Search

Background: Early evaluation of severe mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) and the prompt utilization of fiberoptic bronchoscopic manipulation can effectively alleviate complications and restrict the progression of sequelae. This study aim to establish a nomogram forecasting model for SMPP in children and explore an optimal early therapeutic bronchoalveolar lavage (TBAL) treatment strategy. Methods: This retrospective study included children with mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) from January 2019 to December 2021. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to screen independent risk factors for SMPP and establish a nomogram model. The bootstrap method was employed and a receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the accuracy and robustness of the model. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to assess the effect of lavage and hospitalization times. Results: A total of 244 cases were enrolled in the study, among whom 68 with SMPP and 176 with non-SMPP (NSMPP). A prediction model with five independent risk factors: left upper lobe computed tomography (CT) score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, acute physiology and chronic health assessment (APACHE) II score, bronchitis score (BS), and c-reactive protein (CRP) was established based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The ROC curve of the prediction model showed the area under ROC curve (AUC) was 0.985 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.972–0.997). The Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test results showed that the nomogram model predicted the risk of SMPP well (χ2 = 2.127, P = 0.977). The log-rank result suggested that an early BAL treatment could shorten MPP hospitalization time (P = 0.0057). Conclusion: This nomogram model, based on the left upper lobe CT score, SOFA score, APACHE II score, BS, and CRP level, represents a valuable tool to predict the risk of SMPP in children and optimize the timing of TBAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is still a lack of effective scoring criteria for assessing the severity of pulmonary infection associated with changes in the endobronchial lining of the bronchus in children. This study aimed to ascertain the timing and value of endoscopic scoring of fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in children with severe pneumonia. Method: The clinical data of 229 children with severe pneumonia treated with BAL in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University between November 2018 and December 2021 were collected. According to the severity of the disease, patients were divided into an invasive ventilation group and a non-invasive ventilation group, as well as an early BAL group (receiving BAL within 1 day of admission) and a late BAL group (receiving BAL 2 days after admission). A Student's t-test, Chi-square test, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and survival curve were used to analyse the bronchitis score, aetiology of BAL fluid and survival data. Results: The scores of endoscopic mucosal oedema, erythema and pallor and the total score in the invasive ventilation group were higher than those in the non-invasive ventilation group (P < 0.05), and they were consistent with the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. The secretion colour score was lower in the early BAL group than in the late BAL group (P < 0.05). On the bronchitis scores, which were evaluated using a ROC curve, the difference in the mucosal erythema, pallor, oedema and total score of the invasive and non-invasive groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05), which was consistent with the area under the ROC of the SOFA scores. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Assessment II and SOFA scores after FOB were lower than those before treatment (P < 0.05). In terms of ICU hospitalisation days and total hospitalisation days, the time of the early FOB patients was shorter than that of the late FOB patients (P < 0.05). A total of 22 patients (9.61%) died. The Kaplan–Meier analysis and log-rank test showed that the survival rate of the non-invasive ventilation group was higher than that of the invasive ventilation group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: This study found that FOB combined with BAL is an important method for the diagnosis and treatment of severe pneumonia. Early BAL can reduce hospitalisation and ICU time; however, it cannot improve the survival rate. The endoscopic score has a certain role to play in assessing the severity of pulmonary inflammation, but studies with a large sample are still needed to confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the aim of obtaining a refining flux that is stable and provides effective refining of aluminum melt, a new strategy of designing the flux composition has been proposed. Ten fluxes were designed, by selecting ten molten salt compounds according to their thermophysical parameters, physical properties, and thermodynamic analysis. The melting points of the ten fluxes, and the phases transformation of the fluxes after melting, were studied by DSC and XRD, respectively. The contact angles between four groups of fluxes and alumina at refinement temperatures were studied, and the effect of refinement was characterized by a metallographic microscope. The process of the fluxes removing inclusions and degassing was analyzed thermodynamically. The research findings indicate that flux #10 (11.0 wt.%NaF, 29.5 wt.%NaCl, 46.5 wt.%Na2CO3, 3.0 wt.%CaF2, 10.0 wt.%Na3AlF6) has a melting point (562.2 °C) below the refining temperature. At the refining temperature (760 °C), flux #10 has the lowest contact angle, of 12.78°. In addition, compared to that of flux STJ–A3, currently used in practice, flux #10 has a better refining effectiveness, with the pores and inclusions content of the sample being reduced to 1.11% from 2.96%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High geological background and human activities are the two major pollution sources for soil potentially toxic elements (PTEs) accumulation around the world. Mining is the prime human activity that poses a serious threat to the farmland's ecosystem safety. This study assesses the farmland safety in the typical high geological background area and the superimposed area of high background-mining activity in eastern Yunnan in China by systematic analysis of the accumulation and risk characteristics of seven PTEs such as arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr). Furthermore, we used Cd as the characteristic element to establish a relationship model between crop PTEs accumulation and the physical and chemical characteristics of the soil. We find that in the farmland soil from the superimposed area, the accumulation point over-standard rate of seven PTEs is higher than in the typical high geological background area. The accumulation of Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn is related to frequent man-made mining activities. The bioavailability relationship model, using Cd as the soil-crop characteristic element, reveals that only in the crops (cereals, vegetables) of the high geological background area; the Cd bio-concentration factor significantly correlate with the physical and chemical properties of the soil. This suggests that the PTEs contaminated farmland in high geological background areas can be concomitantly restored during usage by adjusting the soil's physical and chemical properties, while in the superimposed area, the farmland area needs prior restoration by removing man-made mining activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive accumulation of trace elements (TEs) in farmland soil-crop systems is a severe threat to food safety impeding the sustainable development of the ecological environment. This study examined the concentration, pollution status, sources, and potential risk of five TEs (As, Cu, Zn, Cd and Cr) in the soil-crop systems of the high geological background area of Lijiang, Yunnan, China. The average TE concentrations (mg·kg−1) in the farmland soils were as follows: Cr (185.3) > Zn (148.1) >Cu (92.4) >As (20.9) >Cd (0.4), exceeding the Chinese limit standards (GB15618-2017) by 29.1, 20.0, 38.2, 16.4, and 60.0%, respectively. The factor matrix analysis (PCA) and source identification study indicated that Cd, Cu, and Cr were the most prominent TEs mainly derived from the soil-forming parent material. However, compared with China's food contaminants limit standard (GB 2762–2017), only Cr exceeded the food safety limit in all edible crops, especially in the leafy vegetable and rhizome crops, except the cereals. In addition, we established a univariate significant correlation model (R2 = 0.53854, P <.01) between soil Cr content and leafy vegetable Cr accumulation, and a trivariate significant correlation model (R2 = 0.528, P <.01) of leafy crop Cr accumulation with soil Cr content, SOM, and pH. These data revealed that the soil TEs cumulative contamination in the high geological background area is a lighter risk to edible crops, and the accumulation of TEs in crops (especially leafy vegetables) is mainly from the soil TEs. Meanwhile, pH and SOM are the key factors that affect the bioavailability state of the soil TEs. Therefore, artificial adjustment of soil physicochemical properties could be a potential strategy for the safe utilization of TEs contaminated farmland soil under high geological background. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decreasing the particle size of Li 2 CO 3 powder is beneficial for advancing its applications in the manufacturing of different materials and drug delivery. Therefore, in this study, a novel bottom-up process based on freezing is proposed for the production of nanoparticles. Herein, two methods of explosive nucleation were used: addition of an anti-solvent and rapid freezing. Explosive nucleation of Li 2 CO 3 occurred during the initial stage of anti-solvent addition; in contrast, in the freezing method, it occurred at a stage when the solute, which had not migrated, was extruded to the solid–liquid interface. Li 2 CO 3 concentration had an effect on both the crystal grain and particle size. The controlled preparation of Li 2 CO 3 nanoparticles was achieved within a certain range of A/B ratio; when the ratio decreased from 10/0 to 10/20 v/v, the controlled synthesis of Li 2 CO 3 nanoparticles was achieved. A lower concentration of Li 2 CO 3 decreased the size of the crystal grain and increased the size of the particles, as observed via transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. When the A/B ratio (where A is saturated Li 2 CO 3 solution and B is deionised water) was decreased below 10/20 v/v, the crystal grain size of Li 2 CO 3 did not reduce significantly. To further understand the nucleation, freezing was carried out at two temperatures, i.e. 223 ± 2 K and 267 ± 2 K. The lower freezing temperature resulted in a smaller crystal grain size and more concentrated distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six multi-component rare earth phosphate materials were prepared by chemical co-precipitation, which are (La 0.2 Nd 0.2 Sm 0.2 Eu 0.2 Gd 0.2)PO 4 , (La 0 · 2 Ce 0.2 Nd 0.2 Sm 0.2 Eu 0.2)PO 4 , (Ce 0.2 Nd 0.2 Sm 0.2 Eu 0.2 Gd 0.2)PO 4 , (La 0.5 Nd 0.5)PO 4 , (La 0.5 Gd 0.5)PO 4 and (Nd 0.5 Gd 0.5)PO 4. Hot corrosion behavior tests were conducted in molten V 2 O 5 salt at 900 °C and 1000 °C for 20 h and 40 h, respectively. The results show that the corrosion temperature and the heat treatment time have little effect on the type of corrosion products. Among these materials prepared in this study, the material containing Gd element and the material without Gd element exhibit different hot corrosion behavior. For the multi-component rare earth phosphate materials containing Gd element, the corrosion product is ReVO 4 (Re Sm, Eu, Gd) xenotime, and a reaction layer is formed on the surface of the bulk. For the multi-component rare earth phosphate materials without Gd element, the corrosion product is Re(P,V)O 4 (Re La, Ce, Nd) solid solution and the amount of product is very small, the corrosion reaction is extremely weak and no reaction layer is formed. Although the molten salt mainly penetrates, the original structure of the bulk has not been damaged, which indicates that its hot corrosion resistance is good. The hot corrosion mechanisms of these six multi-component rare earth phosphates are studied based on the crystallographic characteristics of rare earth phosphates/vanadates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacuum freeze drying (VFD) has been widely used for drying berries, by combining with pretreatment technology, energy consumption and cost can be effectively reduced as well as product quality improved. However, the effect of cold plasma pretreatment (CPP) on the drying efficiency and quality characteristics of VFD haskap has not been investigated. In this study, an innovative drying technology, cold plasma pretreatment–assisted vacuum freeze drying, was applied to process haskap. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effect of different times of CPP (0–75 s) on VFD haskap performance. The results indicated that the application of CPP enhanced the effective diffusion rate and drying rate (27.68%) owing to pretreatment etching larger and more cracks in the microstructure, increasing cell membrane permeability (15.59%), and altering cell wall pectin composition. Midilli is the most recommended model for drying kinetics. CPP contributed to increased hydrophilicity (25.33%) and degraded enzymatic activity, thereby prompting the enhancement of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity. Besides, the physico-chemical properties were ameliorated, the possible mechanism for the enhanced drying rate and quality properties of VFD haskap by CPP was explained by chemometrics. Overall, CPP is a promising pretreatment technology for haskap VFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efficient separation and enrichment of uranium from radioactive effluents is of strategic significance for sustainable development of nuclear energy and environmental protection. Macropore structure of adsorbent is conducive to accessibility of the pore and transport of the adsorbate during dynamic adsorption. However, the low specific surface area results in fewer ligand sites and subsequently reduces the adsorption capacity. Herein, we present a novel strategy for efficient dynamic uranium enrichment using polyphosphonate-segmented macroporous organosilicon frameworks (PMOFs). PMOFs are constructed through the copolymerization of diethyl vinylphosphonate and triethoxyvinylsilane, followed by hydrolysis and condensation of the oligomers. The introduction of polyphosphonate segments into the frameworks endows PMOFs with a macroporous structure (31 µm) and a high ligand content (up to 72 wt%). Consequently, the optimized PMOF-3 demonstrated an ultrahigh dynamic adsorption capacity of 114.8 mg/g among covalently conjugated silicon-based materials. Additionally, PMOF-3 achieves a high enrichment factor (120) in the dynamic enrichment of uranium on a fixed bed column, which can be in-situ regenerated with 1 M NaHCO 3 as the eluent. This work presents a new strategy for efficient dynamic enrichment of nuclides, which can be extended to the separation of other specific pollutants, shedding new light on adsorbent design and technical innovation. [Display omitted] • Polyphosphonate-segmented macroporous framework is prepared for dynamic enrichment. • There are high ligand density and abundant macropores in the framework. • High static and dynamic adsorption capacities are obtained for uranium. • A high enrichment factor (120) for uranium is obtained in a fixed bed column. • The framework has good regeneration performance, irradiation and salt resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of selenol-X chemistry in nucleophilic substitution and Se-Michael addition reactions for polymer chain end modification is presented. Selenol-labeled polystyrene can easily react with alkyl halides, methyl methacrylate, methyl acrylate, pentafluorostyrene, etc. The mild conditions make it attractive for the synthesis of macromonomers. The resulting polymers are analyzed and characterized by UV, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), NMR, and matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diselenide-containing polymers have attracted more and more attention due to their redox sensitivity and bioapplication. In this work, a bifunctional diselenocarbonate is prepared and used to mediate the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, producing α,ω-selenocarbonate-labeled telechelic polystyrene. Based on effective aminolysis of the terminal selenocarbonates and the followed spontaneous oxidation coupling reaction of diselenols, monoblock cyclic polystyrene linked by one diselenide bond and multiblock cyclic copolymer linked by several diselenide bonds are prepared by manipulating the concentration of α,ω-telechelic polystyrene in solution. The progress of aminolysis and the subsequent spontaneous oxidation of selenols to diselenides are monitored by UV-vis, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and NMR characterizations, confirming the cyclic topologies of the resultant polymers (monocyclic or multiblock cyclic polymer). The monoblock cyclic or multiblock polymers show redox sensitivity, which can be converted to