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To compare the GABA+/Glx (glutamate-glutamine) ratio in the prefrontal lobe under non-rapid eye movement sleep between patients with narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) and normal controls and explore the correlation between this difference and abnormal cognitive function, using synchronous electroencephalography-functional magnetic resonance spectroscopy (EEG-fMRS). MRS measurements of GABA+ and Glx concentrations as well as synchronous EEG data were obtained from 26 medication-naive patients with NT1 and 29 sex- and age-matched healthy community volunteers. Cognition was appraised with the Beijing version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and daytime sleepiness was measured using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. All subjects recorded a 2-week sleep log as well as an overnight polysomnography within 1 week before MR scanning to understand their sleep habits and determine sleep stages. After PSG, they also underwent multiple sleep latency trials. Patient/control group differences in the individual measurements of GABA+ and Glx and the GABA+/Glx ratio and their relationship with cognition were assessed. The GABA+/Glx ratio and GABA + levels of patients with narcolepsy were higher than those of the control group (P＜0.0001 and P = 0.0008, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in Glx levels (P = 0.6360). The GABA+/Glx ratio negatively correlated with abnormal cognitive function (r = −0.6710, P = 0.0002). Moreover, GABA + levels were inversely proportional to rapid eye movement sleep latency (REML) in patients with narcolepsy (r = −0.5019, P = 0.0106). The GABA+/Glx ratio in the prefrontal lobe was higher in NT1 patients during N2 sleep than in normal controls, mainly caused by GABA + levels; this ratio was negatively related to abnormal cognitive function. In addition, GABA + levels were inversely proportional to REML. • Narcolepsy type 1 affects GABA+ and Glx levels in the medial prefrontal cortex. • GABA+/Glx ratio is higher during the N2 sleep phase in patients with narcolepsy. • GABA+/Glx ratio is correlated with abnormal cognitive function in narcolepsy. • GABA + levels are inversely proportional to rapid eye movement sleep latency in patients with narcolepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Psychological stress exacerbates respiratory viral infection via disturbing gut microbiome. • Psychological stress specifically reduces Lactobaceace abundance and GABA level. • Microbial GABA regulates AMs homeostasis via the αKG/TET2/PPARγ axis. • Replenishment of GABA-metabolizing bacteria reverses adverse effect of stress on viral pneumonia. Epidemiological evidences reveal that populations with psychological stress have an increased likelihood of respiratory viral infection involving influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between psychological stress and increased susceptibility to respiratory viral infections and how this may contribute to a more severe disease progression. A chronic restraint stress (CRS) mouse model was used to infect IAV and estimate lung inflammation. Alveolar macrophages (AMs) were observed in the numbers, function and metabolic-epigenetic properties. To confirm the central importance of the gut microbiome in stress-exacerbated viral pneumonia, mice were conducted through microbiome depletion and gut microbiome transplantation. Stress exposure induced a decline in Lactobacillaceae abundance and hence γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) level in mice. Microbial-derived GABA was released in the peripheral and sensed by AMs via GABA A R, leading to enhanced mitochondrial metabolism and α-ketoglutarate (αKG) generation. The metabolic intermediator in turn served as the cofactor for the epigenetic regulator Tet2 to catalyze DNA hydroxymethylation and promoted the PPARγ-centered gene program underpinning survival, self-renewing, and immunoregulation of AMs. Thus, we uncover an unappreciated GABA/Tet2/PPARγ regulatory circuitry initiated by the gut microbiome to instruct distant immune cells through a metabolic-epigenetic program. Accordingly, reconstitution with GABA-producing probiotics, adoptive transferring of GABA-conditioned AMs, or resumption of pulmonary αKG level remarkably improved AMs homeostasis and alleviated severe pneumonia in stressed mice. Together, our study identifies microbiome-derived tonic signaling tuned by psychological stress to imprint resident immune cells and defensive response in the lungs. Further studies are warranted to translate these findings, basically from murine models, into the individuals with psychiatric stress during respiratory viral infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute lung injury (ALI) is generally caused by severe respiratory infection and characterized by overexuberant inflammatory responses and inefficient pathogens-containing, the two major processes wherein alveolar macrophages (AMs) play a central role. Dysfunctional mitochondria have been linked with distorted macrophages and hence lung disorders, but few treatments are currently available to correct these defects. Plant-derive nanovesicles have gained significant attention because of their therapeutic potential, but the targeting cells and the underlying mechanism remain elusive. We herein prepared the nanovesicles from Artemisia annua, a well-known medicinal plant with multiple attributes involving anti-inflammatory, anti-infection, and metabolism-regulating properties. By applying three mice models of acute lung injury caused by bacterial endotoxin, influenza A virus (IAV) and SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus respectively, we showed that Artemisia-derived nanovesicles (ADNVs) substantially alleviated lung immunopathology and raised the survival rate of challenged mice. Macrophage depletion and adoptive transfer studies confirmed the requirement of AMs for ADNVs effects. We identified that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) enclosed in the vesicles is a major molecular effector mediating the regulatory roles of ADNVs. Specifically, GABA acts on macrophages through GABA receptors, promoting mitochondrial gene programming and bioenergy generation, reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory signals, thereby enhancing the adaptability of AMs to inflammation resolution. Collectively, this study identifies a promising nanotherapeutics for alleviating lung pathology, and elucidates a mechanism whereby the canonical neurotransmitter modifies AMs and mitochondria to resume tissue homeostasis, which may have broader implications for treating critical pulmonary diseases such as COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal, explores the role of xylan biosynthesis in cotton fiber development during the transition stage. The researchers focused on two genes, GhGT47B_A13 and GhGT47B_D13, which are involved in xylan biosynthesis. By silencing these genes in cotton, they found that fiber elongation and secondary wall thickening were impeded, resulting in shorter and thinner fibers with decreased quality. The study also examined the impact of down-regulating GhGT47B on cellulose synthesis and identified changes in cell wall-related genes. These findings suggest that xylan plays a crucial role in fiber development and could be manipulated to improve fiber composition. [Extracted from the article]

Strontium (Sr) is an essential trace element in the human body and plays an important role in regulating male reproductive health. Recent studies have shown that gut flora plays a key role in maintaining spermatogenesis, as well as testicular health, through the gut–testis axis. At present, it is unclear whether gut microbiota can mediate the effects of Sr on sperm quality, and what the underlying mechanisms may be. We investigated the effects of different concentrations of strontium chloride (SrCl2) solutions (0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg BW) on reproductive function and gut microbiota in male Wistar rats (6–8 weeks, 250 ± 20 g). All the animals were euthanized after 37 days of treatment. The Sr-50 group significantly increased sperm concentration, sperm motility, and sperm viability in rats. After Sr treatment, serum and testicular testosterone (T) and Sr levels increased in a dose-dependent manner with increasing Sr concentration. At the same time, we also found that testicular marker enzymes (ACP, LDH) and testosterone marker genes (StAR, 3β-HSD, and Cyp11a1) increased significantly in varying degrees after Sr treatment, while serum NO levels decreased significantly in a dose-dependent manner. Further investigation of intestinal flora showed that SrCl2 affected the composition of gut microbiome, but did not affect the richness and diversity of gut microbiota. Sr treatment reduced the number of bacteria with negative effects on reproductive health, such as Bacteroidetes, Tenericutes, Romboutsia, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014, Weissella, and Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, and added bacteria with negative effects on reproductive health, such as Jeotgalicoccus. To further explore the Sr and the relationship between the gut microbiota, we conducted a Spearman correlation analysis, and the results showed that the gut microbiota was closely correlated with Sr content in serum and testicular tissue, sex hormone levels, and testicular marker enzymes. Additionally, gut microbiota can also regulate each other and jointly maintain the homeostasis of the body's internal environment. However, we found no significant correlation between intestinal flora and sperm quality in this study, which may be related to the small sample size of our 16S rDNA sequencing. In conclusion, the Sr-50 group significantly increased T levels and sperm quality, and improved the levels of testicular marker enzymes and testosterone marker genes in the rats. Sr treatment altered the gut flora of the rats. However, further analysis