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The reservoir of the M oilfield in Tarim Basin is an unconventional fracture-cave carbonate rock, encompassing various reservoir types like fractured, fracture-cave, and cave, exhibiting significant spatial heterogeneity. Despite the limited pore space in fractures, they can serve as seepage pathways, complicating the connectivity between reservoirs. High-precision fracture prediction is critical for the effective development of these reservoirs. The conventional post-stack seismic attribute-based approach, however, is limited in its ability to detect small-scale fractures. To address this limitation, a novel pre-stack fracture prediction method based on azimuthal Young's modulus ellipse fitting is introduced. Offset Vector Tile (OVT) gather is utilized, providing comprehensive information on azimuth and offset. Through analyzing azimuthal anisotropies, such as travel time, amplitude, and elastic parameters, smaller-scale fractures can be detected. First, the original OVT gather data are preprocessed to enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. Subsequently, these data are partially stacked based on different azimuths and offsets. On this basis, pre-stack inversion is carried out for each azimuth to obtain the Young's modulus in each direction, and, finally, the ellipse fitting algorithm is used to obtain the orientation of the long axis of the ellipse and the ellipticity, indicating the fracture orientation and density, respectively. The fracture prediction results are consistent with the geological structural features and fault development patterns of the block, demonstrating good agreement with the imaging logging interpretations. Furthermore, the results align with the production dynamics observed in the production wells within the block. This alignment confirms the high accuracy of the method and underscores its significance in providing a robust foundation for reservoir connectivity studies and well deployment decisions in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The resonant coupling of optical microcavities to waveguides is important in photonic devices. In this paper, a horn-shaped cavity structure is designed on the side of the metal–dielectric–metal waveguide, and the coupling between the cavity and the waveguide is simulated by the finite-difference time-domain method and the coupled mode theory. It is found that the cavity and local modes appear in the horn-shaped cavity. Second, the geometric parameters of the cavity structure are changed, and the influence of the structural parameters on the transmission spectrum is obtained by theoretical analysis. Third, the maximum refractive index sensitivity of the structure is calculated to be 1750 nm/RIU, and the temperature sensitivity is 2.455 nm/°C. Ultrafine particles are placed between the tips of the horn-shaped cavity structure, and the sensitivity of the wavelength shift of the localized mode and the change in the transmittance of the trapezoidal cavity mode to the particle size and the refractive index of the particles are obtained; the nanoparticle sensor is designed by using this characteristic. The horn-shaped resonator structure proposed in this paper provides a high-performance cavity choice for the design and application of micro-nano sensor devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The cotton-melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is a polyphagous insect pest with many host-specialized biotypes. The mechanism of host specificity remains unknown in this aphid. In this study, we investigated whether bacterial symbionts control the host specificity of A. gossypii, as reported in some aphids. The two typical host-specialized biotypes used in this study produced significantly fewer nymphs on non-native hosts than on a native host, indicating a high host specificity of the two biotypes. We found that the winged morph of both biotypes had a significantly lower host specificity than its corresponding wingless morph. Bacterial analysis indicated that the composition of the bacterial symbionts was not different between the two biotypes, but within each biotype, the Buchnera abundance in the winged morph was only about 10% of that in the wingless morph. We suspected that a low Buchnera abundance was associated with a low host specificity. We compared the reproduction of A. gossypii with different Buchnera abundances, and did not find that a low Buchnera abundance resulted in a low host specificity. We then concluded that the host specificity of A. gossypii is not controlled by specific bacterial symbionts or Buchnera abundance. The cotton-melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, is a polyphagous insect pest with many host-specialized biotypes, such as the Cucurbitaceae- and Malvaceae-specialized (CU and MA) biotypes. Bacterial symbionts were reported to determine the host range in some aphids. Whether this is the case in A. gossypii remains unknown. Here, we tested the host specificity of the CU and MA biotypes, compared the host specificity between the wingless and winged morph within the same biotype, and analyzed the composition of the bacterial symbionts. The reproduction of the CU and MA biotypes reduced by 66.67% and 82.79%, respectively, on non-native hosts, compared with on native hosts. The composition of bacterial symbionts was not significantly different between the CU and MA biotypes, with a Buchnera abundance >95% in both biotypes. Meanwhile, the winged morph produced significantly more nymphs than the wingless morph on non-native hosts, and the Buchnera abundance in the winged morph was only