linear polymer by reducing or oxidizing agent. Moreover, the obtained monoblock cyclic polymer or multiblock cyclic copolymer can be transformed to each other under UV irradiation by adjusting the concentration of the cyclic polystyrene. For the first time, this work provides an alternative and promising approach to realize the topological transformation of polymers by installing multiresponsive diselenide moities into the backbone of cyclic polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease. In a previous study, we found several circulating microRNA signatures associated with childhood asthma and selected miR-3162-3p for subsequent studies. Since the target proteins and underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-3162-3p in asthma etiopathogenesis are not well characterized, we designed this study to clarify its role. We employed bioinformatics and quantitative PCR methods as a first step to determine the target of miR-3162-3p, and we elucidated β-catenin. Luciferase assays and western blot analysis confirmed β-catenin as a direct target of miR-3162-3p as the 3’-untranslated region of β-catenin mRNA possesses a specific miR-3162-3p pairing site. The correlation between the expression levels of miR-3162-3p and β-catenin is confirmed by quantitative PCR and western blot studies in A549, Beas-2B and H1299 cell lines and OVA-induced asthma mouse model. Of note, upregulation of the endogenous miR-3162-3p level is concomitant with the reduction of β-catenin mRNA and protein expression levels. MiR-3162-3p antagomir treatment antagonizes the endogenous miR-3162-3p and effectively rescues the attenuation of endogenous β-catenin in OVA-induced asthmatic mice, which alleviates airway hyperresponsiveness and ameliorates airway inflammation. Collectively, our findings suggest a novel relationship between miR-3162-3p and β-catenin and clarify their mechanistic role in asthma etiopathogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An investigation has been carried out for arsenic removal from a silver–copper ore. The copper ore was roasted in air, in nitrogen atmosphere and in vacuum at high temperature. It was found that arsenic was more easily removed in vacuum at lower temperature with shorter time. By suitably adjusting the main reaction conditions, almost 98.97% arsenic could be removed, while most of the sulfur was particularly retained in the copper ore. It was illustrated that arsenic could be completely removed on anaerobic conditions. After arsenic was removed, the copper ore with higher economic value could be used for feeding to the smelter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction Several lines of evidence have indicated that serotonin 2 A receptor ( HTR2A) may be involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. One functional polymorphism in HTR2A ( T102C) has been widely investigated; however, the results have been inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between HTR2A T02C polymorphism and schizophrenia in a Chinese Han population. Methods We performed a case-control study, using an early onset sample, which may be an attractive subgroup for genetic studies. In addition, we performed a meta-analysis of the combined sample groups in Han Chinese. Results Our study, based on 385 schizophrenic patients and 399 controls, found a significant genotype-wise association of T102C and schizophrenia ( P = 0.02). After applying stratified analyses, the dominant model for T allele produced significant association ( OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.11-2.30, P = 0.01). In the meta-analysis including all of the published population-based association studies in Han Chinese and the present association study, the pooled genotype-wise result in a dominant model was statistically significant with a summary OR of 1.25 (95% CI = 1.04-1.50, P = 0.02). Discussion Our results suggest that the HTR2A T102C polymorphism may confer susceptibility to schizophrenia in Han Chinese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] To find new plant source having antibacterial activities to Staphylococcus aureus. [Methods] Lantadene A (LA) was isolated and identified from Lantana camara L.; the structure of LA was identified by H NMR spectrum. With LA as the standard substance, the LA contents in the stems, leaves and fruits of L. camara were detected by UV spectrophotometry; and antibacterial test was carried out by disc agar diffusion. [Results] LA contents in the dry powders of L. camara stems, leaves and fruits were 1.49, 3.43 and 2.74 mg/g, respectively. Results of antibacterial test showed that the crude extracts from L. camara stems, leaves and fruits had certain bacteriostatic activitives to S. aureus. And bacteriostatic activities had positive correlation with the LA content. [Conclusions] Lantadene A isolated from L. camara had certain inhibitory effects on S. aureus, which was worthy of further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrication of versatile hydrogels in a facile and effective manner represents a pivotal challenge in the field of biomaterials. Herein, a novel strategy is presented for preparing on‐demand degradable hydrogels with multilevel responsiveness. By employing selenol‐dichlorotetrazine nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) to synthesize hydrogels under mild conditions in a buffer solution, the necessity of additives or posttreatments can be obviated. The nucleophilic and redox reactions between selenol and tetrazine culminate in the formation of three degradable chemical bonds—diselenide, aryl selenide, and dearomatized selenide—in a single, expeditious step. The resultant hydrogel manifests exceptional adaptability to intricate environments in conjunction with self‐healing and on‐demand degradation properties. Furthermore, the resulting material demonstrated light‐triggered antibacterial activity. Animal studies further underscore the potential of integrating metformin into Se‐Tz hydrogels under green light irradiation, as it effectively stimulates angiogenesis and collagen deposition, thereby fostering efficient wound healing. In comparison to previously documented hydrogels, Se‐Tz hydrogels exhibit controlled degradation and drug release, outstanding antibacterial activity, mechanical robustness, and bioactivity, all without the need for costly and intricate preparation procedures. These findings underscore Se‐Tz hydrogels as a safe and effective therapeutic option for diabetic wound dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alumina based ceramic materials, such as LaMgAl 11 O 19 (LMA) containing amounts of Al, usually resist the CMAS corrosion through forming a compact layer of the CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8. In this work, the LMA/CeO 2 mixed powders in mole ratios of 5:5 (L5C5), 7:3 (L7C3) and 9:1 (L9C1) were pressed and sintered to prepare the ceramic bulks. The resistance to CMAS corrosion of the LMA/CeO 2 , the CeO 2 and the LMA ceramic bulks were tested and compared at 1250ºC and 1350ºC for 1 h, 5 h and 10 h. Results showed that the added CeO 2 in the LMA can decrease the porosity and improve the resistance to CMAS corrosion. The combined effects of the LMA and CeO 2 promoted the formation of the CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8. The L5C5 and the L9C1 with appropriate composition have good resistance to CMAS corrosion at 1250ºC, and the L9C1 can alleviate CMAS infiltration compared with the LMA and other proportional materials at 1350ºC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimulus-responsive materials containing selenide under oxidizing conditions have wide application prospects, especially in biomedicine. Due to the intricate preparation process, the scarcity of studies on the structure–activity relationship of regulatory factors in the oxidative stimulus response poses challenges to material design. Herein, based on selenol-ene chemistry, a diverse library of unsymmetric selenides is synthesized, enabling systematic investigation into the regulation of selenide oxidative elimination with variable substituent groups and positions. The α/β-positions of β-carbonyl unsymmetric selenides are efficiently modified with electron-donating or electron-withdrawing groups through a one-pot, two-step reaction involving ammonolysis of γ-selenobutyrolactone (SBL), followed by nucleophilic addition with unsaturated acrylate. In situ NMR tracking shows that the oxidative elimination of selenide had a distinct substituent effect. Both the electron and steric effects of the substituent influence the induction period of the selenide oxidative and elimination reactions. With the optimal substituent and position, the selenides would exhibit a timebomb-type response upon oxidation stimulus. Finally, a novel amphiphilic polymer comprising selenide-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cholesterol moieties is synthesized as a representative ROS-sensitive material and exhibits a time-dependent reduction in micelle size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between saturated fatty acids (SFA) and bladder cancer (BC) risk has been conflicting. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between erythrocyte membrane SFA and BC risk. A total of 404 participants were enrolled in the study (including 112 cases and 292 controls). A validated food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the food intake. The constitutive composition of fatty acids in the erythrocyte membrane was measured by gas chromatography. After adjustment for BC risk factors, SFA had no significant association with BC risk. However, C18:0 was positively linked with BC risk with an odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) of 2.99 (1.37–6.53). In contrast, very-long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLCSFA), especially C24:0, were negatively related to BC risk with an OR (95% CI) of 0.28 (0.12–0.65) for VLCSFA and 0.33 (0.15–0.75) for C24:0. Higher total odd-chain SFA (C15:0 and C17:0) were associated with a lower risk of BC with OR (95% CI) of 0.18 (0.076–0.44), 0.18 (0.068–0.47), 0.34 (0.14–0.81), respectively. After subgroup analysis, the protective effects C15:0 and C17:0 were still remained. Receiver operating characteristic analysis displayed that the combination of C15:0 and C17:0 indexes increased the accurate predictive rate of BC risk. Further mediation effect analysis showed that C15:0 and C17:0 could be used as partial mediation effectors for milk and dairy products and bladder carcinogenesis. Overall, the combination of odd-chain SFA (C15:0 and C17:0) in the erythrocyte membrane could serve as a reliable mediator and predictor, indicating a relationship between a high intake of milk and dairy products and a lower risk of BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study, we analyzed four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs10491734, rs2228622, rs301430 and rs301443) of the solute carrier family 1 gene (SLC1A1) in a set of 616 schizophrenia patients and 638 matched healthy controls of Han Chinese descent. No significant differences of genotype or allele distribution were identified between the patients and controls. Our data suggest that SLC1A1 is unlikely to be a major susceptibility gene for schizophrenia in Han Chinese. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Alumina based rare earth oxides ceramic materials, with the good performance against the CMAS corrosion, were widely used as the thermal/environmental barrier coatings. In this work, three Y 2 O 3 –Al 2 O 3 binary ceramic bulks, which were the Y 3 Al 5 O 12 , YAlO 3 and Y 4 Al 2 O 9 , were prepared by high temperature solid state reaction using the Y 2 O 3 and Al 2 O 3 as the raw materials. The resistances to CMAS corrosion of these materials at 1250 °C and 1350 °C were compared fully. The compositions and structures of the samples before and after corrosion were analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that the different chemical compositions of the materials resulted in the different optical basicity (OB) values which can decide the reactivity of the material with the CMAS melts. The Y 3 Al 5 O 12 ceramic material was inert to the CMAS for its low OB value of 0.75 and damaged seriously by the CMAS through physical penetration. The YAlO 3 and Y 4 Al 2 O 9 with the high OB values of 0.80 and 0.87 reacted with the CMAS to form the Ca 4 Y 6 (SiO 4) 6 O. The YAlO 3 ceramic bulk exhibited the good performance against the CMAS corrosion benefitting from the formation of the Ca 4 Y 6 (SiO 4) 6 O and the CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc is essential for the overall well-being of the human body due to its numerous structural, catalytic, and signalling functions. Therefore, maintaining a constant state of zinc homeostasis is crucial. The disturbances in zinc homeostasis are linked to numerous diseases and disorders, including metabolic syndrome and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we have discussed a general overview of zinc absorption and homeostasis, particularly the factors affecting zinc absorption and the body's mechanisms to maintain zinc homeostasis at both the systemic and cellular levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenide-containing amphiphilic copolymers have shown significant potential for application in drug release systems. Herein, we present a methodology for the design of a reactive oxygen species-responsive amphiphilic diblock selenide-labeled copolymer. This copolymer with controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution was prepared by sequential organoselenium-mediated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (Se-RAFT) polymerization and selenol-based nucleophilic reaction. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-to-flight (MALDI-TOF) techniques were used to characterize its structure. Its corresponding nanomicelles successfully formed through self-assembly from the copolymer itself. Such nanomicelles could rapidly disassemble under oxidative conditions due to the fragmentation of the Se–C bond. Therefore, this type of nanomicelle based on selenide-labeled amphiphilic copolymers potentially provides a new platform for drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcium-magnesium-alumina-silicate (CMAS) attack is a major challenge for thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) during the application. In this work, four rare earth phosphates materials including (La 0.2 Nd 0.2 Sm 0.2 Eu 0.2 Gd 0.2)PO 4 , (La 0.5 Nd 0.5)PO 4 , (La 0.5 Gd 0.5)PO 4 and (Nd 0.5 Gd 0.5)PO 4 were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation. The resistance behaviors to CMAS of the materials were investigated at 1250 °C and 1350 °C for 5 h, 10 h and 20 h, respectively. Results show that the main corrosion products are the apatite compounds (Ca 2+ x Re 8- x (PO 4) x (SiO 4) 6- x O 2) and the Ca 3 (PO 4) 2. Increasing the corrosion temperature from 1250 °C to 1350 °C will promote the penetration of the melted CMAS. It would not lead to the more serious corrosion by prolonging the corrosion time at 1250 °C and 1350 °C. The P–Ca layer composed by the Ca 3 (PO 4) 2 , which relates to the rare earth elements compositions, prevent the CMAS corrosion to the materials effectively. Preparing multi-components rare earth phosphates and optimizing their element compositions will be a new way to improve the resistance to the CMAS for these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CaO–MgO–Al 2 O 3 –SiO 2 (CMAS) corrosion poses serious hidden dangers for the application of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). In this study, LaMgAl 11 O 19 (LMA) and GdPO 4 were mixed at molar ratios of 2:1, 1:1 and 1:2 to prepare LMA/GdPO 4 materials, and the CMAS corrosion behaviours of these materials were investigated at 1300°C–1500 °C for 20 h and 40 h. It was demonstrated that temperature was the main factor influencing the corrosion behaviours and products. The materials were damaged at 1300 °C by the crystallization of CMAS melts to form CaAl 2 Si 2 O 8. In contrast, the materials were corroded by CMAS melts via the reaction between CMAS and GdPO 4 at 1500 °C. These results indicate that the addition of GdPO 4 to LMA can improve the resistance of the LMA material to CMAS corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food-derived bioactive peptides, as potential ingredients in health-promoting functional foods targeting diet-related chronic diseases, have attracted increasing attention because of their high biological activities, low toxicity, and easy of metabolism in human body. However, conventional methods for analyzing the bioactive peptides are not only expensive but also time-consuming; these drawbacks limited detailed studies and rapid development of bioactive peptides. Emerging bioinformatics approaches may overcome these problems to enable bioactive peptide research. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of research progress in the bioinformatics methods used for identifying, characterizing, elaborating bioactive mechanisms of, and producing food-derived bioactive peptides, and also to present an effective workflow. The workflow has been integrated in silico and traditional methods to predict, validate, and modify bioactive peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) is one of the major complications in patients exposed to accidental radiation and radiotherapy for thoracic malignancies. However, there is no reliable radioprotector for effective clinical treatment of RILI so far. Herein, a novel Crocin-loaded chitosan microsphere is developed for lung targeting and attenuation of RILI. The chitosan microspheres are modified with 4-carboxyphenylboronic acid and loaded with the natural antioxidant Crocin-I to give the drug-loaded microspheres (~10 μm). The microspheres possess good biocompatibility in vivo and in vitro. In a mouse model, they exhibit effective passive targeting performance and a long retention time in the lung after intravenous administration. Furthermore, they improve the radioprotective effect of Crocin-I for the treatment of RILI by reducing the level of inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and by regulating oxidative stress in lung tissues. The targeted agents significantly improved the bioavailability and radioprotection of Crocin-I by the outstanding passive targeting effect. This work may provide a promising strategy for efficient radioprotection on RILI using passive lung targeting microspheres. [Display omitted] • The work provides a new strategy for attenuation of radiation-induced lung injury. • The chitosan-based microspheres exhibited effective passive targeting performance. • The bioavailability and radioprotection of Crocin-I were improved in the lung. • The drug-loaded microsphere has good stability, degradability and biocompatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) is a medicinal and food plant with many physiological functions, especially nerve protection. Its extract has many functional components, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins, and amino acids. Our previous study indicated that AS extract protected against nerve damage caused by radiation. However, little is known about the gut‐brain axis mechanism of AS and its impact on radiation‐induced learning and memory impairment. Method: In 60Co‐γ ray‐irradiated mice, we investigated the changes in behavior, neurotransmitters and gut microbiota after different days of administration of AS extract as a dietary supplement. Results: The AS extract improved learning and memory ability in mice, and the neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus and colon started to change from the 7th day, which accompanied changes of the gut microbiota, a decreased abundance of Helicobacter on the 7th day and an increased abundance of Lactobacillus on the 28th day. Among the marker bacteria, Ruminococcus and Clostridiales were associated with 5‐HT synthesis, and Streptococcus were associated with 5‐HT and ACH synthesis. In addition, the AS extract increased the tight junction protein, inhibited inflammation levels in colon, and even increased the relative protein expression of BDNF and NF‐κB and decreased the relative protein expression of IκBα in the hippocampus of irradiated mice. Conclusion: These results will lay the foundation for further study on the mechanism of the gut‐brain axis of AS in preventing radiation‐induced learning and memory impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing and most widespread diseases worldwide. Approximately 90% of diabetic patients have type 2 diabetes. In 2019, there were about 463 million diabetic patients worldwide. Inhibiting the dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) and α-glucosidase activity is an effective strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Currently, various anti-diabetic bioactive peptides have been isolated and identified. This review summarizes the preparation methods, structure-effect relationships, molecular binding sites, and effectiveness validation of DPP-IV and α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides in cellular and animal models. The analysis of peptides shows that the DPP-IV inhibitory peptides, containing 2-8 amino acids and having proline, leucine, and valine at their N-terminal and C-terminal, are the highly active peptides. The more active α-glucosidase inhibitory peptides contain 2-9 amino acids and have valine, isoleucine, and proline at the N-terminal and proline, alanine, and serine at the C-terminal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Acanthopanax senticosus, a small woody shrub of the family Araliaceae, can be used as a functional food with multiple biological activities. Eleutheroside E (EE), an important active component of A. senticosus, has significant effects on neurological diseases. However, whether EE can regulate lipid metabolism has not been reported. The brain can mediate communication between neurons and intestinal cells through long‐distance neuroendocrine signals. We speculated that EE might regulate the intestinal lipid metabolism of Caenorhabditis elegans through neuroendocrine signals. RESULTS: First, we found that EE reduced the intestinal fat content of C. elegans, without affecting development, reproduction, food intake or movement. In addition, EE significantly regulated genes and metabolites related to lipid metabolism. EE extensively affected fatty acid synthesis, β‐oxidation and lipolysis processes, and regulated the content of various fatty acid and lipid metabolism intermediates. We finally proved that EE reduced intestinal fat storage through serotonin and neuropeptide flp‐7–npr‐22 pathways in the nervous system. CONCLUSION: EE is expected to be a functional food that regulates lipid metabolism. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effluents from paper mills are highly toxic and are a major source of aquatic pollution. In this study, we collected water and sediment samples to examine the microbial communities using denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and identified bacterial taxa greatly affected by paper mill pollution using next-generation sequencing data. Our results indicated that bacterial communities in downstream sediments were similar to those in paper mill discharge sites, indicating obvious effects of pollution, while bacterial communities in downstream water samples showed similar profiles to those in upstream sites, both being quite different from the bacterial communities in paper mill discharge sites. This was possibly because of the short contact period. In addition, bacterial communities in the estuary were quite different from those in other water and sediment samples, which was owing to the special habitat type. Considering the storage of paper mill pollutants in sediment and the significant effect on shifts in bacterial communities, we selected Clostridia and Epsilonproteobacteria at the class level and Fusibacter and Desulfobulbus at the genus level as bacterial indicators of paper mill pollution. To monitor the remediation of polluted aquatic environments, we propose Sphingobacteria , Alphaproteobacteria , Actinobacteria , Subdivision3 , Planctomycetacia and Verrucomicrobiae at the class level and Bacillus , Steroidobacter , Nocardioides , Terrimonas , Pirellula and Methylibium at the genus level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advancements in medicine have led to continuous enhancements and innovations in wound dressing materials, making them pivotal in medical care. We used natural biological macromolecules, γ-polyglutamic acid and gum arabic as primary raw materials to create nanofibers laden with curcumin by blending electrostatic spinning technology in the current investigation. These nanofibers were meticulously characterized using fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Our comprehensive analyses confirmed the successful encapsulation of curcumin within the nanofiber carrier and it has uniform diameter, good water absorption and mechanical properties. Subsequently, we evaluated the antimicrobial effects of these curcumin-loaded nanofibers against Staphylococcus aureus through an oscillating flask method. We created a mouse model with acute full-thickness skin defects to further investigate the wound healing potential. We conducted various biochemical assays to elucidate the mechanism of action. The results revealed that curcumin nanofibers profoundly impacted wound healing. They bolstered the expression of TGF-β1 and VEGF and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors, leading to an accelerated re-epithelialization process, enhanced wound contraction, and increased regeneration of new blood vessels and hair follicles. Furthermore, these nanofibers positively influenced the proportion of three different collagen types. This comprehensive study underscores the remarkable potential of curcumin-loaded nanofibers to facilitate wound healing and lays a robust experimental foundation for developing innovative, natural product-based wound dressings. • The nanofiber contains polyglutamic acid and gum arabic; both are natural biopolymers found in human tissues. • Curcumin encapsulation success was ensured via comprehensive characterization, enabling precise drug delivery system control • The nanofiber has good antibacterial ability against Staphylococcus aureus and certain biocompatibility. • Nanofiber sped up re-epithelialization, boosted wound contraction, and stimulated new blood vessel and hair follicle growth. • The nanofiber bolstered the expression of TGF-β1 and VEGF and concurrently reduced the expression of inflammatory factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiation affects not only cognitive function but also gut microbiota. Eleutheroside E (EE), a principal active compound of Acanthopanax senticosus, has a certain protective effect on the nervous system. Here, we find a four-week EE supplementation to the 60Co-γ ray irradiated mice improves the cognition and spatial memory impairments along with the protection of hippocampal neurons, remodels the gut microbiota, especially changes of Lactobacillus and Helicobacter, and altered the microbial metabolites including neurotransmitters (GABA, NE, ACH, 5-HT) as well as their precursors. Furthermore, the fecal transplantation of EE donors verifies that EE alleviated cognition and spatial memory impairments, and activates the PKA/CREB/BDNF signaling via gut microbiota. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism of EE effect on the gut-brain axis and underpin a proposed therapeutic value of EE in cognitive and memory impairments induced by radiation. The potential therapeutic value of Eleutheroside E in radiation-induced cognitive and memory impairments is regulated by the gut microbiota via neurotransmitter systems and PKA/CREB/BDNF signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study reports the fabrication of (1- x) Y 3 Al 5 O 12 / x LaPO 4 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) composites and their evaluation against molten V 2 O 5 corrosion at 900 °C and 1000 °C for 20 h. The phase compositions and microstructures of the samples were analysed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), both before and after the corrosion tests. The yttrium aluminium garnet (Y 3 Al 5 O 12 , YAG) was easily corroded by molten V 2 O 5 , with the primary product being YVO 4. While LaPO 4 exhibited perfect resistance to the molten V 2 O 5 corrosion, it was ineffective at improving the corrosion resistance of the YAG/LaPO 4 composite materials. However, the LaPO 4 /YAG double layers materials prepared with LaPO 4 coated on the surface of YAG exhibit excellent resistance to molten V 2 O 5 , owing to the formation of the P diffusion layer at the interface between the LaPO 4 and YAG, which acts as a sealing layer, preventing the molten V 2 O 5 from penetrating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fine structure of sweet tea polysaccharide (STP-60a) has been characterized. However, the biological activity of STP-60a has not been extensively explored. This study aims to evaluate the anti-aging activity of STP-60a using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) as a model and to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism. 400 μg/mL of STP-60a increased the mean lifespan of C. elegans by 22.88%, reduced the lipofuscin content by 33.01%, and improved the survival rate under heat stress and oxidative stress by 32.33% and 27.63%, respectively. Further research in lifespan-related mutants revealed that STP-60a exerted anti-aging effects mainly through insulin and mitochondrial signaling pathways. Through qRT-PCR and microscopic imaging of transgenic nematodes, we found that 400 μg/mL of STP-60a increased the expression of daf-16 , skn-1 , and hsf-1 downstream of the insulin pathway by 1.68-fold, 1.88-fold, and 1.03-fold, respectively, and promoted the accumulation of daf-16 and skn-1 in the nucleus. STP-60a also significantly regulated the function of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and unfolded protein recovery system. Furthermore, STP-60a activated the autophagy level in C. elegans , and the mutation of daf-2 or clk-1 inhibited the upregulation of autophagy genes by STP-60a, suggesting that autophagy acted as an effector of the insulin and mitochondrial pathways during STP-60a antiaging. • STP-60a improved multiple health parameters of C. elegans. • STP-60a exerted anti-aging effects mainly through insulin and mitochondrial pathways. • STP-60a activated the autophagy level of C. elegans. • Autophagy acted as an effector of insulin and mitochondrial pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the advancement of science and technology, humans are chronically exposed to ionizing radiation. It is crucial to look for efficient and low-toxic anti-radiation agents. Through preliminary screening, we found that Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide (ASPS) played a major role in regulating immune damage caused by radiation. The objective of this study was to apply the Caenorhabditis elegans—P. aeruginosa (PA14) infection model to illuminate the mechanism of ASPS increasing the pathogen resistance of radiation-damaged nematodes. Results indicated that ASPS (1 mg/mL) significantly enhanced the pathogen resistance of radiation-damaged nematodes by directly elevating the immune response of nematodes rather than by affecting the bacterial activity. Through further research on the p38 MAPK signaling pathway and related mutants, we found that ASPS functioned by the p38 MAPK pathway in the intestine, and SKN-1, ATF-7 as the downstream targets of PMK-1 participated the regulation of ASPS. In addition, ASPS markedly alleviated the stress status of damaged nematodes by regulating oxidative stress. Collectively, our findings suggest that ASPS enhances the pathogen resistance of radiation-damaged nematodes through the intestinal p38MAPK-SKN-1/ATF-7 pathway and stress response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of a high-strength biodegradable plastic has always been the focus of academia. Here, we prepared two biodegradable composites using silane coupling-agent-modified hemp fibers (Si-HF) and unmodified hemp fibers (HF) with butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT), respectively. We compared the differences of Si-HF/PBAT and HF/PBAT in terms of micromorphology, density, mechanical properties, thermal stability and biodegradability. The Si-HF has better interface interaction between the hemp and the PBAT matrix than the HF, which makes Si-HF/PBAT have better tensile properties. Moreover, Si-HF/PBAT has stronger tensile strength and modulus than HF/PBAT. Our results also show that the two composites have good biodegradability. This study provides an important reference for the subsequent development and utilization of hemp fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The stress response of plants to spaceflight has been confirmed in contemporary plants, and plants retained the memory of spaceflight through methylation reaction. However, how the progeny plants adapt to this cross-generational stress memory was rarely reported. Here, we used the ShiJian-10 retractable satellite carrying Dongnong416 rice seeds for a 12.5-day on-orbit flight and planted the F2 generation after returning to the ground. We evaluated the agronomic traits of the F2 generation plants and found that the F2 generation plants had no significant differences in plant height and number of tillers. Next, the redox state in F2 plants was evaluated, and it was found that the spaceflight broke the redox state of the F2 generation rice. In order to further illustrate the stress response caused by this redox state imbalance, we conducted proteomics and metabolomics analysis. Proteomics results showed that the redox process in F2 rice interacts with signal transduction, stress response, and other pathways, causing genome instability in the plant, leading to transcription, post-transcriptional modification, protein synthesis, protein modification, and degradation processes were suppressed. The metabolomics results showed that the metabolism of the F2 generation plants was reshaped. These metabolic pathways mainly included amino acid metabolism, sugar metabolism, cofactor and vitamin metabolism, purine metabolism, phenylpropane biosynthesis, and flavonoid metabolism. These metabolic pathways constituted a new metabolic network. This study confirmed that spaceflight affected the metabolic changes in offspring rice, which would help better understand the adaptation mechanism of plants to the space environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cercis chinensis Bunge is a valuable industrial crop with extensive medicinal and biological activities. To develop efficient tyrosinase inhibitors, condensed tannins were isolated from Cercis chinensis Bunge flowers. Thiolysis high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization full mass spectrometry analyses revealed that the primary components in condensed tannins were prodelphinidins with gallic catechin/epigallocatechin (GC/EGC) as a structural unit with a small number of procyanidins and high level of galloylation. Enzyme kinetic analysis revealed that Cercis chinensis Bunge flower condensed tannins (CBCT) exhibited strong tyrosinase (TYR) monophenolase and diphenolase inhibitory activities, and their IC50 values were 38.9 and 15.3 μg/mL, respectively. CBCT belongs to a reversible mixed-type inhibitor of diphenolase. The UV spectroscopy and fluorescence quenching assays showed that CBCT inhibited the activity of TYR by binding to the two copper ion active centers of TYR and masking tryptophan activity. The TYR formed stable hydrogen bonds with GC/EGC through residues Lys70, Thr324, and Glu340 through molecular simulations. In addition, CBCT exhibited strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties, and could efficiently preserve fresh-cut lotus roots. Therefore, CBCT is a non-toxic natural product with antioxidant, anti-tyrosinase, and antibacterial properties and has the potential to be developed as a new type of fruit and vegetable preservative. • The Cercis chinensis Bunge flower condensed tannins has anti-tyrosinase activities. • Condensed tannins exhibited strong antioxidant, antibacterial properties. • Condensed tannins may become a new type of vegetable preservative [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Abietic acid with an excellent assembly profile is used to stabilize curcumin. • The bioavailability of curcumin can be improved with loading by abietic acid. • Abietic acid and curcumin have synergistic antioxidant activity. This research constructed composite nanoparticles (NP s) using abietic acid (AA) as a carrier for significantly enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin (CCM). CCM -loaded AA NPs were synthesized using a low-energy microemulsification method, and the obtained nanoparticles had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 458.66 nm, a narrow size distribution and a negative surface charge of −19.13 mV. The encapsulation efficiency of CCM was 17.98 %, while its solubility was 20-fold that of free curcumin. FITR, UV, and MD revealed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces between AA and CCM. The in-vitro release profile showed sustainable release of CCM in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids up to 2 h at 37 °C. In cellular studies, CCM -loaded AA NPs with the same CCM concentration exhibited greater bioaccessibility and bioavailability than free CCM. These data suggested a possible utilization of AA NPs in improving water solubility, bioavailability and activity of lipophilic bioactive food factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The optimal process for ultrasound-assisted extraction of Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide was determined; • The physicochemical properties and activities of polysaccharide extracted by different methods were evaluated; • Ultrasound-assisted extraction of polysaccharide exhibited significant amelioration of cell damage stimulated by uric acid. An efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly ultrasound-assisted hot water method for Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide (ICPs) extraction was developed. According to the response surface results, the optimal ultrasonic time was 85 min, ultrasonic power was 192.75 W, temperature was 90.74 °C, liquid–solid ratio was 26.1, and polysaccharide yield was 28.50 %. The polysaccharide mainly consisted of arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), and glucose (Glc), with a molecular weight of 62.3 kDa. Ultrasound-assisted extraction of Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide (UICP) exhibited stronger anti-oxidant activity and ability to ameliorate cellular damage due to uric acid stimulation compared with traditional hot water extraction of Imperata cylindrica polysaccharide (ICPC-b). It also exhibited higher thermal stability, indicating its potential value for applications in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel 3D anisotropic random porous structure based on anisotropic Voronoi diagrams with high strength and high stiffness. • The parallel 3D anisotropic Voronoi diagram algorithm which eliminates the need for iterative calculations and is applicable to complex 3D shapes, including intricate concave shapes and structures with non-zero genus. • The stress driven strategy in which the distribution of Voronoi cells is related with the spatial distribution of stress magnitudes, while the cell orientations are controlled by the direction of stress tensor. Porous structures exhibit excellent mechanical properties and are widely utilized in engineering design. However, there is still substantial potential for enhancing the mechanical performance of these structure. By customizing the anisotropic design of each pore in the porous structure, the strength and stiffness of the structure can be significantly enhanced. In this work, we present a novel method for designing 3D anisotropic Voronoi porous structures (AVPSs). To construct these structures, we propose a novel algorithm for generating 3D anisotropic Voronoi diagrams (AVDs) based on Riemannian distance. The geometries of Voronoi cells are controlled to conform with both the stress distribution and the principal stress directions. The distribution of Voronoi cells are graded using a stress-based site sampling strategy, the orientation of Voronoi cells are modified by introducing stress-mapped Riemann tensor fields. The AVPSs are then modeled by computing implicit surfaces based on AVDs. The AVPSs conform closely to the geometric profile of the input model by clipping AVDs using the tetrahedral mesh. Furthermore, the results obtained from numerical simulations and experimental tests indicate that the AVPSs possess both high strength and high stiffness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Deployment of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are of vital importance for the mitigation of fossil energy shortage and environment pollution. A significant amount of Pt on cathode is highly needed to accelerate the process of sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and maintains a stable long-term performance. During ORR, the yield of undesirable hydrogen peroxide through a two-electron pathway not only decreases outer power but also weakens the long-term stability. Herein, Pt-prussian blue (PB) composite, featuring around structure, is firstly proposed and facilely fabricated via electrostatic self-assembly strategy. Pt 1 PB 0.25 /C shows 50% higher activity than commercial Pt/C, rationally ascribed to modulated electronic structure and higher selectivity towards four-electron pathway. Moreover, in contrast with the striking 38% loss in mass activity for Pt/C after accelerated degradation tests (ADTs), Pt 1 PB 0.25 /C shows only a 15% decrease possibly due to the elimination of hydrogen oxide and the anchor interaction between Pt and PB. The employment of PB with a synergy role paves an efficient way for the fabrication of brand-new Pt-based catalysts with high activity and stability. • Fabrication of Pt-Prussian blue composite via electrostatic self-assembly. • High active and stable Pt-Prussian blue for oxygen reduction reaction in acidic media. • Ligand effect and synergy effect for enhancement of performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the hot corrosion behaviours of La 1- x Gd x MgAl 11 O 19 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8) bulk ceramics and ceramic coatings. The hot corrosion resistance of the ceramic coating was inferior to that of the bulk ceramic, owing to the formation of an amorphous phase during the plasma spraying process. The smaller size of Gd3+ in comparison with La3+ facilitated the ready combination of Gd3+ with V O 4 3 − . LaVO 4 was obtained as the corrosion product in the LaMgAl 11 O 19 (LMA) sample. Upon doping the LMA with Gd 2 O 3 , the LaVO 4 was almost entirely replaced by GdVO 4. Therefore, the sacrificial action of GdMgAl 11 O 19 protected the LMA from hot corrosion, while also providing a new method for modifying the corrosion resistance of molten slag. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this study, a novel polysaccharide fraction (PGPIV‐1‐a) was isolated from Platycodon grandiflorum through the combination of DEAE‐52 and Sephadex G‐100 chromatography. PGPIV‐1‐a was a neutral heteropolysaccharide with an average molecular weight of about 6462 Da. PGPIV‐1‐a was composed of glucose, arabinose and mannose in the relative molar ratio of 64.79%, 31.16% and 4.05%. The main linkage types in PGPIV‐1‐a consisted of → 6)‐β‐Glcp‐(1 → and →5)‐α‐L‐Ara‐(1→. Bioactivity assay results showed that PGPIV‐1‐a significantly stimulated the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells and enhanced their phagocytic capacity in a dose‐dependent manner. In addition, treatment with higher dosage of PGPIV‐1‐a (800 μg mL−1) remarkably induced the secretion of NO, TNF‐α and IL‐6. This study provides a theoretical basis for further systematic investigation and utilisation of Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