of the effects of gut microbiota in mediating the effects of SrCl2 on male reproductive function is needed. This study may improve the current understanding of the interaction between Sr, reproductive health, and gut microbiota, providing evidence for the development of Sr-rich foods and the prevention of male fertility decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of mechanical tests and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring are conducted considering the disturbance stress paths, disturbance modes (low disturbance (LD) mode, medium disturbance (MD) mode, and high disturbance (HD) mode) and initial confining pressures (ICPs). The fractal dimensions of the AE temporal distribution ( D t ) and spatial distribution ( D s ) are calculated, analyzed, and compared with the normalized AE count. The "sensitive effect", "inferior sensitive effect", and "delayed sensitive effect" of the disturbance mode can be observed through the temporal–spatial distribution of AE activities under the ICP of 12.5 MPa, 25 MPa, and 37.5 MPa, respectively. According to the normalized AE count, the damage of the disturbance modes under the ICP of 12.5 MPa, from serious to mild in proper order is HD, MD, and LD modes. The rapid increase in D t and the sharp decrease in D s appear in the MD and HD modes, respectively. This is in accordance with the "sensitive effect". Under an ICP of 25 MPa, only the HD mode can cause remarkable damage, as the evolution of the AE parameters does not vary obviously in the LD and MD modes, which can be regarded as the "inferior sensitive effect". Likewise, under an ICP of 37.5 MPa, each parameter presents a significant difference in the late period of DS among the three disturbance modes. This may correspond to the "delayed sensitive effect". The consistency in the occurrences of the discrepancy of the parameters indicates that the damage propagation and mechanical behavior of the engineering rocks are simultaneously dominated by the ICP and disturbance mode. Highlights: A series of mechanical tests as well as the AE monitoring are carried out under the disturbance stress paths. The "sensitive effect", "inferior sensitive effect" and "delayed sensitive effect" of temporal-spatial distribution of the AE activities and its fractal characteristics under the disturbance stress paths are revealed. The damage characteristics of rock under the different disturbance modes and initial confining pressures are comprehensively investigated by the normalized AE count, Dt, and Ds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spheroids mimic 3-D tissue niches better than standard cell cultures. Cryopreserving spheroids, however, remains challenging as conventional cryoprotectants do not mitigate all damage mechanisms. Here chemically-programmed extracellular ice nucleation is used to prevent supercooling, alongside proline pre-conditioning, which are found to synergystically improve post-thaw recovery of spheroids. This validates the need to identify compounds and materials to address both biochemical and biophysical damage pathways beyond standard cryoprotectants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oxidized soybean oil (OSO) has been shown to impair growth and exacerbate inflammation, leading to intestinal barrier injury in animals. Recent evidence suggests important roles for resveratrol (RES) in the promoting growth performance, antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory, and regulate intestinal barriers in animals. Therefore, The objectives of this study are to investigate the effects of dietary RES (purity 98%) supplementation on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, inflammatory state, and intestinal function of weaned piglets challenged with OSO. Methods: A total of 28 castrated weaned male piglets with a similar body weight of 10.19 ± 0.10 kg were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments for 28-d feeding trial with 7 replications per treatment and 1 piglet per replicate. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with oil type [3% fresh soybean oil (FSO) vs. 3% OSO] and dietary RES (0 vs. 300 mg/kg). Results: The results showed that relative to the FSO group, OSO stress tended to decrease the average daily feed intake (ADFI), and decreased the activity levels of lipase, villus/crypt ratio (VCR), the mRNA expression of FABP1, SOD2, IL-10 and ZO-1 in the jejunum, and SOD2, GPX1, occludin and ZO-1 in the colon, the levels of acetic acid in the colonic digesta, whereas up-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with RES increased ether extract (EE), the activity levels of sucrase, lipase, α-amylase, villus height (VH) and VCR, the mRNA expression of FABP1, SOD2, IL-10 and occludin in the jejunum, and FABP1, PPAR-γ, GPX1, occludin and ZO-1 in the colon, and the abundance of Firmicutes, acetic and propionic acid, but decreased the levels of D-lactic acid in the plasma, the abundance of Bacteroidetes in the colonic digesta of weaned piglets compared to the non-RES group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, in the interaction effect analysis, relative to the OSO group, dietary RES supplementation in the diets supplemented with OSO increased the activity levels of trypsin, VH in the jejunum, the abundance of Actinobacteria, the levels of butyric acid of weaned piglets, but failed to influence the activity levels of trypsin and VH, Actinobacteria abundance, the levels of butyric acid when diets were supplemented with FSO (interaction, P < 0.05). Relative to the OSO group, dietary RES supplementation in the diets supplemented with OSO decreased the activity levels of DAO in the plasma of weaned piglets but failed to influence the activity levels of DAO when diets were supplemented with FSO (interaction, P < 0.05). Relative to the FSO group, dietary RES supplementation in the diets supplemented with FSO decreased the level of propionic acid, whereas RES supplementation failed to influence the level of propionic acid when the diet was supplemented with OSO (interaction, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Inclusion of OSO intensified inflammatory states and impaired the intestinal health characteristics of weaned piglets. Dietary RES supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity, anti-inflammatory activity, and intestinal morphology. Further studies showed that the protective effects of RES on gut health could be linked to the decreased abundance of Prevotella_1, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_6, and Prevotellaceae_UCG003 and increased levels of acetic and propionic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major diseases, such as cancer and COVID‐19, are frightening global health problems, and sustained action is necessary to develop vaccines. Here, for the first time, ethoxy acetalated dextran nanoparticles (Ace‐Dex‐NPs) are functionalized with 9‐N‐(4H‐thieno[3,2‐c]chromene‐2‐carbamoyl)‐Siaα2−3Galβ1−4GlcNAc (TCCSia‐LacNAc) targeting macrophages as a universal vaccine design platform. First, azide‐containing oxidized Ace‐Dex‐NPs are synthesized. After the NPs are conjugated with ovalbumin (OVA) and resiquimod (Rd), they are coupled to TCCSia‐LacNAc‐DBCO to produce TCCSia‐Ace‐Dex‐OVA‐Rd, which induce a potent, long‐lasting OVA‐specific cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTL) response and high anti‐OVA IgG, providing mice with superior protection against tumors. Next, this strategy is exploited to develop vaccines against infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The receptor‐binding domain (RBD) of the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein is the main target for neutralizing antibodies. The TCCSia‐Ace‐Dex platform is preferentially used for designing an RBD‐based vaccine. Strikingly, the synthetic TCCSia‐Ace‐Dex‐RBD‐Rd elicited potent RBD‐neutralizing antibodies against live SARS‐CoV‐2 infected Vero E6 cells. To develop a universal SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine, the TCCSia‐Ace‐Dex‐N‐Rd vaccine carrying SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid protein (N) is also prepared, which is highly conserved among SARS‐CoV‐2 and its variants of concern (VOCs), including Omicron (BA.1 to BA.5); this vaccine can trigger strong N‐specific CTL responses against target cells infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 and its VOCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemicelluloses, a major component of plant cell walls, are a non-cellulosic heteropolysaccharide composed of several distinct sugars that is second in abundance to cellulose, which are one of the most abundant and cheapest renewable resources on earth. Hemicelluloses structure is complex and its chemical structure varies greatly among the different plant species. In addition to its wide use in production of feed and other chemical materials, hemicelluloses are known for its remarkable biological activities that remain largely underutilised to date. Therefore, comprehensive investigations of hemicelluloses structural and biological properties would be helpful for achieving rational utilisation and high-value conversion of this underutilised substance into agents with enhanced health benefits for incorporation in drugs and health foods. In this review, details of diverse research initiatives that have enhanced our understanding of hemicelluloses properties are summarised, including hemicelluloses sources, extraction and purification methods, structural characteristics and biological activities. Furthermore, hemicelluloses structure-activity relationships and new directions for future hemicelluloses research studies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A structural equation model exploring the internal mechanism of travel well-being in the post COVID-19 pandemic was proposed. • Mood and psychological distance to COVID-19 do not directly affect travel well-being, but are indirectly related to travel well-being through travel satisfaction. • Psychological distance to COVID-19 