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Monascus pigments (MPs), the secondary metabolites produced by the fungal strains of Monascus spp., hold commercial importance in not only the food and meat industries, but also therapeutic, cosmetic, and textile industries. To reduce the cost of MPs production, the utilization of rice straw hydrolysate as a substrate in submerged fermentation was investigated. The atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutation system was employed to develop a mutant strain Monascus purpureus M630, with high total extracellular Monascus pigments (exMPs) production of 34.12 U/mL in submerged fermentation with glucose-based medium. The results revealed that M. purpureus M630 produces 8.61 U/mL and 20.86 U/mL of exMPs in rice straw hydrolysate alone or in combination with glucose fermentation medium, respectively. Furfural (Fur) and 5′-hydroxymethyl furfural (5′-HMF), produced during pretreatment and hydrolysis of rice straw; are generally inhibitory for microbial growth and fermentation. Our findings revealed that M. purpureus M630 develops the tolerance and adaptation mechanisms in response to 5′-HMF and Fur during growth and MPs biosynthesis in rice straw hydrolysate. In conclusion, we report that rice straw hydrolysate can serve as an efficient and low-cost substitute for the MP production through submerged fermentation by Monascus spp. Image 1 • High exMP-producing mutant strain Monascus purpureus M630 was developed by ARTP. • Rice straw hydrolysate is an effective substrate for producing Monascus pigments. • M. purpureus M630 exhibits high tolerance and adaptation towards 5′-HMF and Fur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D solid matrix and pore space models of porous media are established. • A suitable mathematical model for the transport of gas–liquid flow is established. • Feed pressure, surface tension coefficient and contact angle are studied. Ceramic matrix composite of carbon fiber framework reinforced by silicon carbide (Cf/SiC) is a new material with excellent properties. In order to improve its preparation process, the flow of polycarbosilane solution in carbon fiber is studied based on the computational fluid dynamics method. CT images of carbon fiber porous media are obtained by Micro-CT imaging technology and optimized by means of ImageJ software. The 3D solid matrix and pore space models of carbon fiber porous media are established by using Mimics software, and the pore space model is meshed. Using the computational fluid dynamics software Fluent, the VOF multiphase flow model is adopted, the surface tension model and contact angle model are introduced considering the micro-pore effect of porous media, and a suitable mathematical model for the transport of gas–liquid two-phase flow in carbon fiber porous media is established. The validity of CFD mathematical model is verified by comparing experimental data with simulation results. Based on the CFD simulation results, the effects of feed pressure, surface tension coefficient and contact angle on fluid flow are studied. It is found that the larger the feed pressure and contact angle, the more uniform the distribution of liquid phase, pressure and velocity in the medium, which is conducive to the flow of liquid phase in porous media. The larger the surface tension coefficient, the longer the breakthrough time of liquid, and the more uneven the liquid distribution. This study is helpful to understand the law of fluid transport in porous media and provides theoretical basis for the preparation of Cf/SiC composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ovarian cancer ranks fifth among the most prevalent cancer type in females all over the world. It is the second most frequent malignant tumor which accounts for 3% of cancer in females. Therefore, to explore the mechanism of carcinogenesis in ovarian cancer is important to develop new treatment methods. It has been previously found that lncRNA-ATB could promote the tumorigenesis of malignant tumors. However, the role of lncRNA-ATB during the progression of ovarian cancer remains unclear. Methods: Gene expressions in tissues or cells were detected by using qRT-PCR. Western blot was performed to investigate the protein expressions in ovarian cancer cells. Cell apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry. Moreover, the correction between lncRNA-ATB and miR-204-3p was examined by Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA pulldown. Cell proliferation and invasion were detected by CCK-8, Ki-67 staining and transwell assay, respectively. Finally, xenograft mice model was established to confirm the result of in vitro experiments. Results: LncRNA-ATB silencing significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of ovarian cancer cells. In addition, luciferase activity suggested that lncRNA-ATB negatively regulated miR-204-3p in ovarian cancer. Besides, Nidogen 1 (NID1) was the direct target of miR-204-3p. Overexpression of NID1 could notably reverse the inhibitory effect of lncRNA-ATB knockdown on the progression of ovarian cancer. Finally, lncRNA-ATB silencing notably attenuated the severity of ovarian cancer in vivo. Conclusion: Downregulation of lncRNA-ATB significantly inhibited the tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo, which may serve as a potential novel target for the treatment of ovarian cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study aimed to explore the electrophysiological correlates involved in three-dimensional psychological pain and their relationship with suicide in patients with major depressive disorder.Method: The sample comprised 23 and nine patients with major depressive disorder with high and low risk for suicide, respectively, and 24 healthy controls. All participants completed the measurements and performed an event-related potential-based analogue of the affective incentive delay task. The event-related potential components previously associated with motivationally salient cue (contingent negative variation, P2, and cue-P3), target (target-P3), and feedback (reward vs. punishment, feedback-related negativity, and feedback-P3) stimuli were examined.Results: All inventory scores differed significantly among the high-risk, low-risk, and healthy control groups. During the expectant phase, the main effect of group and interaction between group and condition was significant in the average amplitudes of the cue-P2 component. During the feedback phase, the feedback-P3 elicited by positive feedback had a significant main effect of group and of the interaction between group and condition. Specifically, the feedback-P3 elicited by negative feedback in the punitive condition showed significant positive correlations with the total and subscale scores on the Three-Dimensional Psychological Pain Scale.Conclusions: Feedback-P3 may be an electrobiological component underlying the processing of psychological pain in suicidality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN), a novel, simple and label-free aptamer biosensor was designed for the detection of aflatoxin B 1 (AFB 1). Here, the aptamers were used as molecular recognition probes and "gated molecules" while Rh6G was loaded into the interior of the particles as the signal probe. In the absence of AFB 1 , the "gate" was closed to prevent the leakage of the signal probe because of the immobilization of aptamers on the surface of MSN-NH 2. With the presence of AFB 1 , the "gate" could be opened to release the signal probe for the specifical binding of aptamers to AFB 1. Our results showed that the fluorescence intensity was positively correlated with the concentration of AFB 1 (0.5–50 ng mL−1), with the detection limit as low as 0.13 ng mL−1. What's more, this design provides a new approach for rapid, sensitive and selective detection based on aptamers and it could be applied to numerous other analytes if appropriate aptamers are available. Image 1 • High amino-modified concentration of mesoporous silica nanomaterials (MSN-NH 2) was synthesized. • MSN-NH 2 loaded with label-free signal probe (Rh6G) could be regulated by gated molecular (AFB 1 -aptamers). • This aptasensor is designed by MSN-NH 2 , Rh6G and AFB1-aptamers to detect AFB1 with the detection limit of 0.13 ng mL−1. • This design could be applied to other mycotoxins and contaminants if appropriate aptamers are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological studies demonstrated that multiple amino acids (AAs) were associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but whether these associations were causal remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the causal relationships between circulating levels of 20 AAs and 10 CVDs in European and East Asian populations by Mendelian randomization (MR). Methods: This MR study utilized single-nucleotide polymorphisms that were significantly associated with