoid saponins. It is known that the saponins in liquorice and Bupleuri radix not only promote the metabolism of sugar and lipids but also have anti‐inflammatory functions and hepatoprotective effect. However, the complexity of these compounds results in difficulty in studying their pharmacodynamics and mechanism. In this study, glycosides were the main components that were identified and selected as the main research object. First, the mass spectrometry information of the main chemical components in liquorice and Bupleuri radix were collected from the literature. The characteristic fragments and neutral losses were summarized according to typical cleavage methods. Second, the samples were analysed using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, and characteristic fragment filters and neutral loss filters were successfully applied to screen 18 saponins from Bupleuri radix and 23 saponins and nine flavonoid glycosides from liquorice. Rapid classification and identification of the main components in Bupleuri radix and liquorice were finally achieved. This method promoted the development of chemical components in Bupleuri radix and liquorice, and provided a new way for screening, classifying, and identifying target components in complex samples of metabolomics and pharmacokinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A disposable continuous-flow system was established by treating apple juice with induced electric field (IEF). Under synchronous alternating magnetic flux, rather than electrodes, the electrical treatment was implemented in multi-series coils consisting of the flowing sample. An activation effect at 50 °C and inactivation effect at 70 °C were observed under IEF. High excitation voltage (900 V) caused a significant decrease in the residual activities (RA). As the flow rate decreased from 87.5 to 17.5 mL/min, RA of PPO and POD were changed without applying IEF indicated shear effect of the pump had an impact on the RAs. At 17.5 mL/min, PPO was inactivated after IEF treatment for 7.6 min. In compared with the control (0 V), the fluid impedance was increased at 70 °C and 80 °C under IEF, whereas it was decreased at 30 °C and 40 °C. IEF had no adverse influence on the color and volatile compounds of apple juice in this system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bile acids receptor TGR5 and its agonist INT-777, which has been found to be involved in the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, play an important role in inflammatory diseases. However, the role of INT-777 in acute pancreatitis (AP) has not been reported. In this present study, we found that TGR5 was expressed in pancreatic tissue and increased after AP onset induced by caerulein and further evaluated the impact of INT-777 on the severity of AP. The results showed that INT-777 could reduce the severity of AP in mice, which was manifested as decreased pancreatic tissue damage as well as the decrease of serum enzymes (amylase and lipase), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and the expression of necrosis related proteins (RIP3 and p-MLKL). Furthermore, we found that INT-777 reduced the reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in pancreatic acinar cells and inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In conclusion, our data showed that INT-777 could protect pancreatic acinar cell against necrosis and reduce the severity of AP, which may be mediated by inhibiting ROS/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Picrasma quassioides (D. Don) Benn. is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine for anti‐inflammation and antibiosis. Canthinone and β‐carboline alkaloids are the main characteristic constituents that possess diverse pharmacological effects, such as anti‐inflammatory and anti‐infectious properties. In this study, bioautography in thin‐layer chromatography indicated that the antiradical activity compound may be alkaloids. Then, a simple, fast, and efficient method was established for the separation and purification of two types of alkaloids from P. quassioides by mass‐spectrometry‐directed autopurification system. Eight alkaloids were isolated and purified in this one‐step methodology. Among them, five compounds (3, 95.1%, 58.8 mg; 4, 98.4%, 71.7 mg; 6, 97.8%, 365.4 mg; 7, 97.7%, 172.7 mg; 8, 98.2%, 180.3 mg) were obtained in large amounts with extremely high purities. Then, the antiradical activities of the isolates showed that 4‐methoxy‐5‐hydroxycanthin‐6‐one (6) exhibited obvious 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl free radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 84.037 μM. This study offers a new method for the preparation of targeted bioactive alkaloids in P. quassioides. This work also provides a reference for the separation of other targeted chemical components with potential activities from traditional Chinese herbal medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese heritage timber buildings are of high historical and cultural values. The column footing joint is an important connection influencing the structural performance under dynamic load. The moment-rotation relationship of a column footing joint is studied and the effects of vertical load and ratio of column height to diameter on its rotational behavior are analyzed. A spring elements model is proposed to simulate the column footing joint and its stiffness matrix can be simplified to include only one stiffness parameter K with some assumptions. A component-based finite-element model of a timber pavilion is then developed to investigate the effect of rotational stiffness on the structural dynamic characteristics. Results show that a heavier vertical load may lead to larger ultimate moment capacity of the joint. The initial rotational stiffness and ultimate moment capacity decrease with increasing column height to diameter ratio. The modal frequency of the structure studied changes remarkably when the rotational stiffness K varies from 104 to 108 N▪m/rad. The column footing joints should be regarded as semirigid connections in the structural dynamic analysis. A field experiment was also conducted to further demonstrate that the rotational stiffness of column footing joint has notable influence on the dynamic characteristics of traditional Chinese timber structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many studies have indicated that structural strain will be significantly influenced by temperature variations, and a good understanding of the effect of temperature on structural strain is essential. A structural health monitoring system has been installed in a typical Tibetan timber building to measure the structural strains and ambient temperature since 2012. This paper presents the correlation between temperature and strain data from the monitored structure. A method combining singular spectrum analysis and polynomial regression is proposed for modeling the temperature induced strains in the structure. Singular spectrum analysis is applied to smooth the temperature data, and the correlation between the resulting temperature time series and the measured strains is obtained by polynomial regression. Parameters of