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Functionally uncharacterized UPF0118 family has been re-designated as autoinducer-2 exporter (AI-2E) family since one of its members, Escherichia coli YdgG, was identified to function as an AI-2E. However, it's very likely that AI-2E family members may exhibit significantly distinct functions due to low identities between them. Recently, we identified one member of this family designated as UPF0118 to represent a novel class of Na+(Li+)/H+ antiporters. In this study, we presented that UPF0118, together with its homologs, should represent an independent group of AI-2E family, designated as Na+/H+ Antiporter Group. Notably, this group shows five highly conserved motifs designated as Motifs A to E, which are not detected in the majority of AI-2E family members. Functional analysis established that polar or charged residues located in Motif A to D play a vital role in Na+(Li+)/H+ antiport activity or pH response of UPF0118. However, three basic residues located in Motif E are not involved in the function of UPF0118, although the truncation of C terminus resulted in the non-expression of this transporter. Therefore, we propose that E179-R182-K215-Q217-D251-R292-R293-E296-K298-S307 located in Motifs A to D can be used for signature functional motifs to recognize whether AI-2E family members function as Na+(Li+)/H+ antiporters. Current findings positively contribute to the knowledge of molecular mechanism of Na+, Li+ transporting and pH response of UPF0118, and the functional prediction of uncharacterized AI-2E family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investors, researchers, and policy makers have an urgent need to understand the linkages between internet finance and traditional financial markets. This study collects corresponding daily industrial indices of the banking, security, and insurance industries from the Wind database to depict the traditional financial market in China and uses an online loan comprehensive interest rate index as a proxy for internet finance. The empirical results first show that only internet finance and the banking industry have mutual causality. Then, using conditional value at risk (CoVaR) to measure the degree of spillovers, the risk of internet finance is more likely to spill over to the banking industry, followed by the insurance industry and, lastly, the securities industry. These findings are consistent with the closeness between internet finance and the banking, insurance, and security industries, respectively. The linkage relationships and spillover effect are robust to the method and market index applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study developed a cardiac extracellular matrix-chitosan-gelatin (cECM-CG) composite scaffold that can be used as a tissue-engineered heart patch and investigated its endothelialization potential by incorporating CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs). The cECM-CG composite scaffold was prepared by blending cardiac extracellular matrix (cECM) with biodegradable chitosan-gelatin (CG). The mixture was lyophilized using vacuum freeze-drying. CD34+ EPCs were isolated and seeded on the scaffolds, and then the endothelialization effect was subsequently investigated. Effects of the scaffolds on CD34+ EPCs survival and proliferation were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and MTT assay. Cell differentiation into endothelial cells and the influence of the scaffolds on cell differentiation were investigated by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), immunofluorescence staining and tube formation assay. The present results indicated that most cells were removed after decellularization, but the main extracellular matrix components were retained. Scanning electron microscopy imaging illustrated three-dimensional and porous scaffolds. The present results suggested the cECM-CG composite scaffold had a higher water absorption ability compared with the CG scaffold. Additionally, compared with the CG scaffold, the cECM-CG composite scaffold significantly increased cell survival and proliferation, which suggested its non-toxicity and biocompatibility. Furthermore, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and tube formation assay results indicated that CD34+ EPCs differentiated into endothelial cells, and the cECM-CG composite scaffold promoted this differentiation process. In conclusion, the present results indicated that the human cECM-CG composite scaffold generated in the present study was a highly porous, biodegradable three-dimensional scaffold which supported endothelialization of seeded CD34+ EPCs. The present results suggested that this cECM-CG composite scaffold may be a promising heart patch for use in heart tissue engineering for congenital heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone homeostasis is delicately orchestrated by osteoblasts and osteoclasts. Various pathological bone loss situations result from the overactivated osteoclastogenesis. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)‐activated NF‐κB and MAPK pathways is vital for osteoclastogenesis. Here, we for the first time explored the effects of l‐tetrahydropalmatine (l‐THP), an active alkaloid derived from corydalis, on the formation and function of osteoclasts in vitro and in vivo. In RAW264.7 cells and bone marrow monocytes cells (BMMCs), l‐THP inhibited osteoclastic differentiation at the early stage, down‐regulated transcription level of osteoclastogenesis‐related genes and impaired osteoclasts functions. Mechanically, Western blot showed that l‐THP inhibited the phosphorylation of P50, P65, IκB, ERK, JNK and P38, and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) revealed that DNA binding activity of NF‐κB was suppressed, ultimately inhibiting the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFATc1). Besides, Co‐immunoprecipitation indicated that l‐THP blocked the interactions of RANK and TNF receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6) at an upstream site. In vivo, l‐THP significantly inhibited ovariectomy‐induced bone loss and osteoclastogenesis in mice. Collectively, our study demonstrated that l‐THP suppressed osteoclastogenesis by blocking RANK‐TRAF6 interactions and inhibiting NF‐κB and MAPK pathways. l‐THP is a promising agent for treating osteoclastogenesis‐related diseases such as post‐menopausal osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agricultural soils were polluted by the chemical fertilizer for a long time, which led to changing of the soil engineering properties. The strength, compressibility and permeability of red clay contaminated by different concentration solution of ammonium carbonate were