AAs as instrumental variables. Summary-level data for AAs and CVDs were obtained from public genome-wide association studies. The causal effects were primarily estimated by inverse variance weighting with multiplicative random effect method. Sensitivity analyses, including weighted median, weighted mode, and MR Egger regression, were used to test the robustness of our results. Results: In the European population, alanine and serine were inversely associated with angina pectoris (AP) and chronic heart failure, respectively. With each unit increase of leucine, the risk of ischemic stroke increased by 10%. Moreover, tyrosine was positively associated with AP and deep vein thrombosis. In the East Asian population, each unit increase in glycine was associated with 4.1% and 9.0% decreased risks of coronary artery disease (CAD) and myocardial infarction (MI), respectively. A unit increase in serine was associated with 13.1%, 12.6% and 15.5% decreased risks of AP, CAD and MI, respectively. Sensitivity analyses supported the robustness of our results. Conclusions: This MR study demonstrated significant causal effects of circulating levels of AAs on CVDs, indicating the potential use of AAs as biomarkers or as therapeutic targets for CVD in clinical scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a heterogeneous disease affecting the physical and mental health of millions of women worldwide. The contribution of genetic factors in the pathogenesis of POI has increased, with quite a few of causative genes involved in meiosis. ZMM proteins are a group of conserved proteins participating in meiotic synapsis and crossover maturation. Here, by screening the variations of ZMM genes in our in‐house WES database of 1030 idiopathic POI patients, one novel homozygous variation in SPO16 (c.160 + 8A > G) was firstly identified in one patient. The variation was verified to disturb mRNA splicing by minigene assay, produced a non‐functional SPO16 protein, and was classified as pathogenetic according to American College of Medical Genetics guideline. During meiotic prophase I, SHOC1 binds to branched DNA and recruits SPO16 and other ZMM proteins to facilitate crossover formation. Together with our recent identified bi‐allelic variations of SHOC1 in a published work, this study highlighted the essential roles of ZMM genes in the maintenance of ovarian function and expanded the POI gene spectrum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phlebopus portentosus (Berk. and Broome) Boedijn is an attractive edible mushroom and is considered the only bolete for which artificial cultivation in vitro has been achieved. Gene expression analysis has become widely used in research on edible fungi and is important for elucidating the functions of genes involved in complex biological processes. Selecting appropriate reference genes is crucial to ensuring reliable RT‒qPCR gene expression analysis results. In our study, a total of 12 candidate control genes were selected from 25 traditional housekeeping genes based on their expression stability in 9 transcriptomes of 3 developmental stages. These genes were further evaluated using geNorm, NormFinder, and RefFinder under different conditions and developmental stages. The results revealed that MSF1 domain-containing protein (MSF1), synaptobrevin (SYB), mitogen-activated protein kinase genes (MAPK), TATA-binding protein 1 (TBP1), and SPRY domain protein (SPRY) were the most stable reference genes in all sample treatments, while elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1), actin and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (UBCE) were the most unstably expressed. The gene SYB was selected based on the transcriptome results and was identified as a novel reference gene in P. portentosus. This is the first detailed study on the identification of reference genes in this fungus and may provide new insights into selecting genes and quantifying gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring efficient heterogeneous catalysts for catalytic oxidation of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is highly desired. As a class of discrete anionic metal oxide clusters, polyoxometalates (POMs) provide abundant catalytic active sites, thus resulting their rich redox properties. Here, a family of known POM‐incorporated CuI‐resorcin[4]arene metal‐organic complexes, namely, [Cu4(TPTR4A)2][PW12O40](OH) ⋅ 0.5DMA ⋅ 5H2O (Cu‐PW), [Cu4(TPTR4 A)2][PMo12O40](OH) ⋅ 2DMA ⋅ H2O (Cu‐PMo) and [Cu4(TPTR4A)2][SiW12O40] ⋅ 2.5DMA (Cu‐SiW) were utilized as catalysts to promote the oxidation of 2‐chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES). Strikingly, compared to the novel compound [Cu3Cl6(TPTR4A)(DMA)] ⋅ CH3CH2OH (defined as Cu‐T), the three complexes exhibited excellent stability, indicating that the integration of POMs and metal–organic units could improve the stability of the compounds. Moreover, Cu‐PMo and Cu‐PW showed higher activities for the catalytic oxidation of CEES to CEESO with selectivities both of 99 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) offers an environmentally benign and sustainable alternative for NH3 synthesis. However, developing NRR electrocatalysts with both high activity and selectivity remains a significant challenge. Guided by the density functional theory (DFT) calculations and further verified by the experiment, a modulated MoS2 with well‐controlled S vacancies (MoS2‐Vs) is prepared as an excellent electrocatalyst for NRR, where both the activity and selectivity of NRR mightily rely on the S‐vacancy concentration. The optimized catalyst (MoS2‐7H) in a suitable S‐vacancy concentration (17.5%) is empowered with an excellent NRR activity (NH3 yield rate: 66.74 µg h−1 mg−1 at −0.6 V) and selectivity (Faradic efficiency (FE): 14.68% at −0.5 V). Further mechanistic study reveals that the NRR performance is powerfully concentration‐dependent since its activity is enhanced due to the S‐vacancy‐strengthened N2 adsorption and reduced reaction energy barrier. Simultaneously, its selectivity is synchronously improved by the steadily enhanced NRR activity and inversely suppressed hydrogen evolution reaction through limiting H2 desorption kinetics, which sets it markedly apart from other reported defective MoS2‐based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Molecularly imprinted polymers using synephrine as dummy template were prepared. • Mixed matrix membrane based on the obtained polymers was facilely synthesized. • It successfully extracted five amphetamine-type stimulants in wastewater and urine. Dummy molecularly imprinted polymers (DMIPs) with high selectivity for amphetamine-type stimulants (ATSs) were synthesized using synephrine molecule as a dummy template. The polymers were irregularly massive with a specific surface area of 330 m2 g −1. Adsorption experiments found that the imprinting factors for five ATSs (amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine) were 2.3∼3.7. The DMIPs-agarose gel mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were further prepared by incorporating DMIPs in the agarose matrix. MMMs were used to extract five ATSs from wastewater and urine samples. Extraction conditions such as membrane matrix, sample pH, dissolved organic matter content, extraction time, and elution reagent were optimized. Under optimal conditions, the developed MMMs-HPLC-MS/MS method exhibited low limits of detection (0.1∼3.0ng L −1), satisfactory recoveries (91.7∼100%), and good repeatability (RSD<7%, n =3). It was then successfully applied to ATSs analysis in wastewater and urine samples. Recoveries of ATSs in spiked wastewater and urine were 82.0∼98.4% and 82.3∼95.7%, respectively. Moreover, compared with other methods, the present method possessed the advantages of high quantitative ability, suitable for typical environmental conditions, and low application cost. The above results suggested that the developed MMMs-HPLC-MS/MS method could be used as a feasible strategy to extract and determine trace ATSs in wastewater and urine samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) is an attractive technology for converting CO 2 into chemicals. In this technique, electrons are acquired either directly or indirectly through H 2 in the cathode. Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 can perform hydrogen evolution reaction via reverse electron transfer at the cathode. In this study, the self-assembly of graphene oxide and S. oneidensis MR-1 formed a conductive bio-abiotic composite as a cathode for MES with Clostridium ljungdahlii , obtaining more biocatalysts for hydrogen evolution and enhancing electron transfer rate. The average H 2 production rate with the conductive bio-abiotic composite was 41.51 ± 2.54 × 102 mol d−1, while the undecorated carbon felt was 12.96 ± 1.09 × 102 mol d−1. Consequently, acetate and butyrate yields were 0.18 g L−1 d−1 and 0.07 g L−1 d−1, which increased by 2.1 and 1.7 times those of the control, respectively. This work provides new opportunities for constructing a highly efficient cathode via biotic-abiotic hybrid composite for improving MES performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate whether mutations in the minichromosome maintenance complex component 8 (MCM8) gene were present in 192 patients with sporadic primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).Design: Retrospective case-control cohort study.Setting: University-based reproductive medicine center.Patient(s): A total of 192 patients with sporadic POI and 312 control women with regular menstruation (192 age-matched women and 120 women >45 years old).Intervention(s): Sanger sequencing was performed in patients with sporadic POI, and potentially pathogenic variants were confirmed in matched controls. DNA damage was induced by mitomycinC (MMC) treatment, and DNA repair capacity was evaluated by histone H2AX phosphorylation level.Main Outcome Measure(s): Sanger sequencing for MCM8 was performed in 192 patients with sporadic POI, and functional experiments were performed to explore the deleterious effects of mutations identified.Result(s): Two novel missense variants in MCM8, c. A950T (p. H317L), and c. A1802G (p. H601R), were identified in two patients with POI but absent in 312 controls (the upper 90% confidence limit for the proportion 2/192 is 2.24%). The HeLa cells overexpressing mutant p. H317L and p. H601R showed higher sensitivity to MMC compared with wild type. Furthermore, mutant p. H317L showed decreased repair capacity after MMC treatment with much more histone H2AX phosphorylation remaining after 2 hours of recovery.Conclusion(s): Our result suggests novel mutations p. H317L and p. H601R in the MCM8 gene are potentially causative for POI by dysfunctional DNA repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article titled "The c‐Src/LIST Positive Feedback Loop Sustains Tumor Progression and Chemoresistance" discusses the role of c‐Src and LIST in tumor progression and chemoresistance. The article acknowledges errors in Figures 7C, S12, and S16C but states that these errors do not impact the results or conclusions of the study. The authors apologize for any inconvenience caused. The article provides experimental evidence from xenograft tumor models and TUNEL assays to support their findings. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract An effective synthetic route for preparation of oligo(fluorene- co - dibenzothiophene- S,S -dioxide)s (trimer SOF2 , pentamer SOF4 , heptamer SOF6 and nonamer SOF8) based on meta - or para -linked dibenzothiophene- S , S -dioxide (SO) unit as the core was developed by convergence method, for which the intermediates unilateral boric acid esters were prepared by one-step palladium-catalysed Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. The resulting oligomers exhibited excellent thermal stability with thermal decomposition temperature exceeding 415 °C, and high photoluminescent quantum yield in the solid state (52–81%). The UV–vis absorption and photoluminescence emission maxima of the oligomers exhibited gradual bathochromic shifts from the trimer to the nonamer, approaching those of the previously reported polymer PFSO10 containing 10 mmol% of the SO unit in the polyfluorene backbone, demonstrating the similar photophysical properties of the nonamer SOF8 and polymer PFSO10. The highest occupied molecular orbital energy level gradually decreased and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level steadily increased from the trimer SOF2 to the nonamer SOF8. The obtained oligomers displayed pure blue-light emission with the maximal emission peaked at about 440 nm and superior EL spectral stability compared with PFSO10 upon varying the current density from 100 mA cm−2 to 500 mA cm−2, in addition to more balanced hole and electron fluxes. With the device configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/oligomer/CsF/Al, a maximum luminous efficiency of 2.75 cd A−1 with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) coordinates of (0.16, 0.15) was obtained for the device based on 37SOF8. The efficiency increased by 88% compared with the device based on 37PFSO10 (1.46 cd A−1). A similar enhancement in efficiency was also achieved for the device based on 28SOF8. These results indicate that the obtained oligomers are very promising candidates for structurally well-defined blue-light- emitting materials with high efficiency and reproducibility. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A synthetic route for oligo(fluorene- co -dibenzothiophene- S , S -dioxide)s (SOFs) was developed. • PFSO10 exhibited a conjugation length of 10 according to linear fitting of the optical energy gap and the reciprocal of the chain length for the SOFs. • 37SOF8 -based device exhibited a maximum luminous efficiency of 2.75 cd A−1, clearly outperforming a 37PFSO10 -based device (1.46 cd A−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Monodisperse inverse opal-like Mo x C nanospheres were synthesized. • The structure and phase of Mo x C can be controlled by changing the amount of SiO 2. • There is a strong synergistic effect between α-MoC 1-x and β-Mo 2 C. • The optimal Mo x C exhibited a superior HER performance and excellent stability. Abstract Non-precious metal-based efficient electrocatalysts with superior activity and stability for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are useful in solving energy and environmental crises. Herein, monodisperse inverse opal-like Mo x C (α-MoC 1-x /β-Mo 2 C) nanospheres were synthesized via a facile strategy to adjust the intrinsic activity and maximize the exposed active sites. In particular, the Mo x C-0.4 with the optimal composition of α-MoC 1-x /β-Mo 2 C (0.56/0.44) demonstrated a superior HER performance in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 with a small Tafel slope of 48 mV dec−1 and remarkable stability. Such prominent performance not only benefits from the inverse opal-like structure that provides more active sites for HER, but also should be ascribed to the strong synergistic effect between α-MoC 1-x and β-Mo 2 C. Based on theoretical calculations, it is further verified that the synergistic effect of Mo x C-0.4 is originated from the optimization of interaction with the H* induced by the heterostructure. Furthermore, this work will broaden our vision for highly efficient hydrogen production by bridging the microscopic structure with macroscopic catalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Two series of twisted bipolar poly(2,7-carbazole) derivatives, namely PCz-37RSOs and PCz-28SOs, were synthesized by introducing electron-deficient 2,8-dioctyl- dibenzothiophene- S,S -dioxide-3,7-diyl (37RSO) and dibenzothiophene- S,S – dioxide −2,8-diyl (28SO) unit into poly(9-heptadecanyl-2,7-carbazole) (PCz) backbone, respectively. The incorporation of electron-withdrawing 37RSO and 28SO into PCz backbone decreased effective conjugation length, and further restrained charge transfer effect existed in dipolar system, simultaneously, the balanced charge carrier injection/transportation were realized due to the eletrophilicity of SO unit. Consequently, the resulting polymers showed hypsochromic shift and narrowed emission spectra regarding to PCz-37SOs that contains linear SO unit in main chain, and exhibited balanced hole/electron fluxes with respect to PCz in the range of 0–10 V. The single-layer devices based on resulting bipolar polymers exhibited excellent electroluminescent spectra stability in the current densities from 100 to 400 mA cm−2, and displayed deep blue electroluminescence spectra with the Commission Internationale de L' Eclairage (CIE) of (0.16, 0.07) for PCz-37RSO5 and (0.16, 0.09) for PCz-28SO5. The superior device performance was achieved with the maximum luminous efficiency (LE max) of 2.69 cd A−1 for PCz-28SO20 , which obviously outperformed that of 0.24 cd A−1 for PCz. These results indicated that twisted molecular structure design is a promising strategy for efficient deep blue light-emitting polymers. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Two series of twisted bipolar poly(2,7-carbazole) derivatives were designed and synthesized. • Twisted structure greatly decreases intramolecular charge transfer and results in the deep blue emission with CIE y < 0.1. • PCz-28SO20 exhibits a maximum luminous efficiency of 2.69 cd A−1, which obviously outperforms that of 0.24 cd A−1 for PCz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fermentation material fluid mixing is an indispensable subsidiary technology for modern biogas engineering, which can increase fermentation efficiency substantially. Taking advantage of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), the flowing progress of biogas fermentation material fluid in the anaerobic digesters can be reappeared, the distribution curve of flow pattern can be obtained, the visualization of flow pattern can be achieved, the features and defect of flow configuration can be differentiated on the basis of the flow pattern visualization. Scholars quantified and evaluated advantages and disadvantages of fermentation material fluid mixing schemes by using CFD and setting the parameters of "poor mixing zone", "dead zone" and so on, which became the important basis of modern biogas engineering design. Meanwhile, the mixing form and running parameters can be excellently designed and thus no longer added at random. On the basis of the classic k-ε model, researchers have developed a variety of improved models, which are more suitable for complex and diverse conditions of biogas fermentation material fluid. In this present study, the applicable algorithm models of various working conditions are proposed after subdivision research. During the first decade of the 21st century, one research upsurge of simulating biogas fermentation material mixing by using the CFD simulation is growing up in the biogas field, which makes a great progress on the aspect of optimal design of digesters shape, mixing form, mixing running parameters and methods of fluid, promotes the research levels of biogas science and becomes one of the most important stage of the biogas science phylogeny. All of these represent the development direction of future, accordingly, the summary of progress related with above research aspects is given in this present study. Graphical abstract fx1 Highlights • The measured results of many flow field parameters can be fitted with simulation. • The methods of setting the mixing parameters by CFD are listed. • Successful examples of optimization of biogas engineering design by CFD are presented. • The applicable algorithm models of various working conditions are proposed. • The role of CFD in promoting the upgrading of biogas project is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Polysaccharide isolated from Phellinus linteus (PLP). • PLP inhibits inflammatory cytokine expressions in cell and animal inflammation model. • PLP inhibits MAPK pathway and NF-κB and AP-1 activation in the inflammatory response. • PLP inhibited PPAR pathway and it exists cross-talk between MAPK and PPAR pathways. Abstract In the present study, the anti-inflammatory function of Phellinus linteus polysaccharide (PLP) was investigated in animal and cell inflammation models, and the anti-inflammatory mechanism of PLP was also explored. Sixty 8-week ICR mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, and DSS group and DSS + PLP group mice received 2.0% DSS and PLP was orally administered at 500 mg/kg/day. Our data showed that PLP administration obviously improved the health status of mice and inhibited DSS-induced pathological alterations and significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine expressions in the colonic tissues. In lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation cell model, PLP supplement also significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine expressions and inhibited MAPK pathway as well as the translocations of NF-κB and AP-1. Meanwhile, PLP supplement regulated PPARα and PPARγ phosphorylation and blocked MAPK activation. Taken together, PLP exhibits anti-inflammatory function and its molecular mechanism may be involved in MAPK and PPAR signal pathways, which reduce the expressions of inflammatory cytokines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The method of liquid nitrogen quick-freezing combined with dilute acid rapid-thawing was applied as a pretreatment to extract gelatins from pigskins, and the influence of HCl concentration (0–2% (v/v)) on the gelatinization of collagen in pigskins was observed. The freezing-thawing using liquid nitrogen and water did not effectively induce the gelatinization of collagen, and the replacement of water with dilute HCl solutions improved this situation. The gelatin pretreated with liquid nitrogen and 1% HCl showed the highest yield and strongest gel properties, since the hydrogen bonds balance and the triple-helical structure in collagen were damaged moderately after this pretreatment to promote the release of subunit components in collagen during gelatin extraction. The surface of the gelatinized collagen via freezing-thawing pretreatment with liquid nitrogen and 1% HCl showed a similar honeycomb shape as traditional acid pretreatment. However, the pretreatment time could be shortened from 6 h (traditional acid method) to 20 min. Therefore, the freezing-thawing method combined with liquid nitrogen and dilute acid could be potentially used in gelatin preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To accommodate the ever-increasing data traffic, the 5G system has adopted the enormous swathes of unlicensed spectrum at millimeter-wave band. The millimeter-wave band however exhibits orders-of-magnitude more path loss than the microwave band. The upcoming 5G system thus necessitates the use of large-scale antenna arrays to compensate for the notable path loss with beamforming gain. Nevertheless, the large number of antenna elements also poses some challenges. For example, it is impractical to assign one dedicated transceiver unit (TXRU) for each individual element and the complexity of channel estimation on spatial (antenna) domain is prohibitively high. In this paper, we design low complexity multiuser transmission on beam domain at millimeter-wave band. Specifically, we propose the beam channel set selection and user grouping schemes to significantly lower the complexity of channel estimation and precoder design by exploiting the salient feature of channel sparsity. Moreover, 2-D TXRU virtualization together with beam sweeping strategies is presented as the TXRU number is less than the number of columns of planar antenna array. Simulation results show that the proposed beam-group division 5G system can significantly reduce the complexity and keep the system throughput. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Biofilm-immobilized continuous fermentation has the potential to enhance cellular environmental tolerance, maintain cell activity and improve production efficiency. Results: In this study, different biofilm-forming genes (FLO5, FLO8 and FLO10) were integrated into the genome of S. cerevisiae for overexpression, while FLO5 and FLO10 gave the best results. The biofilm formation of the engineered strains 1308-FLO5 and 1308-FLO10 was improved by 31.3% and 58.7% compared to that of the WT strain, respectively. The counts of cells adhering onto the biofilm carrier were increased. Compared to free-cell fermentation, the average ethanol production of 1308, 1308-FLO5 and 1308-FLO10 was increased by 17.4%, 20.8% and 19.1% in the biofilm-immobilized continuous fermentation, respectively. Due to good adhering ability, the fermentation broth turbidity of 1308-FLO5 and 1308-FLO10 was decreased by 22.3% and 59.1% in the biofilm-immobilized fermentation, respectively. Subsequently, for biofilm-immobilized fermentation coupled with membrane separation, the engineered strain significantly reduced the pollution of cells onto the membrane and the membrane separation flux was increased by 36.3%. Conclusions: In conclusion, enhanced biofilm-forming capability of S. cerevisiae could offer multiple benefits in ethanol fermentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy resistance and treatment failure hinder clinical cancer treatment. Src, the first mammalian proto‐oncogene to be discovered, is a valuable anti‐cancer therapeutic target. Although several c‐Src inhibitors have reached the clinical stage, drug resistance remains a challenge during treatment. Herein, a positive feedback loop between a previously uncharacterized long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA), which the authors renamed lncRNA‐inducing c‐Src tumor‐promoting function (LIST), and c‐Src is uncovered. LIST directly binds to and regulates the Y530 phosphorylation activity of c‐Src. As a c‐Src agonist, LIST promotes tumor chemoresistance and progression in vitro and in vivo in multiple cancer types. c‐Src can positively regulate LIST transcription by activating the NF‐κB signaling pathway and then recruiting the P65 transcription factor to the LIST promoter. Interestingly, the LIST/c‐Src interaction is associated with evolutionary new variations of c‐Src. It is proposed that the human‐specific LIST/c‐Src axis renders an extra layer of control over c‐Src activity. Additionally, the LIST/c‐Src axis is of high physiological relevance in cancer and may be a valuable prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We develop a multi-fidelity surrogate modelling approach to replace the complex and costly physics-based computer models that are often used in the optimization of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) performance, or