about 10% of that in the wingless morph. There seemed to be a relationship between the Buchnera abundance and host specificity. We regulated the Buchnera abundance by temperature and antibiotics, but did not find that a low Buchnera abundance resulted in the high reproduction on non-native hosts. We conclude that the host specificity of A. gossypii is not controlled by specific bacterial symbionts or by Buchnera abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Fast and efficient packaging methods of QDs in one step; • Integrate light scattering, QDs encapsulation, and color gamut improvement; • Greatly simplifies the backlight module structure; • A large-scale commercial QD-DP with excellent photo-oxygen stability. Quantum dots (QDs), renowned for their distinctive optical and physical attributes, are extensively employed in diverse fields such as lighting, displays, electronics, sensors, and solar cells. Nonetheless, the susceptibility to light, oxygen, and moisture is a major obstacle to the development of QDs. Achieving simple, efficient, and universal modification or encapsulation for enhanced stability remains a challenge. Herein, a one-step fast fabrication of multi-layer quantum dot diffusion plate (QD-DP) with excellent barrier and optical properties was proposed, which is alternately stacked by MS-EVOH and MS-QDs layers. The barrier phase morphology undergoes a fiber-flake transition induced by the bidirectional tensile force field during multiplication, and layer-by-layer encapsulation synergistically enhances the barrier performance, photo-oxygen stability, thermal-oxygen stability, and fluorescence lifetime of QD-DP in backlight applications. Under high-power UV irradiation, the fluorescence intensity of MS/MS-QD 128L dropped to 90 % (T 90) in only about 10 minutes, while the T 90 of MS-E/MS-QD 128L was close to 216 hours, improved more than 1200 times. Concurrently, the quantum dot diffusion plate (QD-DP), characterized by an alternating multi-layer structure, demonstrated an elevated backlight color gamut value of ∼ 120 % NTSC, outperforming conventional quantum dot light emitting diodes (QLED). Compared with existing QDs backlight modules, a simpler structure, more efficient preparation process, and longer fluorescence lifetime of QD-DP were achieved. Moreover, unlike prevalent modification or packaging technologies that only target specific QD types, our alternating multilayer coextrusion packaging technology is applicable to all kinds of QDs and is simple, efficient, and universal. It was believed that this work could provide new opportunities for all kinds of QDs encapsulation and application in many fields and will be the dawn of large-scale commercialization of QDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation of liver function, intestinal flora, vitamin D and interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels in patients with liver cirrhosis. A total of 52 patients diagnosed with posthepatitic cirrhosis and admitted into Yantai Infectious Disease Hospital (Yantai, China) from January to December in 2012 (liver cirrhosis group), and 52 patients with chronic hepatitis B (hepatitis group), and 40 healthy volunteers receiving physical examination in the hospital (normal control group) were selected into the study. The liver function, hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) level, intestinal flora distribution, vitamin D and IL-17A levels of all patients were detected, and the correlation among them was analyzed via Pearson's analysis. The number of Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Saccharomyces in hepatitis and liver cirrhosis groups was significantly greater than in the normal control group (P<0.05), but the number of Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Clostridium was significantly decreased (P<0.05); the serum IL-17A levels in hepatitis and liver cirrhosis were obviously higher than that in the normal control group (P<0.05), but the serum vitamin D 25(OH) D and 1,25(OH)2D levels were obviously lower than that in the normal control group (P<0.05). In patients with liver cirrhosis, Enterobacteriaceae was positively correlated with prothrombin time (PT), Enterococcus was positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, Bifidobacterium was negatively correlated with AST, alkline phosphatase (AKP) and HBV DNA levels, and Bacteroides was negatively correlated with AST level and PT. There was a significant negative correlation between serum IL-17A and total bilirubin in patients with liver cirrhosis, and 25(OH) D was negatively correlated with AST, AKP and HBV DNA levels. In patients with liver cirrhosis, there was significant positive correlation between Enterococcus and IL-17A, and between Lactobacillus and 25(OH)D, but other bacteria were not obviously associated with IL-17A and vitamin D. Intestinal flora imbalance, vitamin D deficiency and IL-17A imbalance play an important role in the evolution of liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone mineral density (BMD) is the gold standard for the diagnosis of osteoporosis. With the acceleration of aging process, osteoporosis has become a public health problem. Based on domestic and foreign related reports, this article briefly reviews the measurement methods of BMD, the changes of BMD, and the influencing factors and the prevention of osteoporosis in pregnant women. In general, ultrasonic measurements are safe and reliable, which have become the important methods of monitoring the changes of BMD during pregnancy at present. There are different degrees of BMD decrease during pregnancy, and BMD significantly decreases with the