can be considered as a measurement index or exploratory influencing factor of travel well-being. • Compared to travel satisfaction, travel well-being is more related to switching intention, which provides new implications for policy-makers of public transport in the context of the pandemic. The spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has decreased the willingness to choose public transport where travellers are more likely to be infected due to intensive passenger flow, in which case it is hard to attract passenger volume if the subjective well-being of travellers is not improved. However, the traditional measurement of travel evaluation may be not applicable to the context of the pandemic and it is necessary to analyse the changes in the internal mechanisms of travel well-being to avoid the loss of passengers. Based on structural equation modelling, this paper explored the internal relationship between the constructs of travel well-being and emphasised the significance of taking psychological factors into consideration in the post COVID-19 pandemic. The results show that travel satisfaction with the anti-pandemic related service quality of public transport is related to overall travel well-being, which can be used as a key part of well-being measurement scale design in the future. The results also indicate that, due to negative mood on the affective level induced by COVID-19, travel satisfaction on the cognitive level is not directly but indirectly related to travel choice behaviour through overall travel well-being. Compared to travel satisfaction, travel well-being is more extensive and covers travel satisfaction to some extent. Therefore, instead of studying travel satisfaction simply, taking travel well-being as the dependent variable to identify shortages existing in public transport will provide a more accurate perspective for policymakers in the post COVID-19 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantum entanglement brings high-speed and inherently privacy-preserving transmission for information communication in quantum networks. The qubit scarcity is an important issue that cannot be ignored in quantum networks due to the limited storage capacity of quantum devices, the short lifespan of qubits, and so on. In this article, we first formulate the qubit competition problem as the Cooperative-Qubit-Allocation-Problem (CQAP) by taking into account both the waiting time and the fidelity of end-to-end entanglement with the given transmission link set. We then model the CQAP as a Markov Decision Process (MDP) and adopt a Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithm to self-adaptively and cooperatively allocate qubits among quantum repeaters. Further, we introduce an Active Learning (AL) algorithm to improve the efficiency of the RL algorithm by reducing its trial-error times. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm outperforms the benchmark algorithms, with 23.5 ms reduction on the average waiting time and 19.2 improvement on the average path maturity degree, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most common and serious intestinal illnesses in newborns and seriously affects their long-term prognosis and survival. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid that can relieve intestinal inflammation, but its mechanism of action is unclear. Results from an in vivo neonatal rat model has shown that butyrate caused an improved recovery from NEC. These protective effects were associated with the metabolite of hesperetin, as determined by metabolomics and molecular biological analysis. Furthermore, transcriptomics combined with inhibitor assays were used to investigate the mechanism of action of hesperetin in an in vitro NEC model (IEC-6 cells exposed to LPS) to further investigate the mechanism by which butyrate attenuates NEC. The transcriptomics analysis showed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was involved in the anti-NEC effect of hesperitin. Subsequently, the results using an inhibitor of PI3K (LY294002) indicated that the suppression could be explained by the hesperetin-induced expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins by potentially blocking the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In summary, the present study demonstrated that butyrate could improve recovery from NEC with a hesperetin metabolite, causing potential inhibition of the phosphorylation of the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, resulting in the increased expression of TJ proteins. These findings reveal a potential new therapeutic pathway for the treatment of NEC. • Butyrate performed the protective effect in NEC model in vivo and in vitro. • The positive effect of butyrate was related with the intestinal metabolite of hesperetin. • Hesperetin alleviated NEC by inhibiting PI3K-Akt pathway phosphorylation. • Butyrate alleviates experimental necrotizing enterocolitis through metabolite hesperetin via inhibiting the PI3K-Akt pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Analysis of comprehensive magnetic noise in multilayer magnetic shielding system for highly sensitive miniaturized atomic sensors. • A comprehensive multilayer magnetic noise calculation model of the magnetic shielding system of the SERF gyroscope. • Structure design and performance testing of the magnetic shielding system of the SERF gyroscope. The multilayer magnetic shielding system is widely used in atomic sensors. However, for miniaturized atomic sensors with volume limitations, such as spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) gyroscopes, the remaining environmental magnetic interference and mu-metal magnetic noise will affect the sensitivity of atomic sensors. In this study, we establish a comprehensive magnetic noise calculation model for the magnetic shielding system of a SERF gyroscope, which considers the influence of the environmental magnetic noise on the magnetic shielding and the coupling effect between different layers. For suppressing magnetic noise of the magnetic shielding system, the property of different ferrites was measured and compared, then the particle swarm optimization is applied to design the magnetic shielding structure. Finally, the experimental device is established for measuring performances of the magnetic shielding system per and post optimization. By comparison, radial and axial magnetic noise post optimization are decreased by 37% and 22%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocatalytic property of graphitic carbon nitride (CN) has attracted more and more attention. In this study, to provide a convenient way to recycle the suspension catalyst of C 3 N 5 , C 3 N 5 nanoparticles had been successfully coated on the surface of SiO 2 @Fe 3 O 4 (S@F) core-shell layer, forming a novel multifunctional nano-core-shell magnetic material Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /C 3 N 5. The as-prepared photocatalyst could effectively improve the photocatalytic performance of C 3 N 5 , such as higher H 2 production from water splitting and MB photodegradation ability. The H 2 yield of Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /C 3 N 5 composite is up to 3.0 mmol/g after 6 h, which is about 2 times higher than pure C 3 N 5. And the MB degradation rate is 1.6 times higher than pure C 3 N 5. The mechanism results revealed that Fe 3 O 4 @SiO 2 /C 3 N 5 exhibited a rougher surface, wider absorption range, and lower recombination rate of photogenerated e− and h+ compared to pure C 3 N 5. This study exhibits fascinating potential application of C 3 N 5 in wide range of energy generation and environmental applications. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk oligosaccharides (MOs), complex carbohydrates prevalent in human breast milk, play a vital role in infant nutrition. Serving as prebiotics, they inhibit pathogen adherence, modulate the immune system, and support newborn brain development. Notably, MOs demonstrate significant variations in concentration and composition, both across different species and within the same species. These characteristics of MOs lead to several compelling questions: (i) What distinct beneficial functions do MOs offer and how do the functions vary along with their structural differences? (ii) In what ways do MOs in human milk differ from those in other mammals, and what factors drive these unique profiles? (iii) What are the emerging applications of MOs, particularly in the context of their incorporation into infant formula? This review delves into the structural characteristics, quantification methods, and species-specific concentration differences of MOs. It highlights the critical role of human MOs in infant growth and their potential applications, providing substantial evidence to enhance infant health and development. The abstract figure shows the beneficial functions of MOs. They play a vital role in infant nutrition by regulating the composition of gut microbiota, inhibiting pathogen adherence, modulating the immune system, and supporting newborn brain development. [Display omitted] • Emphasize the roles of milk oligosaccharides (MOs) as prebiotics and their contribution to infant nutrition. • Summarize the methods for MOs quantification and structural analysis. • Conclude future perspectives on incorporating MOs into infant formula and other possible applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The permeability of tight sandstone gas reservoirs can be improved using liquid nitrogen (LN2) cryogenic fracturing. To evaluate the effect of the LN2-cooling state on the tensile failure behaviors of the sandstone, a series of physical and mechanical experiments on the sandstone specimens subjected to different LN2 cooling treatments are performed. Compared to the untreated sandstone, the P-wave velocity, tensile strength, and splitting modulus of the frozen sandstone increase by 42.02%, 63.32%, and 22.80%, respectively, while those of the freeze–thaw sandstone decrease by 2.77%, 23.10%, and 11.92%, respectively. After the LN2 