the simplified models that are used in lieu of complex models. We extend multi-fidelity stochastic collocation through a feature engineering step, and eliminate the requirement for the exact low-fidelity output at the inference stage. In contrast to previous approaches, the surrogate model we develop provides detailed spatial information, rather than one or more scalar outputs. This allows for the incorporation of such information into the objective of the optimization study, with the flexibility to choose from more than one objective, such as a minimum, maximum or average. Furthermore, the detailed spatial information can be used for general design purposes, such as ensuring uniformity in reactant and potential distributions. From the results on a 3-d SOFC model, we demonstrate highly accurate predictions of multiple spatially distributed quantities at up to spatial 250,000 locations. The results are superior to state-of-the-art multi-fidelity approaches, particularly for low numbers of high fidelity training points. We use the surrogate model to optimize the SOFC performance with respect to different objectives (including with nonlinear constraints and multiple objectives), with results that are accurate and are obtained in a fraction of the time required for the full model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The growing occurrence of invasive fungal infections and the mounting rates of drug resistance constitute a significant menace to human health. Antifungal drug combinations have garnered substantial interest for their potential to improve therapeutic efficacy, reduce drug doses, reverse, or ameliorate drug resistance. A thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying antifungal drug resistance and drug combination is key to developing new drug combinations. Here we discuss the mechanisms of antifungal drug resistance and elucidate how to discover potent drug combinations to surmount resistance. We also examine the challenges encountered in developing such combinations and discuss prospects, including advanced drug delivery strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu/HfOx/n+Si devices are fabricated to investigate the influence of technological parameters including film thickness and Ar/O2 ratio on the resistive switching (RS) characteristics of HfOx films, in terms of switch ratio, endurance properties, retention time and multilevel storage. It is revealed that the RS characteristics show strong dependence on technological parameters mainly by altering the defects (oxygen vacancies) in the film. The sample with thickness of 20 nm and Ar/O2 ratio of 12:3 exhibits the best RS behavior with the potential of multilevel storage. The conduction mechanism of all the films is interpreted based on the filamentary model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Brain injury (BI) is reported in 60% of newborns with critical congenital heart disease as white matter injury (WMI) or stroke. Neurodevelopmental (ND) impairments are reported in these patients. The relationship between neonatal BI and ND outcome has not been established.Objectives: This study sought to determine the association between peri-operative BI and ND outcomes in infants with single ventricle physiology (SVP) and d-transposition of the great arteries (d-TGA).Methods: Term newborns with d-TGA and SVP had pre-operative and post-operative brain magnetic resonance imaging and ND outcomes assessed at 12 and 30 months with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II. BI was categorized by the brain injury severity score and WMI was quantified by volumetric analysis.Results: A total of 104 infants had follow-up at 12 months and 70 had follow-up at 30 months. At 12 months, only clinical variables were associated with ND outcome. At 30 months, subjects with moderate-to-severe WMI had significantly lower Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) scores (13 points lower) as compared with those with none or minimal WMI for d-TGA and SVP (p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively) after adjusting for various factors. Quantitative WMI volume was likewise associated. Stroke was not associated with outcome. The Bland-Altman limits of agreement for PDI scores at 12 and 30 months were wide (-40.3 to 31.2) across the range of mean PDI values.Conclusions: Increasing burden of WMI is associated with worse motor outcomes at 30 months for infants with critical congenital heart disease, whereas no adverse association was seen between small strokes and outcome. These results support the utility of neonatal brain magnetic resonance imaging in this population to aid in predicting later outcomes and the importance of ND follow-up beyond 1 year of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si/C composites are currently the most commercially viable next-generation lithium-ion battery anode materials due to their high specific capacity. However, there are still many obstacles need to be overcome such as short cycle life and poor conductivity. In this work, we design and successfully synthesis an excellent durable double-conductive core-shell structure p-Si-Ag/C composites. Interestingly, this well-designed structure offers remarkable conductivity (both internal and external) due to the introduction of silver particles and carbon layer. The carbon layer acts as a protective layer to maintain the integrity of the structure as well as avoids the direct contact of silicon with electrolyte. As a result, the durable double-conductive core-shell structure p-Si-Ag/C composites exhibit outstanding cycling stability of roughly 1000 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g −1 and retain 765 mAh g −1 even at a high current density of 2 A g −1 , indicating a great improvement in electrochemical performance compared with traditional silicon electrode. Our research results provide a novel pathway for production of high-performance Si-based anodes to extending the cycle life and specific capacity of commercial lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Blue light photoreceptors, cryptochromes (CRYs), regulate multiple aspects of plant growth and development. However, our knowledge of CRYs is predominantly based on model plant Arabidopsis at early growth stage. In this study, we elucidated functions of CRY1a gene in mature tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants by using cry1a mutants and CRY1a‐overexpressing lines (OE‐CRY1a‐1 and OE‐CRY1a‐2). In comparison with wild‐type plants, cry1a mutants are relatively tall, accumulate low biomass, and bear more fruits, whereas OE‐CRY1a plants are short stature, and they not only flower lately but also bear less fruits. RNA‐seq, qRT‐PCR, and LC‐MS/MS analysis revealed that biosynthesis of gibberellin, cytokinin, and jasmonic acid was down‐regulated by CRY1a. Furthermore, DNA replication was drastically inhibited in leaves of OE‐CRY1a lines, but promoted in cry1a mutants with concomitant changes in the expression of cell cycle genes. However, CRY1a positively regulated levels of soluble sugars, phytofluene, phytoene, lycopene, and ß‐carotene in the fruits. The results indicate the important role of CRY1a in plant growth and have implications for molecular interventions of CRY1a aimed at improving agronomic traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and characterization of a thermally crosslinkable hole-transporting poly(indenofluorene- co -triphenylamine) copolymer (X-IFTPA) containing a vinyl-functionalized triphenylamine moiety. This copolymer exhibited an exothermal peak at 125 °C in the first heating/cooling cycle of a differential scanning calorimetry study, indicating that crosslinking occurred. The highest occupied molecular orbital energy level of this copolymer was estimated to be −5.30 eV, as determined by cyclic voltammetry measurement. Flat and uniform films were formed by spin casting X-IFTPA from chlorobenzene solution. Crosslinking can be finished by thermally annealing the film at 150 °C for 24 min, which can be confirmed by reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–Vis absorption spectra. Multi-layer polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) incorporating X-IFTPA as the hole transport layer and a green-light-emitting copolymer as the emissive layer exhibited enhanced luminous efficiency relative to that of a control device without a hole transport layer. Thus, the developed cross-linkable copolymer X-IFTPA is a promising material for the construction of efficient PLEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We recently reported that miR-1 was one of the most significantly downregulated microRNAs in gastric cancer (GC) patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas microRNA sequencing data. Here we aim to elucidate the role of miR-1 in gastric carcinogenesis. Methods: We measured miR-1 