the singular spectrum analysis and the regression model are selected to have the least regression error. Results show that the proposed method has both good reproduction and prediction capabilities for temperature induced strains, and that the method is accurate and effective for eliminating the effect of temperature from the measured strain. A standardized Novelty Index based on the residual strain is also used for the condition assessment of the structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flexible supercapacitors have important implications in the field of smart clothing and wearables due to the ultra-fast charging/discharging rate, long cycle life, environmental friendliness and sustainability. However, a simple method is lacking to synthesize wearable electrodes with both wide electrochemical voltage and high capacitance performance in one step. A coaxial electrospinning method is applied herein for preparation of self-supported nanofiber electrode with polycaprolactone (PCL) as the core and Na-MnO 2 as the sheath combined with impregnation of acid-modified carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Na-MnO 2 prepared by hydrothermal method provides extra pseudo-capacitance and wide working window, polycaprolactone (PCL) and acid-modified CNTs further guarantee the stretchability and electrical conductivity. The stretchable symmetric supercapacitors based on the nanofiber electrodes with elongation at break of 62.39 % are further assembled with a capacitance of 0.655 mF/cm2 at 100 mV/s and excellent tensile properties at the wide working voltage of 0–1.2 V. The stretchability and wide voltage of the devices constructed herein only by one-step core-shell spinning demonstrate the great potential of the doped MnO 2 -based nanofiber for applications in wearable energy storage field. [Display omitted] • Stretchable nanofiber electrode was prepared by one-step coaxial electrospinning. • The self-supported electrode was prepared with elongation at break of 62.39 %. • Na-MnO 2 provided extra pseudo-capacitance and wide working window. • PCL and CNTs guaranteed the stretchability and electrical conductivity. • Symmetrical solid-state supercapacitor was assembled at wide working voltage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic alterations are a key hallmark of aging but have been limitedly explored in tissues. Here, using naturally aged murine liver as a model and extending to other quiescent tissues, we find that aging is driven by temporal chromatin alterations that promote a refractory cellular state and compromise cellular identity. Using an integrated multi-omics approach and the first direct visualization of aged chromatin, we find that globally, old cells show H3K27me3-driven broad heterochromatinization and transcriptional suppression. At the local level, site-specific loss of H3K27me3 over promoters of genes encoding developmental transcription factors leads to expression of otherwise non-hepatocyte markers. Interestingly, liver regeneration reverses H3K27me3 patterns and rejuvenates multiple molecular and physiological aspects of the aged liver. [Display omitted] • Global increase of H3K27me3 is a common signature of aged liver and other tissues • H3K27me3 is lost at peak regions and gained at lamin-associated domains • Liver regeneration reverses age-related H3K27me3 and transcriptomic patterns Yang et al. find that the histone modification H3K27me3 accumulates in many tissues with age, due to increased time in quiescence. H3K27me3 is gained over lamin-associated domains but reduced at developmental gene promoters with consequent changes in global and local transcription. Liver regeneration breaks quiescence and partially restores youthful patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut microbiota colonizing the gastrointestinal tract, is an indispensable "invisible organ" that affects multiple aspects of human health. The gut microbial community has been assumed to be an important stimulus to the immune homeostasis and development, and increasing data support the role of the gut microbiota-immunity axis in autoimmune diseases. Host's immune system requires recognition tools to communicate with the gut microbial evolutionary partners. Among these microbial perceptions, T cells enable the widest spectrum of gut microbial recognition resolution. Specific gut microbiota direct the induction and differentiation of Th17 cells in intestine. However, the detailed links between the gut microbiota and Th17 cells have not been well established. In this review, we describe the generation and characterization of Th17 cells. Notably, we discuss the induction and differentiation of Th17 cells by the gut microbiota and their metabolites, as well as recent advances in our understanding of interactions between Th17 cells and the gut microbiota in human diseases. In addition, we provide the emerging evidences in support of interventions targeting the gut microbes/Th17 cells in human diseases. [Display omitted] ● Th17 cells are clinically correlated with the gut microbiota in human diseases. ● The gut microbiota and their metabolites trigger the induction and differentiation of Th17 cells. ● The gut microbiota can interact with Th17 cells in human diseases. ● The interactions between the gut microbiota and Th17 cells provide opportunities to improve human diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induced electric field (IEF), as an alternative non-conventional processing technique, is utilized to sterilize liquid foods. In this study, the survival and sublethal injury of S. aureus under IEF were investigated in 0.85% normal saline, and the inactivation mechanism of IEF was expounded. The plate count results showed that the sublethal injury rates remained above 90% after IEF treatment for more than 8.4 s, and 7.1 log CFU/mL of S. aureus was completely inactivated after 14 s IEF treatment. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope images showed that IEF caused the destruction of cell membrane and internal substructure, and the damage to intracellular substructure was more severe. Altered membrane integrity or permeability was demonstrated through flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscope analysis, and the different damage to cells was quantified by propidium iodide & 5-carboxy fluorescein diacetate single and double staining. In addition, IEF treatment also decreased the membrane potential and esterase activity of S. aureus cells. Putative inactivation mechanism of IEF against S. aureus is a complex process, and its apoptosis is the result of the combination of several factors, which provide a basis for understanding the inactivation mechanism of IEF. [Display omitted] • Germicidal efficacy and inactivation mechanism of IEF on S. aureus were explored. • Sublethal injury rates remained above 90% after IEF treatment for more than 8.4 s. • IEF caused the destruction of cell membrane, substructure, and permeability. • IEF decreased the membrane potential and esterase activity of S. aureus cells. • Putative inactivation mechanism of IEF against S. aureus is a complex process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]