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Abstract5-Aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is a non-proteinogenic amino acid essential for synthesizing tetrapyrrole compounds, including heme, chlorophyll, cytochrome, and vitamin B12. As a plant growth regulator, 5-ALA is extensively used in agriculture to enhance crop yield and quality. The complexity and low yield of chemical synthesis methods have led to significant interest in the microbial synthesis of 5-ALA. Advanced strategies, including the: enhancement of precursor and cofactor supply, compartmentalization of key enzymes, product transporters engineering, by-product formation reduction, and biosensor-based dynamic regulation, have been implemented in bacteria for 5-ALA production, significantly advancing its industrialization. This article offers a comprehensive review of recent developments in 5-ALA production using engineered bacteria and presents new insights to propel the field forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Type 1 gastric neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are relatively rare to the extent that some physicians have little experience in diagnosing and treating them. The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding of the disease by analyzing and summarizing the management and prognoses of patients with type 1 gastric NETs at our center. Methods: The data of 229 patients (59.4% female) with type 1 gastric NETs who were treated at our center during 2011–2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: The average patient age was 50.5 ± 10.8 years. Multiple tumors affected 72.5% of the patients; 66.4% of the tumors were < 1 cm, 69.4% were NET G1, and 2.2% were stage III-IV. A total of 76.9% of the patients had received endoscopic management, 60.7% had received traditional Chinese medicine treatment, 10.5% received somatostatin analogues treatment, and 6.6% underwent surgical resection. Seventy patients (41.2%) experienced the first recurrence after a median follow-up of 31 months (range: 2-122 months), and the median recurrence-free time was 43 months. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year cumulative recurrence-free survival rates were 71.8%, 56.8%, and 50.3%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 39 months (range: 2-132 months), one patient had bilateral pulmonary metastasis, and no disease-related deaths were observed. Conclusion: Type 1 gastric NETs have a high recurrence rate and a long disease course, underscoring the importance of long-term and comprehensive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral benzylic amines are privileged motifs in pharmacologically active molecules. Intramolecular enantioselective radical C(sp3)−H functionalization by hydrogen‐atom transfer has emerged as a straightforward, powerful tool for the synthesis of chiral amines, but methods for intermolecular enantioselective C(sp3)−H amination remain elusive. Herein, we report a cationic copper catalytic system for intermolecular enantioselective benzylic C(sp3)−H amination with peroxide as an oxidant. This mild, straightforward method can be used to transform an array of feedstock alkylarenes and amides into chiral amines with high enantioselectivities, and it has good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. More importantly, it can be used to synthesize bioactive molecules, including chiral drugs. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the amination reaction involves benzylic radicals generated by hydrogen‐atom transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral benzylic amines are privileged motifs in pharmacologically active molecules. Intramolecular enantioselective radical C(sp3)−H functionalization by hydrogen‐atom transfer has emerged as a straightforward, powerful tool for the synthesis of chiral amines, but methods for intermolecular enantioselective C(sp3)−H amination remain elusive. Herein, we report a cationic copper catalytic system for intermolecular enantioselective benzylic C(sp3)−H amination with peroxide as an oxidant. This mild, straightforward method can be used to transform an array of feedstock alkylarenes and amides into chiral amines with high enantioselectivities, and it has good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. More importantly, it can be used to synthesize bioactive molecules, including chiral drugs. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the amination reaction involves benzylic radicals generated by hydrogen‐atom transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiovascular (CV) events are the major cause of morbidity and mortality associated with blood pressure (BP) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. BP varies significantly during HD treatment, and the dramatic variation in BP is a well-recognized risk factor for increased mortality. The development of an intelligent system capable of predicting BP profiles for real-time monitoring is important. Our aim was to build a web-based system to predict changes in systolic BP (SBP) during HD. Methods: In this study, dialysis equipment connected to the Vital Info Portal gateway collected HD parameters that were linked to demographic data stored in the hospital information system. There were 3 types of patients: training, test, and new. A multiple linear regression model was built using the training group with SBP change as the dependent variable and dialysis parameters as the independent variables. We tested the model's performance on test and new patient groups using coverage rates with different thresholds. The model's performance was visualized using a web-based interactive system. Results: A total of 542,424 BP records were used for model building. The accuracy was greater than 80% in the prediction error range of 15%, and 20 mm Hg of true SBP in the test and new patient groups for the model of SBP changes suggested the good performance of our prediction model. In the analysis of absolute SBP values (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mm Hg), the accuracy of the SBP prediction increased as the threshold value increased. Discussion: This databae supported our prediction model in reducing the frequency of intradialytic SBP variability, which may help in clinical decision-making when a new patient receives HD treatment. Further investigations are needed to determine whether the introduction of the intelligent SBP prediction system decreases the incidence of CV events in HD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chiral benzylic amines are privileged motifs in pharmacologically active molecules. Intramolecular enantioselective radical C(sp3)−H functionalization by hydrogen‐atom transfer has emerged as a straightforward, powerful tool for the synthesis of chiral amines, but methods for intermolecular enantioselective C(sp3)−H amination remain elusive. Herein, we report a cationic copper catalytic system for intermolecular enantioselective benzylic C(sp3)−H amination with peroxide as an oxidant. This mild, straightforward method can be used to transform an array of feedstock alkylarenes and amides into chiral amines with high enantioselectivities, and it has good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope. More importantly, it can be used to synthesize bioactive molecules, including chiral drugs. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that the amination reaction involves benzylic radicals generated by hydrogen‐atom transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidental ingestion of fish bone is common, and the ingested fish bone mostly exits the gastrointestinal tract spontaneously. However, severe complications such as perforation in the digestive tract and abscess formation after a period of time may occasionally occur. Fewer than 10 cases of a migrated fish bone penetrating into the pancreas have been reported in the literature, and the development of a subsequent pancreatic abscess is extremely rare. We present one such rare case of pancreatic abscess formation in a middle-aged woman due to fish bone penetration through the gastric wall into the pancreas 2 months after ingestion and missed on endoscopy initially. Further imaging revealed that the fish bone was partially embedded in the pancreatic head surrounded with abscesses and was smoothly removed through laparoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hyperglycemia triggers an abnormal rise in reactive oxygen species (ROS) that leads to blindness in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and cataracts. In this study, the effects of dapagliflozin, metformin and resveratrol on ROS production were investigated in lens epithelial cells (LECs) of animals with fructose-induced DM. LECs were isolated from patients without DM, or with DM devoid of diabetic retinopathy. Animals were treated with 10% fructose for 8 weeks to induce DM, which was verified by monitoring blood pressure and serum parameters. For drug treatments, 1.2 mg/day of dapagliflozin was given for 2 weeks, 500 mg/kg/day of metformin was given, and 10 mg/kg/day of resveratrol was given. Dihydroethidium was used to stain endogenous O2˙− production in vivo of the LECs. Superoxide production was expressed in the cataract of DM, or patients without DM. Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), GLUT5, the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase subunit p47/p67-phox, NOX4 and RAGE were significantly increased in LECs with DM. In addition, the dapagliflozin treatment reduced GLUT5, p47/p67-phox, NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) expressions. On the contrary, metformin or resveratrol inhibited p47-phox, GLUT5, and SGLT2 expressions, but not nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (NRF2). In summary, dapagliflozin, metformin or resveratrol down-regulated p47-phox expression through SGLT2 inactivation and ROS reduction. These important findings imply that SGLT2 can be blocked to ameliorate oxidative stress in the cataracts of DM patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Critically ill patients with severe acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring kidney replacement therapy (KRT) have a grim prognosis. Recently, multiple studies focused on the impact of KRT initiation time [i.e. accelerated versus watchful waiting KRT initiation (WWS-KRT)] on patient outcomes. We aim to review the results of all related clinical trials. Methods In this systematic review, we searched all relevant randomized clinical trials from January 2000 to April 2021. We assessed the impacts of accelerated versus WWS-KRT on KRT dependence, KRT-free days, mortality and adverse events, including hypotension, infection, arrhythmia and bleeding. We rated the certainty of evidence according to Cochrane methods and the GRADE approach. Results A total of 4932 critically ill patients with AKI from 10 randomized clinical trials were included in this analysis. The overall 28-day mortality rate was 38.5%. The 28-day KRT-dependence rate was 13.0%. The overall incident of KRT in the accelerated group was 97.4% and 62.8% in the WWS-KRT group. KRT in the accelerated group started 36.7 h earlier than the WWS-KRT group. The two groups had similar risks of 28-day [pooled log odds ratio (OR) 1.001, P = 0.982] and 90-day (OR 0.999, P = 0.991) mortality rates. The accelerated group had a significantly higher risk of 90-day KRT dependence (OR 1.589, P = 0.007), hypotension (OR 1.687, P < 0.001) and infection (OR 1.38, P = 0.04) compared with the WWS-KRT group. Conclusions This meta-analysis revealed that accelerated KRT leads to a higher probability of 90-day KRT dependence and dialysis-related complications without any impact on mortality rate when compared with WWS-KRT. Therefore, we suggest the WWS-KRT strategy for critically ill patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naringenin (Nar) is a natural flavonoid with diverse health-promoting benefits. However, the bioavailability of Nar is significantly restricted due to its poor water-solubility, instability under physiological conditions, and limited absorption profile. In this study, a shellac-quinoa protein isolate (QPI) binary nanocomplex (SQP) was fabricated using the pH-shifting method for effectively delivering Nar. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and analysis of inner interactive forces revealed that the complexation between QPI and shellac was primarily driven by electrostatic and hydrophobic forces. Subsequently, Nar was successfully encapsulated within the stable and uniform SQP nanocomplex (Nar@SQP), achieving a high encapsulation capacity (94.52 % encapsulation efficiency and 14.68 % loading capacity). Meanwhile, the Nar@SQP nanoparticle exhibited excellent stability against pH, ionic strength, and long-term storage. Moreover, it also demonstrated sustained and slow-release characteristics during simulated gastrointestinal digestion. Compared to free Nar, the safe Nar@SQP nanoparticle effectively facilitated the cellular uptake of encapsulated Nar by Caco-2 cells, suggesting that Nar@SQP has a good potential to improve the bioavailability of Nar. Hence, these findings indicated that the developed Nar@SQP nanoparticle might hold significant promise as a nano-delivery system for hydrophobic bioactive nutrients, like Nar. [Display omitted] • Shellac and quinoa protein isolate were co-assembled as a binary nanocomplex (SQP). • SQP complex showed higher encapsulation capacity for Nar (Nar@SQP) than pure QPI. • Nar@SQP displayed sustained-release characteristics in in-vitro digestion. • Nar@SQP promoted the internalization of Nar in Caco-2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naringenin (Nar) is an important natural flavonoid compound with multiple health functions, but stability issues and poor solubility greatly limit its bioavailability. To enhance the water-solubility, chemical stability and bioavailability of Nar, quinoa protein isolate (QPI)-Nar and pH-shifted QPI (PQPI)-Nar nanoparticles were constructed in this study. The results of ultraviolet–visible and fluorescence spectra showed there existed the interactions between QPI or PQPI and Nar, with stronger interaction between PQPI and Nar. Thermodynamic analysis indicated the molecular interactions between QPI or PQPI and Nar were mainly driven by hydrogen bonds. Circular dichroism (CD) and surface hydrophobicity results revealed that the binding of Nar changed the secondary structures and reduced surface hydrophobicity of QPI and PQPI. The measured DLS, LC and EE results suggested that PQPI-Nar nanoparticles formed a more stable system with higher encapsulation capacity. Additionally, PQPI-Nar nanoparticles exhibited higher antioxidant activity, superior slow-release property and biocompatibility, as well as better thermal and ultraviolet stability than QPI-Nar nanoparticles. These results indicated that PQPI-Nar nanoparticles could effectively improve the bioavailability of Nar. This study may provide a theoretical basis for the promising application of PQPI-Nar nanoparticle delivery systems in the food industry. [Display omitted] • PQPI loaded naringenin (Nar) nanoparticles were constructed by pH shifting method. • Hydrogen bond was the main driving force for the interaction between PQPI and Nar. • PQPI had a higher affinity for Nar than QPI. • PQPI-Nar nanoparticle markedly improved the stability and bioavailability of Nar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacological treatments for colitis have limited efficacy and side effects. Plant polysaccharides improve colitis by modulating the gut microbiota. However, the specific benefits of Phyllanthus emblica L. polysaccharides (PEPs) in colitis remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the physical characteristics and health advantages of PEP in rats subjected to 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) treatment. The results showed that PEP (1.226 × 103 kDa) was an α-acidic pyran heteropolysaccharide rich in galactose and galacturonic acid. Prefeeding rats with PEP significantly decreased the levels of NO, MDA, proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), apoptosis, and the activities of mucinase and β-glucuronidase. These changes were accompanied by increases in the levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10) and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx) in colitis rats. Mechanistically, PEP suppressed the abundance of inflammatory-related