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Objectives: To investigate the frailty status of inpatients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and analyse its influencing factors, so as to provide evidence for the early identification of high‐risk groups and frailty management. Background: Early identification of frailty can guide the development and implementation of holistic and individualized treatment plans. However, at present, the frailty of patients with CHF has not attracted enough attention. Design: A cross‐sectional study. Methods: From June 2022 to June 2023, a convenience sample of 256 participants were recruited at a hospital in China. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of frailty in patients with CHF, and an ROC curve was drawn to determine the cut‐off values for each influencing factor. STROBE checklist guides the reporting of the manuscript. Results: A total of 270 questionnaires were sent out during the survey, and 256 valid questionnaires were ultimately recovered, resulting in an effective recovery rate of 94.8%. The incidence of frailty in hospitalized patients with CHF was 68.75%. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age, self‐care ability, nutritional risk, Kinesiophobia and NT‐proBNP were risk factors for frailty, while albumin and LVEF were protective factors. Conclusion: Multidimensional frailty was prevalent in hospitalized patients with CHF. Medical staff should take measures as early as possible from the aspects of exercise, nutrition, psychology and disease to delay the occurrence and development of frailty and reduce the occurrence of clinical adverse events caused by frailty. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study emphasizes the importance of the early identification of multidimensional frailty and measures can be taken to delay the occurrence and development of frailty through exercise, nutrition, psychology and disease treatment. Patient or Public Contribution: Patients contributed through sharing their information required for the case report form and filling out questionnaires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technology, as an efficient and widely used technology, can fabricate a ceramic film on magnesium (Mg) alloys in situ to significantly improve corrosion resistance. The study aims to investigate the effect of voltage modes on the preparation and performance of MAO coating on Mg alloys. The scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer, potential dynamic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements were applied for characterizing the microstructure, composition, and corrosion resistance of the MAO film, respectively. The results revealed that employed 300/350 V step-up mode, the MAO film showed a more uniform distribution of surface micro-pores, fewer micro-cracks and denser inner layer, lower corrosion current density (1.871 × 10−3 mA·cm−2), and higher electrochemical impedance value, compared to other voltage treated parameters. Therefore, it could be concluded that the step-up voltage parameters are conducive to the optimization of microstructure, improvement of corrosion resistance of MAO coating, and reduction of the energy consumption during processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the impact of heating on the nutritional and antioxidant properties of lotus root, a comparative analysis was conducted between its heated and unheated whole powders. The whole powder of heated lotus root (HLRWP) exhibited a higher level of total soluble sugars but a lower level of free phenolic compounds compared to the whole powder of fresh lotus root (FLRWP). Meanwhile, they showed significant differences in metabolite composition encompassing phenolic compounds, flavonoids, amino acids, vitamins and lipids. The replacement of sugar and corn in the medium with 25% HLRWP effectively enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (total superoxide dismutase and catalase), while reducing malonaldehyde content in Drosophila melanogaster males. The average, median and maximum lifespans of the fruit flies were extended by 35.90%, 23.49% and 24.00% respectively, accompanied by an improvement in climbing ability. Additionally, their resistance to oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide or paraquat was enhanced. The antioxidant capacity of HLRWP in vivo was found to be obviously stronger compared to FLRWP, which may have a crucial association with the regulation of L-arginine and adenosine monophosphate levels. The results indicate that heating can enhance the nutritional quality of lotus root products by strengthening their antioxidant capacity. • Lotus root prolongs the lifespan of fruit flies by antioxidant mechanism. • Heating is beneficial to enhance the antioxidant effect of lotus root in Drosophila. • Its mechanism is related to the mTOR signaling pathway and amino acid metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, agarose acetate (AGA) nanofibrous membranes containing different weight percentages of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were successfully developed through electrospinning. The fibers in the nanofibrous membranes had a rough surface due to the β-TCP particles which were uniformly dispersed within or on the surface of AGA fibers. Rat-bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) were cultured on the AGA based nanofibrous membranes while showed a good adhesion and proliferation. It was found that more rBMSCs were differentiated to osteoblast-like cells on the β-TCP containing nanofibrous membranes compared with the single AGA membrane, and more alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mineralized matrix could be detected when rBMSCs were cultured on the β-TCP containing nanofibrous membranes. The nanofibrous membranes were implanted into Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats for biocompatibility test. Gross examination and histological analysis of the AGA based nanofibrous membranes results showed that there was less inflammatory response. All