cooling treatment, a considerable number of defects inside the sandstone are produced. The fracture energy among all parameters is most sensitive to the LN2 cooling state. After the LN2 cooling treatment, the total fracture length of the sandstone specimens after the frozen and freeze–thaw treatments increases by 29.79% and 37.46%, respectively. The damage degree of the internal structure induced by the LN2 cooling treatment mainly determines the failure mode of the sandstone. The greater the internal structure damage, the more complex the failure pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphene materials are widely used as a physical barrier when applying anticorrosion polymer coatings due to their large surface area and layered structure. However, the electrical conductivity of intrinsic graphene can accelerate galvanic corrosion and shorten the protection period. In this work, fluorine and nitrogen co-doped graphene oxide (FNGO) was synthesized by a hydrothermal process and acted as an anticorrosion filler in waterborne styrene acrylic coatings. Styrene acrylic coatings with 0.4 wt% FNGO showed a corrosion current density that was two orders of magnitude lower than the other samples in the potential polarization test and the largest impedance modulus in the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results. The outstanding corrosion protection was attributed to the graphene acting as a physical barrier and the synergistic effect of the doped fluorine and nitrogen. In addition to the ‘labyrinth effect’ of the graphene matrix, the nitrogen atoms inserted in the graphene plane and fluorine atoms grafted on the graphene simultaneously adjusted the electrical properties of graphene, prohibiting electron transport between it and the styrene acrylic resin matrix. This result indicates that doped graphene oxide has great potential to increase the corrosion resistance of waterborne coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an intestinal disease that frequently occurs in premature infants. Presently, there is no effective therapy for NEC. Therefore, the key to reduce the incidence rate of NEC is to take effective intervention measures as early as possible. Short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), the principal terminal products of enterobacteria fermentation, play anti‐inflammatory actions in mature intestinal cells. However, few studies focus on their roles in immature intestine. Here, we evaluated the anti‐inflammatory actions of SCFAs ex vivo with ICR fetal mouse jejunum cultures and explored the potential anti‐inflammatory regulators through RNA‐seq and then verified them in vitro with human fetal small intestinal epithelial FHs 74 Int cells. In this study, we found that acetate, propionate, and butyrate decreased IL‐1β‐induced production of CXCL2 ex vivo and IL‐8 and IL‐6 in vitro significantly (p <.05). Furthermore, the inhibitors of NF‐κB p65, JNK1/2, and ERK1/2 pathways, which were selected from RNA‐seq and depressed by SCFAs, also significantly decreased IL‐8 and IL‐6 productions induced by IL‐1β (p <.05). Therefore, our results showed that acetate, propionate, and butyrate ameliorated the fetal small intestine inflammatory response induced by IL‐1β through inhibiting ERK1/2 pathway; NF‐κB p65, JNK1/2, and ERK1/2 pathways; or NF‐κB p65 and ERK1/2 pathways, respectively. These findings suggested that SCFAs may be a new therapy agent for NEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Single silver nanoring with nanoscale surface roughness were fabricated. • Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) were observed on the roughened nanoring. • SERS mapping image shows a uniform and intense SERS distribution over the nanoring. • Dark-field shows a wide localized surface plasmon resonance frequency range response. • The measurements and simulations indicate the existence of plasmon-focusing effect. With the expansion of the application of high-sensitivity Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique, micro SERS-active substrates with rich optical properties and high-level functions are desired. In this study, silver nanorings with nanoscale surface roughness were fabricated as a new type of enclosed quasi-2D micro-SERS-active substrate. Highly-crystalline spherical and hemispherical silver nanoprotrusions were densely and uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the nanorings. The SERS signals were significantly enhanced on the roughened silver nanorings which were mainly derived from the maximal localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) points at the junctions between adjacent coupled nanoprotrusions on the roughened nanorings. The mapping image shows a uniform and intense LSPR enhancement over the nanorings, owing to the uniform and dense distribution of silver nanoprotrusions and the resulting uniform distribution of maximal LSPR points on the roughened nanorings. The dark-field spectra further indicated that the single roughened silver nanoring had significant LSPR enhancement, a wide LSPR frequency-range response, and adaptability for SERS enhancement. Notably, both the measured and simulated results demonstrate that the maximal LSPR enhancement at the junctions between the nanoprotrusions, which are distributed on the inner surface of the silver nanoring, is higher than that on the outer surface because of the plasmon-focusing effect of the enclosed silver nanoring, which leads to the lateral asymmetrical distribution of LSPR intensity, indicating more LSPR and SERS features. These results indicate that single roughened silver nanorings exhibit excellent performance as a new type of enclosed quasi-2D silver nanoring micro-SERS-active substrate, microzone LSPR catalysis, and micro/nanodevices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory T cell (Treg) depletion increases antitumor immunity. However, severe autoimmunity can occur following systemic loss of Tregs, which could be avoided by selectively depleting intratumoral Tregs. Herein, we aimed to investigate the role of tumor-infiltrating CCR4+ Tregs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to provide a potential target strategy for immunotherapy. CCR4+ Tregs were analyzed by flow cytometry in murine models and clinical samples. The function of tumor-infiltrating and induced CCR4+ Tregs was interrogated by genetic and epigenetic approaches. To block CCR4+ Treg chemotaxis, we developed an N-terminus recombinant protein of CCR4 (N-CCR4-Fc) as a neutralizing pseudo-receptor that effectively bound to its ligand CCL22. The efficacy of CCR4 antagonism as an immunotherapeutic agent was evaluated by tumor weights, growth kinetics and survival curves. CCR4+ Tregs were the predominant type of Tregs recruited to hepatitis B-associated HCC (HBV+ HCC), correlating with sorafenib resistance and HBV load titers. Compared with CCR4- Tregs, CCR4+ Tregs exhibited increased IL-10 and IL-35 expression, and enhanced functionality in suppressing CD8+ T cells. CCR4+ Tregs also displayed PD-1+TCF1+ stem-like properties. ATAC-seq data revealed substantial chromatin remodeling between tumor-infiltrating Tregs (TIL-Tregs) and induced Tregs, suggesting that long-term chromatin reprogramming accounted for the acquisition of enhanced immunosuppressive stem-like specificity by CCR4+ TIL-Tregs. Treatment with a CCR4 antagonist or N-CCR4-Fc blocked intratumoral Treg accumulation, overcame sorafenib resistance, and sensitized tumors to PD-1 checkpoint blockade. Intratumoral stem-like CCR4+ Tregs orchestrated immunosuppressive resource cells in the tumor microenvironment. CCR4 could be targeted to enhance antitumor immunity by specifically blocking infiltration of Tregs into the tumor microenvironment and inhibiting maintenance of the TIL-Treg pool. Targeting regulatory T cells is a promising approach in cancer immunotherapy; however, severe autoimmunity can occur following systemic regulatory T cell loss. This could be avoided by selectively depleting intratumoral regulatory T cells. Herein, targeting intratumoral stem-like CCR4+ regulatory T cells helped to overcome sorafenib resistance and sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint blockade in mouse models of liver cancer. This approach could have wide clinical applicability. [Display omitted] • CCR4+ Tregs, as the predominant type of Treg in HBV+HCC, orchestrate immunosuppressive resource cells. • CCR4+ Tregs exhibit specific cytokine-driven PD-1+TCF1+ stem-like properties. • N-CCR4-Fc, as a neutralizing pseudo-receptor, effectively blocks CCR4-mediated chemotaxis to enhance antitumor immunity. • Antagonism of CCR4 could be used to overcome sorafenib resistance and sensitize tumors to PD-1 checkpoint blockade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) is an excellent cool-season turfgrass utilized widely in Northern China. However, turf quality of Kentucky bluegrass declines significantly due to drought. Ethephon seeds-soaking treatment has been proved to effectively improve the drought tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass seedlings. In order to investigate the effect of ethephon leaf-spraying method on drought tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass and understand the underlying mechanism, Kentucky bluegrass plants sprayed with and without ethephon are subjected to either drought or well watered treatments. The relative water content and malondialdehyde conent were measured. Meanwhile, samples were sequenced through Illumina. Results showed that ethephon could improve the drought tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass by elevating relative water content and decreasing malondialdehyde content under drought. Transcriptome analysis showed that 58.43% transcripts (254,331 out of 435,250) were detected as unigenes. A total of 9.69% (24,643 out of 254,331) unigenes were identified as differentially expressed genes in one or more of the pairwise comparisons. Differentially expressed genes due to drought stress with or without ethephon pre-treatment