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Background: Pain in older adults is an increasing concern in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with literature suggesting an association with past traumatic events (TEs) in high-income settings. We aim to investigate this relationship in a population-representative sample of older adults with high burden of TEs in a rural South African community. Methods: The Health and Aging in Africa: A longitudinal Study of an INDEPTH Community in South Africa (HAALSI) study collected data pain intensity, using the Brief Pain Inventory, and TEs with a 16-item questionnaire, from 2411 participants aged 40–79 in 2014–15. We used logistic regression models to test the association between TE exposure and self-reported pain status. Results: TE experience was near-universal (99.1% experience of at least one), while 9.0% of participants reported current pain, of which 86.6% was moderate/severe. In multivariable regression, increased odds of moderate/severe pain was associated with more TEs of any kind (OR 1.08; 95%CI 1.02–1.15 per additional TE) and with past exposure to disasters, accidents and illnesses (men and women), violence in the community (women only) and social/family environment problems (men only)–but not with childhood or war-related TEs. Conclusions: TEs were associated with pain even within a rural resource-limited setting where trauma experiences were extremely common. However, associations varied by TE type and sex. Interventions to prevent pain in older adults need to be targeted to block specific mechanisms that vary within even at-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY The citric acid accumulation during fruit ripening determines the quality of fleshy fruits. However, the molecular mechanism underlying citric acid accumulation is not clearly understood yet in citrus due to the scarcity of paired germplasm that exhibits significant difference in organic acid accumulation. Two citrus triploid hybrids with distinct citric acid content in their mature fruits were herein identified from a previously conducted interploidy cross in our group, providing an ideal paired material for studying acid accumulation in citrus. Through a comparative transcriptome analysis of the pulps of the above two triploid hybrids, an R3‐MYB transcription factor, CAPRICE (CsCPC), was identified to be a regulator of citric acid accumulation in citrus fruits. Through transgenic experiments involving overexpression (in callus and kumquat fruits) and RNAi (in lemon leaves), we demonstrated that CsCPC suppresses citric acid accumulation by negatively regulating the expression of CsPH1 and CsPH5. Moreover, CsCPC competed with an R2R3‐MYB CsPH4 for binding to ANTHOCYANIN1 (CsAN1) and thus disturbed the activation of CsPH1 and CsPH5 that encode vacuolar P‐ATPase, which eventually led to a decrease in citric acid content. CsPH4 activated the expression of CsCPC and thus formed an activator–repressor feedback loop, which ultimately inhibited citric acid accumulation in citrus fruit. In summary, this study reveals a new regulatory mechanism of CsCPC‐mediated inhibition of citric acid accumulation in citrus fruits, which would support the improvement of citrus fruit quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental pulp inflammation is a common and significant factor related to poor dental prognosis. Current treatment strategies primarily concentrate on managing the inflammatory response, with specific targets for intervention still under investigation. Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREMs) are a group of receptor molecules extensively present on myeloid cell surfaces, crucial in the regulation of inflammatory process. Our analysis of transcriptomic sequencing data from clinical pulp samples of dataset GSE77459 and animal models revealed up‐regulation of Trem1 during pulpitis. Administration of the Trem1‐blocking peptide LP17 led to lower (more than 1‐fold) levels of several pro‐inflammatory factors and inhibition of M1 macrophage polarization both in vivo and in vitro. This study of the expression patterns and functions of Trem1 in the development of dental pulp inflammation provides novel insights into the therapeutic strategies for clinical pulpitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dry skin is common to many pruritic diseases and is difficult to improve with oral traditional antihistamines. Recently, increasing evidence indicated that histamine H4 receptor (H4R) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of pruritus. Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation activation in the spinal cord mediates histamine‐induced acute and choric itch. However, whether the histamine H4 receptor regulates ERK activation in the dry skin itch remains unclear. In the study, we explore the role of the histamine H4 receptor and p‐ERK in the spinal cord in a dry skin mouse model induced by acetone–ether–water (AEW). q‐PCR, Western blot, pharmacology and immunofluorescence were applied in the study. We established a dry skin itch model by repeated application of AEW on the nape of neck in mice. The AEW mice showed typically dry skin histological change and persistent spontaneous scratching behaviour. Histamine H4 receptor, instead of histamine H1 receptor, mediated spontaneous scratching behaviour in AEW mice. Moreover, c‐Fos and p‐ERK expression in the spinal cord neurons were increased and co‐labelled with GRPR‐positive neurons in AEW mice. Furthermore, H4R agonist 4‐methyhistamine dihydrochloride (4‐MH)induced itch. Both 4‐MH‐induced itch and the spontaneous itch in AEW mice were blocked by p‐ERK inhibitor U0126. Finally, intrathecal H4R receptor antagonist JNJ7777120 inhibited spinal p‐ERK expression in AEW mice. Our results indicated that spinal H4R mediates itch via ERK activation in the AEW‐induced dry skin mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gentiana mopanshanensis, a new species of the family Gentianaceae is here described and illustrated. This species is presently known only from the Mopanshan Mountain, Yunnan Province, southwest China. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequence data has shown that this new species is a member of the series Fimbriatae of the section Chondrophyllae. Morphologically, it mostly resembles G. mairei and G. panthaica, but differs clearly from the latter two species in the shape and size of the leaves, and the characters of the corolla throat and plicae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for detecting the surface defects of high reflection objects using phase deflection is proposed. The abrupt change in the surface gradient at the defect leads to the change in the fringe phase. Therefore, Gray code combined with a four-step phase-shift method was employed to obtain the surface gradients to characterize the defects. Then, through the double surface illumination model, the relationship between illumination intensity and phase was established. The causes of periodic error interference were analyzed, and the method of adjusting the fringe width to eliminate it was proposed. Finally, experimental results showed the effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of penehyclidine (PHC) for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) under general anesthesia.In this prospective study, 219 patients who were scheduled to undergo LSG were randomly assigned to three cohorts: the control cohort (received normal saline), the infusion cohort (administered 0.25 mg of PHC intravenously followed by an additional 0.25 mg through an intravenous analgesia pump for 48 h after LSG), and the bolus cohort (received a single intravenous dose of 0.5 mg of PHC). The study outcomes included the incidence of PONV within the first 48 h postoperatively, the severity and intensity of PONV, side effects and postoperative recovery outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with PONV.Compared with the control cohort, both the infusion and bolus cohorts presented considerably lower incidences of PONV (61.64% vs. 12.33% vs. 38.36%, P < 0.05), as well as significantly decreased PONV severities (P < 0.05) and intensities (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in side effects and postoperative recovery outcomes among the three cohorts, with the exception of dry mouthand the administration of rescue antiemetic therapy (P < 0.05). Additionally, the Apfel risk score and PHC intervention were identified as