increase of gestational age. The most serious period is at the late pregnancy. BMD of many parts in the body decreases, which are mainly related to calcium, hormone, sunshine, and other factors. Therefore, it is recommended for pregnant women to monitor BMD positively, to supplement calcium timely and rationally, to adjust the diet structure, to do outdoor activities, and to develop good habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Hippocampal autophagic deficits contribute to age-related cognitive disorder in mice. [•] CR activated hippocampal autophagy and ameliorated age-related cognition deficits. [•] The activity of mTOR and its upstream signaling in hippocampus declines with aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is currently a challenge to accurately predict the deformation and fracture behavior of metal parts in automobile crashes. Many studies have shown that the deformation and fracture behavior of materials are significantly affected by the stress state during automobile crashes with complex stress state characteristics. In order to further promote the application of die-cast magnesium alloys in automobiles, it is particularly important to study the material deformation and fracture behavior of die-cast magnesium alloys. In this paper, the mechanical properties of the AM60B die-cast magnesium alloy sheet under four stress states (shear, tension, R10 notch tension, and cupping) were designed and tested. Based on the von Mises isotropic constitutive model and Swift weighted Hockett–Sherby hardening model, the plastic constitutive model of die-cast magnesium alloy was established. Based on the plastic model and the fracture model (JC, MMC, and DIEM) considering the influence of three stress states, the deformation and fracture behavior of the AM60B die-cast magnesium alloy front-end members in three-point bending were predicted by experiments and finite element simulation. The experimental results show that the deformation mode and loading–displacement curve trend of the AM60B die-cast magnesium alloy front members are the same, the crack initiation point and crack initiation time are the same, and the crack shape is similar. The results show that the complex stress state constitutive model parameters and the DIEM fracture model obtained in this paper can accurately predict the deformation and fracture failure behavior of the AM60B die-cast magnesium alloy sheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow adipocytes are derived from mesenchymal stem cells. It has been found that mesenchymal stem cells can also differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes and myocytes. Current results show that marrow adipose tissue could negatively regulate the osteogenesis process because mesenchymal stem cells can differentiate into adipocytes in priority. Exercise promotes bone formation and plays an important role in preventing fractures. Exercise, diet, and rosiglitazone are shown to affect the generation of marrow adipose tissue, but the relationship between them is not clear. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the effects of exercise, diet and rosiglitazone on marrow adipose tissue and their relationship with bone mineral density. METHODS: Studies related to exercise regulating marrow adipose tissue published from January 1999 to June 2019 in CNKI, WanFang and PubMed databases were retrieved. The search terms were "marrow adipose tissue, exercise, rosiglitazone, high fat-diet, mesenchymal stem cell" in English and Chinese, respectively. Finally 66 eligible articles were enrolled for analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Based on the current research results, exercise can affect the regulation of high-fat diet and rosiglitazone on the formation of bone marrow adipose tissue. Exercise intervention can inhibit the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into marrow adipose tissue. In the process of exercise intervention on marrow adipose tissue, there are many other ways participating in the regulation of fat synthesis, lipid absorption, bone metabolism, bone marrow hematopoietic function. Therefore, exercise intervention has an important part in regulating the above metabolic processes. In the future, the specific mechanism of exercise intervention in bone marrow adipose tissue should be further explored to make exercises become an important measure for regulating the above metabolic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One risk of growing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops is the potential nontarget effects which are likely related to the environmental behavior of crystal (Cry) toxins. Bt rice residues left in field after harvest constitute a main source of Cry toxins entering the environment. To our knowledge, very few studies have simultaneously evaluated the persistence of Cry toxins in Bt rice residues under field conditions using different methods. Here, we established a bioassay method with a target insect: the striped stem borer (SSB), Chilo suppressalis Walker. The reaction limit of the SSB to Cry toxins ranged from 5.4 to 12.7 ng g−1 in artificial diet, indicating that the detection limit of the bioassay ranged from 54 to 127 ng g−1 rice residues. A field decomposition experiment lasting for 210 d was conducted with the straw of two Bt rice lines transformed with either cry1Ab / 1Ac or cry2A. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) revealed that the Cry toxins in the Bt rice residues experienced rapid degradation to below 25% of the initial level in the first 42 d, and then decreased to below 100 ng g−1 rice residues within 100 to 140 d. Flooded conditions accelerated the degradation in the beginning compared with buried conditions. The Cry toxins were still detectable by ELISA, although at levels below 10 ng g−1 rice residues (<0.3% of the initial level) 210 d after harvest. However, the bioassay revealed that the SSB no longer had a significant reaction to Bt rice residues added into artificial diets 16 to 18 d after harvest under both conditions, which indicated that the level of bioactive Cry toxins had declined to below the detection limit. Our results suggest that ELISA overestimate the persistence of Cry toxins and that the potential risks mediated by Cry toxins may be much smaller than originally expected. Unlabelled Image • A bioassay method for detection Cry toxins in Bt rice residues was established. • ELISAs revealed that Cry toxins decreased to 100 ng g−1 rice residues over 100+ days. • Bioassays revealed that Cry toxins decreased to 100 ng g−1 rice residues in 20 days. • This study indicates the persistence of Cry toxins may be overestimated by ELISAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the utilization of solar photothermal gain (SPG) (0.28μm–2.5 μm) or infrared radiation cooling (IRC) (2.5 μm–25 μm) enables the thermochromic smart window to play a role in decreasing building energy consumption, the fragmented current research on these properties unfortunately leads to a low efficacy. Herein, based on the simulation of SPG and IRC properties on building energy consumption, a tailored hydrogel is employed in a reversible glass mold with anisotropic infrared radiation emission (ε) in the different surfaces, successfully integrating excellent SPG parameters (phase transition temperature (τ C), 28 ° C , post-phase solar transmittance (T sol − HT), 3.52%) and IRC parameters (switchable infrared emissivity (Δε), 0.75–0.90). By utilizing summer and winter climate data from Wenzhou, as well as annual climate data from Singapore and Helsinki, it is determined that this gel window may save up to 64.68 MJ/m2, 11.31 MJ/m2, 201.84 MJ/m2, and 60.16 MJ/m2 in the respective locations, when compared to regular glass using the same model in EnergyPlus software. With the exceptional pre-phase visible light transmittance (T lum − LT = 84.86 %) and building energy saving performance, the all-day and all-region smart window deserves attention, further investigation, and discourse for alleviating the energy crisis and mitigating greenhouse emissions. • A low energy consumption smart window with high transmittance. • Both SPG and IRC jointly reduce the energy consumption. • The SPG includes τ C and T sol − HT , which are 28.79 °C and 3.52%, respectively. • The IRC ability has a large control range (Δε , 0.75–0.90). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The ubiquity of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the mounting prevalence of antibiotic resistance necessitate the identification of novel therapeutic approaches to reduce the selective pressure of antibiotics. Targeting bacterial virulence factors is a wise option, as it can mitigate the pathogenicity of bacteria without eradicating them. Sortase A (SrtA), which is critical for bacterial adhesion, invasion, and immune evasion, is a promising target for virulence inhibition in S. aureus. α-Hemolysin (Hla), a toxin secreted by S. aureus, is closely linked to virulence and has been identified as a key target against MRSA. Herein, we report the discovery of a flavonoid, isosakuranetin, which inhibits the activity of S. aureus SrtA. A fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay revealed that isosakuranetin exhibited a low IC50 of 21.20 μg/mL. Furthermore, isosakuranetin significantly inhibited SrtA-related virulence properties, such as bacterial adhesion to fibrinogen, biofilm formation, and invasion of A549 cells. We employed fluorescence quenching and molecular docking to determine the interactions between isosakuranetin and SrtA, revealing the key amino acid sites for binding. Importantly, isosakuranetin inhibited the hemolytic activity of S. aureus in vitro at a concentration of 32 μg/mL. Moreover, isosakuranetin effectively suppressed the transcription and expression of Hla in a dose-dependent manner and regulated the transcription of RNAIII, the upstream operator of Hla. Notably, isosakuranetin demonstrated in vivo efficacy in a mouse model of S. aureus-induced pneumonia by significantly improving survival rates and reducing lung damage. This is a valuable finding, as isosakuranetin’s dual inhibitory effects on SrtA and hemolytic activity, as well as its anti-virulence activity against MRSA, make it an excellent candidate for therapeutic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Improving the solar regulation and reducing the response temperature of thermochromic smart windows are pivotal importance for energy-saving buildings. However, such two strategies are challenging to be integrated into one window. Herein, a solution for simultaneously regulating the surface tension of the scattering center and the capturing-releasing capacity of pNIPAm for water is implemented, successfully carrying out the enhancement of solar regulation and the reduction of response temperature. The maximum solar shielding and regulation of the modified sandwich structured pNIPAm gel device can reach up to 88.45% and 71.81%, an increase of 52.29% and 73.71% respectively, compared to a pure pNIPAm gel device with the same thickness. Besides, the response temperature is reduced to around 28 ℃, making modified devices have the ability to respond promptly at the comfortable room temperature range boundary (22–28 ℃). Different from flowing, strengthless