expression in human GC cell lines and 90 paired primary GC samples, and analyzed the association of its status with clinicopathological features. The effect of miR-1 on GC cells was evaluated by proliferation and migration assay. To identify the target genes of miR-1, bioinformatic analysis and protein array analysis were performed. Moreover, the regulation mechanism of miR-1 with regard to these predicted targets was investigated by quantitative PCR (qPCR), Western blot, ELISA, and endothelial cell tube formation. The putative binding site of miR-1 on target genes was assessed by a reporter assay. Results: Expression of miR-1 was obviously decreased in GC cell lines and primary tissues. Patients with low miR-1 expression had significantly shorter overall survival compared with those with high miR-1 expression ( P = 0.0027). Overexpression of miR-1 in GC cells inhibited proliferation, migration, and tube formation of endothelial cells by suppressing expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) and endothelin 1 (EDN1). Conversely, inhibition of miR-1 with use of antago-miR-1 caused an increase in expression of VEGF-A and EDN1 in nonmalignant GC cells or low-malignancy GC cells. Conclusions: MiR-1 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting angiogenesis-related growth factors in human gastric cancer. Downregulated miR-1 not only promotes cellular proliferation and migration of GC cells, but may activates proangiogenesis signaling and stimulates the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells, indicating the possibility of new strategies for GC therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is an important factor promoting invasive glioma growth. This study was performed to reveal a unique mechanism of glioma cell proliferation and migration. Methods: Human U251 glioma cells were used to screen the optimal GDNF concentration and treatment time to stimulate proliferation and migration. MicroRNA (MiRNA) expression profiles were detected by microarray and confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs were predicted by miRWalk, and those targeted by multiple miRNAs were screened with Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. A regulatory miRNA network was constructed using ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA). Target gene expression of differentially expressed miRNAs was examined by real-time PCR or mRNA microarray. Results: The results show that 50 ng/mL GDNF for 24 h significantly promotes U251 glioma cell proliferation and migration (P < 0.05). Seven miRNAs (hsa-miR-194-5p, hsa-miR-152-3p, hsa-miR-205-5p, hsa-miR-629-5p, hsa-miR-3609, hsa-miR-183-5p, and hsa-miR-487b-3p) were significantly up-regulated after GDNF treatment (P < 0.05). These miRNAs are primarily involved in signal transduction, cell adhesion and cell cycle through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, focal adhesion and glioma signal pathways. Five of these miRNAs (hsa-miR-194-5p, hsa-miR-152-3p, hsa-miR-205-5p, hsa-miR-183-5p, and hsa-miR-487b-3p) co-regulate TP53 and Akt. mRNA expression levels of four genes co-targeted by two or more up-regulated miRNAs were significantly decreased after GDNF treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion: GDNF treatment of U251 glioma cells significantly increased the expression of seven miRNAs involved in cell adhesion and the cell cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient blue polyfluorenes have been generated by incorporating the hole transport material N -([1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl)-9,9-dimethyl- N -(4-(9-phenyl-9 H -carbazol-3-yl)- phenyl)-9 H -fluoren-2-amine (BCFN) into poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene) (PFO) as an emissive layer. BCFN has an appropriate highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy level and high hole transport/electron barrier properties, which can effectively reduce the hole injection barrier and improve the charge carrier injection and transport. These properties resulted in a significant improvement in the electroluminescent (EL) performance of PFO. To further improve the EL performance of PFO, the blend hole transport layer, PVK [Poly(N-vinylcarbazole)]:BCFN with weight ratio of 3:7, was inserted between the PEDOT:PSS and the emissive layer. The blend hole transport layer effectively reduced exciton quenching and markedly decreased the hole injected barrier. A maximum luminous efficiency ( LE max ) of 4.31 cd A −1 was obtained with the CIE coordinates of (0.17, 0.13). The device maintained a LE max of 4.27 cd A −1 at a luminance of 1000 cd m −2 . In addition, stable EL spectra were obtained and were nearly identical when the applied voltage was increased from 5 to 11 V. These results indicate that blending the appropriate hole transport material can be an efficient method to improve device performance based on the large band gap of blue-lighting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Both submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) and endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) are effective method for treating gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs); however, little is known about the comparison between STER and EFTR. The aim of the study was to compare the safety and efficacy of STER and EFTR for treating gastric GIST.Methods: We retrospectively collected the clinical data about patients with gastric GISTs who received STER or EFTR at our hospital from April 2011 to June 2016. Epidemiological data (gender, age), tumor size, procedure-related parameters, complications, length of stay, cost and follow-up data were compared between STER and EFTR.Results: A total of 52 patients were enrolled, and 20 of them received STER, while the other 32 cases received EFTR. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, concomitant diseases, tumor size, en bloc resection rate, operation time, complications, pathohistological grade of GIST, hospital stay and cost (P > 0.05). However, patients who received EFTR had a longer suture time and needed more clips to close the gastric-wall defect (STER vs EFTR, 291.5 ± 68.7 vs 380.6 ± 96.9s and 6.0 ± 1.2 vs 7.6 ± 1.6, P < 0.05). No recurrence was noted in the STER and EFTR groups during a mean follow-up of 10.9 and 23.8 months, respectively.Conclusions: The treatment efficacy between STER and EFTR for treating gastric GISTs was comparable, and a large-scale, randomized study is necessary for a more confirmed conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cohort study aimed to identify the characteristics and risk factors of adult idiopathic inflammatory myopathy-associated interstitial lung disease (IIM-ILD) and further explore the prognostic factors of IIM-ILD. We extracted data regarding 539 patients with laboratory-confirmed idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) with or without interstitial lung disease (ILD) from the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between January 2016 and December 2021. The regression analysis was conducted to identify the possible risk factors for ILD as well as mortality. Of 539 IIM patients, 343 (64.6%) were diagnosed with IIM-ILD. The median (IQR) baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) and ferritin were 4.1371 (2.6994–6.8143), 0.1685 (0.0641–0.5456) and 393.6 (210.6–532.2), respectively. Risk factors associated with IIM-ILD were older age (p = 0.002), arthralgia (p = 0.014), lung infection (p = 0.027), hemoglobin (p = 0.022), high CAR (p = 0.014), anti-aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase (anti-ARS) antibody-positive (p < 0.001), and anti-MDA5 antibody-positive (p < 0.001). The IIM-ILD patients whose age at diagnosis of disease ≥ 59.5 (HR = 2.673, 95% CI 1.588–4.499, p < 0.001), NLR ≥ 6.6109 (HR = 2.004, 95% CI 1.193–3.368, p = 0.009), CAR ≥ 0.2506 (HR = 1.864, 95% CI 1.041–3.339, p = 0.036), ferritin ≥ 397.68 (HR = 2.451, 95% CI 1.245–4.827, p = 0.009) and anti-MDA5 antibody-positive (HR = 1.928, 95% CI 1.123–3.309, p = 0.017) had a higher mortality rate. High CAR and anti-MDA5 antibody-positive are more likely to be associated with a high mortality rate of IIM-ILD, which can be used as serum biomarkers, especially the CAR, a simple, objective tool to assess the prognosis of IIM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premature ovarian insufficiency refers to the loss of ovarian function before 40 years of age. The etiology is heterogeneous, and genetic factors account for 20–25% of cases. However, how to transform genetic findings to clinical molecular diagnose remains a challenge. To identify potential causative variations for POI, a next generation sequencing panel with 28 known causative genes of POI was designed, and a large cohort of 500 Chinese Han patients was screened directly. Pathogenic evaluation of the identified variants and the