of experimental results suggested that the AGA based nanofibrous membranes had the great potential application in bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is listed among the eight major food allergens, in which Ara h 2 is the major allergen. The microbial transglutaminase (MTGase)‐catalyzed cross‐linking reaction reduces the allergenicity of Ara h 2. However, deamidation might occur and influence the cross‐linking reaction. In this work, native and reduced Ara h 2 were catalyzed by MTGase. In addition to intermolecular cross‐linking, intramolecular cross‐linking and deamidation were proven to occur simultaneously. Moreover, intramolecular cross‐linking sites were identified using mass spectrometry and the PLINK software. The reactions moved toward different directions because of different reduction conditions and different protein concentrations. Practical applications: Cross‐linking is a common processing method used to improve the textural and functional properties of protein. Deamidation reaction might occur during processing and influence the cross‐linking reaction. The two types of reactions have a competitive relation, because both of them occur on glutamine residue. In Ara h 2 and MTGase system, protein concentration and reduction content influence the direction of reaction. The results can be applied to modify the reaction system of Ara h 2 catalyzed by MTGase. In addition, the relationship between structure and properties changes on Ara h 2 was discussed based on analysis of cross‐linking sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sensitive and selective surface plasmon resonance (SPR) aptasensor has been developed for the real-time determination of lysozyme. The thiol-terminated lysozyme aptamer was covalently attached to the surface of sensor through Au–S bonding. In the presence of lysozyme, the aptamer captured lysozyme on the surface and enhanced the SPR signal that was proportional to the concentration of lysozyme. Under the optimized conditions, the SPR signal was linear with lysozyme concentration from 1 to 100 µmol/L. The detection limit for lysozyme was 0.5 µmol/L. The aptasensor also provided high specificity for lysozyme and was unaffected by other proteins. This aptasensor provides rapid, simple, and sensitive determination of lysozyme detection and a promising strategy for other proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The effect of low molecular weight compounds in KZ (Kazakhstan) brown coal on the formation and distribution of light aromatics such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and naphthalene (BTEXN) during coal pyrolysis was investigated in this study online by Py–GC/MS. The results show that the BTEXN amount obtained from the pyrolysis of acid-washed KZ coal residues (AWKZR) by pyridine extraction is 33% lower than that from acid-washed KZ coal (AWKZ), indicating that low molecular weight compounds can promote the formation of BTEXN. The straight aliphatic hydrocarbons in low molecular weight compounds are the main hydrogen donor during the formation of BTEXN. The BTEXN amount from the pyrolysis of acid-washed KZ coal extracts (AWKZE) is only 14% of that from that of AWKZ, and thus the thermal cracking of coal macromolecular skeleton may be the main source of BTEXN. Compared with the KZ coal, the BTEXN amount obtained from the pyrolysis of the blends of KZ coal extracts (KZE) and residues (KZR) at 700 °C is reduced by 17%, thus indicating that the existing form of low molecular weight compounds, their bond with coal skeleton and spatial location have a significant effect on BTEXN formation during coal pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biocompatible and biodegradable ε-poly- l-lysine (EPL)/poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) copolymer was designed and synthesized. The amphiphilic EPL-PCL copolymer could easily self-assembled into monodispersed nanoparticles (NPs), which showed a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Interestingly, the antibacterial efficacy of the novel NPs is more potent than the cationic peptide EPL. To explore the underlying mechanism of the biodegradable cationic NPs, various possible antibacterial pathways have been validated. The NPs have been found that they can disrupt bacterial walls/membranes and induce the increasing in reactive oxygen species and alkaline phosphatase levels. More importantly, the self-assembled NPs induced the changes in bacterial osmotic pressure, resulting in cell invagination to form holes and cause the leakage of cytoplasm. Taken together, our results suggest that the EPL-PCL NPs can be further developed to be a promising antimicrobial agent to treat infectious diseases as surfactants and emulsifiers to enhance drug encapsulation efficiency and antimicrobial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid/polyvinylidene fluoride (APTMS-DTPA/PVDF) chelating membrane was employed to remove Cu(II) from an aqueous solution. The influence of Co(II), Ni(II), tartrate, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the sorption of Cu(II) was investigated by a series of dynamic adsorption tests and by density-functional theory (DFT) calculations. Isotherms and kinetics of the membrane sorption process towards Cu(II) in the presence of the two other cations and the two complexing reagents were elucidated. The DFT descriptors, such as chemical potential, electronegativity, electrophilicity index and charge transfer, and the complexation energy, were calculated. Cu(II) showed higher electrophilicity than Co(II) and Ni(II), and the sorption of Cu(II) by the chelating membrane in the absence of tartrate and EDTA was stronger than in their presence. Ni(II) tended to form a more stable complex with the complexing ligand than Co(II). EDTA interfered more strongly with Cu(II) uptake than tartrate. Adsorption isotherms and adsorption kinetics were fitted to the Langmuir and the Lagergren second-order models. The [Cu(APTMS-DTPA)]2−complex exhibited higher charge transfer and a more negative complexation energy than [Co(APTMS-DTPA)]2−, [Ni(APTMS-DTPA)]2−, Cu-tartrate, and Cu-EDTA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigated the effects of easy versus difficult math on event-related potentials as a function of self-esteem in 28 undergraduate students. First, it was found that participants responded much more rapidly to an easy task. Second, the amplitude of P2 (150-300 ms) was more positive amplified in low self-esteem participants when compared to high self-esteem participants. Third, the difficult task elicited a greater N2 (300-450 ms) com-ponent than the easy task, but only in the low self-esteem participants. Finally, the easy task elicited a greater late positive component (LPC: 450-600 ms) compared with the difficult task and the difficult task elicited a greater LPC (900-1200 ms) components compared with the easy task separately, which were consistent with behavioral reaction times. We speculate that the difficult math might have induced more negative emotions in subjects with low self-esteem, and that low self-esteem individuals might be more susceptible to interpret the difficult task as threatening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptomyces sahachiroi ATCC 33158 produces the potent antitumor antibiotic azinomycin B, which is featured with a set of unusual functionalized moieties. However, the genetic analyses of azinomycin B biosynthetic pathway are hampered by the low efficiency of S. sahachiroi genetic manipulation. In this study, we developed two efficient DNA transfer systems for S. sahachiroi ATCC 33158 by optimizing a variety of parameters known to affect intergeneric conjugation and protoplast transformation. High efficiencies of 4 × 102 transformants per μg DNA and 2.47 × 10−4 conjugants per recipient were achieved when using the integrative vector pJTU2554. With the use of these improved genetic manipulation systems, aziU3 was discovered to play a key role in the biosynthesis of azinomycin B. In-frame deletion and complementation experiments demonstrated clearly that aziU3 is essential for azinomycin B biosynthesis. Changing the native promoter and insertion of an additional aziU3 gene copy resulted in two mutant strains over-producing azinomycin B. Real-time PCR verified that overexpression of aziU3 significantly improved the azinomycin B production in these mutant strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrorist attacks are harmful to lives and property and seriously affect the stability of the international community and economic development. Exploring the regularity of terrorist attacks and building a model for assessing the risk of terrorist attacks (a kind of public safety risk, and it means the possibility of a terrorist attack) are of great significance to the security and stability of the international community and to global anti-terrorism. We propose a fusion of Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) and a Multi-label k-Nearest Neighbor (I-MLKNN)-based assessment model for terrorist attacks, which is in a grid-scale and considers 17 factors of socio-economic and natural environments, and applied the I-MLKNN assessment model to assess the risk of terrorist attacks in Southeast Asia. The results show the I-MLKNN multi-label classification algorithm is proven to be an ideal tool for the assessment of the spatial distribution of terrorist attacks, and it can assess the risk of different types of terrorist attacks, thus revealing the law of distribution of different types of terrorist attacks. The terrorist attack risk assessment results indicate that Armed Attacks, Bombing/Explosions and Facility/Infrastructure Attacks in Southeast Asia are high-risk terrorist attack events, and the southernmost part of Thailand and the Philippines are high-risk terrorist attack areas for terrorism. We do not only provide a reference for incorporating spatial features in multi-label classification algorithms, but also provide a theoretical basis for decision-makers involved in terrorist attacks, which is meaningful to the implementation of the international counter-terrorism strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Bacterial infections have long threatened global public safety; hence, it is significant to continuously develop antibacterial fibers that are closely related to people's daily lives. Berberine hydrochloride is a natural antibacterial agent that has application prospects in the preparation of antibacterial fibers. (2) Methods: This study firstly verified the antibacterial properties of berberine hydrochloride and its possible antibacterial mechanism. Thereafter, berberine hydrochloride was introduced into the self-made melt-spun polyurethane fiber through optimized coating technology. The performance of coating modified polyurethane fiber has been systematically evaluated, including its antibacterial properties, mechanical properties, and surface wettability. (3) Results: Results show that the antibacterial polyurethane fiber with desirable comprehensive properties is expected to be used in the biomedical fields. (4) Conclusions: The research also provides a reference for the development and application of other natural antibacterial ingredients in fiber fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic degradation is an advanced technique towards remediation of wastewater laden with organic contaminants. In the present study, in order to improve the photocatalytic activity and recycling times of TiO2 under visible light, TiO2 was facilely in situ immobilized on activated carbon fiber (ACF) surface by coating and hydrothermal treatment, called ACF-TiO2. XRD indicated that TiO2 on ACF-TiO2 was nano anatase type with a grain size of 3.72 nm. SEM, XPS and FT-IR analysis showed that TiO2 was uniformly dispersed on the surface of ACF, and the C element of ACF entered the lattice of TiO2, forming Ti–O–C bond. According to the analysis of UV-Vis DRS, the response of ACF-TiO2 to light exhibited a significant red shift, and the bandgap energy value decreased to 3.03 eV; In the process of eliminating MB, the presence of ACF