independent risk factors associated with PONV incidence following LSG (P < 0.05).PHC effectively prevented PONV occurrence and reduced its severity in LSG patients without decreasing postoperative recovery outcomes, particularly in the infusion cohort.Materials and methods: To investigate the efficacy of penehyclidine (PHC) for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) under general anesthesia.In this prospective study, 219 patients who were scheduled to undergo LSG were randomly assigned to three cohorts: the control cohort (received normal saline), the infusion cohort (administered 0.25 mg of PHC intravenously followed by an additional 0.25 mg through an intravenous analgesia pump for 48 h after LSG), and the bolus cohort (received a single intravenous dose of 0.5 mg of PHC). The study outcomes included the incidence of PONV within the first 48 h postoperatively, the severity and intensity of PONV, side effects and postoperative recovery outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with PONV.Compared with the control cohort, both the infusion and bolus cohorts presented considerably lower incidences of PONV (61.64% vs. 12.33% vs. 38.36%, P < 0.05), as well as significantly decreased PONV severities (P < 0.05) and intensities (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in side effects and postoperative recovery outcomes among the three cohorts, with the exception of dry mouthand the administration of rescue antiemetic therapy (P < 0.05). Additionally, the Apfel risk score and PHC intervention were identified as independent risk factors associated with PONV incidence following LSG (P < 0.05).PHC effectively prevented PONV occurrence and reduced its severity in LSG patients without decreasing postoperative recovery outcomes, particularly in the infusion cohort.Results: To investigate the efficacy of penehyclidine (PHC) for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) under general anesthesia.In this prospective study, 219 patients who were scheduled to undergo LSG were randomly assigned to three cohorts: the control cohort (received normal saline), the infusion cohort (administered 0.25 mg of PHC intravenously followed by an additional 0.25 mg through an intravenous analgesia pump for 48 h after LSG), and the bolus cohort (received a single intravenous dose of 0.5 mg of PHC). The study outcomes included the incidence of PONV within the first 48 h postoperatively, the severity and intensity of PONV, side effects and postoperative recovery outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with PONV.Compared with the control cohort, both the infusion and bolus cohorts presented considerably lower incidences of PONV (61.64% vs. 12.33% vs. 38.36%, P < 0.05), as well as significantly decreased PONV severities (P < 0.05) and intensities (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in side effects and postoperative recovery outcomes among the three cohorts, with the exception of dry mouthand the administration of rescue antiemetic therapy (P < 0.05). Additionally, the Apfel risk score and PHC intervention were identified as independent risk factors associated with PONV incidence following LSG (P < 0.05).PHC effectively prevented PONV occurrence and reduced its severity in LSG patients without decreasing postoperative recovery outcomes, particularly in the infusion cohort.Results: To investigate the efficacy of penehyclidine (PHC) for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) under general anesthesia.In this prospective study, 219 patients who were scheduled to undergo LSG were randomly assigned to three cohorts: the control cohort (received normal saline), the infusion cohort (administered 0.25 mg of PHC intravenously followed by an additional 0.25 mg through an intravenous analgesia pump for 48 h after LSG), and the bolus cohort (received a single intravenous dose of 0.5 mg of PHC). The study outcomes included the incidence of PONV within the first 48 h postoperatively, the severity and intensity of PONV, side effects and postoperative recovery outcomes. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors associated with PONV.Compared with the control cohort, both the infusion and bolus cohorts presented considerably lower incidences of PONV (61.64% vs. 12.33% vs. 38.36%, P < 0.05), as well as significantly decreased PONV severities (P < 0.05) and intensities (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in side effects and postoperative recovery outcomes among the three cohorts, with the exception of dry mouthand the administration of rescue antiemetic therapy (P < 0.05). Additionally, the Apfel risk score and PHC intervention were identified as independent risk factors associated with PONV incidence following LSG (P < 0.05).PHC effectively prevented PONV occurrence and reduced its severity in LSG patients without decreasing postoperative recovery outcomes, particularly in the infusion cohort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials with in-plane electrical anisotropy have great potential for designing artificial synaptic devices. However, natural materials with strong intrinsic in-plane electrical anisotropy are rare. We introduce a simple strategy to produce extremely large electrical anisotropy via grating gating of a semiconductor two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) of AlGaN/GaN. We show that periodically modulated electric potential in the 2DEG induces in-plane electrical anisotropy, which is significantly enhanced in a magnetic field, leading to an ultra large electrical anisotropy. This is induced by a giant positive magnetoresistance and a giant negative magnetoresistance under two orthogonally oriented in-plane current flows, respectively. This giant electrical anisotropy is in situ tunable by tailoring both the grating gate voltage and the magnetic field. Our semiconductor device with controllable giant electrical anisotropy will stimulate new device applications, such as multi-terminal memtransistors and bionic synapses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manually designing a convolutional neural network (CNN) is an important deep learning method for solving the problem of image classification. However, most of the existing CNN structure designs consume a significant amount of time and computing resources. Over the years, the demand for neural architecture search (NAS) methods has been on the rise. Therefore, we propose a novel deep architecture generation model based on Aquila optimization (AO) and a genetic algorithm (GA). The main contributions of this paper are as follows: Firstly, a new encoding strategy representing the CNN coding structure is proposed, so that the evolutionary computing algorithm can be combined with CNN. Secondly, a new mechanism for updating location is proposed, which incorporates three typical operators from GA cleverly into the model we have designed so that the model can find the optimal solution in the limited search space. Thirdly, the proposed method can deal with the variable-length CNN structure by adding skip connections. Fourthly, combining traditional CNN layers and residual blocks and introducing a grouping strategy provides greater possibilities for searching for the optimal CNN structure. Additionally, we use two notable datasets, consisting of the MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets for model evaluation. The experimental results show that our proposed model has good results in terms of search accuracy and time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: A microwave-based device is a newly developed method for treating axillary osmidrosis. Few studies have compared the difference between microwave therapy and subcutaneous curettage for axillary osmidrosis. OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term effectiveness, complications, and recurrence of osmidrosis after microwave therapy and subcutaneous curettage. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Medical records of 155 patients with osmidrosis treated with microwave therapy or subcutaneous curettage were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, visual analog scale for odor, hyperhidrosis disease scale, complications, and recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Osmidrosis improved significantly in both treatment groups at 6 months. Effective improvement was observed in 90% and 23% of the patients in the surgery and microwave groups, respectively, after 3 years postoperatively. The recurrence rates were 39% and 21% in the microwave and surgery groups, respectively. The transient complication rate was higher in the microwave group, and long-term complications only occurred in the surgery group. CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous curettage is a more effective approach for axillary osmidrosis. However, microwave therapy is recommended for patients with cosmetic concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, oxidized phenothiazine derivatives with low toxicity, environmentally friendly behavior and great photophysical properties have become a research hotspot in room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials. Researchers usually regulate packing modes by introducing different functional groups to obtain different RTP properties. This work focuses on the effect of relative packing mode characterized by overlapping area, vertical distance and slip angle on RTP performance by exploring the electron transition processes of the dimers. The results suggest that 5,5-dioxide phenothiazine derivatives would generate RTP phenomenon when the overlapping area is within 25–60 %, the vertical distance is within 2.1–3.0 Å and the slip angle is within 54–90° after we scanned intermolecular relative positions of the parent skeleton dimers with π–π stacking. In the range of above packing modes, the excitons prefer jumping to high excited singlet states which could generate more triplet excitons through the ISC process, reducing nonradiative transition rate, and transition back to the ground state in the form of RTP radiation, which is verified by some reported experimental oxidized phenothiazine derivatives when we carried out similar calculations on them. This focuses on the overlapping area, vertical distance and slip angle in 5,5-dioxide phenothiazine derivatives could provide interesting findings for the RTP materials. • The correlation between the packing methods and RTP phenomenon in derivative crystals. • Packing methods: overlapping area, vertical distance, slip angle. • RTP phenomenon would be generated in the range of 25-60% overlapping area, 2.1-3.0 Å vertical distance, 54-90° slip angle. • More triplet excitions are gengerated by ISC and prefer transitioning to S 0 in the form of radiation. k nr would be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This note revisits single machine due-date assignment scheduling with job-dependent learning effects and resource allocation. Under the convex decreasing resource consumption function, the problem is to minimize the scheduling cost subject to a constraint on the total weighted resource consumption cost. Firstly, it is shown that the published results are incorrect by a counter-example from the literature. Then the corrected results are provided, and it is shown that this problem can be solved in polynomial time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance AlGaN/GaN lateral Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with recess structure and dual metal nitride anodes were demonstrated. With high work-function and nonrecess structure, a NiN anode enhances the breakdown voltage (BV), while a TiN anode reduces the turn-on voltage (VON) due to its low work-function and contact to the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) layer directly on a recess structure. As the length of the NiN anode (Lr) on the nonrecess region decreases from 75 to 3 μm, VON is reduced from 0.56 to 0.30 V, while the reverse leakage current slightly increases from 3 × 10−4 to 2 × 10−3 A/cm2 at the bias of −10 V. The lateral AlGaN/GaN SBD with a Lr of 3 μm at a distance of cathode–anode (LAC) of 20 μm achieves a high BV of 1.62 kV, an ultralow VON of 0.30 V and a small capacitance of 6.0 pF at zero bias with little degradation on ON-resistance, indicating superior potential application in high-frequency and high-power devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave processing techniques have been extensively used in the food industry due to its significant reduction in time and energy consumption, but its effect on the potential degradation of the extracted target compounds cannot be ignored. In this paper, experiments were carried out to establish a model system of closed magnetic stirring and controlled temperature cooling microwave irradiation (CMCC-MI system); the model extraction solutions were constructed with the standards gallic acid and resveratrol as target compounds to be extracted; its type of free radicals were detected during microwave irradiation extraction, and its changes were monitored under different microwave extraction conditions, namely, solvent types, organic extractant concentrations, microwave irradiation power, extraction temperature, and extraction time, in order to understand the effect of microwave irradiation and provide an objective evaluation polyphenols under different microwave extraction conditions. The degradation and fragment ion peaks of gallic acid and resveratrol owing to hydroxyl free radicals imply that the extraction yield should not be over-focused in actual extraction applications of microwave irradiation; more attention should be paid to the potential degradation of the extracted target compounds induced by microwave irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TLR2 is expressed in different primary sensory neurons in TG and DRG. • TLR2 is involved in inflammatory pain, acute and chronic itching. • Activation of TLR2/TLR1 or TLR2/TLR6 produces distinct itch and pain behaviors. • Activation of TLR2 increases [Ca2+] i in DRG neurons via TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) have been implicated in pain and itch regulation. TLR2, a TLR family member that detects microbial membrane components, has been implicated in pathologic pain. However, the role of TLR2 in pruritic and nociceptive responses has not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we found that TLR2 was expressed in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and trigeminal ganglia (TG) neurons. Itch and pain behaviors, including histamine-dependent and histamine-independent acute itching, acetone/diethyl ether/water and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene-induced chronic itching and inflammatory pain, were largely attenuated in TLR2 knockout (KO) mice. The TLR2 agonist Pam3CSK4, which targets TLR2/1 heterodimers, evoked pain and itch behavior, whereas lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and zymosan, which recognize TLR2/6 heterodimers, produced only pain response. The TLR2 agonist-induced nociceptive and pruritic behaviors were largely diminished in transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) KO mice. Finally, Pam3Csk4 and zymosan increased the [Ca2+] i in DRG neurons from wild-type mice. However, the enhancement of [Ca2+] i was largely inhibited in the DRG neurons from TRPV1 and TRPA1 KO mice. Our results demonstrate that TLR2 is involved in different itch and pain behaviors through activating TLR1/TLR2 or TLR6/TLR2 heterodimers via TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In clinical practice, several emergencies may threaten the life of patients, and these emergencies can be unpredictable and challenging. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, in January 2023, a patient developed respiratory distress caused by coronavirus, but was unable to access respiratory support due to shortages of medical resources, intensive care unit beds and ventilators. The medical staff quickly created a portable high-flow atomized oxygen therapy apparatus consisting of a simple breathing bag connected to a nebulizer to provide breathing support. In addition, the Ambulatory Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (Hefei, China) witnessed a case of severe laryngeal spasm after tracheal extubation during the recovery period from general anesthesia. Due to the lack of an anesthesia machine nebulizer, the aforementioned device was used to provide oxygen under pressure and initiate treatment to quickly relieve the symptoms of laryngeal obstruction. The present case report describes how the medical staff quickly applied emergency airway management skills and knowledge to create a portable high-flow atomized oxygen therapy apparatus in a resource-poor setting to save the lives of two patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CH SB 2 sb Cl SB 2 sb -soluble fraction was subjected to column chromatography (CC, silica gel, the gradient of CH SB 2 sb Cl SB 2 sb -MeOH, 100:1-0:100) to afford nine fractions (Frs. The I n i -BuOH-soluble fraction was separated by CC (ODS, the gradient of MeOH-H SB 2 sb O, (20:80-100:0)) to yield six fractions (Frs. Fraction B3 (7.3 g) was subjected to column chromatography on silica gel (CH SB 2 sb Cl SB 2 sb -MeOH, 10:1-0:1), Sephadex LH-20 (MeOH), and MCI (MeOH-H SB 2 sb O, 2:5-1:0) to afford compounds B 3 b (9.2 mg), B 4 b (6.1 mg), B 5 b (4.8 mg), B 6 b (4.2 mg), B 9 b (11.2 mg), B 10 b (21.6 mg), B 11 b (3.61 mg), B 12 b (14.3 mg), and B 19 b (8.6 mg). [Extracted from the article]