phenotype analysis were performed according to monogenic or oligogenic variants. Results: A total of 14.4% (72/500) of the patients carried 61 pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in 19 of the genes in the panel. Interestingly, 58 variants (95.1%, 58/61) were firstly identified in patients with POI. FOXL2 harbored the highest occurrence frequency (3.2%, 16/500), among whom presented with isolated ovarian insufficiency instead of blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome. Moreover, luciferase reporter assay confirmed variant p.R349G, which account for 2.6% of POI cases, impaired the transcriptional repressive effect of FOXL2 on CYP17A1. The novel compound heterozygous variants in NOBOX and MSH4 were confirmed by pedigree haplotype analysis, and digenic heterozygous variants in MSH4 and MSH5 were firstly identified. Furthermore, nine patients (1.8%, 9/500) with digenic or multigenic pathogenic variants presented with delayed menarche, early onset of POI and high prevalence of primary amenorrhea compared with those with monogenic variation(s). Conclusions: The genetic architecture of POI has been enriched through the targeted gene panel in a large cohort of patients with POI. Specific variants in pleiotropic genes may result in isolated POI rather than syndromic POI, whereas oligogenic defects might have cumulative deleterious effects on the severity of POI phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compartmentalization is essential for living cells to orchestrate their biological processes with controlled external influences. Thus, compartmentalization has been a constant theme for cell‐mimicking materials. Despite recent advances in engineering compartmentalized materials as synthetic cells and organelles, it remains difficult to produce robust and well‐ordered compartments with secluded environments in aqueous surroundings. Nature creates hierarchically ordered compartmentalized materials by utilizing bio‐catalyzed mineralization, inspired by which, mechanically robust all‐aqueous compartments are developed by engineering a mild biomimetic mineralization at aqueous/aqueous interfaces. The enzyme‐induced biomineralization generates a layer of densely‐packed particles, acting as an armor to enclose aqueous interiors. This strategy of in situ bio‐synthesized compartments is different from current strategies, where compartments are constructed by randomly adsorbed particles at interface, leading to inadequately controlled properties of compartments. To demonstrate the robustness and adaptiveness of the in situ bio‐synthesized all‐aqueous compartments, these are utilized as drug delivery materials by sequestering protein drugs at their aqueous interiors and releasing when exposing to gastric environments. The study provides new ways to fabricate compartmentalized materials with well‐defined properties, unlocking routes to the next generation of self‐assembled materials and structures by integrating aqueous two‐phase systems with biomineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, (Bi, Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ superconducting nano-network was successfully synthesized based on liquid-phase method via electrospinning and followed calcinations. The effect of plumbum (Pb) replacing bismuth (Bi) and the superconductivity of Bi2-xPbxSr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, and 0.45) nano-networks were studied. With the increase of the ratio of Pb, it was found that the relative volume fraction of the Bi-2223 phase increased from 53.50 to 93.98%, the pinning force increased from 0.66 × 108 N m−3 to 3.22 × 108 N m−3, and the critical current density increased from 0.98 × 108 A m−2 to 4.71 × 108 A m−2. By fitting the dominant magnetic flux pinning mechanism, it was also found that the addition of Pb can improve the pinning center of Bi-2223 phase. These results indicate that the addition of Pb is beneficial to improve the fraction of superconducting Bi-2223 phase. The optimal superconductor pinning structure has been obtained because the pinning centers are created by substituting Pb for Bi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Modified mycotoxins in cereals can be formed by plant, microorganism, and processing. • Transformation of modified with free mycotoxins can occur during cereal processing. • Modified mycotoxins co-occur with free mycotoxins in cereals and their products. • Modified mycotoxins can be detected by direct and indirect methods. Modified mycotoxins in cereals and their products are formed by plant, microorganism, and the other physical/chemical approaches during processing, which could pose a serious threat to food safety worldwide. The transformation between modified and free mycotoxins during cereal processing could occur, which could further cause the uncertainty of mycotoxin exposure and risk. Most of the current reports about the occurrence of modified mycotoxins focus on the modified DON, ZEN and T-2 toxin, while the data about other modified mycotoxins (e.g., modified OTA and FB 1) in cereals are still scarce. Structural changes of modified mycotoxins affect the physicochemical properties, which caused that the direct and indirect methods need to be further improve to detect modified mycotoxins. This review focuses on updates in formation, transformation, occurrence and analytical strategy for modified mycotoxins. Overall, this review is significant for perfecting risk assessment of modified mycotoxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article titled "Do we really need closed-suction drainage in total hip arthroplasty? A meta analysis" that was published in a previous issue of the periodical.

Brain injury is common in neonates with complex neonatal congenital heart disease (CHD) and affects neurodevelopmental outcomes. Given advancements in perioperative care, we sought to determine if the rate of preoperative and postoperative brain injury detected by using brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and associated clinical risk factors have changed over time in complex CHD. A total of 270 term newborns with complex CHD were prospectively enrolled for preoperative and postoperative brain MRIs between 2001 and 2021 with a total of 466 MRI scans. Brain injuries in the form of white matter injury (WMI) or focal stroke and clinical factors were compared across 4 epochs of 5-year intervals with logistic regression. Rates of preoperative WMI and stroke did not change over time. After adjusting for timing of the postoperative MRI, site, and cardiac group, the odds of newly acquired postoperative WMI were significantly lower in Epoch 4 compared with Epoch 1 (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.09-1.00; P = 0.05). The adjusted probability of postoperative WMI declined significantly by 18.7% from Epoch 1 (24%) to Epoch 4 (6%). Among clinical risk factors, lowest systolic, mean, and diastolic blood pressures in the first 24 hours after surgery were significantly higher in the most recent epoch. The prevalence of postoperative WMI has declined, whereas preoperative WMI rates remain constant. More robust postoperative blood pressures may explain these findings by minimizing periods of ischemia and supporting cerebral perfusion. These results suggest potential modifiable clinical targets in the postoperative time period to minimize the burden of WMI. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Extensive mutational screening studies have documented genes regulating anther and pollen development. Knowledge concerning how formation of male germinal cell is arithmetically controlled in natural populations, under different environmental conditions, is lacking.We counted pollen number within a single anther and a maize–teosinte BC2S3 recombinant inbred line population to identify ZmCCT10 as a major determinant of pollen number variation.ZmCCT10 was originally identified as a photoperiod‐sensitive negative regulator of flowering. ZmCCT10 inactivation, after transposon insertion within its promoter, is proposed to have accelerated maize spread toward higher latitudes, thus allowing temperate maize to flower under long‐day conditions. We showed that the active ZmCCT10 allele decreased pollen formation. As different active and inactive ZmCCT10 alleles have been found in natural maize populations, this represents the first report of a gene controlling pollen number in a crop natural population. These findings suggest that higher pollen number, which provides a competitive advantage in open‐pollinated populations, may have been one of the major driving forces for the selection of an inactive ZmCCT10 allele during tropical maize domestication.We provide evidence that ZmCCT10 has opposite effects on cell proliferation of archesporial and tapetum cells and it modulates expression of key regulators during early anther development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the