improved the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 and the loaded TiO2 continuously degraded the MB molecules adsorbed by ACF. The whole process of adsorption-photocatalytic degradation was dynamically completed, and the synergistic effect between ACF and nano TiO2 was beneficial to the in situ regeneration and sustainable use of ACF-TiO2. This study may provide a facile reference to prepare ACF supported TiO2 without the sacrifice of the pores and adsorption capacity of substrates of ACF, and the desirable performance can be highly applied in the treatment of wastewater contaminated with organic dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the potential of using nanotechnology to modulate the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer (CRC) therapy. It explains the association between specific microbiomes and CRC initiation and progression, as well as their impact on treatment outcomes. The article explores various strategies for modulating the gut microbiota, such as antibiotics, fecal microbiota transplants, probiotics, prebiotics, and diet modifications. It suggests that nanotechnology can offer targeted approaches for manipulating the gut microbiota in CRC therapy, but further research is needed to develop effective delivery systems for bacteria-targeting medicines. The article also highlights challenges that need to be addressed in the use of nanomedicine for CRC management. Overall, nanomedicine shows promise in modulating the gut microbiota for CRC therapy. [Extracted from the article]

Peanut is ranked among the eight major food allergens. Ara h 2 is its major allergen, recognized by more than 90% of serum IgE from peanut-allergic patients. Cross-linking catalysed by microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) is proved to be feasible to decrease the allergenicity of Ara h 2. The crosslinking reaction occurred both inter- and intra-molecular could gain products with different molecular weights. In this study, after MTGase catalysed crosslinking, the products were separated into low molecular weight part of Ara h 2 (LP-Ara h 2) and high molecular weight part of Ara h 2 (HP-Ara h 2), and the structure, digestibility, IgG and IgE binding capability of each part were analysed. Compared with LP-Ara h 2, HP-Ara h 2 was found to have looser structure, higher digestion rate and corresponding lower immunogenicity. By controlling the reaction condition to get different products, the protein desensitization processes would get a better result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the importance and promise of cancer vaccines for broader prevention and treatment of cancer, limited clinical responses are observed, suggesting that key rational designs are required for inducing potent immune responses against cancer. Here we report a mesoporous silicon vector (MSV) as a multi-functional microparticle for formulating an efficient cancer vaccine composed of B16 melanoma derived-tyrosinase related protein 2 (TRP2) peptide and dual toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists. We demonstrated that MSV microparticles protected the peptide from rapid degradation for prolonged antigen presentation to immune cells. Moreover, MSV enabled co-delivery of two different TLR agonists [CpG oligonucleotide and monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA)] along with TRP2 peptide into the same dendritic cell (DC), thus increasing the efficiency and capacity of DCs to induce potent TRP2-specifc CD8 + T cell responses against B16 melanoma. Furthermore, this MSV-based DC vaccine could significantly prolong the median survival of tumor-bearing mice by orchestrating effective host immune responses involving CD8 + T cells, CD4 + T cells and macrophages. Our study provides rational and potentially translational approach to develop durable and potent immunotherapy for patients with cancer by delivering various combinations of tumor antigens, neoantigens and innate immune agonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstracts A considerable amount of organic compounds could be released during coal utilization processes, and these compounds could have a significant detrimental effect on the environment and human health if freely discharged. In this study, we investigated the yields of two organic compounds (PAHs and phenols) released during the pyrolysis of coals with different ranks. And then, the formation mechanisms of PAHs and phenols are discussed by means of comparisons the correlation between release principles and coal structure. The results showed that the yields of PAHs and phenols depended to a large extent on coal structure. PAHs are formed not only by thermal breakdown of coal structure, but also by the combination of different low molecule weight compounds with each other. Monohydric phenolic carbon and aromatic ether carbon were likely to be the precursor structure of phenols. The formation of phenol, cresol and xylenol are closely related to the types of free radical (like H or CH 3 ) and the chemical structure of oxygenated aromatic carbon in coal during pyrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A novel application of Mo/HZSM-5 on improving BTEXN yield was investigated in situ. [•] The yield of BTEXN from coal pyrolysis was increased remarkably by HZSM-5 and Mo/HZSM-5. [•] The conditions and principle of Mo/HZSM-5 improving BTEXN yield were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Treating and utilizing heavy metal enriched plants have become growing problems. In this work, a series of composite foams were made from the powder of Cadmium-rich plant, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and polyurethane (PU). Test results indicated that the addition of plant powder can not only increase the specific surface area, but also improve the apparent density and thermal stability of the foams. Besides, compared with the foam without plant powder, the powder-added foams exhibited a decreasing trend for thermal conductivity, and the minimum was 0.048 w/(m·k), which indicated that the