Microwave irradiation is considered as a potential alternative technology for promoting the progress of wine aging. The effects of microwave irradiation on some important physicochemical properties of young Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine were studied. The results indicated that there were significant changes in total phenolic compounds (TPC), total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA), titratable acidity (TA), and DPPH-free radical scavenging activity (DFRSA), while pH and electrical conductivity (EC) hardly changed. DFRSA was correlated to TPC, TMA, and TA during microwave treatment. The changing trend of chromatic characteristics (CC), which induced by microwave irradiation, was consistent with that of aging red wine. The results of principal component analysis showed that there was a big difference between the untreated red wine and the treated red wine under different microwave conditions. The results suggested that microwave technology could change some physicochemical properties of red wine and promote the aging of red wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Telomerase is an important biomarker for cancer diagnosis and a valuable target for cancer therapy. Most of the reported telomerase assays suffer from the repeating thermal cycles, laborious protocols, expensive instruments and the limited sensitivity. To solve these issues, we develop a new telomerase assay based on telomerization-driven release of fluorescent 2-aminopurine. We designed a 2-aminopurine molecular beacon in which the fluorescence of 2-aminopurine is quenched due to stacking interaction effect without the use of extra quenchers. The presence of target telomerase can open the 2-aminopurine molecular beacon, triggering a quadratic signal amplification reaction to digest abundant 2-aminopurine molecular beacons, releasing large amounts of free 2-aminopurine molecules with strong fluorescence emission. Due to the inherent low background signal of 2-aminopurine molecular beacon and the highly efficient telomerization-driven quadratic signal amplification, this method exhibits high sensitivity with a limit of detection equivalent to 1 human lung cancer A549 cell and a large dynamic range of 4 orders of magnitude from 1 to 10000 cells. Moreover, this method can be further applied for telomerase inhibition assay and the discrimination of cancer cells from normal cells, holding great potential in telomerase-related clinical diagnosis and drug discovery. Graphical abstract We develop a new method for ultrasensitive detection of telomerase activity in lung cancer cells based on telomerization-driven release of fluorescent 2-aminopurine. Image 1 Highlights • We develop a new fluorescent method for ultrasensitive detection of telomerase activity. • This assay can be performed under isothermal condition without the involvement of any extra quenchers. • This method can measure endogenous telomerase activity equivalent to 1 lung cancer cell. • This method can discriminate cancer cells from normal cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-step high-throughput screening combined with the DFT calculations reveal that W@MoSSe can behave as an efficient NRR catalyst with high catalytic activity and selectivity. [Display omitted] • The NRR catalytic performance on TM@MoSSe has been explored by DFT calculations. • W@MoSSe and Os@MoSSe were screened out as promising NRR catalysts. • W@MoSSe exhibits the admirable NRR activity with limiting potential of −0.15 V. Electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) has emerged as an eco-friendly and economical tactic for ammonia synthesis recently. However, for most NRR catalysts, high overpotential and low Faraday efficiency are the main bottlenecks for their practical applications. Herein, a sequence of transition metals anchored on a novel category of transition metal dichalcogenides monolayers, Janus TMDs (TM@MoSSe, TM = Sc-Zn, Mo, W, Ru-Ag, and Os-Au), as NRR catalysts were investigated through a three-step detailed screening based on the density function theory (DFT) calculations. According to the estimated stability, high catalytic activity, and unexceptionable selectivity of TMDs, W@MoSSe and Os@MoSSe were identified as effective candidate catalysts for NRR, of which W@MoSSe was screened as the optimal NRR catalyst, and the limiting potential is −0.15 V. Importantly, W@MoSSe exhibits remarkable inhibition on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), due to the ultra-high Faraday efficiency (100%). Notably, more density of states in W@MoSSe, apparent charge transfer, and strong orbital hybridization between W@MoSSe and NRR intermediates may contribute to its observed high NRR catalytic activity. These findings showed the feasible applications of Janus TMDs in the single-atom catalysis of the NH 3 synthesis, which could open a new bright prospect for exploring efficient NRR catalysts experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Waveguiding in a phononic crystal (PC) can be achieved along either linear line defects or a sequence of cavities, for frequencies belonging to a complete bandgap. When waves are coupled inside a PC waveguide, modulations in the frequency transmission are generally observed, leading to the formation of a channeled spectrum. We show that the channeled spectrum results from the interference of forward and backward guided Bloch waves. We first theoretically develop a Bloch wave interference model. Then, we consider the case of linear waveguides and of coupled-resonator waveguides formed in a 2D square PC composed of water cylinders in mercury. The transmission properties of waveguides with different length and defect distribution are examined. In all cases, the observed channeled spectra are well explained by the theoretical model. This work is relevant to the design of new acoustic and elastic wave devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We investigate experimentally Lamb wave propagation in coupled-resonator elastic waveguides (CREWs) formed by a chain of cavities in a two-dimensional phononic crystal slab with cross holes. Wide complete bandgaps, extending from 53 to 88 kHz, are first measured in a finite phononic crystal slab sample. A straight waveguide and a wave splitting circuit with 90° bends are then designed, fabricated and measured. Elastic Lamb waves are excited by a piezoelectric patch attached to one side of the phononic slab and detected using a scanning vibrometer. Strongly confined guiding and splitting at waveguide junctions are clearly observed for several guided waves. Numerical simulations are found to be in excellent agreement with experimental results and allow for the identification of the involved resonant cavity modes. The influence on the dispersion of guided waves of the slab thickness and of the hole length is also investigated. The results have implications for the design of innovative phononic devices with strong confinement and tailorable dispersion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Locally resonant sonic crystals can support band gaps at low frequencies defined by resonances internal to the unit cell. Band gap frequencies are dictated by the choice of resonators and their interaction with the medium supporting acoustic wave propagation. We show that locally resonant band gaps can be tuned by engineering the dispersion of the evanescent waves appearing in the propagation medium at the resonator sites. Specifically, we experimentally consider a tubular waveguide filled with different levels of water and grafted with a periodic array of acoustic resonators. Water filling continuously tunes the dispersion of evanescent waves by changing the waveguide cross-section. Dispersion relations and transmission properties are obtained with a three-dimensional time-harmonic finite element model of wave propagation. Numerical and experimental