modified doped microgels, the high-transmittance modified pNIPAm gels maintain the stable patterning performance, and have great potential for further applications. Similar conclusions are obtained using different solvents to reduce the attraction between pNIPAm-water, and the surface tension of water. Therefore, this universal modification framework deserves attention for the future design of energy-saving windows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early identification of pre-diabetes provides an opportunity for intervention and treatment to delay its progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We aimed to identify the biomarkers of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) through bioinformatics analysis. The GSE76896 dataset, including non-diabetic (ND), IGT, and T2DM clinical samples, was deeply analyzed to identify 309 Co-DEGs for IGT and T2DM. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses indicated that inflammatory responses and the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway are important patho-physiological features of IGT and T2DM. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and cytoHubba technolgy identified seven hub genes: namely, CCL2, CXCL1, CXCL8, EDN1, FGF13, MMP1, and NGF. The expression and ROC curves of these hub genes were validated using the GSE38642 dataset. Through an immunofluorescence assay, we found that the expression of FGF13 in islets of mice in the HFD and T2DM groups was significantly lower than in the control group. Similarly, the level of FGF13 in the sera of IGT and T2DM patients was lower than that in the healthy group. Together, these results suggest that FGF13 can be treated as a novel biomarker of IGT, which may provide new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of pre-diabetes and T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin shows several pharmacological activities with low toxicity, but its low water solubility limits its usage. To overcome these drawback, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)- b-poly ( $$\delta$$ -valerolactone) was synthesized through ring-opening polymerization with mPEG and $$\delta$$ -valerolactone as raw materials and hydrochloride ethyl ether as catalyst. The nanoparticles were developed by thin-film hydration and used as the delivery system for curcumin. The pharmacokinetics, in vitro release and safety of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles were evaluated. The results showed that nanoparticles had high drug-loading capacity (11.70 %) and entrapment efficiency (92.66 %). The water solubility of curcumin was increased to 1.851 mg/mL, which was approximately 1.73 × 10 times higher than that of free curcumin. The plasma AUC and V of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles were 3.60- and 4.56-fold higher than that of curcumin control solution, respectively. The CL of curcumin-loaded nanoparticles was decreased by 3.60-fold. The MRT changed from 0.284 to 4.657 h. Hemolysis test results revealed that the mPEG-PVL was safe for intravenous injection. These results clearly showed that the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles were suitable to be a delivery vehicle for curcumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced endothelium injury promotes the development of atherosclerosis. It has been reported that homoplantaginin, a flavonoid glycoside from the traditional Chinese medicine Salvia plebeia R. Br., protected vascular endothelial cells by inhibiting inflammation. However, it is undetermined whether homoplantaginin affects atherosclerosis. In this study, we evaluated the effect of homoplantaginin and its derivative dihydrohomoplantagin on oxLDL-induced endothelial cell injury and atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice. Our results showedthat both dihydrohomoplantagin and homoplantaginin inhibited apoptosis and the increased level of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in oxLDL-stimulated HUVECs and the plaque endothelium of apoE-/- mice. Additionally, both of them restricted atherosclerosis development of apoE-/- mice. Mechanistic studies showed that oxLDL-induced the increase in ROS production, phosphorylation of ERK and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in HUVECs was significantly inhibited by the compounds. Meanwhile, these two compounds promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increased the anti-oxidation downstream HO-1 protein level in HUVECs and plaque endothelium. Notably, knockdown of Nrf2 by siRNA abolished the cell protective effects of compounds and antagonized the inhibition effects of them on ROS production and NF-κB activation in oxLDL-stimulated HUVECs. Collectively, dihydrohomoplantagin and homoplantaginin protected VECs by activating Nrf2 and thus inhibited atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphagous aphids often consist of host‐specialized lineages, which have greater fitness on their native hosts than on others. The underlying causes are important for understanding of the evolution of diet breadth and host shift of aphids. The cotton‐melon aphid Aphis gossypii Glover is extremely polyphagous with many strict host‐specialized lineages. Whether and how the lineage specialized on the primary host hibiscus shifts to the secondary host cucumber remains elusive. We found that the hibiscus‐specialized lineage suffered high mortality and gave birth to very few nymphs developing into yellow dwarfs on fresh cucumber leaves, and did not inflict any damage symptoms on cucumber plants. The poor performance did not improve with prolonged exposure to cucumber; however, it