bacteria (Bacteroides , Intestinimonas , and Parabacteroides) while promoting the growth of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria (Romboutsia , Clostridium _ sensu _ stricto _ 1 , and Lactobacillus), along with an increase in SCFA secretion. SCFAs may engage with the GPR43 receptor and inhibit downstream HDAC3, consequently downregulating the activation of the RAGE/NF-κB and MAPK pathways. In conclusion, PEP demonstrated preventive effects through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and microbiota modulation properties, thereby ameliorating TNBS-induced colitis in rats. • PEPs are polysaccharides extracted from Phyllanthus emblica L. • Administration of PEPs alleviated colitis symptoms and histological architecture in rats. • PEPs improved mucinase and β-glucuronidase activities. • Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were observed after PEP supplementation. • The relative abundances of SCFA-producing bacteria were increased by PEP intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To develop a nomogram model for predicting local progress-free survival (LPFS) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients treated with concurrent chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT).Methods: We collected the clinical data of ESCC patients treated with CCRT in our hospital. Eligible patients were randomly divided into training cohort and validation cohort. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) with COX regression was performed to select optimal radiomic features to calculate Rad-score for predicting LPFS in the training cohort. The univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the predictive clinical factors for developing a nomogram model. The C-index was used to assess the performance of the predictive model and calibration curve was used to evaluate the accuracy.Results: A total of 221 ESCC patients were included in our study, with 155 patients in training cohort and 66 patients in validation cohort. Seventeen radiomic features were selected by LASSO COX regression analysis to calculate Rad-score for predicting LPFS. The patients with a Rad-score ≥ 0.1411 had high risk of local recurrence, and those with a Rad-score < 0.1411 had low risk of local recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that N stage, CR status and Rad-score were independent predictive factors for LPFS. A nomogram model was built based on the result of multivariate analysis. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.745 (95% CI 0.7700-0.790) in training cohort and 0.723(95% CI 0.654-0.791) in validation cohort. The 3-year LPFS rate predicted by the nomogram model was highly consistent with the actual 3-year LPFS rate both in the training cohort and the validation cohort.Conclusion: We developed and validated a prediction model based on radiomic features and clinical factors, which can be used to predict LPFS of patients after CCRT. This model is conducive to identifying the patients with ESCC benefited more from CCRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work aimed to develop a novel bioactive edible film prepared by adding quercetin-encapsulated carboxymethyl lotus root starch nanoparticles (QNPs)，gellan gum and lotus root starch. The physicochemical characteristics, preservation effect and mechanism on grapes of the prepared film were investigated. SEM results showed that QNPs (5 %) were dispersed uniformly within lotus root starch matrix, indicating the formation of a stable composite nanoparticle film. In addition, the incorporation of QNPs (5 %) effectively improved the mechanical strength, thermal stability, barrier property and antioxidant activity of QNPs/starch film. Moreover, compared with the control, the QNPs/starch (5 %) film showed effective preservation effect on grapes during 21 days of storage at room temperature, based on the characterization by grape appearance, weight loss, firmness, and titratable acidity. Further studies found that QNPs/starch (5 %) film could exhibit enhanced antioxidant activity and potent anti-fungal ability against Botrytis cinerea , thus extending grape shelf life. In conclusion, the obtained QNPs/starch (5 %) film presented a promising application as an edible packing material for fruit preservation by antioxidant and preventing Botrytis cinerea contamination. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoresponsive linear liquid crystal polymers (LLCPs) are attractive because of the excellent stimuli-responsibility and the good processability. In this study, a new photoresponsive LLCP containing azoester (PC11AE6) with good mesophase stability was synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization. By introducing photoresponsive azoester mesogenic unit, which has high rigidity and a large length-diameter ratio, the resultant polymer possesses a broad mesophase temperature interval (isotropic temperature = 180 °C). A study on mesophase by 2D-wide angle X-ray diffraction indicated that the mesogens were orientated spontaneously into smectic A phase after annealing. The orientated films and fibres exhibited macroscopic, rapid and reversible deformations under light irradiation as a result of the photoisomerization of azoester as confirmed by UV-Vis absorption spectrophotometry. We anticipate that this work provides a strategy for preparing LLCP with a broad mesophase temperature range, which is positive for potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hyperglycemia triggers overproduction of AKR1B1 (aldo-keto reductase family 1 member B) and receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE), which causes epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the lens epithelial cells (LECs) of diabetic mellitus (DM) cataracts. However, it is unclear whether EMT in LECs is related to abnormal increase of SGLT2. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, also known as dapagliflozin (Dapa) can be used to treat diabetes. Here, we examined how Dapa or nano eye-drops (DapaN) reduce EMT in LECs of DM cataracts. The nano eye-drop provides an ophthalmic treatment that suppressed diabetic cataract progression and improved potency with reduced side effects. SD rats were injected with streptozocin (STZ) (65 mg/kg, ip), nano-Dapa drops (0.456 mg/10 ml/eye) or Dapa (1.2 mg/kg/day) treatment for 6–12 weeks. Immunofluorescence staining was used for protein quantification of RAGE, SGLT2, N-cadherin and E-cadherin in the LECs of rats. In this study, Dapa applies nanotechnology-based delivery system and it contains polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and HPBCD. Dapa showed therapeutic effect on DM cataracts, wherein it targeted EMT biomarker, E-cadherin. The nano-Dapa drops or oral Dapa inhibited SGLT2, suppressed AKR1B1 expression, decreased AcSOD2- and RAGE-induced EMT in diabetic cataracts. Our findings suggest that nanotechnology-based Dapa eye drops (Dapa-PVP-HPBCD) can effectively improve solubility of Dapa in aqueous solution. Taken together, results suggest that the SGLT2-mediated DM cataract therapy may involve the AKR1B1-RAGE-AcSOD2-EMT pathway. The nano eye drops and Dapa show potential beneficial effects for cataract prevention. This study conveys new insights into cataract treatment and supplementation of nano-Dapa drops shows promising result in preventing diabetic cataracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Three lanthanide complexes were fabricated and characterized. 