addition of plant powder can help to enhance the thermal insulation of composite foam. More importantly, the results of leaching experiment showed that the leaching rate of heavy metal cadmium in the composite foam with 50% plant powder content was as low as 0.14% after being immersed in the acidic (pH = 3) solution for 5 days, which implies that the foam materials are very safe. This study provides a new way to realize high value-added resource utilization of heavy metal-enriched plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Multifunctional cotton fabrics (Cotton-Si-EU) were prepared by eugenol modification. • Cotton-Si-EU showed over 99.99% antibacterial rate after 50 washing cycles. • Cotton-Si-EU displayed 73% anti-mite, and 75% mosquito repellent rates. • The excellent properties of the original cotton were maintained. Cotton fabrics are widely used in everyday life; however, increasing their versatility through green modifications remains a challenge. The current mainstream approach merely physically attaches the additives onto the fibers, resulting in low binding affinity. In this study, novel cotton fabrics (Cotton-Si-EU) with long-lasting antibacterial, anti-mite, and mosquito-repellent properties were facilely fabricated in a green procedure. In contrast to conventional coating and physical addition methods, the eugenol graft modification ensured the safety, environmental friendliness and long-lasting functionality of the Cotton-Si-EU. In addition, Cotton-Si-EU fabrics retained the softness, comfort, breathability, and moisture absorption originating from the cotton fabric. Cotton-Si-EU also showed over 99.99% antibacterial, 73% anti-mite, and 75% mosquito repellent rates, simultaneously destroying microorganisms and insects through oxidative stress, inhibiting enzyme activity, affecting cell structure, and other mechanisms. More importantly, after 50 washing cycles, the fabrics still exhibited durable antibacterial properties higher than the AAA requirements, indicating high functional longevity. In addition, good cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and negligible skin irritation demonstrated excellent biological safety. Therefore, this study is of great significance in providing a reference for modifying cotton fabrics using an infinite number of natural products after screening, which will broaden the application scope and improve the safety level of functional cotton fabrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low chemosensitivity considerably restricts the therapeutic efficacy of gemcitabine (GEM) in pancreatic cancer treatment. Using immunohistochemical evaluation, we investigated that decreased expression of human equilibrative nucleoside transporter-1 (hENT1, which is the major GEM transporter across cell membranes) and increased expression of ribonucleotide reductase subunit 2 (RRM2, which decreases the cytotoxicity of GEM) was associated with low GEM chemosensitivity. To solve these problems, we employed a nanomedicine-based formulation of cationic liposomes for co-delivery of GEM along with siRNA targeting RRM2. Due to the specific endocytic uptake mechanism of nanocarriers and gene-silencing effect of RRM2 siRNA, this nanomedicine formulation significantly increased GEM chemosensitivity in tumor models of genetically engineered Panc1 cells with low hENT1 or high RRM2 expression. Moreover, in a series of patient-derived cancer cells, we demonstrated that the therapeutic benefits of the nanomedicine formulations were associated with the expression levels of hENT1 and RRM2. In summary, we found that the essential factors of GEM chemosensitivity were the expression levels of hENT1 and RRM2, and synthesized nanoformulations can overcome these problems. This unique design of nanomedicine not only provides a universal platform to enhance chemosensitivity but also contributes to the precision design and personalized treatment in nanomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metals have been reported to affect liver function. However, there is currently little and inconsistent knowledge about the effects of combined and individual urinary metals on specific parameters of liver function in the general population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate their associations. This study involved 807 general population from the China National Human Biomonitoring of Zhejiang Province 2017–2018. Concentrations of urinary metals, including Chromium (Cr), Cobalt (Co), Nickle (Ni), Arsenic (As), Selenium (Se), Molybdenum (Mo), Cadmium (Cd), Thallium (Tl) and Lead (Pb) were measured. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), direct bilirubin (DBIL), total bilirubin (TBIL) as liver function biomarkers. Multivariable linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression were employed to explore the associations of urinary metals with liver function biomarkers. Subgroup analysis stratified by gender and age, excluding smokers and drinkers for sensitivity analysis. Both statistical models indicated that urinary metals were positively associated with ALT and AST, while negatively with TP, ALB, DBIL and TBIL. In the WQS analysis, each quartile increase in the ln-transformed levels of metal mixtures was associated with 4.11 IU/L (95% CI: 1.07, 7.15) higher ALT and 3.00 IU/L (95% CI: 1.75, 4.25) higher AST, as well as, with 0.67 g/L (95% CI: 1.24, −0.11) lower TP, 0.74 g/L (95% CI: 1.09, −0.39) lower ALB, 0.38 μmol/L (95% CI: 0.67, −0.09) lower DBIL, and 1.56 μmol/L (95% CI: 2.22, −0.90) lower TBIL. The association between urinary metals and ALT was primarily driven by Cd (55.8%), Cr contributed the most to the association with AST (20.2%) and TBIL (45.2%), while the association with TP was primarily driven by Ni (38.2%), the association with ALB was primarily driven by As (32.8%), and the association with DBIL was primarily driven by Pb (30.9%). The associations between urinary metals and liver function might differ by sex and age. Urinary metals were significantly associated with liver function parameters. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between heavy metals and liver function. [Display omitted] • Urinary metals were significantly associated with liver function biomarkers individually in the general population. • Both statistical models indicated that urinary metals were positively associated with ALT and AST, and negatively associated with TP, ALB, DBIL, and TBIL. • The associations between urinary metals and liver function might differ by sex and age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ara h 2 is considered a major allergen in peanut. Due to the difficulty of separation, Ara h 2 had not been fully studied. Immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC) column can separate target protein with high selectivity, which made it possible to purify Ara h 2 from different samples. In this study, IAC method was developed to purify Ara h 2 and its effect was evaluated. By coupling polyclonal antibody (pAb) on CNBr-activated Sepharose 4B, the column for specific extraction was constructed. The coupling efficiency of the IAC column was higher than 90%, which made the capacity of column reached 0.56 mg per 0.15 g medium (dry weight). The recovery of Ara h 2 ranged from 93% to 100% for different concentrations of pure Ara h 2 solutions in 15 min. After using a column 10 times, about 88% of the column capacity remained. When applied to extract Ara h 2 from raw peanut protein extract and boiled peanut protein extract, the IAC column could recovery 94% and 88% target protein from the mixture. SDS-PAGE and Western blotting analysis confirmed the purified protein was Ara h 2, its purity reached about 90%. Significantly, the IAC column could capture dimer of Ara h 2, which made it feasible to prepared derivative of protein after processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The abundant sugar and water content make grapes highly susceptible to rot by pathogenic bacteria, which accounts for millions of dollars in revenue loss each year. Herein, to alleviate this problem, rot-proof bronopol embedded-polyurethane hybrid films (PBV) containing 3 g/100 g of Vitamin C (Vc) were developed by electrospinning. PBV films had the lowest water vapor transmission rate when compared to the other groups, with a value of 2.57 mg·cm−2·h−1 (23 °C, 75%), and achieved over 99.99% inhibition of E. coli , S aureus , and B. subtilis. For the PBV films packaged grapes, the content of organic acids increased by more than 10% and the weight loss rate was lowered by over 50%. More importantly, the production rate of CO 2 is 1.64 ppm·g−1·h−1 that can substantially delay grape ripening and spoilage resulting from transpiration. This study offers a facile manufacturing route to develop multifunctional composite films for grape preservation. • PBV film was prepared by electrospinning of TPU and intrinsically antimicrobial PBND.with intrinsic antimicrobial properties was prepared • Mechanical properties of PBV films are qualified for grape packaging. • Antioxidant capacity of PBV films can effectively preserve the nutrients of grapes. • This novel packaging films can reduce the respiration rate of grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A polyvinylidene fluoride-based membrane bearing the diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid chelating group was employed to recover Cu(II) from the Cu(II)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid complex aqueous solution. Effects of Ca(II), Fe(II), and Fe(III) on Cu(II) uptake were investigated by static batch adsorption tests and dynamic adsorption filtration. Isotherms, kinetics, and breakthrough curves of Cu(II) uptakes in the presence of the three cations at concentrations of 1 mmol L−1were elucidated. The three cations showed a positive effect on the Cu(II) uptake; the stimulative roles were in the order of Fe(III) > Fe(II) > Ca(II). They did not alter the adsorption behavior of the membrane; adsorption isotherms and kinetics could be described by Langmuir and Lagergren second-order models, and Cu(II) adsorption was a spontaneous and exothermic process. The presence of Ca(II), Fe(II), and Fe(III) increased the sorption capacity of the membrane stack by 1.3, 1.9, and 3 times. Breakthrough time and the exhaustion time of membrane stacks were also extended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amifostine, an organic thiophosphate prodrug, has been clinically utilized for selective protection of normal tissues with high expression of alkaline phosphatase from oxidative damage elicited by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. However, the patients receiving amifostine suffer from severe dose-dependent adverse effects. Strategies for improvement of the protective efficacy and toxicity profile of amifostine are urgently required. Here we constructed a PEGylated amifostine (PEG-amifostine) through conjugation of amifostine to the 4-arm PEG (5000 Da) by a mild one-step reaction. The relatively large PEG-amifostine molecules clustered into spherical nanoparticles, resulting in distinct hydrolysis properties, cell uptake profile and antioxidative activity compared with the free small molecules. PEGylation prolonged the hydrolysis time of amifostine, providing sustained transformation to its functional metabolites. PEG-amifostine could be internalized into cells and translocated to acidic organelles in a time-dependent manner. The intrinsic cytotoxicity of amifostine, which is related to the reductive reactivity of its metabolites and their ability to diffuse readily, was attenuated after PEGylation. This modification impeded the interaction between free sulfhydryls and functional biomolecules, providing PEG-amifostine with an improved safety profile in vitro . Moreover, PEG-amifostine showed higher efficiency in the elimination of reactive oxygen species and prevention of cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity compared with free amifostine. Overall, our study for the first time developed a PEGylated form of amifostine which significantly improved the efficacy and decreased the adverse