did significantly improve when the cucumber leaves were pre‐infected with a biotrophic phytopathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis. More importantly, the hibiscus‐specialized lineage with two‐generation feeding experience on pre‐infected cucumber leaves performed as well as the cucumber‐specialized lineage did on fresh cucumber leaves, and inflicted typical damage symptoms on intact cucumber plants. Electrical penetration graph (EPG) indicated that the hibiscus‐specialized lineage did not ingest phloem sap from fresh cucumber leaves but succeeded in ingesting phloem sap from pre‐infected cucumber leaves, which explained the performance improvement of the hibiscus‐specialized lineage on pre‐infected cucumber leaves. This study revealed a new pathway for the hibiscus‐specialized lineage to quickly acclimate to cucumber under the assistance of the phytopathogen. We considered that the short feeding experience on pre‐infected cucumber may activate expression of effector genes that are related to specific host utilization. We suggest to identify host‐specific effectors by comparing proteomes or/and transcriptomes of the hibiscus‐specialized lineage before and after acclimating to cucumber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An investigation of the aliphatic nitrocompounds in Indigofera kirilowii resulted in the identification of two new esters of glucose with 3-nitropropanoic acid and acrylic acid — kirilowin C (1) and kirilowin D (2), together with four new glucose 3-nitropropanoates — kirilowins E–H (3–6). Their structures were identified by spectroscopic data. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Seven rare oxylipins, siegesbeckins A–G (1 – 7) representing further bioactive constituents different from the general terpenyl compounds found in Siegesbeckia species, have been obtained from the aerial parts of Siegesbeckia glabrescens. These isolates were identified to be a series of methyl 4-methylpentanoates incorporating fatty acid moieties of different chain lengths, based on spectroscopic techniques, and their absolute configurations were determined via chemical degradation and comparison of experimental and theoretically calculated ECD spectra. With respect to bioactivity, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties of selected compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1 and 5 showed moderate antibacterial activity against two Gram-positive bacteria with MIC values of 4.3 μg/mL, while 3 showed no pronounced activity in these assays. Unlabelled Image • Seven rare oxylipins were separated and identified from the aerial parts of Siegesbeckia glabrescens. • The absolute configurations were established via chemical degradation and analysis of ECD data. • Two compounds with shorter fatty acid chains displayed mild antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytochemical investigation on the leaves of Craibiodendron yunnanense W.W. Smith resulted in the isolation of 21 compounds, including 11 known ursane triterpenes, 8 oleanane triterpenes, and 2 sterols. Their structures were clarified by analyses of their NMR spectroscopic data as well as by comparison of these data with those published in the literature. From the present investigation, compounds 1 – 2, 6, 8 – 10, 13 – 16, 18 and 21 were isolated for the first time from the family Ericaceae, and their chemotaxonomic significance was discussed. Additionally, compounds 21 exhibited in vitro cytotoxicity against human MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 cancer cell lines with IC 50 value of 14.19 μM and 21.45 μM, respectively. • Nineteen triterpenes and two sterols were isolated from Craibiodendron yunnanense. • The isolates were evaluated for their cytotoxic activities. • The chemotaxonomic significance of the isolated compounds was summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Increasing RBCs number might improve resistance to 4-HBA stress. • RBCs can resist 4-HBA stress by regulating metabolites in the mucilage. • The secondary metabolites have important role in resistance for Fusarium solani. • RBCs may resist 4-HBA stress by increasing the expression level of lignin synthesis and SOD genes. Autotoxins are a major cause of grapevine replant disease. Root border cells (RBCs) of 'Beta' grapevine seedlings were selected to investigate the mechanism underlying the changes in the composition of grapevine root secretions mediated by autotoxins ρ-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA) and their effect on harmful soil fungi (Fusarium solani). The results showed that, compared with control, the root length and number of RBCs were increased under 50 μg·mL–1 4-HBA treatment but inhibited under 200 μg·mL–1 treatment (T200), and no significant difference was found under 100 μg·mL–1 treatment (T100). In the T100 vs CK group, RBCs enhanced metabolites involved in the respiratory pathway and released carbon source substances, such as saccharides and organic acids. In addition, most metabolites of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway and gallic acid (GA) of tannins were abundant in the RBC mucilage possibly due to the action of shikimate dehydrogenase (SDH). In the T200 vs CK group, abundance of some metabolites of the respiratory pathway decreased, and dihydroquercetin (DHQ), catechin (C), epicatechin gallate (ECG), quercetin derivative, and hesperetin derivative abundances of flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were inhibited possibly due to the declined expression level of PAL and CHS genes. Tannins [such as GA and ellagic acid (EA)] were also decreased in the mucilage of RBCs. Plate