results are found to be in good agreement. The present work is relevant to the practical design of tunable acoustic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six new Zn/Cd coordination polymers (CPs) based on a new terpyridine derivative ligand, namely, [ZnLCl] n · n H 2 O ( 1 ), [ZnL 2 ] n ( 2 ), [CdL 2 (H 2 O) 2 ] n ( 3 ), [CdL 2 (H 2 O)] n ( 4 ), [Cd 2 L 2 ( m -bdc)(H 2 O) 2 ] n ( 5 ), [Cd 2 L 2 ( m -bdc)(H 2 O)] n ( 6 ), (H 2 ( m -bdc) = benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, HL = 4′-(2-carboxyphenyl)-3,2′:6′,3″-terpyridine), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectra, single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 displays a 3D utp topology based on left- and right-handed helical chains. Compounds 2 , 3 and 4 are three kinds of 1D loop chain structures. Compound 5 features a (3,6)-connected 3D topology with point symbol of {4 2 ·6} 2 {4 4 ·6 2 ·8 8 ·10}. Compound 6 reveals a (3,6,8)-connected 3D framework with point symbol of {4·5 2 } 2 {4 8 ·5 6 ·6 8 ·7 4 ·8·9}{4 8 ·6 6 ·7}. Luminescent properties of compounds 1 – 6 at room temperature were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two homologous meroterpenoid gene clusters consisting of contiguous genes encoding polyketide synthase (PKS), prenyltransferase (PT), terpenoid cyclase (TC) and other tailoring enzymes were identified from two phylogenetically distinct fungi through computational analysis. Media optimization guided by reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) enabled two strains to produce eight new and two known meroterpenoids (1–10). Using gene inactivation, heterologous expression, and biochemical analyses, we revealed a new polyketide‐terpenoid assembly line that utilizes a pair of PKSs to synthesize 2,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐alkylbenzoic acid, followed by oxidative decarboxylation, farnesyl transfer, and terpene cyclization to construct the meroterpenoid scaffold. In addition, two of the isolated meroterpenoids (3 and 17 d) showed immunosuppressive bioactivity. Our work reveals a new strategy for meroterpenoid natural products discovery, and reveals the biosynthetic pathway for compounds 1–10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two homologous meroterpenoid gene clusters consisting of contiguous genes encoding polyketide synthase (PKS), prenyltransferase (PT), terpenoid cyclase (TC) and other tailoring enzymes were identified from two phylogenetically distinct fungi through computational analysis. Media optimization guided by reverse‐transcription PCR (RT‐PCR) enabled two strains to produce eight new and two known meroterpenoids (1–10). Using gene inactivation, heterologous expression, and biochemical analyses, we revealed a new polyketide‐terpenoid assembly line that utilizes a pair of PKSs to synthesize 2,4‐dihydroxy‐6‐alkylbenzoic acid, followed by oxidative decarboxylation, farnesyl transfer, and terpene cyclization to construct the meroterpenoid scaffold. In addition, two of the isolated meroterpenoids (3 and 17 d) showed immunosuppressive bioactivity. Our work reveals a new strategy for meroterpenoid natural products discovery, and reveals the biosynthetic pathway for compounds 1–10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avibacterium paragallinarum is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes infectious coryza in chicken. It was reported that the capsule polysaccharides extracted from Av. paragallinarum genotype A contained chondroitin. Chondroitin synthase of Av. paragallinarum (ApCS) encoded by one gene within the presumed capsule biosynthesis gene cluster exhibited considerable homology to identified bacterial chondroitin synthases. Herein, we report the identification and characterization of ApCS. This enzyme indeed displays chondroitin synthase activity involved in the biosynthesis of the capsule. ApCS is a bifunctional protein catalyzing the elongation of the chondroitin chain by alternatively transferring the glucuronic acid (GlcA) and N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (GalNAc) residues from their nucleotide forms to the non-reducing ends of the saccharide chains. GlcA with a para-nitrophenyl group (pNP) could serve as the acceptor for ApCS; this enzyme shows a stringent donor tolerance when the acceptor is as small as this monosaccharide. Then, UDP-GalNAc and GlcA-pNP were injected sequentially through the chip-immobilized chondroitin synthases, and the surface plasmon resonance data demonstrated that the up-regulated extent caused by the binding of the donor is one possibly essential factor in successful polymerization reaction. This conclusion will, therefore, enhance the understanding of the mode of action of glycosyltransferase. Surprisingly, high activity at near-zero temperature as well as weak temperature dependence of this novel bacterial chondroitin synthase indicate that ApCS was a cold-active enzyme. From all accounts, ApCS becomes the fourth known bacterial chondroitin synthase, and the potential applications in artificial chondroitin sulfate and glycosaminoglycan synthetic approaches make it an attractive glycosyltransferase for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first example of versatile synthesis of functionalized β-carbolines and γ-carbolines via redox-free Pd-catalyzed C–H addition of indole to nitrile/cyclization sequences is reported. A wide range of functionalized β-carbolines and γ-carbolines can be prepared from readily accessible indoles and nitriles in good to excellent yields under the optimal conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bone repair remains a clinical challenge due to low osteogenic capacity. Coactivator associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1) is a protein arginine methyltransferase that mediates arginine methylation and endochondral ossification. However, the roles of CARM1 in osteoblastic differentiation and bone remodeling have not been explored. In our study, heterozygous CARM1-knockout (KO) mice were generated using the CRISPR-Cas9 system and a model of femoral defect was created. At day 7 postsurgery, CARM1-KO mice exhibited obvious bone loss compared with wild type (WT) mice, as evidenced by reduced bone mineral density (BMD), bone volume/total volume (BV/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular number (Tb.N), and increased trabecular separation (Tb.Sp). Deletion of CARM1 in mice lowered synthesis and accumulation of collagen at the injury sites. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteogenic-related gene expression were declined in CARM1-KO mice. To further understand the role of CARM1 in osteoblastic differentiation, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated from the tibia and femur of WT or CARM1-KO mice. CARM1 deletion decreased histone arginine methylation and inhibited osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization. The mRNA sequencing of CARM1-KO BMSCs revealed the possible regulatory molecules by CARM1, which could deepen our understanding of CARM1 regulatory mechanisms. These data could be of interest to basic researchers and provide the direction for future research into bone-related disorders. [Display omitted] • CARM1-KO mice exhibited obvious bone loss. • Deletion of CARM1 in mice lowered synthesis and accumulation of collagen at the injury sites. • CARM1 deletion decreased histone arginine methylation and inhibited osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple infections are a key component of HPV pathogenesis and have a direct impact on how an infection turns out. It's crucial to look at the associations between HPV multiple infections and both age and HPV genotypes in the Chinese population, searching for the causative factors of multiple infections with a view to providing new ideas for the treatment and prevention of multiple infections. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the data of HPV infections among outpatients from the 2019 year to the 2021 year of Shandong Maternal and Child Health Hospital. Analyzed the correlation between HPV multiple infections and age using logistic regression. Differences in the percentage of multiple infections between age groups were compared using the chi-square test. The chi-square test compared the differences in the distribution of 15 common HPV genotypes in mono- versus multiple infections. A two-dimensional matrix presented the frequency of HPV genotype combinations. Logistics regression analysis showed that age was significantly associated with the occurrence of multiple infections, with a dominance ratio OR 1.026 (95% CI 1.02–1.04). Interestingly, the proportion of HPV multiple infections among HPV-positive individuals increases with age in people older than 30 years of age. The chi-square test showed there was a difference in the distribution of HPV genotypes between multiple infections and mono- HPV infection (χ2 = 76.4; p = 0.000), a difference in the composition of HPV genotypes for dual versus single infections (χ2 = 90.6; p = 0.000) and a difference in HPV genotypes for triple versus single infections (χ2 = 56.7; p = 0.000). A 2 × 2 matrix showed that the combination of HPV52/HPV58 (30; 6.4%) was the combination of the highest frequency of infection for dual infections; The HPV52/HPV58 (21; 4.8%) combination was the highest frequency of HPV triple infection combination. HPV multiple infections were positively correlated with age; increasing age was positively correlated with the proportion of HPV multiple infections in the total infected population; the distribution of the 15 common genotypes of HPV differed between multiple infections and single infections; and HPV52:58 was a common type of infection combination in the Shandong population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of lanthanide(iii) oxalatophosphonates, namely, [Ln(H2L)(C2O4)]·H2O [Ln = La (1), Ce (2), Pr (3)] and [Ln2(H3L)(C2O4)3(H2O)4]·2H2O [Ln = Eu (4) and Dy (5)] have been hydrothermally obtained by using (4-carboxypiperidyl)-N-methylenephosphonic acid (H3L) as the phosphonate ligand and oxalate as the second ligand. These five compounds have the same precursor, but they exhibit two different 2D layered structures. Compounds 1–3 are isostructural and exhibit a 2D layered structure in which {Ln(1)O9}, {Ln(2)O9} and {CPO3} polyhedra via corner-sharing and edge-sharing are interconnected into a 1D chain. These chains are further cross-linked by oxalate anions into a 2D layered structure, and the uncoordinated carboxylate groups are oriented toward the interlayer space. Compounds 4 and 5 are isostructural and also show a 2D layered structure. Lanthanide ions are interconnected by oxalate anions forming a 2D layered structure, and the carboxyl groups of H3L are grafted on the two sides of the layer. The structure variations are attributed to the effect of lanthanide contraction. In addition, the luminescence properties of compounds 4 and 5, and the magnetic properties of compound 5 have been studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are conserved ligand-gated ion channel receptors, and ionotropic receptors (IRs) were revealed as a new family of iGluRs. Their subdivision was unsettled, and their characteristics are little known. Anopheles sinensis is a major malaria vector in eastern Asia, and its genome was recently well sequenced and annotated. Methods: We identified iGluR genes in the An. sinensis genome, analyzed their characteristics including gene structure, genome distribution, domains and specific sites by bioinformatic methods, and deduced phylogenetic relationships of all iGluRs in An. sinensis, Anopheles gambiae and Drosophila melanogaster. Based on the characteristics and phylogenetics, we generated the classification of iGluRs, and comparatively analyzed the intron number and selective pressure of three iGluRs subdivisions, iGluR group, Antenna IR and Divergent IR subfamily. Results: A total of 56 iGluR genes were identified and named in the whole-genome of An. sinensis. These genes were located on 18 scaffolds, and 31 of them (29 being IRs) are distributed into 10 clusters that are suggested to form mainly from recent gene duplication. These iGluRs can be divided into four groups: NMDA, non-NMDA, Antenna IR and Divergent IR based on feature comparison and phylogenetic analysis. IR8a and IR25a were suggested to be monophyletic, named as Putative in the study, and moved from the Antenna subfamily in the IR family to the non-NMDA group as a sister of traditional non-NMDA. The generated iGluRs of genes (including NMDA and regenerated non-NMDA) are relatively conserved, and have a more complicated gene structure, smaller ω values and some specific functional sites. The iGluR genes in An. sinensis, An. gambiae and D. melanogaster have amino-terminal domain (ATD), ligand binding domain (LBD) and Lig_Chan domains, except for IR8a that only has the LBD and Lig_Chan domains. However, the new concept IR family of genes (including regenerated Antenna IR, and Divergent IR), especially for Divergent IR are more variable, have a simpler gene structure (intron loss phenomenon) and larger ω values, and lack specific functional sites. These IR genes have no other domains except for Antenna IRs that only have the Lig_Chan domain. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive information framework for iGluR genes in An. sinensis, and generated the classification of iGluRs by feature and bioinformatics analyses. The work lays the foundation for further functional study of these genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas can be produced from distilled grain waste by dry anaerobic digestion, however, digested residue was eluted and needs further treatment. To develop a zero-emission process and achieve efficient resource recovery, the compostability of the digested residue was studied. Composting of the digested residue by adding a mature compost and bulking agent was performed using a lab-scale composting reactor. The composting process showed that the degradation of organic matters was mainly occurred during the first 30 days, and the final volatile solid (VS) degradation efficiency was about 15.2%. The digested residue was not suitable as a fertilizer as revealed by the lower germination index (GI) value. However, the composting process produced remarkable results; the physico-chemical parameters indicated that a highly mature end product was obtained 65 days after beginning the composting process. The final nitrogen content, NO 3 − concentration, and GI value in the final product were 1.7%, 11,128.8 mg·kg −1 -TS, and 110.0%, respectively. A highly statically significant correlation was found among the GI, pH, soluble total organic carbon (S-TOC), inorganic carbon (IC), and concentrations of NH 4 + and NO 3 − . The numbers of ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) decreased during the first 12 days, but significant increases occurred during the maturation phase, indicating that AOB and AOA were responsible for nitrification during the composting of digested residue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the effects of ultrasound irradiation were investigated on the evolution of color properties and major phenolic compounds during wine storage. The results indicate that the changing trends of color parameters are very similar in both the ultrasonically-treated and untreated wines, meanwhile the evolutions of malvidin-3-O-glucoside, monomeric flavan-3-ols and phenolic acids also demonstrate some similar patterns in all wines during storage, respectively. In summary, the ultrasound irradiation does not only temporally influence the color characteristics and phenolic compounds of wine, but also have a longer effect on their evolutions during wine storage. Furthermore, the ultrasonically-treated wine had a quicker changing trend than that of the untreated wine regarding the studied parameters. All these results indicate that the ultrasound might be as a feasible and promising novel technology for wineries to produce more red wines with the similar quality as the traditionally-aged wine in a shorter time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a carboxylic oligopyridine ligand, 4′-(4-carboxyphenyl)−4,2′:6′,4″- terpyridine (Hcptpy), and imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (H 3 idc), two metal(II)-cptpy compounds formulated as [Zn 2 (cptpy) 4 ] n ·nH 2 O ( 1 ), [Zn 2 (cptpy) 2 (Hidc)(H 2 O) 2 ] n ·nH 2 O ( 2 ) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 shows a 2D +2D →3D supramolecular framework structure generated by two-fold interpenetrating 3-connected 2D framework (2D+2D→2D) with the sql topological net and the Schläfli symbol of {4 4 ·6 2 }. Compound 2 displays a 1D ladder chain structure. The luminescent properties of 1 and the ones immersed in various kinds of organic compounds and nitrate@DMF solutions have been investigated. Importantly, 1 shows highly selective and sensitive response to acetone and Cu 2+ through luminescence quenching effects, making it a promising luminescent sensor for acetone molecule and Cu 2+ . Meaningwhile, compound 2 shows highly selective sensitivity for Cr 2 O 7 2− . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This review summarize the association between PCSK9 and glucose metabolism. • This field may improve our understanding regarding the roles of PCSK9 in glucose metabolism and offer an in-depth interpretation of how PCSK9 inhibitors exert effects on the treatment of patients with DM. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is strongly associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) was recently identified as an important regulator of circulating low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels via degradation of the LDL receptor, proving to be a valid target to improve lipoprotein profiles and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ASCVD. Beyond LDL receptor processing and cholesterol homeostasis, the PCSK9 protein has recently been verified to be associated with glucose metabolism. Importantly, clinical trials suggest that treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors for patients with DM is more effective. Hence, in this review, we summarize the current findings derived from experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies regarding the association between PCSK9 and glucose metabolism, including the relationship of PCSK9 genetic mutations to glucose metabolism and diabetes, the link between plasma PCSK9 concentrations and glucose metabolic parameters, the effects of glucose-lowering drugs on plasma PCSK9 levels and the impacts of PCSK9 inhibitors on cardiovascular outcomes of patients with DM. Clinically, exploring this field may improve our understanding regarding the roles of PCSK9 in glucose metabolism and may offer an in-depth interpretation of how PCSK9 inhibitors exert effects on the treatment of patients with DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mechanical model for the peeling behavior of a film with finite length perfectly bonded to an elastic substrate has been proposed. • The effects of root rotation, ratio between Young's moduli of the film and the substrate, and film's aspect ratio on peeling behavior have been demonstrated. • Empirical expression for estimating peeling force in relation to those parameters has been established. A mechanical model for the peeling behavior of a film with finite length perfectly bonded to an elastic substrate has been proposed. The film has been considered as an elastic beam from which the root rotation at the boundary between the debonded and bonded portions can be obtained. Numerical results have demonstrated significant effects of the parameters including root rotation, ratio between Young's moduli of the film and the substrate, and film's aspect ratio on the stress intensity factors that were used to measure the interfacial tractions. Based on the numerical results, empirical expressions for the stress intensity factors have been presented. And hence expression for estimating peeling force in relation to those parameters has been established. The results in the present paper may be helpful for characterizing the peeling behavior of film-substrate systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The transcription factor Sox9 is pivotal in the morphogenesis of hair follicles, but its role in sebocytes is poorly understood. Objective We investigated the effect of Sox9 on human sebocyte proliferation, differentiation and lipogenesis. Methods Sox9 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry in normal skin and acne lesion. Primary cultured human sebocytes were transfected with adenovirus expressing GFP-Sox9 or Sox9 microRNA. Sox9 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ expression in sebocytes was detected by quantitative real-time PCR, Western blot and immunocytofluorescence; cell proliferation was measured by MTS and [ 3 H]-thymidine incorporation assays; cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were evaluated by propidium iodide staining-based flow cytometry; and intracellular lipid levels were assessed by Oil Red O stain. Results Sox9 immunostaining was increased in mature sebocytes of acne lesion compared with normal skin. Expression of Sox9 mRNA and protein and PPARγ protein was elevated with cell confluent levels in sebocytes. Sox9 overexpression enhanced proliferation, differentiation, proportion of S and G2/M cells, lipogenesis and PPARγ expression in sebocytes, while Sox9 silencing caused inhibition of differentiation, lipogenesis and PPARγ expression, and increase of G1 and sub-G1 (apoptotic) cell fraction. The suppression of Sox9 knockdown on sebocyte growth was observed using [ 3 H]-thymidine incorporation but not MTS assay. Conclusion These results demonstrate that Sox9 can reinforce sebocyte proliferation, differentiation and lipogenesis. The G1/S transition arrest and apoptotic induction might contribute to inhibitory effect of Sox9 silencing on sebocyte proliferation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prion is a unique nucleic acid-free pathogen that causes human and animal fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a prototypic neurotrophin that helps to support the survival of existing neurons, and encourage the growth and differentiation of new neurons and synapses through axonal and dendritic sprouting. There are two distinct classes of glycosylated receptors, neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR) and tropomyosin-related kinase (Trk), that can bind to BDNF. To obtain insights into the possible alterations of brain BDNF and its signaling pathway in prion disease, the levels of BDNF and several molecules in the BDNF pathway in the brain tissues of scrapie agents 263K-infected hamsters were separately evaluated. Western blots and/or immunohistochemical (IHC) assays revealed that BDNF, TrkB, GRB2 and p75NTR, were significantly downregulated in the brain tissues of scrapie-infected rodents at terminal stage. Double-stained immunofluorescent assay (IFA) demonstrated that BDNF and phospho-TrkB predominately expressed in neurons. Dynamic analyses of the brain samples collected at the different time-points during the incubation period illustrated continuous decreases of BDNF, TrkB, phospho-TrkB, GRB2 and p75NTR, which correlated well with neuron loss. However, these proteins remained almost unchanged in the prion infected cell line SMB-S15 compared with those of its normal cell line SMB-PS. These data suggest that the BDNF signaling pathway is severely hindered in the brains of prion disease, which may contribute, at least partially, to the neuron death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a simple solid-phase extraction (SPE) approach by using activated attapulgite as sorbent was successfully developed for the determination of melamine in milk formula samples. Crucial factors impacting the extraction efficiency, including sample solvent, elution solvent, and sample loading volume, were investigated. Under the optimal extraction conditions, the sample loading volume was up to 200 mL and the adsorption capacity of the melamine gave rise to 1154 μg g. Excellent linear calibration curves ( r > 0.999) were achieved, and then the limit of detection (S/N = 3) and the limit of quantification (S/N = 10) were found to be 0.15 and 0.5 ng mL, respectively. The recoveries of the melamine spiked in four milk formula samples at three concentration levels ranged from 83.5 to 111.0 % with relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 10.2 %. Furthermore, RSDs of batch to batch ( n = 4) of the acidified attapulgite used in this developed method were in the range of 2.3∼7.3 %. In comparison to the commercial Oasis MCX, the acidified attapulgite sorbent even outperformed (at least in terms of reproducibility) for melamine analysis in real food samples. Because of its simplicity, the newly developed SPE method based on acidified attapulgite nanoparticles should provide a promising tool for daily monitoring of doped melamine in milk formula or other complex matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new organic-inorganic hybrid compound constructed from [Mn 2 V 22 O 64 ] 10 − units, H 6 [(C 6 H 4 NO 2 Cu(H 2 O) 4 )] 2 [Mn 2 V 22 O 64 ]·28H 2 O 1 , has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR, powder X-ray diffraction (XPRD) and TG. Compound 1 is composed of dimeric [Mn 2 V 22 O 64 ] 