showed that ethephon application affected genes associated with plant hormone, signal transduction pathway and plant defense, protein degradation and stabilization, transportation and osmosis, antioxidant system and the glyoxalase pathway, cell wall and cuticular wax, fatty acid unsaturation and photosynthesis. This study provides a theoretical basis for revealing the mechanism for how ethephon regulates drought response and improves drought tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding fermented wheat bran (FWB) and yeast culture (YC) on growth performance, immune levels, and intestinal microflora in growing-finishing pigs. In total, 96 crossbred pigs were randomly distributed into four treatments with four replicates pens and six pigs per pen. This study was performed using a 2 × 2 factor design: 1) CON (basal diet), 2) FWB (basal diet + 5% FWB), 3) YC (basal diet + 2% YC), and 4) FWB + YC (basal diet + 5% FWB + 2% YC). Dietary FWB supplementation significantly increased the average daily gain and significantly decreased the feed gain ratio of growing-finishing pigs (P < 0.05). Supplementation of FWB and YC improved the immune capacity and reduced the inflammation level of growing-finishing pigs (P < 0.05). In addition, pigs fed FWB, YC, and FWB + YC diets showed better intestinal development and morphology compared with those CON pigs. The relative abundance of Streptococcus in the FWB group was significantly lower than that in the CON group (P < 0.05), and the relative abundance of probiotics (unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Turicibacter) increased significantly (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the relative abundance of probiotics (Lactobacillus, norank_f_Muribaculaceae) in the YC group was significantly increased compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The results of this study observed positive effects of FWB and YC on growing-finishing pigs, which provides insights into the application of biological feed in swine industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial wastewater may have a long-time effect on the environment and human life as it goes underground and causes serious pollution continuously. To have a well understanding of the migration of such wastewater is a basic task for industrial wastewater treatment as well as industrial design. To study the migration mechanism of industrial wastewater in rock formations, the governing equations such as mechanics, seepage, heat, and mass transfer are reviewed, referenced, and proposed. The thermal (T)-hydraulic (H)-mechanical (M) coupled model of the multimedia of matrix-fault and matrix-fracture-fault is established. The influence of the fault and the fractures on the pressure distribution and contaminant migration is analyzed. The influence of fault length, width, dip angle, permeability, and temperature of wastewater on contaminant migration is parametrically studied. The following results can be obtained. (1) The fracture quantitively affects the concentration distribution, while the fault dominates the concentration distribution and contaminant migration. (2) The migration of the contaminants can be geometrically divided into 3 zones along the direction of the fault: the saturation zone, the rapid diffusion zone, and the concentration decrease zone. (3) There is a peak of the concentration along the bottom of the model. The position of the peak is the projection of the endpoint of the fault. (4) The fault length has the most significant effect on contaminant accumulation. The temperature of the wastewater has the minimum effect on the contaminant accumulation. (5) The accumulation of concentrations can be divided into 2 stages, the slow growth stage (before 20 years) and the rapid growth stage (after 20 years). The main channel of contaminant migration in the slow growth stage is a fault. During the rapid growth stage, the contaminants penetrate through the rock matrix as well as the fault. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs) are central for eliciting protective immunity against malignancies and infectious diseases. Here, for the first time, partially oxidized acetalated dextran nanoparticles (Ox‐AcDEX NPs) with an average diameter of 100 nm are fabricated as a general platform for vaccine delivery. To develop effective anticancer vaccines, Ox‐AcDEX NPs are conjugated with a representative CTL peptide epitope (CTLp) from human mucin‐1 (MUC1) with the sequence of TSAPDTRPAP (referred to as Mp1) and an immune‐enhancing adjuvant R837 (referred to as R) via imine bond formation affording AcDEX‐(imine)‐Mp1‐R NPs. Administration of AcDEX‐(imine)‐Mp1‐R NPs results in robust and long‐lasting anti‐MUC1 CTL immune responses, which provides mice with superior protection from the tumor. To verify its universality, this nanoplatform is also exploited to deliver epitopes from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). By conjugating Ox‐AcDEX NPs with the potential CTL epitope of SARS‐CoV‐2 (referred to as Sp) and R837, AcDEX‐(imine)‐Sp‐R NPs are fabricated for anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccine candidates. Several epitopes potentially contributing to the induction of potent and protective anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 CTL responses are examined and discussed. Collectively, these findings shed light on the universal use of Ox‐AcDEX NPs to deliver both tumor‐associated and virus‐associated epitopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gas is associated with coal mining; it commonly exists in the coal seam. It is one of the major dangers during the production because its reaction between the coal masses may induce the gas-coal outburst as well as it being an expositive matter. The gas accident has caused a huge amount of property damage and casualties. Therefore, the primary precaution for coal mining is gas control. At present, drilling and extraction are the main approaches for gas accident prevention. After drilling, the ground pressure will be released; the gas which is in a free state or absorbed in the coal seam will be easy to extract as the migration channel is enhanced. Hence, one of the most concerned problems is the stress redistribution of the coal and rock mass around the borehole. In practical engineering, there are many joints distributed in the coal and rock strata, so it is necessary to investigate the effect of the drilling in the jointed coal and rock mass. In this paper, the boundary element model of the borehole in the jointed coal and rock mass is established to study the influence of joints on the stress and displacement field. The following results can be obtained. The number of joints has a significant effect on the maximum displacement of the coal and rock mass. The maximum displacement increases with the number of the joint. The position of the maximum displacement shifts from the boundary of the borehole to the far field. Meanwhile, it can be found that the displacement may reach a peak value when the joint angle is 30° and if the joint number is less than 4, and the maximum displacement may occur under the joint angle of 45° and if the joints number continuous increases. The von Mises stress has a trend of increasing with the number of joints when the joint angle is less than 30°, while it has a decreasing trend when the joint angle is larger than 30°. The max stress may occur at the joint angle of 15°. The maximum shear stress occurs mostly in the No. 4 joint and the No.7 joint. When the joint angle is 30°, the maximum shear stress occurs in the No. 3 joint and the No. 4 joint. The overlap of the position of the maximum von Mises stress or the maximum displacement with different joint angles or different numbers of joint leads to a reexploration of such positions. The position of the maximum von Mises stress and the maximum displacement o is relatively steady, which locates symmetrically around the borehole. The line between the points that behaves as the maximum von stress is approximately perpendicular to the joint direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interestingly, T cells from HCC patients particularly up-regulated LAG3, but not other checkpoint molecules, suggesting a LAG3-mediated exhaustion phenotype of HCC tumour-infiltrating T cells. Further studies and analyses of T cells in HCC are expected to assess signature and potential of the in vitro expanded V 2 T cells recruited into tumour regions of liver cancer. The liver is a critical hub of immunotolerance with preferentially enriched T cells and other cells such as Kuffer cells, natural killer (NK) cells, conventional T cells and B cells. [Extracted from the article]