R. suavissimus (Rubus suavissimus S. Lee), also known as Chinese sweet tea, is a deciduous shrub of the genus Rubus in the family Rosaceae in China. R. suavissimus leaves contain various chemical components with excellent physiological functions, making them both drinkable as tea and medicinal. Moreover, rubusoside, regarded as the main sweet component in R. suavissimus , is an ideal sweetener with the characteristics of high sweetness and low-calorie. However, less attention has been paid to R. suavissimus , which hinders its popularization and application. This paper comprehensively summarizes the research progress on the nutritional components of R. suavissimus leaves, including chemical structure, extraction methods, health benefits, and mechanism of action, as well as expounds on the application status of R. suavissimus. Additionally, the production of rubusoside through biotransformation and biosynthesis is concerned. R. suavissimus leaves are rich in nutrients such as rubusoside, polyphenols, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which can resist allergies, reduce inflammation, prevent dental caries, regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, and are widely applied in the fields of food, beverages, medicine, and skincare. As the main sweet component, rubusoside is expected to be a natural green substitute for sweeteners such as sucrose. In addition to being extracted from R. suavissimus , rubusoside can also be produced in large quantities through biotransformation and biosynthesis. Overall, R. suavissimus leaves have three major functions of "tea, sugar and medicine", and are a kind of health care product and sweetener with great development value. • The chemical components of R. suavissimus are comprehensively summarized. • The health benefits of R. suavissimus are emphasized. • The application status of R. suavissimus is elaborated. • The production methods of rubusoside through biotransformation and biosynthesis are concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a toughening agent, LaPO 4 has been used to improve several properties of ceramics. In such applications, its compatibility with the matrix material should be considered first. In this study, the compatibility of LaPO 4 and magnesium lanthanum hexa-aluminate (LaMgAl 11 O 19 , LMA) was elucidated at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1600 °C. The compositions, thermal stabilities, thermal conductivities and microstructures of the above-mentioned materials were analysed using X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetry-differential scanning calorimetry, thermal conductivity tester and scanning electron microscopy. The results indicated that the two materials maintained a good compatibility at temperatures lower than 1600 °C. At 1600 °C, the diffusion of La was observed to alter the chemical composition of LaPO 4 and accelerate its reaction with LMA, leading to the formation of LaAlO 3 and magnesium lanthanum aluminium oxide, resulting in the increase of thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA (miRNA) mimics or antagomirs hold great promise for asthma treatment compared with glucocorticoids as mainstay therapy for asthma. But the role of miRNA in regulating asthmatic inflammation is largely unclear. We previously reported that miR-3162-3p in the peripheral blood of children with asthma was obviously upregulated compared to that in healthy children. This study aimed to elucidate the role of miR-3162-3p in pulmonary inflammation in normal and asthmatic mice as well as preliminarily explore the potential of miR-3162-3p antagomir in asthma treatment. A noninvasive whole-body plethysmograph measured airway responsiveness. Both qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the expression of miRNA, mRNA, or protein. Cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were counted by platelet counting and Wright's staining. Inflammatory infiltration and mucus secretion were identified by hematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid-Schiff  staining, respectively. Cytokines in the lungs were detected by ELISA. The miR-3162-3p mimic intraperitoneally administered to normal mice decreased β-catenin levels in the lungs without obviously altering the lung histology and cytokine levels. Antagonizing miR-3162-3p in ovalbumin-induced asthmatic mice effectively alleviated the typical features of asthma, such as airway hyper-responsiveness, airway inflammation, and Th1/Th2 cytokine imbalance, and concomitantly rescued the total and active β-catenin expression. Collectively, we discovered divergent roles of miR-3162-3p in lung inflammation between normal and asthmatic mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of the miR-3162-3p antagomir were comparable to those of glucocorticoid treatment. Our study helped in understanding the contribution of miRNAs to the pathogenesis of asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is a disease of aging, characterized by a decrease in bone quality and a reduction in bone strength. Promoting the activity of osteoblasts is a useful strategy for combating the progression of osteoporosis. As a novel bone growth factor, lactoferrin plays a role in the anabolic activity in bone by inducing the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and inhibiting the formation of osteoclasts. However, potential peptides with osteogenic activity from lactoferrin have not been identified. In the present study, a peptide with osteogenic activity—LFP-C, fragment residues 624 to 632, derived from lactoferrin hydrolysates—was identified using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and screened using molecular docking analysis. The LFP-C peptide significantly increased the proliferation of mouse cell line MC3T3-E1 and had a promoting effect on alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium deposition. Moreover, LFP-C increased the proportion of osteoblasts in the G 2 and M phases. The osteogenic mechanism of LFP-C was also studied by molecular docking. We found that LFP-C could bind to the key domain (Lys13-Thr15-Gln16-Leu17-Gly18-Asp22) of epidermal growth factor receptor, a vital receptor tyrosine kinase that leads to the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. The main interaction forces were interpolated charge, hydrophobicity, and hydrogen bonding. Results indicated that LFP-C may play an osteogenic role in a similar way to lactoferrin, by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. The findings of this in vitro experiment also demonstrated that the molecular docking method could play a role in the screening process; this in silico approach allowed for faster and cheaper identification of a promising bioactive component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of the regulation on photosynthesis after spaceflight has not been fully understood. To learn more information about this, we conducted a series of experiments of photosystem, including photosynthetic physiological characteristics (fluorescence parameters, pigment contents), gene expression and proteomic change. We want to examine the response of rice (Oryza sativaDN416), whose seeds were placed in Bio‐Radiation Box on the ShiJian‐10(SJ‐10) recoverable satellite. Our results demonstrated that the photosynthesis capacity of plants after spaceflight declined, compared to ground control plants. Specifically, Fv/Fm is significantly reduced for 7.5%. Chlorophyll content decreased in the three growth stages of rice, trefoil, tillering and mature stages. To further analyze changes under spaceflight environment, quantitative real‐time PCR technology and isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantization (iTRAQ) labeling technology were deployed. We found that the gene expression of important subunits of key enzymes and important structures had been decreased after spaceflight. As for the results of changes in proteins, we discovered that the content of proteins related to electron transport and photosynthesis key enzyme declined. Our experiments can provide reference for further research to learn more about the effects of spaceflight on photosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]