3 displays slow relaxation of the magnetization. Abstract Three dinuclear lanthanide complexes: {[Ln 2 (L) 2 (tmhd) 2 (CH 3 OH) 2 ]· n CH 3 OH} (Ln = Sm (1 , n = 1), Eu (2 , n = 0), Dy (3 , n = 0); H 2 L = 2-hydroxy-N′-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide, tmhd = 2,2,6,6-tetramethylheptane-3,5-dione) were fabricated and structurally characterized. Compounds 1 – 3 are isostructural belonging to the tetragonal system with space group I 4(1)/ a. Magnetic studies indicated that slow magnetic relaxation behaviors were observed in 3 , with energy barrier (Δ E / k B) of 53.97 K and τ 0 = 4.61 × 10−7 s. Additionally, solid-state luminescence measurements reveal that 2 and 3 display the characteristic lanthanide luminescence at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Trace metal ions such as cadmium (Cd2+) and trace organics typified by 2,3,7,8- tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) are common co-contaminants in the environment and cause toxic effects in aquatic organisms that pose serious health risks. We studied the effects of Cd2+ on the regulation of cytochrome P450 1A1 (cyp1a1) gene-induction by TCDD using zebrafish embryos and larvae and adult zebrafish tissues. Our results showed that TCDD induced the cyp1a1 gene in all developmental stages and tissues of zebrafish, and the induction was higher in females than males. However, for the upstream genes (ahr2 and arnt2b) that mediate cyp1a1 gene induction in the zebrafish liver cell line was not induced by TCDD similar to the pattern of cyp1a1 in all investigated groups. After co-treatment with Cd2+, induction of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor pathway by TCDD was inhibited in the zebrafish larvae and the livers, intestines, kidneys and gills of adult zebrafish, but not in the embryos or brains of adult zebrafish, indicating that the toxicological effects of Cd2+ on TCDD are dependent on the developmental stages and tissue types. The present study confirms that Cd2+ blocks the TCDD-induced cyp1a1 gene in vivo but emphasizes that the effects are specific to the developmental stage, type of tissue and sex. The combined effects of Cd2+ and TCDD must be taken into consideration together with these parameters to accurately predict and assess cadmium and TCDD-induced toxicity in fish and carcinogenesis in animals in general. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Combined effects of Cd2+ and TCDD on zebrafish were studied in vivo. • Zebrafish embryo, larvae, and adults were investigated. • Inhibitory effects of Cd2+ on TCDD-induced genes in larvae and some adult organs. • Female fish are more sensitive than males to show cyp1a inductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the guidance of anti-fungal bioassay, four previously undescribed oleanane-type and one lupane-type triterpenoid saponins, along with twelve known analogues, were isolated from the extract of Sapindus mukorossi pulps. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical methods. In vitro biotests, oleanolic acid 3- O - β -D-xylopyranosyl-(1 → 3)- α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- α -L-arabinopyranoside showed inhibitory activity against Trichophyton rubrum with MIC 80 value of 8 μg/mL, while oleanolic acid 3- O - α -L-arabinopyranosyl-(1 → 3)- α -L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1 → 2)- α -L-arabinopyranoside exhibited inhibitory activity against both Trichophyton rubrum and Candida albicans with MIC 80 values of 8 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The eastern equatorial Pacific has a pronounced westward propagating SST annual cycle resulting from ocean-atmosphere interactions with equatorial semiannual solar forcing and off-equatorial annual solar forcing conveyed to the equator. In this two-part paper, a simple linear coupled framework is proposed to quantify the internal dynamics and external forcing for a better understanding of the linear part of the dynamics annual cycle. It is shown that an essential internal dynamical factor is the SST damping rate which measures the coupled stability in a similar way as the Bjerknes instability index for the El Niño-Southern Oscillation. It comprises three major negative terms (dynamic damping due to the Ekman pumping feedback, mean circulation advection, and thermodynamic feedback) and two positive terms (thermocline feedback and zonal advection). Another dynamical factor is the westward-propagation speed that is mainly determined by the thermodynamic feedback, the Ekman pumping feedback, and the mean circulation. The external forcing is measured by the annual and semiannual forcing factors. These linear internal and external factors, which can be estimated from data, determine the amplitude of the annual cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effects of Cd 2+ on TCDD-mediated induction of the cytochrome P450 1A1 ( cyp1a1 ) gene using a zebrafish liver cell line (ZFL). Our results showed that Cd 2+ inhibited the TCDD-mediated induction of the cyp1a1 protein, enzyme activity, and mRNA expression level. Cd 2+ also down-regulated levels of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor ( ahr2 ) and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator 2b ( arnt2b ) mRNAs. Compared with TCDD (3 nM) treatment alone, co-treatment with Cd 2+ (0–30 μM) and TCDD (3 nM) significantly inhibited the activity of the luciferase reporter gene constructs harboring the distal promoter region (P-2626/-2009) of CYP1A1 and the synthetic 3XRE gene promoter. This indicates that Cd 2+ decreased the level of TCDD-induced cyp1a1 through transcriptional inhibition. Proteomic analysis was also used to evaluate the effect of Cd 2+ on TCDD-altered protein expression in ZFL cells. The identified proteins are mainly enzymes of the glycolysis pathway and proteasomes, and have anti-oxidative and anti-stress effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a simple coupled framework established in Part І is utilized to investigate inter-model diversity in simulating the equatorial Pacific SST annual cycle (SSTAC). It demonstrates that the simulated amplitude and phase characteristics of SSTAC in models are controlled by two internal dynamical factors (the damping rate and phase speed) and two external forcing factors (the strength of the annual and semi-annual harmonic forcing). These four diagnostic factors are further condensed into a dynamical response factor and a forcing factor to derive theoretical solutions of amplitude and phase of SSTAC. The theoretical solutions are in remarkable agreement with observations and CMIP5 simulations. The great diversity in the simulated SSTACs is related to the spreads in these dynamic and forcing factors. Most models tend to simulate a weak SSTAC, due to their weak damping rate and annual harmonic forcing. The latter is due to bias in the meridional asymmetry of the annual mean state of the tropical Pacific, represented by the weak cross-equatorial winds in the cold tongue region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The activation of NF-κB signaling and unbalance of T-helper (Th) cells have been reported to play a key role in the pathogenesis of colitis. Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis (CPC) is commonly used to treat inflammation and diarrhea. Demethyleneberberine (DMB), a component of CPC, was reported to treat alcoholic liver disease as a novel natural mitochondria-targeted antioxidant in our previous study. In this study, we investigated whether DMB could protect against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced inflammatory colitis in mice by regulation of NF-κB pathway and Th cells homeostatis. Methods: Inflammatory colitis mice were induced by 3% DSS, and DMB were orally administered on the doses of 150 and 300 mg/kg. In vitro, DMB (10, 20, 40 μM) and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC, 5 mM) were co-cultured with RAW264.7 for 2 h prior to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation, and splenocytes from the mice were cultured ex vivo for 48 h for immune response test. Results: In vivo, DMB significantly alleviated the weight loss and diminished myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, while significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, DMB decreased interferon (IFN)-γ, increased IL-4 concentration in the mice splenocytes and the ratio of IgG1/IgG2a in the serum. In vitro, ROS production and pro-inflammation cytokines were markedly inhibited by DMB in RAW264.7 cell. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that DMB alleviated mice colitis and inhibited the inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB pathway and regulating the balance of Th cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:SerumN-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level is known to be strongly associated with fluid overload, and serves as a guide for fluid management in patients on hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed at investigating the relationship between NT-proBNP level and blood pressure (BP), ultrafiltration/dry weight ratio as well as hemoglobin, and to explore the optimal cutoff point of NT-proBNP level in Chinese patients on HD. Methods:A total of 306 patients on maintained HD for stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD) were included in this prospective study. Their average ultrafiltration/dry weight ratio and BP before dialysis were recorded. The serum NT-proBNP, hemoglobin, serum calcium, and phosphorus were detected. The cutoff value for NT-proBNP level was calculated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results:The high NT-proBNP level was associated with high BP and ultrafiltration/dry weight ratio, and low hemoglobin level. The optimal cutoff point of NT-proBNP level for patients on maintained HD was 5666 pg/mL, with a sensitivity of 78.5%, specificity of 43.9%, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.703 (<0.001). Conclusions:NT-proBNP level ≤5666 pg/mL was recommended to achieve the target BP, hemoglobin level, and ultrafiltration/dry weight ratio in patients on maintained HD with an ejection fraction (EF) >50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life history characteristics of rotifers usually vary at different temperatures, depending on their species or strains. However, differences in the adaptability of rotifers sampled from two climatic zones and belonging to the same cryptic species in response to temperature changes remain undescribed. In this study, the phylogenetic relationships of Brachionus calyciflorus collecting from two climatic zones were reconstructed, and two clones of the same potential cryptic species were selected as representatives of two populations. The life history characteristics of the two B. calyciflorus strains were comparatively studied at four different temperatures (20 °C, 24 °C, 28 °C and 32 °C). The results showed that the responses of the life history traits of B. calyciflorus to temperature were strain-dependent. The Xishuangbanna strain is more suitable for growth at the higher temperature and that the Kunming strain grows preferentially at the lower temperature. Temperature significantly affected the durations of all developmental stages, offspring production, life expectancy at hatching, age-specific fecundity and survivorship of the two strains, which adopted the identical life history strategy (high population growth and low survivorship with increasing temperature). The discrimination of cryptic species is necessary to test the ecological or evolutionary characteristics of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study is aimed to examine the strength of association between television watching and potential exposure to alcohol advertising with multidimensional alcohol expectancies in school-aged children.Methods: A total of 779 4th (age 10) and 768 6th (age 12) grade students were recruited from 17 public elementary schools in northern Taiwan in 2006, with two waves of follow-up at 6 months apart. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information concerning individual characteristics, parental attributes, past-week screen time, drinking behaviors, and alcohol expectancies. Data of aired alcohol advertisements at baseline were obtained from the Nielsen Media Research Advertising Information Services; parenting styles were ascertained from the 1st follow-up. Alcohol Expectancies Questionnaire-Children version was used to measure alcohol expectancies (AEs) at baseline and the 2nd follow-up.Results: Nearly 27% of students reported watching television for more than two hours per day and 58% watching television after 9 p.m. Dimension-related heterogeneity exists in the relationship between TV viewing and alcohol advertising with AEs. With statistical adjustment for covariates, spending more than two hours watching TV per day was associated with increased levels of positive AEs "Promoting Relaxation or Tension Reduction [PRTR]" (β=1.52, 95% CI=0.92, 2.12; p<0.001); the exposure to alcohol advertising was associated with decline in negative AEs "Deteriorated Cognitive and Behavioral Function" (e.g., >8.0 ads: β=-1.06, 95% CI=-1.66, -0.47, p<0.01).Conclusions: Greater screen time is associated with elevated positive expectancies of PRTR and alcohol advertising exposure is linked with lowered negative expectancies in late childhood. School-based anti-underage drinking programs may consider integrating the media literacy curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alstorisine A ( 1 ), a novel nor -monoterpenoid indole alkaloid with 6/5/6/6 fused-ring system, regarded as a key intermediate from melodinine E to mersicarpine, was isolated from the cecidogenous leaves of Alstonia scholaris . Its structure was identified on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis and the comparison of experimental and calculated ECDs. A plausible biogenesis was also postulated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the individual and joint estrogenic effects of cadmium (Cd 2+ ) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in the zebrafish liver (ZFL) cell line, zebrafish embryo, larvae and the liver of adult zebrafish. The mRNA expression of vtg1 was inhibited by Cd 2+ , but unaffected by TCDD in ZFL cells. Similar changes in the mRNA levels of ERα, ERβ1, ERβ2 and GPER (G protein coupled estrogen receptor) in ZFL cells were also observed. Deletion mutants of vtg1 gene promoters were constructed to investigate transcriptional regulation, and we found that all of the constructs failed to respond to TCDD or Cd 2+ . However, after co-transfection with a vtg1 promoter-luciferase construct to the ERα, ERβ1, ERβ2 and GPER expression vectors, decreased luciferase activity was observed in the ERα co-transfection group after treatment with Cd 2+ , suggesting that ERα participates in vtg1 transcriptional regulation and is affected by Cd 2+ . Differences in the regulation of the mRNA levels of these genes were also observed between different developmental stages and between the livers of male and female zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new monoterpenoid indole alkaloids, named normavacurine-21-one ( 1 ), 5-hydroxy-19, 20- E -alschomine ( 2 ), and 5-hydroxy-19, 20- Z -alschomine ( 3 ), together with thirteen known indole alkaloids ( 4 – 16 ) were isolated from the leaves of Alstonia scholaris cultivated in Kunming. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, as well as by comparison with the reported spectroscopic data. The leaves of A. scholaris cultivated in Kunming, contained picrinine-type alkaloids, scholaricin-type alkaloids and nareline as major alkaloids. New compounds 1 – 3 might be derived from a common biogenetic precursor (5) . Compounds 1 , 5 and 10 exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Enterococcus faecalis , and 3 , 9 and 14 against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with an MIC value of 0.781 μ g/mL, while 14 showed moderate activity against Klepsiella pneumonia with an MIC value of 1.56 μ g/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Graphical abstract Food bioactive ingredients co-encapsulated in delivery systems and their system types, structure characteristics and functional properties. The photographs were were redesigned from Mao et al. (2017), Chen et al. (2019), Huang et al. (2019) and Lopes et al. (2019) with permission. • Different bioactive ingredients in co-encapsulation systems have synergistic effects. • Co-encapsulation systems maximize the biological function of bioactive ingredients. • Co-encapsulation systems can be applied in functional foods and dietary supplements. • Co-delivery system of foods is a "green" drug alternative for improving human health. To improve the solubility, stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds, a series of delivery systems have been designed and developed in recent years. However, most delivery systems are limited to loading a single nutrient. Co-delivery systems that encapsulate two or more nutrients have great sense to enhance the nutritional values and health benefits of food products. In this paper, the recent advancements of co-encapsulation systems including