With the further development of deep rock mechanics engineering, such as the exploitation and utilization of geothermal resources, the exploitation of deep mineral resources, and the safe disposal of nuclear waste, the study of mechanical properties of deep high-temperature rock is gaining the attention of the researchers. However, not only the high temperature but also the cooling condition/method that will be used in the construction such as drilling cooling will also greatly affect the mechanical properties of the rock. In this paper, the mechanical behaviour and the evolution of the mechanical properties of the high-temperature (600°C–1,000°C) granite under different cooling methods are studied. The following conclusions can be obtained: (1) The peak stress of the granite decreases with the heating temperature. Compared with natural cooling, water cooling has a more significant effect on strength degradation. (2) The increase of the heating temperature increases the maximum axial strain of the granite. The water cooling method more greatly induces the maximum axial strain of granite than the natural cooling. The maximum axial strain of the specimen under the water cooling reaches 117.3% of that under natural cooling (800°C). (3) The elastic modulus of the granite decreases with the heating temperature. Water cooling will have a stronger effect on the reduction of the elastic modulus than natural cooling. The maximum difference value (2.02 GPa) of the elastic modulus under the different cooling methods occurs at the temperature of 800°C. (4) Poisson's ratio of the granite increases with heating temperature, and the cooling method does not have an evident effect on it. The relationship between Poisson's ratio and the heating temperature under different cooling methods can be described using the linear model. (5) According to the influence of the temperature on the peak stress, the elastic modulus, and Poisson's ratio, the heating temperature domain can be divided into the unapparent zone, the significant zone, and the mitigation zone. (6) The thermal stress due to the nonuniform temperature field and the different thermal expansion coefficients is incompatible. Such incompatibility stresses the essences of the degradation of the mechanical properties of the granite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excavation of coal mine often encounters the fault problem. In this paper, the analytical study of the pressure of the fault that the work face may cross is carried out. The evolution of the stress and moment of the fault is investigated. Afterwards, a numerical study is performed. The stress and displacement of the rock mass near the work face and the fault are calculated under each situation (the initial fracture and periodical fracture of the immediate roof, the forward direction fault, and the reverse direction fault), and the changes in the contact pressure and stress near the fault during the excavation are analyzed. The effect of searching tunnel on the mining pressure is also studied. The calculation results indicate that although the searching-tunnel can decrease the stress at the roof of the fault (reverse direction fault), it may increase the stress at other positions. It can therefore be concluded that, for the forward direction fault, the effect of the searching tunnel to decrease the contact pressure and dissipate the energy is limited; on the contrary, it will aggravate the fragmentation degree and make the support more difficult, while, for the reverse direction fault, the excavation of searching tunnel can not only provide a better understanding of the characters of the fault but also have a positive effect on the ground control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust on outdoor glass will significantly reduce glass transmittance in various applications and even damage solar cell panels. Here, the effects of Sb doping on the structure and photoelectric properties of a Sb-doped SnO 2 –SiO 2 (ATO-SiO 2) film prepared on a glass substrate with a sol-gel method and the dust removal performance of the resulting film were studied. The results show that the Sb-doped SnO 2 –SiO 2 film consists of a SnO 2 tetragonal rutile phase, but the doped Sb decreases the sample crystallinity. With an increase in the Sb doping concentration, two lattice parameters of the ATO-SiO 2 film, a and c , show "M"-shaped changes. The nanoparticle size first decreases and subsequently increases when the Sb doping concentration is over 6 mol%. The transmittance of the substrate glass coated with this film in the visible wavelength range (380–780 nm) decreases from 86.3% to 82.7%. The square resistance first decreases and subsequently increases, while the dust removal performance first increases and subsequently decreases. At a 12 mol% Sb doping concentration, the square resistance is minimal (4.64 × 106 Ω/□). The maximal dust removal performance is 64%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Localized cranial radiotherapy is a dominant treatment for brain cancers. After being subjected to radiation, the central nervous system (CNS) exhibits targeted effects as well as non-targeted radiation bystander effects (RIBE) and abscopal effects (RIAE). Radiation-induced targeted effects in the CNS include autophagy and various changes in tumor cells due to radiation sensitivity, which can be regulated by microRNAs. Non-targeted radiation effects are mainly induced by gap junctional communication between cells, exosomes containing microRNAs can be transduced by intracellular endocytosis to regulate RIBE and RIAE. In this review, we discuss the involvement of microRNAs in radiation-induced targeted effects, as well as exosomes and/or exosomal microRNAs in non-targeted radiation effects in the CNS. As a target pathway, we also discuss the Akt pathway which is regulated by microRNAs, exosomes, and/or exosomal microRNAs in radiation-induced targeted effects and RIBE in CNS tumor cells. As the CNS-derived exosomes can cross the blood-brain-barrier (BBB) into the bloodstream and be isolated from peripheral blood, exosomes and exosomal microRNAs can emerge as promising minimally invasive biomarkers and therapeutic targets for radiation-induced targeted and non-targeted effects in the CNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For prevention of the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, an effective vaccine is critical. Herein, several potential peptide epitopes from the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 have been synthesized and covalently linked with the cross-reactive material (CRM197). Immunization of mice with the resulting conjugates induced high titers of IgG antibodies against the spike protein. Importantly, the post-immune sera effectively neutralized SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, suggesting the epitopes identified are protective, and these conjugates are promising leads for anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method for the analysis of 11 milk oligosaccharides within 24 min was developed. • Neutral and acidic milk oligosaccharides were quantified concomitantly. • Milk oligosaccharides composition in human milk and six domestic animals were compared. • 65 °C treatment had no significant effect whereas 135 °C heating was associated with lower cow milk oligosaccharide content. Milk oligosaccharides (MOs) exhibit significant variations in concentrations and patterns among different species. However, there is limited knowledge about milk oligosaccharides in domestic animals and the impact of heat treatment on them. Here, we developed an LC-ESI-MS/MS method to analyze 11 milk oligosaccharides in 7 distinct species simultaneously. The results showed that human milk presented a completely different composition pattern of milk oligosaccharides from animals. In detail, animal milk predominantly contained sialylated oligosaccharides, and human milk had high levels of fucosylated neutral oligosaccharides. Notably, sheep milk exhibited similarities to human milk in terms of oligosaccharides composition. Then, the milk samples from dairy cows were treated with two common industrial heat treatments. We found that 65 °C treatment had no significant effect on the concentration of milk oligosaccharides, whereas 135 °C heating was associated with their decline, suggesting that high temperatures should be avoided in the processing of oligosaccharides supplemented/enriched products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of residual cholesterol risk (RCR) on plaque characteristics is not fully understood. The study aims to explore the relationship between RCR and plaque features in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). All ACS patients undergoing pre-intervention optical coherence tomography (OCT) with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) <2 mg/L on admission were retrospectively enrolled from January to December 2017, at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University. RCR was defined as low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥1.8 mmol/L. Patients were divided into the RCR and non-RCR groups according to baseline LDL-C. A total of 90 patients (94 vessels) were included, with 50 in the RCR group and 40 in the non-RCR group, respectively. Compared with the non-RCR group, patients in the RCR group were younger (54.0 ± 11.04 vs. 58.4 ± 9.59, p = 0.049) and had a higher incidence of multivessel disease (6.0% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.028). With regard to plaque characteristics, fibrous plaque (0.0% vs 12.5%, p = 0.003) was less and fibroatheroma (79.6% vs. 50.0%, p = 0.028) was more frequently seen in the RCR group. Patients in the RCR group were more prone to present with plaque rupture (24.1% vs 5.0%, p = 0.008). Cholesterol crystal (22.2% vs 12.5%, p = 0.226) and thin-cap fibroatheroma (25.9% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.109) were more common in the RCR group, though without statistical difference. Multivariate logistic regression showed that RCR (odds ratio [OR]: 7.95, p = 0.011) and smoking (OR: 4.08, p = 0.026) were independent risk factors of plaque rupture in our patients. ACS patients with RCR are more likely to have atherosclerotic plaque and plaque rupture, indicating a more vulnerable plaque phenotype. Image 1 • Residual cholesterol risk is associated with a higher incidence of fibroatheroma. • Patients with residual cholesterol risk are more prone to plaque rupture. • Dyslipidemia involves vulnerable plaque, independent of inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The definition of design load with walking crowd excitation on these slender structures is a significant problem to human-induced vibration. To capture the characteristics of walking crowd loads, this article researches both the ground reaction force and ground reaction moment for 36 healthy adults. Firstly, a oscillate system modeling walking leg is used to build a governing equation, which further transformed into the discrete state space. Then the Kalman method is applied to filter the noises for the measured ground reaction force, which can well remove the noises hiding in the measured signals. In addition, the Fourier series are used to model the ground reaction force and ground reaction moment, and the first six corresponding coefficients are obtained and