effects of this antioxidant in vitro with great promise for clinical translation. In vivo study is urgently needed to confirm and redeem the cytoprotective effects of the PEG-amifostine in chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel cleavable amphiphilic peptide (CAP) was designed to be specifically responsive to fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α), a protease specifically expressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts. The CAP self-assembled into fiber-like nanostructures in solution, while the presence of hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs readily transformed the assemblies into drug-loaded spherical nanoparticles. The disassembly of these nanoparticles (CAP-NPs) upon FAP-α cleavage resulted in rapid and efficient release of the encapsulated drugs specifically at tumor sites. This Transformers- like drug delivery strategy could allow them to disrupt the stromal barrier and enhance local drug accumulation. Therapeutic results suggested that drug-loaded CAP-NPs hold promising tumor specificity and therapeutic efficacy for various solid tumor models, confirming its potential utility and versatility in antitumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel cleavable amphiphilic peptide (CAP) was designed to be specifically responsive to fibroblast activation protein-α (FAP-α), a protease specifically expressed on the surface of cancer-associated fibroblasts. The CAP self-assembled into fiber-like nanostructures in solution, while the presence of hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs readily transformed the assemblies into drug-loaded spherical nanoparticles. The disassembly of these nanoparticles (CAP-NPs) upon FAP-α cleavage resulted in rapid and efficient release of the encapsulated drugs specifically at tumor sites. This Transformers-like drug delivery strategy could allow them to disrupt the stromal barrier and enhance local drug accumulation. Therapeutic results suggested that drug-loaded CAP-NPs hold promising tumor specificity and therapeutic efficacy for various solid tumor models, confirming its potential utility and versatility in antitumor therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the fact that transcatheter cardiovascular interventions are increasingly prevalent nowadays, friction damage caused by mechanical interaction between blood vessel and cardiovascular catheter limit their therapeutic utility. Based on dopamine-modified hyaluronic (HA-DN) acid and chitosan (CHI), a layer-by-layer lubricating coating for cardiovascular catheters was designed and assessed in this work. Results showed that the CHI/HA-DN composite coatings became more hydrophilic as the deposition layers were increased. The (CHI/HA-DN) 8 assembly effectively reduced the coefficient of friction (COF) and related frictional energy dissipation. Besides, the fluorescent intensity, number of nucleus, SEM morphology and histological slices after friction experiment demonstrated that the (CHI/HA-DN) 8 coating can protect the aorta from mechanical injury related to the control group. In conclusion, the CHI/HA-DN assembly can provide an alternative selection for low-damage lubricating cardiovascular catheter. [Display omitted] • The CHI/HA-DN coatings were successful deposited on PTFE surface. • The deposited coatings showed good hydrophilicity with increasing deposition layers. • The COF and frictional energy dissipation both showed a significant decline. • The deposited coatings showed no significant difference for HUVECs growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The FOLFIRINOX regimen, a combination of three chemotherapy agents (5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin) and folinic acid (a vitamin B derivatives reducing the side effect of 5-fluorouracil), has proved to be effective in the treatment of pancreatic cancer, and is more efficacious than the long-term reference standard, gemcitabine. However, the FOLFIRINOX is associated with high-grade toxicity, which markedly limits its clinical application. Encapsulation of drugs in nanocarriers that selectively target cancer cells promises to be an effective method for co-delivery of drug combinations and to mitigate the side effects of conventional chemotherapy. Here we reported the development of multiple layer-by-layer lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles with targeting capability that show excellent biocompatibility and synergistically combine the favorable properties of liposomes and polymer nanoparticles. Relative to nanoparticles consisting of polymer alone, these novel nanocarriers have a long half-life in vivo and a higher stability in serum. The nanocarriers were loaded with the three active antitumor constituents of FOLFIRINOX regimen. Little drugs were released from the nanoparticles in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution, but the cargoes were quickly released after the nanoparticles were taken up by tumor cells. These innovative drug-loaded nanoparticles achieved higher antitumor efficacy and showed minimal side effects compared with the FOLFIRINOX regimen alone. Our study suggested that the multiple layer-by-layer hybrid nanoparticles have great potential for improving the chemotherapeutic efficacy for the patients with pancreatic cancer. This platform also provides new opportunities for tailored design of nanoparticles that may offer therapeutics benefits for a range of other tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High seed vigor is important for agricultural production due to the associated potential for increased growth and productivity. However, a better understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is required because the genetic basis for seed vigor remains unknown. We used single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for four seed vigor traits in two connected recombinant inbred line (RIL) maize populations under four treatment conditions during seed germination. Sixty-five QTLs distributed between the two populations were identified and