role of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) genes, including TSC1 and TSC2 , in the pathogenesis of human premature ovarian insufficiency (POI). Genetic and functional study. University-based reproductive medical center. Six patients from a cohort of 1,030 cases with idiopathic POI. Variants in TSC1 and TSC2 were screened through the largest in-house database of whole exome sequencing performed in 1,030 patients with idiopathic POI. The pathogenic effects of the variants were further verified by functional studies. TSC1 or TSC2 variant and functional characteristics. Five pathogenic heterozygous variants in TSC2 were identified in 6 patients with POI. Functional studies showed these variants impaired the repressive effect of TSC2 on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by disrupting the formation of TSC complex or its GTPase-activating protein activity. Furthermore, in vitro ovarian culture assay showed that TSC2 p.R98Q led to hyperactivation of mTOR pathway thereby triggering primordial follicle activation. The present study identified pathogenic variants of TSC2 in patients with POI, firstly suggested defective TSC/mTOR pathway mediated hyperactivation of primordial follicle participating in the pathogenesis of POI, giving insights into new targets of genetic counseling and clinical prevention for POI. Considering the pivotal role of TSC2 variants in diagnosis of TSC syndrome, the present study also highlighted the importance of history collection and long-term follow-up for the TSC2 variants carriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fengshui, one of the important factors in the layout of Chinese traditional buildings, runs through activities related to traditional Chinese architecture. In order to better interpret and reflect the relationship between traditional buildings and the surrounding natural environment, Fengshui theory is moderately applied when it comes to an environmental improvement project, so as to make the whole design more unified and the sub-design more sound. Therefore, buildings are more coordinated with the overall environment, and the essence of "culture of harmoniousness" of Chinese traditional architecture is reflected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) is an evolutionarily conserved molecule that was originally identified in the immune system. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) plays a critical role in the activation of immune cells by upregulating the expression of many cytokines. In this study, we investigated the localization and expression level of IL-1β, its functional membrane receptor type I (IL-1R1) and NF-κB in the skin of Rana dybowskii during the breeding period and pre-hibernation. Histologically, the skin of Rana dybowskii consists of epidermis and dermis, and four kinds of cells were identified in the epidermis during the breeding period and pre-hibernation, while the dermis was composed of homogenous gel, mucous glands and granular glands. IL-1β, IL-1R1 and NF-κB were immunolocalized in the epithelial and glandular cells in both periods. Western blotting showed that there was no significant difference in the expression of IL-1β between the breeding period and pre-hibernation, whereas IL-1R1 and NF-κB were significantly higher in the pre-hibernation compared to the breeding period. These results suggested that IL-1β and NF-κB may collectively play important roles in the skin immune system of Rana dybowskii during the breeding period and pre-hibernation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Benzoxazolone, oxazolopyridinone and 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)hydantoin derivatives were designed and synthesized. • Their QS inhibitory activity was systematically evaluated. • Oxazolopyridinone derivatives exhibited potent QS inhibitory activity against P. aeruginosa. • In particular, B20 exhibited the best synergistic antibacterial effect against multiple drug-resistant P. aeruginosa. • Mechanistic studies indicated that B20 directly inhibited the QS pathway. The antibiotic crisis is associated with the appearance of multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens, which has caused severe bacterial infections and imposed a huge burden on modern society. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new antibacterial drugs with novel mechanism of action. Here we designed and synthesized three series of benzoxazolone, oxazolopyridinone and 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)hydantoin derivatives and evaluated their activity as novel quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors. We found that benzoxazolone and oxazolopyridinone derivatives had promising QS inhibitory activity in the minimum inhibitory concentration, pyocyanin and rhamnolipid inhibition assays. In particular, A10 and B20 at 256 μg/mL not only suppressed pyocyanin production regulated by QS in P. aeruginosa PAO1 by 36.55% and 46.90%, respectively, but also showed the strongest rhamnolipid inhibitory activity with the IC 50 values of 66.35 and 56.75 µg/mL, respectively. Further studies demonstrated that B20 at 64 μg/mL inhibited biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa PAO1 by 40%, and weakened its swarming motility. More importantly, the bacterial mortality of B20 combined with ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin against P. aeruginosa were 48.27% and 49.79%, respectively, while ciprofloxacin and clarithromycin had only 16.99% and 29.11% of bacterial mortality against P. aeruginosa when used alone. Mechanistic studies indicated that B20 directly inhibited the QS pathway based on the GFP reporter strain assay. Overall, this compound with oxazolopyridinone core could serve as an antibacterial lead of QS inhibitor for further evaluation of its drug-likeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel polyfluorene-based blue-light emitting copolymers consisting of aromatic carbazole or dibenzothiophene- S , S -dioxide (SO) moiety in side chain are designed and synthesized based on a palladium-catalyzed Suzuki polymerization. The UV–vis absorption, photoluminescence characteristics and wide-angle X-ray diffraction measurements of the resulting copolymers demonstrate that the incorporation of such aromatic units can induce the formation of the β -phase. The resulting copolymers consisting of aromatic units exhibit improved electroluminescence properties relative to the pristine PFO film. A maximum luminous efficiency of 2.25 cd A −1 with Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage coordinates of (0.17, 0.09) is obtained from the light-emitting device based on the copolymer consisting of SO unit (PFO-SO). Device based on copolymer PFO-SO also exhibits stable electroluminescent spectra and relatively low roll-off of luminous efficiency at high current densities. These observations indicate that the incorporation of aromatic moiety in side chain is a promising strategy to obtain stable blue-light-emitting polyfluorenes with enhanced efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water contamination by heavy metals is a serious environmental concern. To unravel the "species resolved" interaction mechanism of heavy metals with graphene oxide (GO), a multi-aspects analyses incorporating metal species distribution, GO surface charge, adsorption behavior and fitting, hard-soft acid-base (HSAB) theory, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were performed. For pH 7 and T = 25 °C, adsorptions of aqueous Cd(Ⅱ) and Pb(Ⅱ) with equal initial concentrations of 300 mg L−1 by GO at 500 mg L−1 equilibrated in 15 min. The corresponding adsorption percentage and quantity for Cd(Ⅱ) were 98.04% and 588.22 mg g−1 and those for Pb(Ⅱ) were 92.10% and 552.56 mg g−1. When pH ≤ 7, bare Cd2+ and Pb2+ were the dominant metal species adsorbed by GO via ion exchange and chemical complexation. When pH ≥ 7, hydroxyl-complexed species were the dominant ones adsorbed by GO via precipitation, ion exchange, and chemical complexation. Electron transfer and energy lowering induced by the GO–heavy metal interaction, calculated based on HSAB theory, illuminated two points: (1) OH had a stronger binding affinity than COOH toward either Cd(Ⅱ) or Pb(Ⅱ) and (2) either OH or COOH had a stronger binding affinity toward Cd(Ⅱ) than Pb(Ⅱ). Explorations of this work may provide guidance in developing efficient graphene-based adsorbents for wastewater remediation. [Display omitted] • An improved Hummers method was utilized to prepare graphene oxide (GO). • GO adsorbs 588.22 mg g−1 or 552.56 mg g−1 of Cd(Ⅱ) or Pb(Ⅱ) in 15 min. • The "species resolved" adsorption mechanism was unveiled. • The hard-soft acid-base theory was incorporated to unravel the adsorption mechanism. • Different pH range gives rise to different adsorption mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]