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The two genera, Chaenotetrastichus Graham and Styotrichia LaSalle (Chalcidoidea: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), are newly recorded from the Oriental region, based on material reared from the pupae of Auplopus carbonarius (Scopoli) (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae) and a Pisoxylon species (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae), respectively, collected using trap-nests. Styotrichia pisoxylona Cao & Zhu sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a gregarious endo-parasitoid of Pisoxylon sp. The generic diagnosis, biology, and distribution of Chaenotetrastichus and Styotrichia are updated. All described species of the two genera are reviewed and a key to them is provided. Based on morphology and available sequences of the D2 expansion region of 28S ribosomal DNA (28S D2), the relationships between the two genera and other members of the subfamily Tetrastichinae are tentatively discussed. The phylogenetic analysis of 28S D2 confirms that the two genera with enlarged mandibles, which are associated with aculeate Hymenoptera, are not closely related. DNA barcodes (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I, COI) of the newly described species and C. semiflavus (Girault) are provided and analyzed alongside publicly available COI sequences of related taxa. The result suggests that the genetic or species diversity of Chaenotetrastichus is underestimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PI3K/Akt signalling pathway is associated with the occurrence and development of tumours and significantly affects the prognosis of patients. We established a predictive signature based on the PI3K/Akt pathway to predict the prognosis of patients. The RNA-seq and clinical data of laryngeal cancer patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Three lncRNAs (MNX1-AS1, LINC00330, LSAMP-AS1) were selected through univariate, multivariate Cox and log-rank test analysis to establish a prognostic signature. The patients were then divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on their risk score. In the TCGA training set, the survival time of the high-risk group was shorter than that of the low-risk group (P < 0.01). Follicular helper T cells were lower in the high-risk group (P = 0.022), and CCR, inflammation promotion, parainflammation, and type I IFN immune function were suppressed. The results of the drug sensitivity analysis suggest that the high-risk group is sensitive to AKT inhibitors. The establishment of the signature was also verified based on the clinical data. Three lncRNAs can facilitate the migration, invasion, and vitality of cancer cells in vitro, and vice versa. Moreover, p-AKT (Ser473) and p-PI3K were highly activated in the cells overexpressing the abovementioned three lncRNAs. The PI3K/Akt signalling pathway-associated prognosis signature has a good predictive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PI3K/Akt signalling pathway is associated with the occurrence and development of tumours and significantly affects the prognosis of patients. We established a predictive signature based on the PI3K/Akt pathway to predict the prognosis of patients. The RNA-seq and clinical data of laryngeal cancer patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Three lncRNAs (MNX1-AS1, LINC00330, LSAMP-AS1) were selected through univariate, multivariate Cox and log-rank test analysis to establish a prognostic signature. The patients were then divided into high-risk and low-risk groups based on their risk score. In the TCGA training set, the survival time of the high-risk group was shorter than that of the low-risk group (P < 0.01). Follicular helper T cells were lower in the high-risk group (P = 0.022), and CCR, inflammation promotion, parainflammation, and type I IFN immune function were suppressed. The results of the drug sensitivity analysis suggest that the high-risk group is sensitive to AKT inhibitors. The establishment of the signature was also verified based on the clinical data. Three lncRNAs can facilitate the migration, invasion, and vitality of cancer cells in vitro, and vice versa. Moreover, p-AKT (Ser473) and p-PI3K were highly activated in the cells overexpressing the abovementioned three lncRNAs. The PI3K/Akt signalling pathway-associated prognosis signature has a good predictive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research on the high-value utilization of biomass has good application prospects and is conducive to sustainable development. In this paper, three different types of activators (potassium hydroxide, phosphoric acid, and polypropylene) were used to carbonize jujube branches at high temperatures of 600 °C and 800 °C, and then the PEG/jujube charcoal composite phase change materials (PCM) were prepared by vacuum impregnation of polyethylene glycol (PEG). The results showed that the carbon support activated by polypropylene (PP) had a richer pore size distribution than the other two activation methods, and the 800 °C carbonization carrier loaded PEG had a higher phase change enthalpy than the composite material at 600 °C. The mesoporous and macroporous structures were staggered with PP-activated jujube charcoal at 800 °C, with a specific surface area of 1082.2 m²/g, the melting enthalpy of the composite material reached 114.92 J/g, and the enthalpy of solidification reached 106.15 J/g after PEG loading. The diffraction peak of the composite phase change material was the superposition of PEG and carbon matrix, which proved that the loading process was physical adsorption. After 200 thermal cycles, the melting enthalpy and crystallization enthalpy were only reduced by 4.3% and 4.1%, respectively, and they remained stable and leak-free at the melting point of PEG for 2 h, demonstrating good thermal stability of the composite phase change materials. In summary, PP has obvious advantages over traditional activation, and the carbon-supported PEG phase change composite after PP activation is a biochar energy storage material with excellent performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Parasitoids of the family Mymaridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) are difficult to collect and study, in part because of their small body size of 0.2–1.5 mm. Currently, more than 1500 species have been described and recorded. However, molecular data are rarely generated and used in relation to these small parasitoids. The genus Pseudanaphes is one of the smaller genera, with only five known species, for which molecular data were not available until this study. In this study, a new species of Pseudanaphes, P. yadongicus Aishan & Cao sp. nov., is separated from the known species P. zhaoi Lin by combining morphological and molecular data, both collected in Tibet, China. The DNA barcode and illustrations of P. zhaoi are also provided simultaneously. The DNA barcodes, morphological diagnosis, and a key to the world species of this genus will facilitate studies on this genus. The fairyfly Mymaridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) are widely distributed worldwide, but species of this family have rarely been collected and recorded from the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In this study, mymarids collected in Tibet, China, are identified based on morphology and molecular data. Two species of the genus Pseudanaphes Noyes & Valentine are treated and illustrated here, including a known species, P. zhaoi Lin, and a new species, P. yadongicus Aishan & Cao sp. nov. In addition, a key to the world species of Pseudanaphes (females) and DNA barcodes for P. yadongicus and P. zhaoi are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the enantioselective oxidative cross‐coupling of secondary amines with ketones by combining the non‐natural catalytic activity of lipase with electrosynthesis. Various 2,2‐disubstituted 3‐carbonyl indoles with a stereogenic quaternary carbon center were synthesized from 2‐substituted indoles in yields up to 78 % with good enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities (up to 96 : 4 e.r. and >20 : 1 d.r.). This unprecedented protocol demonstrated that hydrolase catalysis is compatible with electrosynthesis, and the reaction can be carried out in organic solvents with a broad substrate scope and good stereoselectivity. This work provides insights into enzymatic electrosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the enantioselective oxidative cross‐coupling of secondary amines with ketones by combining the non‐natural catalytic activity of lipase with electrosynthesis. Various 2,2‐disubstituted 3‐carbonyl indoles with a stereogenic quaternary carbon center were synthesized from 2‐substituted indoles in yields up to 78 % with good enantio‐ and diastereoselectivities (up to 96 : 4 e.r. and >20 : 1 d.r.). This unprecedented protocol demonstrated that hydrolase catalysis is compatible with electrosynthesis, and the reaction can be carried out in organic solvents with a broad substrate scope and good stereoselectivity. This work provides insights into enzymatic electrosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Red blood cells (RBCs) lose plasma membrane in the spleen as they age, but the cells and molecules involved are yet to be identified. Sickle cell disease and infection by Plasmodium falciparum cause oxidative stress that induces aggregates of cross‐linked proteins with N‐linked high‐mannose glycans (HMGs). These glycans can be recognised by mannose‐binding lectins, including the mannose receptor (CD206), expressed on macrophages and specialised phagocytic endothelial cells in the spleen to mediate the extravascular haemolysis characteristic of these diseases. We postulated this system might also mediate removal of molecules and membrane in healthy individuals. Surface expression of HMGs on RBCs from patients who had previously undergone splenectomy was therefore assessed: high levels were indeed observable as large membrane aggregates. Glycomic analysis by mass spectrometry identified a mixture of Man5‐9GlcNAc2 structures. HMG levels correlated well with manual pit counts (r = 0.75–0.85). To assess further whether HMGs might act as a splenic reticuloendothelial function test, we measured levels on RBCs from patients with potential functional hyposplenism, some of whom exhibited high levels that may indicate risk of complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenolic materials are a class of fascinating and versatile bioinspired materials for biointerfacial engineering. In particular, due to the presence of active chemical groups, a series of unique physicochemical properties become accessible and tunable of the as-prepared polyphenolic platforms, which could delicately regulate the cell activities via cell–material contact-dependent interactions. More interestingly, polyphenols could also affect the cell behaviors via cell–material contact-independent manner, which arise due to their intrinsically functional characteristics (e.g., antioxidant and photothermal behaviors). As such, a comprehensive understanding on the relationship between material properties and desired biomedical applications, as well as the underlying mechanism at the cellular and molecular level would provide material design principles and accelerate the lab-to-clinic translation of polyphenolic platforms. In this review, we firstly give a brief overview of cell hallmarks governed by surrounding cues, followed by the introduction of polyphenolic material engineering strategies. Subsequently, a detailed discussion on cell–polyphenols contact-dependent interfacial interaction and contact-independent interaction was also carefully provided. Lastly, their biomedical applications were elaborated. We believe that this review could provide guidances for the rational material design of multifunctional polyphenols and extend their application window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the dolomitic limestone determined as alkali–carbonate-reactive by various methods is used as an aggregate. Inhibition experiments were carried out on the basis of the concrete microbar method (RILEM AAR-5 standard), in which 10%, 30%, and 50% fly ash and metakaolin were used to replace cement. Thermogravimetric–differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS) were used to analyze the inhibition mechanism of fly ash and metakaolin on ACR. The results show that the expansion of samples at the age of 28 days are less than 0.10% when the fly ash contents exceed 30% and the metakaolin contents exceed 10%, which proves that the ACR is inhibited effectively. Meanwhile, the Ca(OH)2 content of the samples was reduced and the pore structure of the samples was optimized after adding fly ash and metakaolin. The dolomite crystals in the samples containing 50% fly ash and metakaolin are relatively complete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Fruit flies in the family Tephritidae are economically important pests of edible fruits, with some known hymenopteran parasitoids. Although Aceratoneuromyia indica (Silvestri) is one of the most common parasitoids and has been used in biological control of fruit flies, its establishment in biocontrol is impeded by the difficulties of proper identity. The genus Aceratoneuromyia Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is studied here, and the generic name Trjapitzinichus Kostjukov and Kosheleva is proposed as a new synonym under Aceratoneuromyia as well. Based on morphology and DNA barcodes, A. bilinis Huangfu and Cao sp. nov., A. carinata Cao and Zhu sp. nov. and A. trilinus Cao and Zhu sp. nov. are described and illustrated. The well-known parasitoid of fruit flies, A. indica, is treated here with the diagnosis and illustrations. In addition, this study provided a morphological diagnosis for Aceratoneuromyia as well as a key to world species of this genus. We also briefly discussed the relationship of Aceratoneuromyia with other possibly close groups based on available morphological data. Together with DNA barcodes of A. bilinis sp. nov. and A. indica generated here, this study provided essential and useful information for the species identity of Aceratoneuromyia. Fruit flies in the family Tephritidae are well known as economically important pests of edible fruits and can often cause serious damage and losses to both agriculture and the economy. One of the common parasitoids of fruit flies, Aceratoneuromyia indica (Silvestri), has been used in biological programs. However, the biocontrol utilities of parasitoids are impeded by the difficulties of proper identification. Species of the genus Aceratoneuromyia Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), usually developed as parasitoids of fruit flies, are studied here. Trjapitzinichus Kostjukov and Kosheleva is proposed as a new synonym under Aceratoneuromyia. Three new species of Aceratoneuromyia, A. bilinis Huangfu and Cao sp. nov., A. carinata Cao and Zhu sp. nov., and A. trilinus Cao and Zhu sp. nov., are described and illustrated from China. Aceratoneuromyia indica is also treated here with diagnosis and illustrations. DNA barcodes of A. bilinis and A. indica and a key to the world species of Aceratoneuromyia are provided. This study provided important identification information of parasitoids with morphology and molecular evidence, which is useful for imperative needs regarding the identity of parasitoids attacking fruit flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is required in many end-stage liver diseases. Donation after cardiac death (DCD) livers are often used, and treatment of acute rejection (ACR) requires the use of immunosuppressive drugs that are associated with complications. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) are used in treatment following LT; however, they have limitations, including low colonization in the liver. An optimized BMMSC application method is required to suppress ACR. Methods: BMMSCs were isolated and modified with the heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) gene. HO-1/BMMSCs were perfused into donor liver in vitro using a normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) system, followed by LT into rats. The severity of ACR was evaluated based on liver histopathology. Gene chip technology was used to detect differential gene expression, and flow cytometry to analyze changes in natural killer (NK) T cells. Results: NMP induced BMMSCs to colonize the donor liver during in vitro preservation. The survival of HO-1/BMMSCs in liver grafts was significantly longer than that of unmodified BMMSCs. When the donor liver contained HO-1/BMMSCs, the local immunosuppressive effect was improved and prolonged, ACR was controlled, and survival time was significantly prolonged. The application of HO-1/BMMSCs reduced the number of NKT cells in liver grafts, increased the expression of NKT cell co-inhibitory receptors, and reduced NKT cell expression of interferon-γ. Conclusions: NK cell and CD8+ T cell activation was inhibited by application of HO-1/BMMSCs, which reduced ACR of transplanted liver. This approach could be developed to enhance the success rate of LT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of an amino‐functionalized β‐diketiminate (′N‐nacnac′) ligand in low‐valent silicon chemistry is investigated. In particular, the use of (LDipp)SiCl (LDipp=HC{(Me2N)CNDipp}2) to generate silicon‐containing products via metathesis chemistry is explored, in light of previously reported complications arising from heterocycle ring contraction. In the case of Na[C5H5], chloride metathesis is accompanied not by rearrangement of the N‐nacnac ligand, but by a C‐to‐Si hydrogen migration process, generating the hydridosilicon(IV) species (LDipp)Si(H)(C5H4), which features a silafulvene core. The potential intermediate arising from initial chloride/cyclopentadienide substitution can be modelled by the chemistry of the corresponding Ge(II) and Sn(II) systems, which generate (LDipp)E(η1−C5H5) (E=Ge, Sn) via straightforward metathesis chemistry. A Si(II) hydride species can be generated from (LDipp)SiCl via metathesis by making use of a d‐block reagent which can act as both hydride source and coordinative trap for (LDipp)SiH. Thus, the reaction of (LDipp)SiCl with K[(η5−C5H4Me)Mn(CO)2H] leads to the formation of (η5−C5H4Me)Mn(CO)2{Si(H)LDipp} – the first silylene complex containing this half‐sandwich manganese fragment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐immune cells are increasingly recognized as important in regulating immunity, but the role of red blood cells (RBC) remains relatively unexplored, despite their abundance in the circulation and a cell surface rich in potential ligands. Here, we determine whether RBC influence the activation state of human B cells. Separation of RBC from peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased B‐cell expression of HLA‐DR/DP/DQ, whilst reconstitution reduced the levels of B‐cell activation markers HLA‐DR/DP/DQ, CD86, CD69 and CD40, as well as decreasing proliferative responses and IgM secretion. Inhibition of B cells required contact with RBC and was abrogated by either removal of sialic acids from RBC or blocking the corresponding lectin receptor CD22 on B cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia B cells express low levels of CD22 and were less susceptible to inhibition by RBC, which may contribute to their activated phenotype. Taken together, the results identify a novel mechanism that may suppress inappropriate responsiveness of healthy B cells whilst circulating in the bloodstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article uses the release of the 2017 Air Pollution Prevention and Control Work Plan for Beijing-Tia njin-Hebei and Surrounding Areas and its follow-up "Action Plan" as quasi-natural experiments, using a dual difference model (DID) to assess the policy effect of air pollution control. The regression results found that: (1) The release of the "scheme" had a significant improvement effect on the air of the "2+2 6" city, and passed the robustness test, constituting the main pollutant PM of smog 、PM And the degree of improvement in AQI is most pronounced, SO, CO, and NO The improvement was secondar y, but O The concentration did not decrease during the policy treatment period, but rose, indicating t hat in recent years O The level of pollution has increased and needs urgent attention. (2) SO from a lo ng-term perspective and NO The treatment effect has been improved compared with the short-term situation, indicating that some air pollutants still have the potential for further improvement, which co nfirms that air pollution control is a long-term "tough battle". (3) Introduce spatial DID analysis, throu gh the nested model of space Dubin and double difference, relax the assumption of individual indepe ndence, explore the policy effect of the "program" from the spatial dimension, and compare the direct effect and indirect effect under the spatial perspective to conclude that the regional joint prevention a nd control of atmospheric governance means can make the governance effect more effective than the air quality improvement policy in a single region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livers from donors after circulatory death (DCD) are inevitably exposed to a longer warm ischemic period, which might increase the incidence of postoperative bile duct complications. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) have tissue repair properties. The present study was aimed at exploring the repair effect of heme oxygenase-1- (HO-1-) modified BMMSCs (HO-1/BMMSCs) combined with normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) on bile duct injury after DCD liver transplantation and at revealing the underlying mechanisms. Rat livers were exposed to in situ warm ischemia for 30 min; then, NMP was performed through the portal vein for 4 h with BMMSCs, HO-1/BMMSCs, or neither before implantation. Obvious bile duct histological damage and liver functional damage were observed postoperatively. In the group treated with HO-1/BMMSCs combined with NMP (HBP group), liver functions and bile duct histology were improved; meanwhile, cell apoptosis was reduced and cell proliferation was active. A large number of regenerative cells appeared at the injured site, and the defective bile duct epithelium was restored. Dilatation of peribiliary glands (PBGs), proliferation of PBG cells, high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and increased proportion of bile duct progenitor cells with stem/progenitor cells biomarkers were observed. Blocking Wnt signaling significantly inhibited the repair effect of HO-1/BMMSCs on bile duct injury. In conclusion, HO-1/BMMSCs combined with NMP were relevant to the activation of biliary progenitor cells in PBGs which repaired bile duct injury in DCD liver transplantation via the Wnt signaling pathway. Proliferation and differentiation of PBG cells were involved in the renewal of the injured biliary epithelium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sialic acid‐binding immunoglobulin‐like lectin (Siglec)‐15 has recently been identified as a critical tumour checkpoint, augmenting the expression and function of programmed death‐ligand 1. We raised a monoclonal antibody, A9E8, specific for Siglec‐15 using phage display. A9E8 stained myeloid leukaemia cell lines and peripheral cluster of differentiation (CD)33+ blasts and CD34+ leukaemia stem cells from patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). By contrast, there was minimal expression on healthy donor leucocytes or CD34+ stem cells from non‐AML donors, suggesting targeting Siglec‐15 may have significant therapeutic advantages over its fellow Siglec CD33. After binding, A9E8 was rapidly internalised (half‐life of 180 s) into K562 cells. Antibodies to Siglec‐15 therefore hold therapeutic potential for AML treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mitochondria maintain the normal physiological function of nerve cells by producing sufficient cellular energy and performing crucial roles in maintaining the metabolic balance through intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, oxidative stress, and axonal development. Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with an unclear pathophysiology. Damage to the hippocampal neurons is a key component of the plasticity regulation of synapses and plays a critical role in the mechanism of depression. There is evidence suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with synaptic impairment. The maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis includes quantitative maintenance and quality control of mitochondria. Mitochondrial biogenesis produces new and healthy mitochondria, and mitochondrial dynamics cooperates with mitophagy to remove damaged mitochondria. These processes maintain mitochondrial population stability and exert neuroprotective effects against early depression. In contrast, mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in various brain regions of patients with major depressive disorders. The accumulation of defective mitochondria accelerates cellular nerve dysfunction. In addition, impaired mitochondria aggravate alterations in the brain microenvironment, promoting neuroinflammation and energy depletion, thereby exacerbating the development of depression. This review summarizes the influence of mitochondrial dysfunction and the underlying molecular pathways on the pathogenesis of depression. Additionally, we discuss the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis as a potential therapeutic strategy for depression. [Display omitted] • Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a vital role in the etiology of depression. • Dysregulation of the mitochondrial quality control system exacerbates the pathophysiology of depression. • Mitochondrial energy metabolism disorders fail to provide physiological support for neuroplasticity in depression. • The interaction between defective mitochondria and neuroinflammation worsens depression. • Mitochondria represent a potential target for pharmacological intervention of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The focusing principle and acoustic field characteristics of curved array probe are studied. Delay laws are first computed in the same way as linear array probe, and its effects on the axial acoustic pressure distributions are quantitatively examined. It is shown that the maximum points of axial acoustic pressure occur at positions deviating from the predefined focal depths. To further analyze the focusing principle of curved array probe, simulations of acoustic field are conducted under different settings of focal depth and active aperture size. It reveals that the circular array profile and the inconsistent electronic delay laws make the pulsed ultrasonic waves unable to constructively interfere at target positions. Subsidiary beams arise and further interfere with the axial acoustic pressure distributions of the main beam. To control the transmitted acoustic field, and thus customize the inspection strategy, an optimized delay law calculation scheme is proposed. The good behavior is well validated both by theoretical calculation and experimental examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donation after circulatory death (DCD) can expand the donor pool effectively. A gap remains in outcome between DCD livers and living donor livers, warranting improved DCD liver quality and urgent resolution. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) can regulate immunity, participate in the anti-inflammatory response, and secrete cytokines. We investigated the effect of BMMSCs combined with normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) on DCD liver quality, and the role of microcirculation therein. Rat thoracic aortas were clipped to obtain DCD livers, and a rat NMP system was established. The DCD livers were grouped by preservation method: normal, static cold storage (SCS), NMP (P), and BMMSCs plus NMP (BP); storage time was up to 8 h. Liver function in outflow perfusate was detected by biochemical methods; liver tissue histopathology was observed by hematoxylin–eosin staining; hepatocyte ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy; hepatocyte apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling; liver microcirculation–related indicators were detected by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with SCS, P and BP significantly improved liver function and liver histological damage, reduced hepatocyte apoptosis, and repaired hepatocyte mitochondrial damage after 6 h in vitro. BP also significantly inhibited intrahepatic macrophage activation and intercellular adhesion, improved endothelial damage, and significantly improved endothelin 1–nitric oxide balance and microcirculation perfusion. In conclusion, BP can improve DCD liver microcirculation and quality. The mechanism may be the improvement of improve hepatic sinusoidal endothelial injury and microcirculation perfusion by inhibiting macrophage activation and intercellular adhesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodium falciparum shields from adaptive immunity in erythrocytes, but how might the innate immune system recognize infected cells? Replication by the parasite results in oxidative stress, causing surface expression of high-mannose glycans. These can act as pathogen-associated molecular patterns to stimulate phagocytosis in the spleen and the sickle cell allele enhances these responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron-rich β-diketiminate ligands, featuring amino groups at the backbone β positions ("N-nacnac" ligands) have been employed in the synthesis of a range of silylene (SiII) complexes of the type (N-nacnac)SiX (where X = H, Cl, N(SiMe3)2, P(SiMe3)2 and Si(SiMe3)3). A combination of experimental and quantum chemical approaches reveals (i) that in all cases rearrangement to give an aza-butadienyl SiIV imide featuring a contracted five-membered heterocycle is thermodynamically favourable (and experimentally viable); (ii) that the kinetic lability of systems of the type (N-nacnac)SiX varies markedly as a function of X, such that compounds of this type can be isolated under ambient conditions for X = Cl and P(SiMe3)2, but not for X = H, N(SiMe3)2 and Si(SiMe3)3; and (iii) that the ring contraction process is most facile for systems bearing strongly electron-donating and sterically less encumbered X groups, since these allow most ready access to a transition state accessed via intramolecular nucleophilic attack by the SiII centre at the β-carbon position of the N-nacnac ligand backbone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a need to improve the quality of donor liver from donation after circulatory death (DCD). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects and mechanism of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) combined with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) on the oxidative stress and mitochondrial function in DCD livers. DCD livers were obtained, a rat NMP system was established, and BMMSCs were extracted and identified. The DCD livers were grouped by their preservation method: Normal, static cold storage (SCS), NMP (P), and NMP combined with BMMSCs (PB), and the preservation time was up to 8 h. An IAR20 cell oxidative stress injury model was established in vitro by simulating DCD oxidative stress injury and coculturing with BMMSCs for 6 h. Compared with SCS group, after 6 h in vitro, the PB and P groups had significantly improved liver function and liver histological damage, reduced hepatocyte apoptosis and oxidative stress, improved hepatocyte mitochondrial damage, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential. These indicators were significantly better in the PB group than in the P group. BMMSCs significantly inhibited reactive oxygen species release from the IAR20 cell oxidative stress model in vitro, ameliorated mitochondrial damage, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential level. BMMSCs also downregulated the JUN N-terminal kinase-nuclear factor kappa B (JNK-NF-κB) signaling pathway significantly in the IAR20 cell oxidative stress model and promoted AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation. We verified that NMP combined with BMMSCs also played the same role in the PB group. NMP combined with BMMSCs could improve liver quality by relieving oxidative stress injury and improving mitochondrial function in rat DCD livers. The mechanism of protective role might involve inhibiting the JNK-NF-κB pathway to reduce oxidative stress and promote AMPK activation, thereby reducing mitochondrial damage and increase mitochondrial function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver grafts have a poor prognosis after transplantation. We investigated whether the outcome of DCD donor organs can be improved by heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1)-modified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) combined with normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), and explored its underlying mechanisms. Methods: BMMSCs were isolated, cultured, and transduced with the HO-1 gene. An NMP system was established. DCD rat livers were obtained, preserved by different methods, and the recipients were divided into 5 groups: sham operation, static cold storage (SCS), NMP, BMMSCs combined with NMP, and HO-1/BMMSCs combined with NMP (HBP) groups. Rats were sacrificed at 1, 7, and 14 days after surgery; their blood and liver tissue samples were collected; and liver enzyme and cytokine levels, liver histology, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels in monocytes and liver tissues, and expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway-related molecules were evaluated. Results: After liver transplantation, the SCS group showed significantly increased transaminase levels, liver tissue damage, and shorter survival time. The HBP group showed lower transaminase levels, intact liver morphology, prolonged survival time, and decreased serum and liver proinflammatory cytokine levels. In the NMP and SCS groups, HMGB1 expression in the serum, monocytes, and liver tissues and TLR4 pathway-related molecule expression were significantly decreased. Conclusions: HO-1/BMMSCs combined with NMP exerted protective effects on DCD donor liver and significantly improved recipient prognosis. The effect of HO-1/BMMSCs was greater than that of BMMSCs and was mediated via HMGB1 expression and TLR4 pathway inhibition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) is widely used to treat depression. However, the underlying mechanism has not been identified, and there is uncertainty regarding the optimal choice of stimulus parameters, especially stimulus frequency. Our previous study in mice demonstrated that 10-Hz HF-rTMS ameliorated depression by inducing expression of Homer1a and reducing excitability of cortical pyramidal cells. The aims of this study were to compare the effects of 15-Hz and 25-Hz HF-rTMS in a model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression and investigate its possible molecular mechanism. Male C57BL/6J mice were treated with CUMS for 28 days followed by 15-Hz and 25-Hz rTMS for 4 weeks. The sucrose preference, open field, forced swimming, and tail suspension tests were used to evaluate depression-like behaviors. Immunostaining was performed to measure neuronal loss and neurogenesis. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining. Expression of synapse-related proteins and the effects of HF-rTMS on the signaling pathway were examined using Western blot. The results showed that both 15-Hz and 25-Hz rTMS had significant antidepressant effects; 15-Hz rTMS seemed to be more effective than 25-Hz rTMS in preventing neuronal loss and promoting neurogenesis, while 25-Hz rTMS was superior to 15-Hz rTMS in facilitating synaptic plasticity. We also found that 15-Hz and 25-Hz rTMS markedly increased expression of p11, BDNF, Homer1a, and p-trkB proteins. These findings suggest that 15-Hz and 25-Hz HF-rTMS could exert neuroprotective effects to different degrees via multiple perspectives, which at least in part involve the p11/BDNF/Homer1a pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-Diketiminate ligands featuring backbone NMe2 groups have been exploited to access a series of two-coordinate cations of the type [(N-nacnac)E]+ (E = Si, Ge, Sn), whose reactivity towards N–H bonds has been investigated. While the heavier group 14 systems react via simple adduct formation, N–H oxidative addition occurs for E = Si consistent with differences in EII/EIV redox potentials. The structurally characterized Ge/Sn adducts can be viewed as models for the corresponding (transient) Si systems [(N-nacnac)Si·(NH2R)]+ (R = H, tBu) – which are potential intermediates in the formation of [(N-nacnac)Si(H)(NHR)]+via a proton-shuttling mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The OS of metastatic larynx squamous cell carcinoma(LSCC) remains low. • With expression stability and tissue specificity, circRNAs might acted as diagnostic markers and targets for LSCC. • CircCDK1 was upregulated in LSCC tissues and favorably correlated with prognosis of LSCC. • CircCDK1 bound to IGF2BP2, restrained the stability of CPPED1 in a m6A-IGF2BP2 dependent manner. • CircCDK1-induced decreased of CPPED1 activated the PI3K/AKT signal pathway to aggravate LSCC. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel noncoding RNA (ncRNA) that plays a critical role in various cancers. However, the clinical significance, biological function, and molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) remain unclear. A circRNA array was performed to identify the differentially expressed circRNAs. In vitro and in vivo assays were proceeded to verify the biological function of circCDK1 in LSCC. RNA pulldown assays and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) were used to confirm the binding between circCDK1 and insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2(IGF2BP2). The MeRIP assay was then used to identified the N6-methyladenisine (m6A) methylation of calcineurin like phosphatase domain containing1 (CPPED1). Hsa_circ_0005774 (circCDK1) was found upregulated in LSCC tissues compared to adjacent normal tissues. The level of circCDK1 was positively correlated with poor prognosis of LSCC patients. In vitro and in vivo, circCDK1 promoted migration and invasion of LSCC cells. Mechanistically, eukaryotic translation initiation factor4A3(EIF4A3) induced biogenesis of circCDK1 by binding to its flanking. By competitively binding to IGF2BP2, circCDK1 blocked the m6A modification of CPPED1 in IGF2BP2-dependent manner. Moreover, the circCDK1-mediated decrease of CPPED1 activated the PI3K/AKT signal pathway to facilitate progression of LSCC. Our findings demonstrated that EIF4A3-induced upregulation of circCDK1 promoted LSCC metastasis via EIF4A3-circCDK1-IGF2BP2-CPPED1 to activate PI3K-AKT signal pathway. CircCDK1 might serve as a new diagnostic and prognostic marker or potential therapeutic target for LSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In order to explore the differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), the GSE84957 lncRNA expression profile was included in the present study through data mining in the National Center for Biotechnology Information/Gene Expression Omnibus (NCBI/GEO). Then, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of LSCC (1646 lncRNAs and 2713 mRNAs, fold change ≥ 2, P ≤ 0.05) were identified from the GSE84957 dataset using bioinformatics analysis. Of the 10 selected differentially expressed lncRNAs, the expression of 7 lncRNAs were verified by qRT-PCR method. Then, LINC00668 , a potential carcinogenic lncRNA, was screened out by narrowing down the screening criteria (fold change ≥ 4, P ≤ 0.01). Furthermore, correlation analysis demonstrated that expression levels of LINC00668 were associated with age, pathological differentiation degree, T stage, clinical stage and cervical lymph node metastasis. Moreover, a series of bioinformatics tools and in vitro experiments proved that knockdown of LINC00668 inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of LSCC cells. The present study identified the lncRNAs landscape of LSCC through data mining and bioinformatics analysis, and verified oncogenic LINC00668 , which may play important roles in promoting LSCC cells proliferation, migration and invasion. Highlights • This study identified the lncRNAs landscape of LSCC through data mining. • LINC00668 as an oncogene was screened out through data mining and bioinformatics. • Expression levels of LINC00668 were associated with some clinicopathological features. • Knockdown of LINC00668 could suppress proliferation, migration and invasion of cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of an amino‐functionalized β‐diketiminate ("N‐nacnac") ligand in low‐valent germanium chemistry is reported, with a view to comparison with "conventional" nacnac systems. Transmetallation of the N‐nacnac ligand from lithium allows access to a versatile chlorogermylene system, and subsequent substituent exchange processes are used to generate related hydrido‐, and phosphaketenyl‐germylenes. The latter undergoes photolytically‐induced cleavage of the P–CO bond to yield an unusual imine‐coordinated N,P‐heterocyclic germylene. On the basis of DFT calculations this transformation is proposed to occur via concerted attack by the electron‐rich carbon–carbon bond of the N‐nacnac backbone accompanying CO loss, rather than via the generation of a free phosphinidene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An oxidation/substitution strategy for the synthesis of silicon analogues of classical organic carbonyl compounds is reported, by making use of a novel β‐diketiminate‐supported sila‐acyl chloride—the first example of such a compound isolated without the use of a stabilizing Lewis acid. Nucleophilic substitution at the SiIV center allows direct access to the corresponding sila‐aldehyde and sila‐ester. An alternative approach utilizing the reverse