confrontation experiments showed that flavonoids [C, DHQ, and naringenin (NAR)] and tannin (GA) inhibited the growth of Fusarium solani to some extent. RBCs may also resist 4-HBA stress by increasing the expression level of lignin synthesis and SOD genes. Our research indicates that RBCs and their mucilage play an important role in protecting the root tips of grapevine against 4-HBA stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve curcumin’s low water-solubility and selective delivery to cancer, we reported ligand-mediated micelles based on a Y-shaped biotin-poly (ethylene glycol)–poly (epsilon-caprolactone) 2 (biotin-PEG–PCL 2 ) copolymer. Its structure was characterized by 1 H NMR. The blank and drug-loaded micelles obtained by way of thin-film hydration were characterized by dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and hemolytic test. Curcumin was loaded into micelles with a high encapsulating efficiency (93.83%). Curcumin’s water-solubility was enhanced 170,400 times higher than free curcumin. Biotin-PEG–PCL 2 micelles showed slower drug release in vitro than H 2 N–PEG–PCL 2 micelles. In vitro cellular uptake and cytotoxicity tests showed that higher dosage of curcumin might overcome the effect of slow release on cytotoxicities because of its higher uptake induced by biotin, resulting in higher anticancer activities against MDA-MB-436 cells. In brief, Y-shaped biotin-PEG–PCL 2 is a promising delivery carrier for anticancer drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To improve curcumin's pharmacokinetic, in vitro cytotoxicity and release property. Methods: A novel linear-dendrimer methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol)-b-poly (&varepsilon;-caprolactone) copolymer was synthesized through O-alkylation, basic hydrolysis and ring-opening polymerization reaction with methoxy-poly (ethylene glycol), epichlorohydrin and &varepsilon;-caprolactone as raw materials. Its structure was characterized by 1H-NMR and GPC. The copolymer's hemolysis and micellar encapsulation for curcumin by thin-film hydration were studied. Curcumin-loaded micelles were evaluated by use of in vitro release, FT-IR and X-ray diffraction. Curcumin-loaded micelles' in vitro cytotoxic activities against Hela and HT-29 cells were done, and its pharmacokinetic parameters were also carried out. Results: Curcumin was encapsulated into the micelles with 92.54% of entrapment efficiency and 12.84% of drug loading in amorphous forms. The dissolubility of nanoparticulate curcumin was 1.70 × 105 times higher than that of curcumin in water. The obtained copolymer showed no hemolysis. In vitro drug release study indicated that, in all cases, the kinetics was adjusted well to the Makoid-Banakar model ( = 0.9984). In addition, data were analyzed by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, n values were 0.43, indicating that the drug release was accomplished by the combination diffusion and polymer chain relaxation. The cytotoxicity experiment indicated that the nanoparticulate curcumin kept up its potent anti-cancer activities. The pharmacokinetic results showed that the MRT0-∞, t1/2z and AUC0-∞ of Curcumin-loaded micelles were 1.64, 6.54 and 4.67 times higher than that of CUR control solution. Conclusions: The copolymeric micelles loading curcumin might act as a delivery vehicle for CUR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a novel linolenic acid-modified poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) copolymer was prepared through radical addition, ring-opening polymerization, and N-acylation reactions. Its structure was characterized by 1H NMR and GPC. Micelles were developed by thin-film hydration and used as a delivery system for curcumin with high drug loading capacity of 12.80% and entrapment efficiency of 98.53%. The water solubility of curcumin was increased to 2.05mg/mL, which was approximately 1.87×105 times higher than that of free curcumin. The micelles were spherical shape with an average diameter of 20.8±0.8nm. X-ray diffraction and FT-IR studies suggested that curcumin existed in the polymeric matrices under π–π conjugation and hydrogen bond interaction with the copolymer. In vitro drug release studies indicated that the curcumin release from linolenic acid-modified copolymer micelles met controlled release, and its release rate was less than that from the linolenic acid-unmodified copolymer micelles. Cytotoxicities against Hela and A-549cells demonstrated that the additional π–π conjugation could affect curcumin’s anticancer activity through reducing its release from micelles. Hemolysis test and intravenous irritation test results revealed that the linolenic acid-modified copolymer was safe for intravenous injection. The plasma AUC0– ∞ and MRT0–∞ of curcumin-loaded linolenic acid-conjugated poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(ϵ-caprolactone) copolymer micelles were 2.75- and 3.49-fold higher than that of control solution, respectively. The CLz was also decreased by 2.75-fold. So, this linolenic acid-modified copolymer might be a carrier candidate for curcumin delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichosanthin (TCS) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine used to treat some gynecological diseases. Its effective component has diverse biological functions, including antineoplastic activity. The human trophoblast cell line BeWo was chosen as an experimental model for in vitro testing of a drug screen for anticancer properties of TCS. The MTT method was used in this study to get a primary screen result. The result showed that 100 mM had the best IC50 value. Proteomics analysis was