tested by the direct shear testing, one-dimensional consolidation testing and variable head permeability test, respectively. The test results show that the cohesion values and the permeability of red clay increase, but the failure strength, internal friction angle and modulus of compressibility under the same load decrease with increasing of the concentration of ammonium carbonate solution. The hydrated film thickness in the red clay is calculated by the theory of double electric layer. And the mechanism of the engineering properties of red clay contaminated by the ammonium carbonate solution is analyzed. The thickness of hydrated film changed by ammonium carbonate solution is the key to influence of the strength, compressibility and permeability of red clay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of nanometer birnessite was prepared by inverse emulsion method using potassium permanganate as single manganese source. The morphology and structure of birnessite was characterized by SEM, XRD, IR, TG-DTG, energy spectrum. The removal of Cd2+in water using the birnessite was studied. The results show that the prepared birnessite is sheet and pure. For the Cd2+ in solution,the adsorption capacity is about 120 mg/g under the conditions of adsorption time of 120 min and temperature of 313 K. The adsorption behavior of birnessite for Cd2+ corresponds to Langmuir isotherm,the adsorption process follows the pseudo second order kinetic equations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Subjects and methods Results Conclusions To investigate the correlation between periodontitis and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) from the clinical and microbiological aspects.Periodontitis patients (CP group, n = 31) and CSVD patients (CSVD group, n = 30) were examined for neurological and periodontal condition. Subgingival plaque was collected and performed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Logistic regression and LASSO regression were used to analyze the periodontal parameters and subgingival microbiota related to CSVD, respectively. Inflammatory factors in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were also detected and compared between the two groups.Clinical attachment level (CAL), teeth number and plaque index demonstrated a significant difference between CP and CSVD group, meanwhile, CAL was independently associated with CSVD. Besides, the microbial richness and composition were distinct between two groups. Five genera related to periodontal pathogens (Treponema, Prevotella, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, Porphyromonas) were screened out by LASSO regression, suggesting a potential association with CSVD. Finally, the levels of inflammatory factors in GCF were statistically higher in CSVD group than those in CP group.Cerebral small vessel disease patients demonstrated worse periodontal condition, meanwhile the interaction between microbiota dysbiosis and host factors (inflammation) leading to a better understanding of the association between periodontitis and CSVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In the present study, we summarize the experiences and evaluate clinical outcomes for the delayed diagnosis of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) patients when undergoing an initial visit and diagnosis in our heart center. Methods Fifty-eight cases of delayed diagnosis of PAIVS in patients aged more than 6 months between January 2006 and June 2016 were reviewed in our hospital. The median age at initial diagnosis was 12.2 months (range, 6.1–79.6 months). Forty-five cases eventually reached definitive repair. Survival, risk factors for death, and clinical status after definitive repair were assessed. Results Among patients who completed definitive repair, the Fontan procedure was performed in a large proportion of older PAIVS children (42.2%, 19/45), while only a few patients received biventricular repair (22.2%, 10/45). The medium-term (10-year) survival rates of biventricular repair, 1.5-ventricular repair, and univentricular palliation were 100.0%, 93.3%, and 81.2%, respectively. At the latest follow-up, most patients had a good clinical status after definitive repairs, with a low re-operation rate. Conclusions A large proportion of the delayed diagnosis of PAIVS patients had to receive univentricular palliation because of limited potential for right ventricular growth. However, optimal definitive repairs could also have been achieved in these patients with a low mortality rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Studies on the outcomes of surgical repair for supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection through the superior approach are uncommon. Methods From January 2004 to January 2016, 198 patients with supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection underwent side-to-side anastomosis between the common pulmonary vein and left atrium through the superior approach. Kaplan-Meier curve was used to demonstrate the survival estimates. Cox proportional hazard model and competing risk regression model were used to identify risk factors for death and postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction. Results There were six in-hospital deaths and no late deaths. The survival rates at 30 days, 1 year, and 12 years were 97%, 97%, and 97%, respectively. Follow-up was completed in 92.2% of the survivors. Median follow-up was 47 months (range: 0 to 136 months). Twenty-seven patients (14.1%, 27 of 192) required reoperation for pulmonary venous obstruction, residual atrial septal defect, or superior cava vena syndrome. Multivariable analysis showed that preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction ( p = 0.012), longer duration of ventilation ( p = 0.011), and emergency operation ( p = 0.010) were incremental risk factors for death. Aortic cross-clamp time ( p < 0.001) and preoperative pulmonary venous obstruction ( p = 0.002) were associated with postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction. Conclusions Side-to-side anastomosis through a superior approach in surgical repair of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection can achieve satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we study a class of damped vibration systems, where $W(t,u)$ is of indefinite sign. By using a critical point theorem of Ding, we establish a new criterion to guarantee that the above system has infinitely many nontrivial homoclinic orbits under the assumption that $W(t,u)$ is asymptotically quadratic or subquadratic as $|u|\rightarrow\infty$. Recent results in the literature are generalized and significantly improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]