a meta-analysis was used to integrate genetic maps. Sixty-one initially identified QTLs were integrated into 18 meta-QTLs (mQTLs). Initial QTLs with contribution to phenotypic variation values of R2>10% were integrated into mQTLs. Twenty-three candidate genes for association with seed vigor traits coincided with 13 mQTLs. The candidate genes had functions in the glycolytic pathway and in protein metabolism. QTLs with major effects (R2>10%) were identified under at least one treatment condition for mQTL2, mQTL3-2, and mQTL3-4. Candidate genes included a calcium-dependent protein kinase gene (302810918) involved in signal transduction that mapped in the mQTL3-2 interval associated with germination energy (GE) and germination percentage (GP), and an hsp20/alpha crystallin family protein gene (At5g51440) that mapped in the mQTL3-4 interval associated with GE and GP. Two initial QTLs with a major effect under at least two treatment conditions were identified for mQTL5-2. A cucumisin-like Ser protease gene (At5g67360) mapped in the mQTL5-2 interval associated with GP. The chromosome regions for mQTL2, mQTL3-2, mQTL3-4, and mQTL5-2 may be hot spots for QTLs related to seed vigor traits. The mQTLs and candidate genes identified in this study provide valuable information for the identification of additional quantitative trait genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manufacturing facile and low-cost wound dressings that simultaneously meet the needs of the entire repair process remains the major challenge of effective wound healing. Herein, a series of curdlan-tannic acid hybrid hydrogels were successfully fabricated through the annealing technique. Notedly, when the mixing weigh ratio was 1:1, the hydrogel exhibited excellent physicochemical properties, including swellability, degradability, water retention, porosity, and rheology. Additionally, the hydrogel did not display significant cytotoxicity to fibroblasts and the hemolysis rate at 12 h was 3%. Interestingly, the hybrid hydrogel showed multifunctional properties, including remarkable antioxidant, antibacterial, and rapid hemostasis effects reduce blood loss by 0.35 g, that were achieved through the temperature-dependent release of tannic acid. Moreover, a full-thickness skin defect animal model was used to verify that the multifunctional hydrogel could accelerate wound healing in vivo. These results suggest that this hybrid hydrogel is a promising candidate for the clinical treatment of full-thickness wounds. [Display omitted] • A novel curdlan/tannic acid hydrogel was prepared by annealing technology. • Curdlan/tannic acid hydrogel performed adjustable physicochemical properties. • The developed hydrogel represented high safety features on mammalian cells. • The developed hydrogel showed an outstanding effect on wound healing progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 1 figure and 5 tables Abstract Leaf area (LA) is the most important photosynthesis acceptor, and therefore, size of LA (especially the three ear-leaves) plays a vital role in dry matter accumulation and grain yield in maize. Genetic mechanisms on LA have a theoretical significance for breeding maize with high yield. However, the genetic control of LA remains unknown in maize. In this study, QTL for LA were mapped using two sets of connected F2 : 3 populations with 229 and 245 families evaluated in two to three environments. Meta-analysis was used to integrate genetic maps and detect QTL across two populations. A total of 38 QTL were detected, 17 in population 1 and 21 in population 2. Thirty-eight QTL were integrated in 13 meta-QTL (mQTL). The novel mQTL2-1 was found to include two initial QTL, and mQTL5-2 to include four initial QTL. Both of them had one of the initial QTL with R2 over 10%. Therefore, the chromosome regions for these two mQTL with high QTL co-localization might be hot spots for important QTL for LA. Seven key candidate genes controlling related traits of LA were observed to be coincided with five corresponding mQTL, including Arlng1, ArPFL2/ OsH1, ArCLF/ArCyCB2;3(LL), ArCYCD3;2, and Osnrl. Especially, Arlng1 was mapped within the important mQTL2-1 interval. Fine mapping for genetic regions of such mQTL is worth further study and could be put into use in marker-assisted breeding. The results provide useful information for further researching and understanding of the molecular mechanisms with regard to LA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Aqueous PAI-MoS 2 -graphite bonded solid lubricating coatings are novel green lubricated materials. • Aqueous coating with the MRGM of 0.3 exhibits more excellent mechanical and tribological properties. • Tribological mechanisms of aqueous coatings are systematically investigated concerning the morphology, structure and chemical compositions of wear scars. In this paper, a series of the environmental-friendly aqueous PAI-MoS 2 -graphite bonded solid-lubricating coatings (BSLCs) are prepared depending on the design concept of the recombination of two-component lubricant and aqueous resin, and the mechanical strength and wear resistance of the coatings are deeply optimized by virtue of the synergy of the components of coatings. The experimental results demonstrate that the successful preparation of aqueous BSLCs greatly reduces the utilization of toxic organic solvents and is conducive to environmental protection and resource conservation. Doping an appropriate amount of graphite into the aqueous BSLCs is beneficial to maximize the promotion of the mechanical and tribological properties of the coating, and when the mass ratio of graphite to MoS 2 (MRGM) is 0.3, the mechanical strength, friction reduction and wear resistance of the coatings display the comparable level as that of the organic-solvent based BSLCs. Based on the analysis of the variations of the morphology, structure and chemical composition of the wear scars, the corresponding active mechanisms on the mechanical and tribological properties of the coating are investigated in depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]