then performed for further investigation of the drug effect of TCS on the BeWo cell line. In this differential proteomic expression analysis, the total proteins extracted from the BeWo cell line and their protein expression level after the drug treatment were compared by 2DE. Then, 24 unique three-fold differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were successfully identified by MALDI-TOF/TOF MS. Label-free proteomics was run as a complemental method for the same experimental procedure. There are two proteins that were identified in both the 2DE and label-free methods. Among those identified proteins, bioinformatics analysis showed the importance of pathway and signal transduction and gives us the potential possibility for the disease treatment hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Parasitism rate of rice stem borer was >10-fold higher in cultivated rice than in a wild grass. • The parasitoid did not discriminate between odors of cultivated rice and the wild grass. • Development of the parasitoid were not influenced by host plants of the rice stem borer. • Attack efficiency of the parasitoid was significantly influenced by stem morphology of host plants. • The thinner the stems, the higher the attacking efficiency of the parasitoid on the rice stem borer. Crops are more susceptible to insect herbivores than wild plants. It is generally considered that crops combining with farm practices tend to disrupt insect herbivore-enemy interactions. In this study, we compared the parasitism rate of the rice stem borer Chilo suppressalis Walker by its specialized endoparasitoid wasp Cotesia chilonis Matsumura in cultivated rice Oryza sativa L. with that in the wild water-oat Zizania latifolia Griseb. The wild water-oat was never sprayed or fertilized. The parasitism rate was >10-fold higher in cultivated rice than in the wild water-oat. The difference was subsequently confirmed in a common garden experiment which the two host plants were interplanted in the same field. Laboratory assays indicated that female adults of C. chilonis did not discriminate the odors of cultivated rice and the wild water-oat. Larvae of C. chilonis did not develop differently within the haemocoele of the rice feeders and the wild water-oat feeders of the rice stem borer. However, the attack efficiency of C. chilonis significantly negatively correlated the thickness of stems in which the rice stem borers were dwelling. We conclude that cultivated rice has thinner stems than the wild water-oat, which is an important reason why the parasitism rate in cultivated rice is significantly higher than that in the wild water-oat. This finding may be just an exceptional case of the theory of the herbivore-enemy interactions in agroecosystems, but it implies that it is possible to enhance the control efficiencies in agroecosystems by designing appropriate crop phenotypes to promote the search and attack of natural enemies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Preeclampsia (PE) is a complex and serious condition of pregnancy. Trophoblasts in human placenta can be separated and collected by laser capture micro-dissection (LCM). Protein in trophoblasts have been extracted and separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), finally 962 unique proteins are identified by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Comparison of differential expressed proteins in normal and those in PE are investigated. Two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) and MS were used to identify differential expressed proteins. 13 differential expressed proteins include signal transduction protein, molecular chaperone, cell skeleton proteins are identified, in which 3 proteins are down-regulated and 10 proteins are up-regulated. They might be correlated with the cause of PE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Relative handgrip strength predicts MetS superior to absolute handgrip strength. • The overall prevalence of MetS is 38.4 % in this study. • HS/body fat mass appears to be the index best associated with MetS. • The cut-off value of HS/body fat mass to detect MetS is 1.92 in men and 1.25 in women. Currently there is no consensus on the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and muscle strength. The objective of this study was to examine the associations between MetS and its components and different handgrip strength (HS) indexes among Chinese community-dwelling elderly individuals. In addition, we hoped to find an optimal cutoff point for the index most relevant to MetS. Data were obtained from 909 participants aged ≥ 60 years (385 men, average age, 68.0 ± 5.9 y). We used the International Diabetes Federation metabolic syndrome guidelines to define MetS. General data of all participants were collected through questionnaires and anthropometric data were measured. At the same time, blood samples were collected. The prevalence of MetS was 26.8 % in men and 46.9 % in women. In all HS indexes, HS/body fat mass was most strongly correlated with MetS, and the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curve were 0.723 (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 0.669-0.776) in men and 0.619 (95 % CI = 0.571-0.667) in women, and the optimal cutoffs were 1.92 in men and 1.25 in women. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of MetS for low HS/body fat mass were 5.38 (95 % CI = 3.03–9.56, p < 0.001) in men and 2.39 (95 % CI = 1.56–3.64, p < 0.001) in women. HS/body fat mass appears to be the index best associated with MetS and its components, and in men it is more relevant than in women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]