emulsions, nanoparticles, microcapsules, liposomes, hydrogels, and related products have been reviewed. The co-encapsulation mechanisms of bioactive ingredients in various delivery systems were illustrated. Furthermore, the release, digestion and absorption mechanisms of bioactive ingredients in the human digestive system were also discussed. Co-encapsulation systems have the ability to mask astringency of different bioactive ingredients and enhance their stability and bioavailability, as well as to maximize the biological function of bioactive ingredients with synergistic effect. The present review provides examples for the application of co-encapsulation systems in food industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major transitional metal that has toxic effects in aquatic organisms and their associated ecosystem; however, its hepatic toxicity and carcinogenicity are not very well characterized. We used a zebrafish liver (ZFL) cell line as a model to investigate the mechanism of Cd-induced toxicity on hepatocytes. Our results showed that Cd can be effectively accumulated in ZFL cells in our exposure experiments. Cell cytotoxicity assays and flow cytometer measurements revealed that Cd 2+ stimulated ZFL cell proliferation with decreasing apoptotic cell numbers indicating potentially tumorigenic effects of Cd in ZFL cells. Gene expression profiles also indicated that Cd downregulated oncogenes p53 and rad51 and upregulated immediate response oncogenes, growth arrest and DNA damage-inducible ( gadd45 ) genes, and growth factors. We also found dramatic changes in the gene expression of c-jun and igf1rb at different exposure time points, supporting the notion that potentially tumorigenic of Cd-is involved in the activation of immediate early genes or genes related to apoptosis in cancer promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-assembly reaction of zinc ions with tetracyanometalates in the presence of the tridentate chelated ligand 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (terpy) yielded three cyanide-bridged bimetallic compounds of general formula Zn(terpy)(H2O) M(CN)4 [ M = Ni ( 1), Pd ( 2), Pt ( 3)]. Compounds 1- 3 were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Single-crystal XRD analysis revealed that compounds 1- 3 are isostructural and the structure consists of [Zn(terpy)(H2O)]2+ moieties and [ M(CN)4]2- units linked alternatively to generate a one-dimensional (1D) linear chain. The chains are further connected together through hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions, forming a 3D supramolecular network. IR spectroscopic analysis indicated the presence of cyanide groups and terpy ligands in the structure. TG and powder XRD results showed that compounds 1- 3 have higher thermal stabilities and exhibited irreversible for desorption/resorption of one coordinated water molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: α-Humulene is an important biologically active sesquiterpene, whose heterologous production in microorganisms is a promising alternative biotechnological process to plant extraction and chemical synthesis. In addition, the reduction of production expenses is also an extremely critical factor in the sustainable and industrial production of α-humulene. In order to meet the requirements of industrialization, finding renewable substitute feedstocks such as low cost or waste substrates for terpenoids production remains an area of active research. Results: In this study, we investigated the feasibility of peroxisome-engineering strain to utilize waste cooking oil (WCO) for high production of α-humulene while reducing the cost. Subsequently, transcriptome analysis revealed differences in gene expression levels with different carbon sources. The results showed that single or combination regulations of target genes identified by transcriptome were effective to enhance the α-humulene titer. Finally, the engineered strain could produce 5.9 g/L α‐humulene in a 5‐L bioreactor. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report that converted WCO to α-humulene in peroxisome-engineering strain. These findings provide valuable insights into the high-level production of α-humulene in Y. lipolytica and its utilization in WCO bioconversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that nucleophagy can mitigate DNA damage by selectively degrading nuclear components protruding from the nucleus. However, little is known about the role of nucleophagy in neurons after spinal cord injury (SCI). Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence were performed to evaluate the nucleophagy after nuclear DNA damage and leakage in SCI neurons in vivo and NSC34 expression in primary neurons cultured with oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) in vitro, as well as the interaction and colocalization of autophagy protein LC3 with nuclear lamina protein Lamin B1. The effect of UBC9, a Small ubiquitin‐related modifier (SUMO) E2 ligase, on Lamin B1 SUMOylation and nucleophagy was examined by siRNA transfection or 2‐D08 (a small‐molecule inhibitor of UBC9), immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. In SCI and OGD injured NSC34 or primary cultured neurons, neuronal nuclear DNA damage induced the SUMOylation of Lamin B1, which was required by the nuclear Lamina accumulation of UBC9. Furthermore, LC3/Atg8, an autophagy‐related protein, directly bound to SUMOylated Lamin B1, and delivered Lamin B1 to the lysosome. Knockdown or suppression of UBC9 with siRNA or 2‐D08 inhibited SUMOylation of Lamin B1 and subsequent nucleophagy and protected against neuronal death. Upon neuronal DNA damage and leakage after SCI, SUMOylation of Lamin B1 is induced by nuclear Lamina accumulation of UBC9. Furthermore, it promotes LC3‐Lamin B1 interaction to trigger nucleophagy that protects against neuronal DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Available soil N is critical for N fertilizer management in crop production but the effects of alternate partial root-zone drying (PRD) on the dynamics of N and the impact of these effects on perennial crops such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) have not been evaluated. A field experiment was conducted to compare two irrigation modes (PRD and conventional furrow irrigation (CFI)) in combination with four irrigation levels (70% ETc (evapotranspiration), 85% ETc, 100% ETc, and 115% ETc). PRD improved the mineralization of organic matter to increase available N and the NO 3 −-N/NH 4 +-N ratio. Thus, it increased N uptake, water productivity and maintained seasonal forage yield. The combination of PRD and irrigation level (100% Etc) produced maximum NO 3 −-N stock. These results present an evaluation of how PRD influences soil N availability to N-fixing perennial crops. • Partial root drying irrigation maintained alfalfa seasonal forage yield. • Partial root drying irrigation increased the NO 3 −-N/NH 4 +-N ratio. • Partial root drying irrigation increased the NO 3 −-N and NH 4 +-N stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, luteolin-oxidized lotus root starch (OLRS) nanoparticles (NPs) were developed to improve the stability and antioxidant activity of luteolin. Results showed that a stable luteolin-OLRS NPs was formed using luteolin and OLRS (oxidation degree, 15%) in the weight ratio of 3:1, as well as anti-solvent and solvent in the volume ratio of 10:1. Under this condition, the particle size, polydispersity index and zeta-potential of luteolin-OLRS NPs was 305 nm, 0.173 and −20.8 mV, respectively. The analysis of transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy demonstrated that the luteolin was successfully encapsulated in OLRS NPs, giving an encapsulation efficiency of 87.2%. The release characteristic and antioxidant activity of encapsulated luteolin were further investigated. Results exhibited that the OLRS NPs enabled luteolin to be stable in simulated gastric fluid and sustained release in simulated intestinal fluid, leading to the enhancement of antioxidant activity of luteolin. • OLRS NPs represent the oxidized lotus root starch nanoparticles. • LRS with oxidation degree of 15% benefits the encapsulation of luteolin. • The stability of luteolin was enhanced by OLRS NP encapsulation. • The