analyzed. This work comprehensively explores the excitation force and moment from walking pedestrian feet. The result of this study provides the reference of load design for these slender structures such as footbridges, grandstands, or stations under crowd excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycotoxins-contaminated milk could threaten human health; therefore, it is necessary to demonstrate the toxicological effect of mycotoxins in milk. Most recently, researchers have paid more attention to the immunotoxic effects of the individual cereal-contaminating mycotoxins, namely, zearalenone and deoxynivalenol. However, there is scant information about the intestinal immunotoxicity of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), let alone that of a combination of AFM1 and ochratoxin A (OTA), which often co-occur in milk. To reveal the inflammatory response caused by these mycotoxins, expression of inflammation-related genes in differentiated Caco-2 cells was analyzed, demonstrating a synergistic effect of the mixture of AFM1 (4 μg/mL) and OTA (4 μg/mL). Integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were also performed. A cross-omics analysis identified several mechanisms underlying this synergy: (i) compared with stimulation with either compound alone, combined use resulted in stronger induction of proteins involved in immunity-related pathways; (ii) combination of the two agents targeted different points in the same pathways; and (iii) combination of the two agents activated specific inflammation-related pathways. These results suggested that combined use of AFM1 and OTA might exacerbate intestinal inflammation, indicating that regulatory authorities should pay more attention to food contamination by multiple mycotoxins when performing risk assessments. Image 1 • The AFM1 and OTA-induced inflammatory response were studied on intestinal cells. • The combination of AFM1 and OTA produced synergism in inflammatory response. • Integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses were performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Oxidation catalyst developed: gold nanoparticles dispersed on Cu-doped spinel MgCr 2 O 4. • Highly active and selective catalysts for gas-phase oxidation of cyclohexanol. • Au Cu synergy due to O 2 activation on Cu species, Au catalyzes C H bond activation. • Au Cu alloy formed during catalytic operation. • >99% cyclohexanol conversion and >90% cyclohexanone selectivity obtained. The industrial production of cyclohexanone from cyclohexanol would benefit from a selective oxidation catalyst. Herein, Cu doping of MgCr 2 O 4 supports for gold nanoparticles active in gas-phase oxidation of cyclohexanol was investigated. Mg 1-x Cu x Cr 2 O 4 exhibited spinel structures (x ≤ 0.25: MgCr 2 O 4 ; x = 1: CuCr 2 O 4) onto which 3–4 nm gold nanoparticles could be dispersed. Cu doping led to higher activity. During reaction, surface Cu2+ was reduced to Cu0, resulting in Au Cu alloy formation. At low temperature, low-Cu-content catalysts (x ≤ 0.1) showed higher activity than high-Cu-content catalysts, likely because the Au Cu alloy with highly diluted Cu was more active for the dehydrogenation step of cyclohexanol. However, Au/Mg 0.99 Cu 0.01 Cr 2 O 4 and Au/Mg 0.9 Cu 0.1 Cr 2 O 4 showed lower cyclohexanol conversion at high temperature than samples with high Cu content, because O 2 activation involving Cu becomes rate-limiting. Stable cyclohexanol conversion and cyclohexanone selectivity were 99.1% and 90.2% (space-time yield of 266 g Ketone g Au −1 h−1) for Au/Mg 0.25 Cu 0.75 Cr 2 O 4 at 300 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal emergency that affects ten percent of very low birth weight premature babies and costs society in both expense and heartache. It is probably caused by an inappropriate interaction of colonizing bacteria with an immature intestine. A possible preventative measure is to feed prematures their mother's expressed breast milk in conjunction with a probiotic. This synbiotic prevention reduces the severity and incidence of this condition. This study was designed to determine the mechanism of the synbiotic effect in human and mouse fetal intestine. Breast milk interacting with a NEC preventative probiotic such as Bifidobacterium infantis can produce increased levels of short chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate and butyrate) (SCFAs). SCFAs are known to be anti-inflammatory in mature enterocytes and immunocytes. Very little is known about their role in immature intestine. When exposed to a human fetal cell line, fetal intestinal organoids and fetal mouse intestine, these SCFAs were anti-inflammatory. Their mechanism of anti-inflammation differed from those reported for mature cells by involving the G-protein coupled receptor (GPR 109A) and inhibiting histone deacetylase 4 and 5. These bacterial metabolites may help explain the synbiotic anti-inflammatory effect of breast milk and probiotics given to premature infants at risk for NEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two‐dimensional covalent organic frameworks were synthesized in high yields by polycondensation in nonvolatile ionic liquids. The resulting crystallites are highly porous and exhibit exceptional capability of removing bisphenol A from water. The one reported is a general method to synthesize microporous and mesoporous frameworks, it allows to achieve regular macroscopic shapes, and it is effective in a wide range of reaction temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zwitterionic amphiphiles with covalently bonded anionic and cationic groups exhibit electrically neutral properties but extremely high polarity. Under most circumstances, their charge densities can be simply and reversibly modulated by pH values. Such unique structures and properties distinguish them from all other types of amphiphiles. In this review, we summarize the assembly characteristics of zwitterionic amphiphiles and put forward our important fundamental opinions on how to design and modify zwitterionic amphiphiles to achieve abundant aggregate structures and multifunctions. More importantly, this kind of amphiphile shows mildness, better wettability, good biocompatibility, biostability, nonfouling and functionalizable properties, as well as an excellent synergistic effect with other amphiphiles, which makes them promising candidates for applications in household cleaning, cosmetics, electrochemistry, intelligent soft materials and biology. Based on the matchless advantages of zwitterions, we focus on the introduction of zwitterionic betaine and imidazolium amphiphiles and explore their applications in target ion conduction, noble metal nanomaterials and antifouling biomaterial preparation. As far as we know, there has been no review of the aggregation behavior and green applications of zwitterionic amphiphiles so far. We expect to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of their assembly strategies, practical methodologies and future potential progression, as well as to promote greater interest and further developments in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The mixtures of mycotoxins significantly increased epithelial permeability, altered TJ proteins morphology and structures. • Mixtures of mycotoxins significantly modulated MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA levels and protein secretion. • The damage of intestinal integrity caused by mycotoxins was correlated to the change of the TJ proteins location. • The damage of intestinal integrity caused by mycotoxins was correlated to the decrease of mucin secretion. Abstract Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEA) are mycotoxins commonly found in milk. Mycotoxin contamination has caused food safety concerns worldwide since most of the toxic effects in humans are serious. The combined toxic effects of these mycotoxins on intestinal epithelial cells have not been reported. Herein, we investigated the combined effects of AFM1, OTA, and ZEA on intestinal integrity and define the underlying mechanisms(s) of their effects in Caco-2/HT29-MTX co-cultures. Our results showed that the mixtures of AFM1 + OTA, AFM1 + ZEA, and AFM1 + ZEA + OTA significantly increased epithelial permeability. Immunofluorescence analysis and transmission electron microscopy revealed that mycotoxins altered TJ proteins morphology and disrupted their structures. Also, the present study showed that mixtures of mycotoxins significantly modulated MUC5AC and MUC5B mRNA levels and protein secretion. This study demonstrated that the effects of mixtures of mycotoxins on intestinal barrier function were more significant than AFM1 alone. More importantly, the damage of intestinal integrity caused by mycotoxins was correlated to the change of the TJ proteins location and the decrease of mucin secretion. Mixtures of AFM1, OTA, and ZEA in food might pose a health risk to consumers, particularly in children, and toxin risks should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The discrepancy between expected and experienced attributes was considered in this study. • We allow non-linear relationships between the discrepancy and trip stage satisfaction. • Perceived service quality and pschological dispositions have significant effects. • Findings indicate that respondents tolerate some differences in access time. Abstract The concept of satisfaction reflects the extent by which a consumed product or service meets the expectations of an individual consumer. Generally, a smaller discrepancy between expectation and service delivery is associated with a higher satisfaction. Satisfaction ratings do, however, not purely reflect the mapping of experienced attributes on some (reference-based) satisfaction scale. The expressed satisfaction rating may also vary as a function of attitudes, personality traits and moods of the respondent at the time of measurement. Thus, in order to estimate unbiased satisfaction with the attributes of a choice alternative, one needs to control for attitudes, moods