order of synthetic steps is thwarted by the facile rearrangement of the corresponding SiII systems featuring either H or OR substituents. As such, the isolation of (N‐nacnac)Si(O)Cl represents a key step forward in enabling the synthesis of sila‐carbonyl compounds by a synthetic approach ubiquitous in organic chemistry. Nacnac. Who′s there? The first simple silicon analogue of an acyl chloride can be accessed by mild oxidation of an N‐nacnac‐stabilized chlorosilylene (N‐nacnac=amino‐functionalized β‐diketiminate). This sila‐acyl chloride undergoes facile functional‐group exchange to yield the corresponding sila‐ester and sila‐aldehyde in a manner analogous to that seen in classical carbonyl chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An oxidation/substitution strategy for the synthesis of silicon analogues of classical organic carbonyl compounds is reported, by making use of a novel β‐diketiminate‐supported sila‐acyl chloride—the first example of such a compound isolated without the use of a stabilizing Lewis acid. Nucleophilic substitution at the SiIV center allows direct access to the corresponding sila‐aldehyde and sila‐ester. An alternative approach utilizing the reverse order of synthetic steps is thwarted by the facile rearrangement of the corresponding SiII systems featuring either H or OR substituents. As such, the isolation of (N‐nacnac)Si(O)Cl represents a key step forward in enabling the synthesis of sila‐carbonyl compounds by a synthetic approach ubiquitous in organic chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copper (Cu) is one of the essential microelements and widely participates in various pathways in plants, but excess Cu in plant cells could induce oxidative stress and harm plant growth. Rice (Oryza sativa) is a main crop food worldwide. The molecular mechanisms of rice in response to copper toxicity are still not well understood. In this study, two-week-old seedlings of the rice cultivar Nipponbare were treated with 100 μM Cu2+ (CuSO 4) in the external solution for 10 days. Physiological analysis showed that excess Cu significantly inhibited the growth and biomass of rice seedlings. After Cu treatment, the contents of Mn and Zn were significantly reduced in the roots and shoots, while the Fe content was significantly increased in the roots. Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including SOD and POD were dramatically enhanced after Cu treatment. Based on metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methods, 695 metabolites were identified in rice roots. Among these metabolites, 123 metabolites were up-regulated and 297 were down-regulated, respectively. The differential metabolites (DMs) include carboxylic acids and derivatives, benzene and substituted derivatives, carbonyl compounds, cinnamic acids and derivatives, fatty acyls and organ nitrogen compounds. KEGG analysis showed that these DMs were mainly enriched in TCA cycle, purine metabolism and starch and sucrose metabolism pathways. Many intermediates in the TCA cycle and purine metabolism were down-regulated, indicating a perturbed carbohydrate and nucleic acid metabolism. Taken together, the present study provides new insights into the mechanism of rice roots to Cu toxicity. • After Cu treatment, the content of Mn and Zn was reduced in rice roots and shoots, while the Fe content was increased in the roots. • Among 695 identified metabolites, 123 metabolites were up-regulated and 297 were down-regulated after Cu treatment. • The reduced metabolites in TCA cycle, purine metabolism and sucrose metabolism are responsible for the inhibited rice growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creating small-molecule-functionalized platforms for high-throughput screening or biosensing applications requires precise placement of probes on solid substrates and the ability to capture and to sort targets from multicomponent samples. Here, chemical lift-off lithography was used to fabricate large-area, high-fidelity patterns of small-molecule probes. Lift-off lithography enables biotin-streptavidin patterned recognition with feature sizes ranging from micrometers to below 30 nm. Subtractive patterning via lift-off facilitated insertion of a different type of molecule and, thus, multiplexed side-by-side placement of small-molecule probes such that binding partners were directed to cognate probes from solution. Small molecules mimicking endogenous neurotransmitters were patterned using lift-off lithography to capture native membrane-associated receptors. We characterized patterning of alkanethiols that self-assemble on Au having different terminal functional groups to expand the library of molecules amenable to lift-off lithography enabling a wide range of functionalization chemistries for use with this simple and versatile patterning method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated emergency response model based on cellular automata (CA) is proposed for the toxic gas release accidents that happen in the energy and chemical industry. This integrated emergency response model consists of three sub-models: a toxic gas dispersion model, a dynamic evaluation model for accident consequences, and an evacuation route selection model. When a toxic gas release accident happens, the dispersion model predicts the distribution of toxic gas concentration, the evaluation model estimates the consequences in terms of probability of death, expected fatalities and impact scope caused by the accident, and the route selection model provides the safest evacuation route for evacuees. The three sub-models run simultaneously and present real-time results. The proposed model is applied to an ammonia gas release accident in an energy and chemical enterprise, and the corresponding model results are discussed. The efficiency of emergency response for toxic gas release accidents can be further improved through the proposed integrated emergency response model based on CA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Therapies for cholangiocarcinoma are largely limited and ineffective. Herein, we examined the role of the FGF and VEGF pathways in regulating lymphangiogenesis and PD-L1 expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Methods: The lymphangiogenic functions of FGF and VEGF were evaluated in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) and iCCA xenograft mouse models. The relationship between VEGF and hexokinase 2 (HK2) was validated in LECs by western blot, immunofluorescence, ChIP and luciferase reporter assays. The efficacy of the combination therapy was assessed in LECs and xenograft models. Microarray analysis was used to evaluate the pathological relationships of FGFR1 and VEGFR3 with HK2 in human lymphatic vessels. Results: FGF promoted lymphangiogenesis through c-MYC-dependent modulation of HK2 expression. VEGFC also upregulated HK2 expression. Mechanistically, VEGFC phosphorylated components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis to upregulate HIF-1α expression at the translational level, and HIF-1α then bound to the HK2 promoter region to activate its transcription. More importantly, dual FGFR and VEGFR inhibition with infigratinib and SAR131675 almost completely inhibited lymphangiogenesis, and significantly suppressed iCCA tumor growth and progression by reducing PD-L1 expression in LECs. Conclusions: Dual FGFR and VEGFR inhibition inhibits lymphangiogenesis through suppression of c-MYC-dependent and HIF-1α-mediated HK2 expression, respectively. HK2 downregulation decreased glycolytic activity and further attenuated PD-L1 expression. Our findings suggest that dual FGFR and VEGFR blockade is an effective novel combination strategy to inhibit lymphangiogenesis and improve immunocompetence in iCCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electron-transporting small molecule bathophenanthroline (Bphen) together with o-xylene has been used as hybrid additives to improve the performance of simplified inverted polymer solar cells employing ITO alone as cathode and photoactive layer based on polymer [[2,6′-4,8-di(5-ethylhexylthienyl)benzo[1,2-b;3,3-b] dithiophene] [3-fluoro-2[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl]] (PTB7-Th) and (He et al., Nat. Photon. 