10 − polyoxoanions, metal-organo fragments [(C 6 H 4 NO 2 Cu(H 2 O) 4 )] 2 + and lattice water molecules. Moreover, a three-dimensional supramolecular structure is formed in 1 by the extensive hydrogen bond interaction among the terminal oxygen atoms of [Mn 2 V 22 O 64 ] 10 − anions, the coordinated waters of Cu 2 + ions and crystal water molecules. Compound 1 exhibits remarkable catalytic activity for the heterogeneous oxidation of sulfides under mild condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of KLDS 1.8701 and AD1 administrations by gavage on intestinal microflora and mucosal immunity in diarrhea mice infected by Escherichia coli O157:H7 compared to normal mice. The levels of E. coli, Enterobacteria, and Enterococcus decreased significantly ( P < 0.05), while viable counts of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium increased in diarrhea mice. Moreover, KLDS 1.8701 and AD1 improved secretion of secretory immunoglobulin A and enhanced the levels of interferon- γ and interleukin. Results indicate that KLDS 1.8701 and AD1 could effectively alleviate diarrhea in mice via modulation of intestinal microflora and improve the function of immune system. The study on the effect of KLDS1.8701 and AD1 supplementation in human flora-associated animal models was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study numerically and experimentally acoustoelastic wave propagation in a two-dimensional phononic metaplate consisting of a periodic array of cups sitting on a thin epoxy plate that is perforated with cross holes. When all cups are filled with water, the metaplate possesses a complete band gap. Reconfigurable coupled-resonator acoustoelastic waveguides (CRAEWs) are created by locally emptying certain cups, thus introducing local resonances that are evanescently coupled. Straight and 90° bent periodic waveguides are considered, together with an aperiodic chain of 11 coupled resonators. The aperiodic chain has no definite spatial periodicity but supports collective resonances resulting from the coupling of nearest resonators. Lamb waves are experimentally excited by a piezoelectric patch and received by a scanning optical vibrometer. Experimental results for acoustoelastic wave propagation along both periodic and aperiodic CRAEWs are compared to a three-dimensional finite element model taking fluid–structure interaction into account. The propagation of confined acoustoelastic waves in the 90° bent waveguides and the collective resonances of the aperiodic chain of defected resonators are observed experimentally. Reconfigurability are realized based on the coupling of acoustoelastic waves in a phononic metaplate. Our results show plenty of potential possibilities for the practical design of reconfigurable and programmable elastic wave devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self-intercalation Ta 9 Se 12 supported Pd SAC was evidenced to be a promising bifunctional catalyst for OER and ORR under strain. [Display omitted] • The Ta intercalation can effectively improve the stability and activity of supported SACs. • Some intercalated SACs with high performance were identified for OER and ORR, respectively. • Pd-Ta 9 Se 12 was evidenced to be a promising bifunctional catalyst under a 3 % tensile strain. • Charge transfer to the surface is the origin for the enhancement of stability and activity of SAC. Seeking and designing stable, high-efficiency, and economical bifunctional catalysts for the metal-air battery is challenging but of great significance towards the conversion and storage of renewable energy. In this study, based on first principles calculations, the oxygen evolution (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalytic performance of different transition-metal (TM) atoms embedded into the surface of the self-intercalation structure Ta 9 Se 12 (TM-Ta 9 Se 12) were evaluated. The results demonstrate that the self-intercalated Ta-layer obviously improves the stability and catalytic activity of the system. Remarkably, Pd-Ta 9 Se 12 under a tensile strain of 3 % was identified as an efficient bifunctional catalyst for OER and ORR with overpotentials of 0.65 and 0.42 V, respectively. Mechanistically, the intercalation structure of Ta 9 Se 12 leads to a charge accumulation in the inner layer. But divertingly, under an external force, the charge in the inner layer will diffuse to the surface. This curious phenomenon can provide the possibility for directional and continuous regulation of the catalytic performance of the catalysts. This work elucidates a new approach for designing high-efficient and stable bifunctional SACs for OER and ORR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An unprecedented sulfenylation reaction of carbon-boron bonds has been developed using sulfonyl hydrazides as sulfenyl sources. A range of sulfonyl hydrazides underwent tetrakis(acetonitrile) copper(I) tetrafluoroborate [Cu(CH3CN)4BF4]/2,2'-bipyridine-catalyzed sulfenylation with boronic acids under air to give structurally diverse thioethers in moderate to good yields. Preliminary mechanistic studies show that sulfonyl hydrazides are subjected to decomposition into thiosulfonates and disulfides followed by formation of carbon-sulfur bonds with boronic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new chain compounds in which the Mn2(salen)2 dimers are bridged by O–P–O units are reported, namely, [Mn2(salen)2(C6H9PO3H)](ClO4) (1), [Mn2(salen)2(C6H5PO3H)](ClO4) (2) and [Mn2(salen)2(C6H5PHO2)](ClO4) (3). The phosphonate or phosphinate ligands adopt a syn–anti bidentate bridging mode in 1, while a syn–syn bidentate bridging mode in 2 and 3, thus leading to a difference in the Mn–O…O–Mn torsion angle over the O–P–O bridge. Compound 1 shows a paramagnetic behavior with dominant antiferromagnetic interactions. In compounds 2 and 3, the antiferromagnetic interactions through the O–P–O bridges are considerably stronger than those in 1. They display coexistence of single chain magnet (SCM) behaviour with a spin canted structure and metamagnetism at low temperature. The results demonstrate that the magnetic dynamics of the O–P–O bridged Mn2(salen)2 chains may be modulated by selecting suitable phosphonate or phosphinate ligands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at investigating the feasibility of casein glycomacropeptide (GMP) hydrolysates as potential prebiotics in yogurt. The growth performance of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp . lactis (Bb12) was determined in the presence of GMP hydrolysates produced by the action of proteolytic enzymes (trypsin and papain) with various degrees of hydrolysis. The growth-promoting effect of GHP on Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcu thermophilus were also evaluated. Results showed that the optimum hydrolysis time of GMP with trypsin or papain for Bb12 growth promotion was 2 and 0.5 h, respectively. Compared with GMP and its trypsin hydrolysate, the GMP hydrolysate produced with papain (GHP) was the best for Bb12 growth, which obtained the highest viable count (9.3 log cfu mL−1) and the lowest pH of 4.69. The obtained GHP significantly improved the growth of S. thermophilus ( P < 0.05), while it had little effect on the growth of L. bulgaricus ( P > 0.05)., The viable count of Bb12 of the yogurt obtained with the addition of 1.5% GHP was about four times higher than that of the control without GHP addition. The growth-promoting effect of GHP might be related to its high content of Glu, Leu and Ala while had no direct relationship with sialic acid content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a catalytic mechanismfor the cycloaddition of epoxideto carbon dioxide catalyzed by salen-M (M = Co, Zn, Al) based on densityfunctional theory calculations. The catalytic reaction follows a single-sitemechanism rather than a bimetallic-site mechanism, which includesfour steps: epoxide adsorption by salen-M, ring opening of epoxide,CO2insertion, and intramolecular rearrangement. Our calculationresults showed that the highest reaction barrier for salen-Co catalystis only 9.94 kcal/mol, which is lower than that of salen-Al (14.38kcal/mol) and salen-Zn (13.05 kcal/mol). The results indicate thatthe reaction catalyzed by salen-Al, salen-Co, or salen-Zn can occurat room temperature and atmospheric pressure, which is in agreementwith experimental results. The mechanism can be used for the designof a novel catalyst for this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]