antioxidant activity of luteolin was increased by OLRS NP encapsulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Endothelial inflammatory responses mediated by toll-like receptors (TLRs) play an important role in atherogenesis. We aimed to investigate the exacerbation of an inflammatory response in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under high glucose conditions. Main methods: HUVECs were exposed to normal glucose (5.5mmol/L) and high glucose (25, 50mmol/L), alone or with lipopolysaccharide (LPS 0, 10, 100, or 1000μg/L). Then concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in the culture supernatants were determined. The expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4 and NF-κB was evaluated by Western blot and RT-PCR analysis. Key findings: Compared with the normal glucose group, exposure of HUVECs to 50mmol/L of glucose or 1000μg/L of LPS significantly increased the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in the culture supernatants. Neither 25mmol/L of glucose nor low concentration of LPS (≤100μg/L) alone had an effect on TNF-α and IL-6 release, or TLR2 expression, but they stimulated the inflammatory response and TLR2 expression under high glucose conditions (25mmol/L) in combination. LPS (100μg/L) did not alter the TLR4 expression in HUVECs under high glucose condition. Co-incubation with glucose and LPS increased the nuclear NF-κB expression in endothelial cells. Both NF-κB inhibitor and ROS scavenger could inhibit the enhancement of LPS-induced TLR2 expression and inflammatory cytokine secretion under high glucose conditions. Significance: We show in vitro data on the potential role of high glucose in increasing LPS-induced TLR2 expression and inflammatory cytokine secretion in HUVECs, offering a new insight into the pathophysiological pathways involved in atherosclerosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common and costly microvascular complications of diabetes, and no effective therapy exists. Previous studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress may be the unifying factor for the damaging effect of hyperglycemia. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of treatment with Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on the intermittent high glucose (IHG) or high glucose (HG)-induced oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial pathway activation and Schwann cells (SCs) apoptosis in vitro. Our results suggested that IHG and HG induced SCs apoptosis in both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent pathways related to oxidative stress. More importantly, the cytotoxic effect of IHG was significantly more potent than that of HG. Treatment with ALA inhibited the IHG and HG-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in SCs. Furthermore, treatment with ALA down-regulated the Bax expression and the release of cytochrome c and AIF translocation, but up-regulated the Bcl-2 expression in SCs. Treatment with ALA attenuated the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9 and minimized the cleavage of PARP in SCs. These findings suggest that variability in glycemic control could be more deleterious than a constant HG and ALA antagonized the IHG-induced oxidative stress, activation of mitochondrial pathway and apoptosis in SCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Aim. To investigate the relationship between albuminuria and mortality in a middle-aged-to-elderly Chinese population. Methods. A total of 2,344 individuals aged over 40 in the same district were interviewed and followed up for 4 years. Information on survival or cause of death was recorded. A total of 2,181 participants with detailed information were finally recruited. Baseline overnight urine samples were obtained to measure urinary albumin and creatinine. The urinary albumin excretion rate was expressed as albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR). Participants were divided into three groups, according to their ACR: normoalbuminuria (ACR < 30 mg/g), microalbuminuria (≥ 30 - < 300 mg/g ACR) and macroalbuminuria (ACR ≥ 300 mg/g). The Cox proportional hazard model was used to analyze the relationships between albuminuria and cardiovascular and all-cause mortalities. Results. Seventy-seven deaths with known causes were registered. The prevalences of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria at baseline were 8.3% and 1.6%, respectively. Cardiovascular mortalities in the normoalbuminuria, microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria groups were 2.4, 11.0, and 36.8/1,000 person years (pyrs) respectively, and all-cause mortalities were 6.9, 20.6, and 58.8/1,000 pyrs. After adjusting for confounding factors, the relative risks (RR) of cardiovascular mortality were 2.72 (95% CI, 1.06-4.20) in the microalbuminuria group, and 4.87 (95% CI, 2.46-9.45) in the macroalbuminuria group. Adjusted RRs for all-cause mortality were 2.01 (95% CI, 0.96-4.77) and 3.76 (95% CI, 1.52-7.15) in the two groups, respectively. Conclusion. Albuminuria is a useful predictor of cardiovascular mortality and all-cause mortality in the general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A double axially chiral bisphosphorylimide has been demonstrated to be an efficient and highly sterically hindered Brønsted acid in asymmetric three-component Mannich reactions. Optically active syn-β-amino ketones were obtained in high yields (up to 99%) with excellent diastereoselectivity (99:1) and enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee). A gram-scale reaction was also performed to prove the synthetic application value of this reaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The aim of this study was to investigate whether puerarin protects against high glucose (HG)-induced apoptosis by suppressing calpain activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). HUVECs were exposed to normal glucose (NG) (5.5 m m) or HG (33 m m) for 48 h; then, apoptosis and caspase-3 activity were determined. The expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR analysis. The activation of calpain and HO activity were also assessed. Compared with the NG group, exposure of HUVECs to HG for 48 h resulted in significant increases in calpain and caspase-3 activity as well as apoptosis, which were prevented by co-incubation with puerarin (1-100 μ m) in a concentration-dependent manner. HO-1 mRNA expression and HO activity were decreased in HUVECs treated with HG for 48 h. Compared with the group exposed to HG alone, co-incubation of HUVECs with puerarin and HG induced increases in HO-1 mRNA expression and HO activity. The HO-1 inhibitor protoporphyrin IX zinc (II) abolished the inhibitory effect of puerarin on HG-induced calpain and caspase-3 activation, as well as apoptosis. The data show that puerarin protects against HG-induced endothelial cell apoptosis by a mechanism involving upregulation of HO-1 expression and inhibition of calpain activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The preparation method and functional property of hydrogels were summarized. • Applications of hydrogels as delivery systems for bioactive ingredients were reviewed. • Encapsulation and release mechanisms of bioactives by hydrogels were discussed. Some bioactive ingredients in foods are unstable and easily degraded during processing, storage, transportation and digestion. To enhance the stability and bioavailability, some food hydrogels have been developed to encapsulate these unstable compounds. In this paper, the preparation methods, formation mechanisms, physicochemical and functional properties of some protein hydrogels, polysaccharide hydrogels and protein-polysaccharide composite hydrogels were comprehensively summarized. Since the hydrogels have the ability to control the release and enhance the bioavailability of bioactive ingredients, the encapsulation and release mechanisms of polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins and probiotics by hydrogels were further discussed. This review will provide a comprehensive reference for the deep application of polysaccharide/protein hydrogels in food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute abdominal pain during pregnancy is challenging, both from a diagnostic