9:174, 2015)-phenyl C-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM). Because the Bphen additive could spontaneously aggregate onto the indium tin oxide (ITO) cathode during spin coating, the mixed solution containing PTB7-Th, PCBM, and Bphen, thereby forming a thin cathode-modifying layer, the ternary blend PTB7-Th:PCBM:Bphen functioned similar to a layered polyethylenimine ethoxylated (PEIE, a conventional cathode-modifying material)/binary blend PTB7-Th:PCBM combination. The o-xylene additive was confirmed to enrich the distribution of PTB7-Th donor towards the bottom area of photoactive layer, thereby benefiting the charge collection in inverted structure. With the o-xylene optimization, the PTB7-Th:PCBM:Bphen blend thin film showed a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 5.87% in simplified inverted structure of ITO/photoactive layer/MoO/Ag, much higher than that (4.21%) of the PTB7-Th:PCBM blend thin film. The current research can be considered as a useful attempt towards fabricating low-cost photovoltaic devices without marked loss in PCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of a class of electron-rich amino-functionalized β-diketiminato ( N-nacnac) ligands is reported, with two synthetic methodologies having been developed for systems bearing backbone NMe2 or NEt2 groups and a range of N-bound aryl substituents. In contrast to their (Nacnac)H counterparts, the structures of the protio-ligands feature the bis(imine) tautomer and a backbone CH2 group. Direct metalation with lithium, magnesium, or aluminium alkyls allows access to the respective metal complexes through deprotonation of the methylene function; in each case X-ray structures are consistent with a delocalized imino-amide ligand description. Transmetalation using lithium N-nacnac complexes is then exploited to access p- and f-block metal complexes, which allow for like-for-like benchmarking of the N-nacnac ligand family against their more familiar Nacnac counterparts. In the case of SnII, the degree of electronic perturbation effected by introduction of the backbone NR2 groups appears to be constrained by the inability of the amino group to achieve effective conjugation with the N2C3 heterocycle. More obvious divergence from established structural norms is observed for complexes of the harder YbII ion, with azaallyl/imino and even azaallyl/NMe2 coordination modes being demonstrated by X-ray crystallography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound treatment should meet the challenge both of preventing infection and promoting wound healing. To design a sequential delivery system for wound healing, PLGA-glycol chitosan (GC) core-shell microspheres containing chlorhexidine acetate (CHA) at the GC shell and bFGF in the core of PLGA microspheres were fabricated using emulsion-solvent evaporation method. SEM showed that the microspheres were all spherical in shape with a smooth surface. The average size of PLGA-GC microspheres increased due to the GC coating on the surface. The results of release profiles and fluorescence images indicated that PLGA-GC microspheres had an ability to deliver drugs in sequence. The CHA was rapidly released, whereas the proteins presented a sustained release. The release behavior could be modulated by changing the GC amount. Antibacterial assay and cell proliferation tests suggested that the released CHA and bFGF retained their antimicrobial activity and bioactivity during preparation. The microspheres exhibited non-cytotoxicity against 3T3 cells and had a good biocompatibility. These results demonstrated that PLGA-GC core-shell microspheres could be a promising controlled release system of delivering drugs and proteins in sequence for wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excess cadmium (Cd) seriously suppresses plant growth and development. Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is more susceptible to Cd toxicity than other crops. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications play important regulatory roles in plant adaption to various stresses. However, the post-transcriptional RNA modification in response to Cd stress is still largely unclear in rice. In this study, seeds of the rice cultivar Nipponbare were treated with 0.5 μM CdCl 2 for 10 days at germination stage, and then the roots were sampled for the transcriptome-m6A methylation profiling. Here, 1920 differential peaks (DPs) of m6A modifications and 1710 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the roots after Cd treatment. Among them, root cell expansion suppressor OsRePRP s were remarkably up-regulated, while auxin/cytokinin-related genes were differentially modified by m6A under Cd stress including OsYUCCA1 , OsCKX4 , OsRR6, and OsEIL1. Besides, peroxidases (PRX s), metallothioneins (MT s), glutathione S-transferases (GST s) and sulfate transporter SULTR s were modified by m6A and significantly up-regulated, which might be related to the Cd detoxification via the cell wall modifications and Cd chelate formation. Moreover, several m6A modified transcription factors and MAPK signaling genes showed obviously increased expression, consequently participating in the Cd-response regulatory network as the upstream components. The present study proposes a working model for the m6A modification and transcriptional regulation in rice during germination, and also provides new insights into how plants alleviate Cd toxicity. • Totally 1920 DPs of m6A modifications and 1710 DEGs were identified in rice roots under Cd stress. • Root growth regulators and Cd detoxification-related genes were m6A-modified after Cd treatment. • A working model response to Cd toxicity was proposed in rice roots at the germination stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Arsenic content in Chinese mitten crabs before and after cooking was reported. • Bioavailability of total arsenic and different forms of arsenic in different parts of crabs. • After cooking, the total arsenic content decreased and the content of arsenic form was altered. • The bioavailability of inorganic arsenic exceeded 100% after gastrointestinal digestion. This study used the sexually mature Chinese mitten crabs as the research object, and the total arsenic and six major species were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). The influence of three common cooking methods on the forms of arsenic and content in different edible parts of crabs were explored. Furthermore, the bioavailability of arsenic and its different forms in the crabs were studied by in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Based on the risk assessment of arsenic in gastrointestinal digestion, the results showed that the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) of arsenic was less than 1, which did not pose a significant health risk, but the risk of carcinogenesis of arsenic can not be ignored. Considering the effects of cooking and gastrointestinal digestion into account, a more realistic estimate of the risk associated with the consumption of Chinese mitten crabs can be deciphered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-dependent neurodegenerative disorder, is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide. The primary pathological hallmarks of AD are the deposition of β-amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Autophagy, a pathway of clearing damaged organelles, macromolecular aggregates, and long-lived proteins via lysosomal degradation, has emerged as critical for proteostasis in the central nervous system (CNS). Studies have demonstrated that defective autophagy is strongly implicated in AD pathogenesis. Transcription factor EB (TFEB), a master transcriptional regulator of autophagy, enhances the expression of related genes that control autophagosome formation, lysosome function, and autophagic flux. The study of TFEB has greatly increased over the last decade, and the dysfunction of TFEB has been reported to be strongly associated with the pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. Here, we delineate the basic understanding of TFEB dysregulation involved in AD pathogenesis, highlighting the existing work that has been conducted on TFEB-mediated autophagy in neurons and other nonneuronal cells in the CNS. Additionally, we summarize the small molecule compounds that target TFEB-regulated autophagy involved in AD therapy. Our review may yield new insights into therapeutic approaches by targeting TFEB and provide a broadly applicable basis for the clinical treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural organization of thermally conductive fillers with large aspect ratios in the polymer matrix is crucial for phonon transmission and heat transfer within polymer composites. However, how asymmetric fillers will response to the flow fields during melt processing especially with ultrahigh loadings is remaining unclear. In this work, the effects of the flow during injection molding on structural development of thermally conductive network in polypropylene/flake graphite (PP/FG) composites were investigated. The results show that an ultrahigh-filled PP/FG composite, namely PP/FG (30/70), exhibit much higher thermal conductivity at the distal end than the proximal end (close to the injection gate). This discrepancy in thermal conductivity of the PP/FG (30/70) composite can be amplified by adding spherical alumina (Al 2 O 3) microparticles with an optimum of 2.5 wt%. The variation of thermal conductivity is attributable to the "heterogeneity" in structural organization of FG along the injection direction. The findings of this work provide new insight that the fountain flow during injection molding could induce structural heterogeneity of FG networks within an ultrahigh-filled PP/FG composites, due to the inhibited relaxation of FG orientation under a crowded packing. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently numerous studies have demonstrated that neuroinflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of depression. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used to treat depression for years but its mechanism is not fully elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate whether rTMS could alleviate neuroglia-associated neuro-inflammatory process in mice models of depression. Mice were treated with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to induce depression models and received four weeks of 15 Hz rTMS. Then the depression-like behaviors, microglia activation, the level of astrocytes, pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-related signaling pathways were evaluated. rTMS ameliorated depression-like behaviors in CUMS-treated mice. rTMS not only markedly alleviated the activation of microglia but induced a switch of microglia polarization from pro-inflammatory M1 phenotype to anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Meanwhile, rTMS reversed the down-regulation of astrocytes and inhibited high levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) caused by CUMS in above regions. Moreover, we found that anti-inflammatory actions by rTMS were associated with the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Collectively, our findings indicate that rTMS can exert anti-inflammatory actions in depression and provide new insights into the mechanism of rTMS in the treatment of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To design a scaffold controlled release system for skin tissue engineering, fish collagen/chitosan/chondroitin sulfate scaffolds were fabricated by freeze-drying and incorporated with bFGF-loaded PLGA microspheres (MPs). SEM showed that the scaffolds exhibited an interconnected porous structure, and the spherical MPs were uniformly distributed into the scaffolds. The higher swelling and degradation rate of scaffolds/MPs could lead to a higher diffusion rate of MPs from the scaffolds, causing an increase in the protein release. The release rate of proteins could be adjusted by the size of MPs and the ratio of collagen to chitosan of scaffolds. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and MTT of bFGF after release indicated that the released bFGF retained its structural integrity and bioactivity during preparation. Cell proliferation and in vivo evaluation results suggested that the scaffolds/MPs had a good biocompatibility and an ability to promote fibroblast cell proliferation and skin tissue regeneration. These results demonstrated that this scaffold/MP controlled release system has the potential for skin tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Using the NMP system to inject HO-1/BMMSCs into DCD livers was an effective method. • Overexpression of HO-1 prolonged BMMSC survival in the graft. • Overexpression of HO-1 enhanced BMMSC immunomodulatory ability. • HO-1/BMMSCs alleviated acute rejection by inhibiting the maturation of DCs. • ERK1/2 and p38 phosphorylation are involved in DC mature regulation by HO-1/BMMSCs. Immature dendritic cells induce immune tolerance and mature dendritic cells induce acute rejection. We infused bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) expressing heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) (HO-1/BMMSCs) into donation after circulatory death (DCD) livers using normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), and then performed transplantation, with the aim of determining the effects of HO 1/BMMSCs on liver DC maturation and graft rejection. A rat model of acute liver transplantation rejection was established from Lewis to BN rats, in which six experimental groups were set up: Sham operation, static cold storage, NMP, BMMSCs + NMP, HO-1/BMMSCs + NMP (HBP), and NMP + FK506 gavage. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the maturation of DCs and the activation of CD4+ T cells in the liver. In vitro, HO-1/BMMSCs were cocultured with liver DCs, and then the phenotype and ability to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation of DCs were measured. MAPK inhibitors were added to observe the effect of MAPK signaling on DC maturation. The results indicated that HO-1/BMMSCs could stably colonize the transplanted liver. In the HBP group, rejection was reduced, the maturation of DCs was inhibited, and the infiltration and activation of CD4+ T cells were reduced. In vitro, DCs cocultured with HO-1/BMMSCs showed an immature phenotype and inhibited T cell proliferation. HO-1/BMMSCs inhibited the maturation of DCs by blocking the phosphorylation of p38 and ERK1/2. This study suggested that infusion of HO-1/BMMSCs into DCD livers could reduce acute rejection significantly by inhibiting DC maturation. DC maturation regulation by HO-1/BMMSCs involves ERK1/2/MAPK and p38/MAPK signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studied the impacts on the efficiency of text automatic categorization system coming from three quantitative indexes of training set, including the number of features, categories and texts in each category. It used multifactor analysis of variance (multiple ANOVA) and took different kinds of corpus to explore the influence rule of three quantitative indexes on the system efficiency. The results show that the impact of feature numbers on the classification accuracy depends on different texts number and categories number, and three quantitative indexes in the training set affect the classification accuracy interactively. It raised a new way to improve the classify efficiency through optimizing relevant quantitative indexes of training set. The experimental results of the real world data show that the proposed method has a relative good performance to text categorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligandsubstitution is not a common procedure for the preparationof different borenium cations. This work demonstrates that the chlorideligands of several NHC-stabilized dichloroborenium cations [NHC·BCl2][X] (NHC = (R′C)2(NR)2C; 1, R = iPr, R′ = H; 2, R = iPr, R′ = Me; 3, R = tBu, R′= H; X = AlCl4, B(3,5-Cl2-C6H3)4) could be replaced with a catecholato moietyto produce [NHC·Bcat][X]. According to single-crystal X-ray analysesthis particular ligand exchange enhanced the Lewis acidity of thetarget borocations with respect to the dichloro precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We isolate and characterize the gold(I)–iron(0) adducts [(iPr2-bimy)Au–Fe(CO)3(PMe3)2][BArF4] and [Au–{Fe(CO)3(PMe3)2}2][BArF4] (iPr2-bimy = 1,3-diisopropylbenzimidazolin-2-ylidene, BArF4 = tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate). DFT analysis reveals that the gold–iron interaction in [(iPr2-bimy)Au–Fe(CO)3(PMe3)2][BArF4] is predominantly a σ-donation from iron to gold. We further extend this class of compounds to include [(iPr2-bimy)Au–Fe(CO)3(PR3)2][BArF4] (PR3 = PPh3, PCy3, PCyPh2, PMePh2, PMe2Ph, P(4-C6H4F)3) and [(iPr2-bimy)Au–Fe(CO)4(PPh3)][BArF4] and correlate the iPr2-bimy carbenic 13C NMR signal with the relative donor strength of the iron(0) ligand. This approach allows for a fast and simple approach to gauge relative donor strength of Fe(0) donors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]