and personality traits. In contrast with the state of the art in travel behaviour research, which is almost invariantly based on linear regression and structural equations analysis, this study explores the performance of non-linear models of trip satisfaction for public transportation. Focusing on public transportation, we assume that trip stage satisfaction systematically varies in a non-linear fashion with the discrepancy between expectations and actual experienced attributes of the trip stage, controlling for perceived service quality, attitudes, moods and personality traits. In contributing to the rapidly growing literature on travel satisfaction in general and in the context of public transportation in particular, the aim of this study is to develop a reference-based model of trip stage satisfaction that takes perceived service quality, attitudes, moods, personality traits and difference tolerance into account. Difference tolerance refers to the notion that within some tolerance level, differences between service delivery and expectations do not have a major effect on satisfaction ratings. The data used to estimate the model were collected in January 2015 in Xian, China among a random sample of respondents. Results support the contentions underlying the study: several relationships between attributes and satisfaction appear non-linear. There is also evidence of difference tolerance, but results differ between attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Highly dispersed gold nanoparticles supported on Cu-doped spinel oxides were prepared by a simple deposition-precipitation method. The results indicate that Au/MgCuCr 2 O 4 catalyst is very efficient for gas-phase oxidation of cyclohexanol to cyclohexanone, giving 69.5% and 86.4% yield of cyclohexanone at 260 °C and 300 °C, respectively. Deactivation was not observed in a 100 h stability test. This excellent performance can be correlated with the highly stable gold nanoparticles in the reaction deriving from the strong gold-support interaction and efficient Au Cu synergy. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • First report of gas-phase oxidation cyclohexanol using spinel-supported gold • >95% conversion and > 90% selectivity to cyclohexanone • No deactivation of the Au/MgCuCr 2 O 4 catalyst • Au Cu synergy pivotal role to high reaction rate and selectivity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the joining of TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites and Inconel 718 alloy with Cu interlayer using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) equipment in order to modify the joints strength. Microstructure analysis indicated that Ti-Cu intermetallic compounds (IMCs) and a small number of Ti-Ni-Cu compounds were generated in the reaction layer with low heat input. While the main products changed into Ti-Ni-Cu compounds, also combined with Ti-Ni compounds and a few ternary compounds with the increase of heat input. Accordingly, the shear strength of dissimilar joints firstly increased and then decreased with the increase of welding current or the decrease of welding speed. The maximum shear strength (370 MPa) was obtained with the current of 100 A and the speed of 110 mm min −1 . Moreover, the hardness of reaction layer was much higher than that of parent materials due to the formation of IMCs, and medium heat input can reduce the hardness mismatch in joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Austere environment existing in tank, submarine and vessel has many risk factors including high temperature and humidity, confinement, noise, hypoxia, and high level of carbon dioxide, which may cause depression and cognitive impairment. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood yet. We attempt to investigate the effects of austere environment (AE) on emotion and cognitive function in a rodent model. After 21 days of AE stress, the rats exhibit depressive-like behavior and cognitive impairment. Compared with control group, the glucose metabolic level of the hippocampus is significantly decreased using whole-brain positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, and the density of dendritic spines of the hippocampus is remarkably reduced in AE group. Then, we employ a label-free quantitative proteomics strategy to investigate the differentially abundant proteins in rats' hippocampus. It is striking that the differentially abundant proteins annotated by KEGG enrich in oxidative phosphorylation pathway, synaptic vesicle cycle pathway and glutamatergic synapses pathway. The synaptic vesicle transport related proteins (Syntaxin-1A, Synaptogyrin-1 and SV-2) are down-regulated, resulting in the accumulation of intracellular glutamate. Furthermore, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde is increased while the activity of superoxide dismutase and complex I and IV of mitochondria is decreased, indicating that oxidative damage to hippocampal synapses is associated with the cognitive decline. The results of this study offer direct evidence, for the first time, that austere environment can substantially cause learning and memory deficits and synaptic dysfunction in a rodent model via behavioral assessments, PET imaging, label-free proteomics, and oxidative stress tests. The incidence of depression and cognitive decline in military occupations (for example, tanker and submariner) is significantly higher than that of global population. In the present study, we first established novel model to simulate the coexisting risk factors in the austere environment. The results of this study offer the direct evidences, for the first time, that the austere environment can substantially cause learning and memory deficits by altering plasticity of the synaptic transmission in a rodent model via proteomic strategy, PET imaging, oxidative stress and behavioral assessments. These findings provide valuable information to better understand the mechanisms of cognitive impairment. [Display omitted] • The effect of austere environment on learning and memory by multi-level analysis. • The rats exhibited depressive-like behavior and cognitive decline. • The loss of dendritic spines and reduced glucose level are found in the hippocampus. • DAPs enrich in synaptic vesicle cycle pathway and glutamatergic synapses pathway. • The level of GABA and 5-HT was significantly reduced in austere environment group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) are mycotoxins commonly found in milk; however, their effects on intestinal epithelial cells have not been reported. In the present study, we show that AFM1 (0.12 and 12 μM) and OTA (0.2 and 20 μM) individually or collectively increased the paracellular flux of lucifer yellow and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextrans (4 and 40 kDa) and decreased transepithelial electrical resistance values in differentiated Caco-2 cells after 48 h of exposure, indicating increased epithelial permeability. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescent analysis revealed that AFM1, OTA, and their combination decreased the expression levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins and disrupted their structures, namely, claudin-3, claudin-4, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) partially involved in the mycotoxins-induced disruption of intestinal barrier. The effects of a combination of AFM1 and OTA on intestinal barrier function were more significant (p < 0.05) than those of AFM1 and OTA alone, yielding additive or synergistic effects. The additive or synergistic effects of AFM1 and OTA on intestinal barrier function might affect human health, especially in children, and toxin risks should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background : Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1, or CCL2) is a member of the chemokine subfamily involved in recruitment of monocytes in inflammatory tissues. IL-10 is a key regulator for maintaining the balance of anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory milieu at the feto-maternal interface. Doppler examination has been routinely performed for the monitoring and management of preeclampsia patients. This study evaluates the efficiency of these factors alone, or in combination, for the predication of preeclampsia. Methods : The serum levels of MCP-1 and IL-10 in 78 preeclampsia patients and 143 age-matched normal controls were measured. The Doppler ultrasonography was performed and Artery Pulsatility Index (PI) and Resistance Index (RI) were calculated for the same subjects. Results : It was found that while the second-trimester serum MCP-1, IL-10, MCP-1/IL-10 ratio, PI, and RI showed some power in predicting preeclampsia, the combination of MCP-1/IL-10 and PI and RI accomplishes the highest efficiency, achieving an AUC of 0.973 (95% CI, 0.000–1.000, P < 0.001), a sensitivity of 94%, and a specificity of 80%. Conclusions : The use of MCP-1/IL-10 ratio in combination with ultrasound findings appears to provide a promising modality for predicting preeclampsia. Future studies using a larger sample can be conducted to construct an algorithm capable of quantitative assessment on the risk of preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a structural equation model, this article examines to what extent subjective well-being or life satisfaction is influenced by travel satisfaction. To avoid confounding, satisfaction with other life domains, personal characteristics and personality traits are included in the model. In addition, the reverse effect of well-being on travel satisfaction is considered. To collect the data needed to estimate the model, a survey was designed and administered face-to-face in January 2015 in Xi’an, China using a random sampling procedure. After controlling for personality traits and significant socio-demographic variables, results indicate that travel satisfaction has a relatively small impact on subjective well-being. The reverse relationship is considerably stronger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]