and management perspective. A non-localized, persistent pain out of proportion to physical examination is a sign that advanced imaging may be necessary. Mesenteric venous thrombosis in a pregnant patient is extremely rare, but if diagnosis is delayed, can be potentially fatal to both the mother and the fetus. We present here a pregnant patient in the tenth week of gestation with classic clinical manifestations of mesenteric vein thrombosis and the corresponding findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reaction of [Mo(CN)8]4− with {Ni(Me6-[14]ane-N4)}2+ (Me6-[14]ane-N4 =5,7,7,12,14,14-hexamethyl-1, 4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane) led to a new three-dimensional cyano-bridged bimetallic assembly {Ni(Me6-[14]ane- N4)}2[Mo(CN)8]·12H2O (1), which was characterized by IR, elemental analysis, ICP, TGA and SC-XRD. Magnetic behavior of complex 1 showed a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between Ni2+ ions through the diamagnetic [W(CN)8]4− bridges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The three-dimensional cyano-bridged bimetallic coordination polymer, [Cu(L)]2[W(CN)8]·4H2O (L =3,10-diethanol-1,3,5,8,10,12-hexaaza-cyclotetradecane) 1, has been synthesized and characterized. X-ray study shows that the asymmetric unit of the three-dimensional Cu(II)–W(IV) polymeric assembly consists of four crystallized water molecules, two [Cu(L)]2+ cations and one [W(CN)8]4− anion. The CuII centers in compound 1 exhibit elongated octahedral geometries, while the WIV centers adopt distorted square antiprism geometries. Each WIV coordinated via four cyano groups to four CuII. The structure of compound 1 can be described as an infinite 3-D assembly of W⋯Cu⋯W linkage. The thermal and magnetic behavior of this compound has been investigated. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that there is a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between the CuII centers in compound 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 13C NMR solid-state structural analysis of the anomeric center in carbohydrates was performed on six monosaccharides: glucose (Glc), mannose (Man), galactose (Gal), galactosamine hydrochloride (GalN), glucosamine hydrochloride (GlcN), and N-acetyl-glucosamine (GlcNAc). In the 1D 13C cross-polarization/magic-angle spinning (CP/MAS) spectrum, the anomeric center C-1 of these carbohydrates revealed two well resolved resonances shifted by 3–5ppm, which were readily assigned to the anomeric α and β forms. From this experiment, we also extracted the 13C chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensor elements of the two forms from their spinning sideband intensities, respectively. It was found out that the chemical shift tensor for the α anomer was more axially symmetrical than that of the β form. A strong linear correlation was obtained when the ratio of the axial asymmetry of the 13C chemical shift tensors of the two anomeric forms was plotted in a semilogarithmic plot against the relative population of the two anomers. Finally, we applied REDOR spectroscopy to discern whether or not there were any differences in the sugar ring conformation between the anomers. Identical two-bond distances of 2.57Å (2.48Å) were deduced for both the α and β forms in GlcNAc (GlcN), suggesting that the two anomers have essentially identical sugar ring scaffolds in these sugars. In light of these REDOR distance measurements and the strong correlation observed between the ratio of the axial asymmetry parameters of the 13C chemical shift tensors and the relative population between the two anomeric forms, we concluded that the anomeric effect arises principally from interaction of the electron charge clouds between the C-1–O-5 and the C-1–O-1 bonds in these monosaccharides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hematological indicators of chronic systemic inflammation are significant biomarkers for gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP‐NENs). We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the impact of certain factors on the overall survival (OS), progression‐free survival (PFS), and disease‐free survival (DFS) of patients with GEP‐NENs. These factors include the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels. After searching the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from January 1, 2000 to October 20, 2022 and the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference proceedings from January 1, 2017, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were extracted. Subgroup analyses were conducted to identify the origins of heterogeneity and examine the impact of factor grouping. The effects of the cut‐off values and sample size were assessed by meta‐regression. The results revealed that higher NLRs, PLRs, and CRP levels were associated with shorter OS (HR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.55–2.8; HR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.40–2.28; and HR = 2.88, 95% CI = 2.09–3.95, respectively; all p < 0.001). Higher NLRs and lower LMRs were associated with shorter DFS (HR = 3.34, 95% CI = 2.11–5.29 and HR = 2.71, 95% CI = 2.27–3.24, respectively; both p < 0.001). Higher PLRs and CRP levels were correlated with shorter PFS (HR = 3.48, 95% CI = 1.34–9.03, p = 0.01 and HR = 3.14, 95% CI = 1.63–6.08, p = 0.001). As demonstrated in the research, hematological indicators of systemic inflammation are promising biomarkers for GEP‐NEN assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Cataracts in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are a major cause of blindness in developed and developing countries. This study aims to examine whether the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the increased expression of glucose transporters (GLUTs) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) influences the cataract development in DM. Methods: Lens epithelial cells (LECs) were isolated during cataract surgery from patients without DM or with DM, but without diabetic retinopathy. In a rat model, fructose (10% fructose, 8 or 12 weeks) with or without dapagliflozin (1.2 mg/day, 2 weeks) treatment did induce DM, as verified by blood pressure and serum parameter measurements. Immunofluorescence stainings and immunoblottings were used to quantify the protein levels. Endogenous O2˙¯ production in the LECs was determined in vivo with dihydroethidium stainings. Results: We investigated that GLUT levels in LECs differed significantly, thus leading to the direct enhancement of RAGE-associated superoxide generation in DM patients with cataracts. Superoxide production was significantly higher in LECs from rats with fructose-induced type 2 DM, whereas treatment with the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin prevented this effect in fructose-fed rats. Protein expression levels of the sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), GLUT1, GLUT5, the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced form (NADPH) oxidase subunit p67-phox, NOX2/4 and RAGE were upregulated in fructose-fed animals, whereas dapagliflozin treatment reversed these effects. Conclusions: In rats with fructose-induced DM, dapagliflozin downregulates RAGE-induced NADPH oxidase expression in LECs via the inactivation of GLUTs and a reduction in ROS generation. These novel findings suggest that the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin may be a candidate for the pharmacological prevention of cataracts in patients with DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By introducing a 2-nm-Al0.3Ga0.7As capping layer on the InAs quantum dots, a transverse-electric- (TE) field-enhanced multicolor quantum-dot (QD) infrared photodetector has been achieved. The TE-enhanced peaks are due to the transition from the S-like ground state to the P-like first excited states induced by the strain field effects on the quantum dot. After rapid thermal annealing, the TE dominant peaks can be changed to transverse-magnetic- (TM) field-enhanced and vice versa. This is because the rapid thermal annealing creates defects at the boundary of QDs and their surrounding material, which release the compressive strain within the QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]