Search

Nowadays, few investigations on the process parameters of grafted starch synthesized using electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization (ARGET ATRP) and its applications in warp sizing and paper-making are presented. Therefore, this study aimed to survey the appropriate process parameters of bromoisobutyryl esterified starch- g -poly(acrylic acid) (BBES- g -PAA) synthesized by the ARGET ATRP, and also aimed to provide a new biobased BBES- g -PAA adhesive. The appropriate synthesis process parameters were 1.2, 0.32, and 0.6 in the molar ratios of vitamin C, CuBr 2 , and pentamethyldivinyltriamine to BBES, respectively, at 40 °C for 5 h. The BBES- g -PAA samples with a grafting ratio range of 4.63–14.14 % exhibited bonding forces of 57.8–64.6 N to wool fibers [55.5 N (BBES) and 53.8 N (ATS)], and their films showed breaking elongations of 3.29–3.80 % [2.74 % (BBES) and 2.49 % (ATS)] and tensile strengths of 29.1–25.4 MPa [30.4 MPa (BBES) and 34.7 MPa (ATS)]. Compared with BBES, significantly increased bonding forces and film elongations, and decreased film strengths for the BBES-g-PAA samples with grafting ratios ≥10.54 % were displayed (p < 0.05). The time (100–42 s) taken for the BBES- g -PAA films was significantly shorter than that of ATS (246 s) and BBES (196 s) films (p < 0.05), corresponding to better desizability. [Display omitted] • The suitable synthesis process parameters of BBES- g -PAA are ascertained. • Relationship of structure-properties of BBES- g -PAA samples is revealed. • BBES- g -PAA is superior to ATS and BBES in adhesion and film properties. • BBES- g -PAA shows potential use in sizing wool warps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flammability and poor toughness of unmodified PLA limit its applications in various fields. Though ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is a green and effective flame retardant, it has poor compatibility with the matrix, leading to a decrease in mechanical properties. Stereo-complexation greatly improves the strength and heat resistance of traditional PLA. However, the effect of flame retardants on the formation of stereo-complexed crystals and the impact of stereo-complexation on flame retardancy have not been studied previously. In this research, PDLA chains were first in-situ reacted with APP particles for improved interfacial compatibility. By utilizing the characteristic of PLA enantiomers that can form stereo-complexed crystals, near-complete stereo-complexed PLA fibers with flame retardancy were produced via clean and continuous melt spinning. The compatibility between PDLA-g-APP and PLLA matrix was studied by SEM, rheological analyses and DSC. Strength and flexibility of the fibers were simultaneously enhanced compared to traditional PLA due to the synergistic effect of interfacial compatibility and stereo-complexation. Compared to traditional PLA, the peak heat release rate and total heat release in microcalorimetry test were reduced by 33 % and 22 %, respectively. The flame-retardant fibers achieved a V-0 rating in the UL-94 test, and an increase in LOI value from 19.4 % to 28.2 %. [Display omitted] • Synergistic effect of stereo-complexation and interfacial adhesion in FR-PLA • Improved interface compatibility by grafting enantiomeric PLA onto flame retardant • Complete stereo-complexation achieved in FR-PLA fibers • Improvement in toughness accompanied with increase in strength [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, zein-loaded cinnamaldehyde (Cin@ZN) nanoparticles were incorporated into Chitosan (CS)/dialdehyde carboxymethyl cellulose (DCMC) matrix to fabricate the active food packaging materials possessing outstanding antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The research investigated how varying levels of Cin@ZN nanoparticles affected the morphology, microstructure, physicochemical properties of CS/DCMC composite films. The inclusion of Cin@ZN could significantly improve the mechanical strength, reduce the water vapor and oxygen permeability of CS/DCMC composite films and endow films with UV-light blocking properties. It's worth noting that the antibacterial and antioxidant capacities of CS/DCMC films had an astonishing enhancement with Cin@ZN blending, in which ABTS scavenging ratio of the composite films (100 mg) with different Cin@ZN contents reached >90 %. Furthermore, CS/DCMC/Cin@ZN 35 % composite film has the ability to efficiently protect strawberries from microbial damage and decelerate the spoilage rate of strawberries under ambient condition. Consequently, the CS/DCMC/Cin@ZN composite film can be applied as packaging material to extend the lifespan of fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study revealed the influence of phosphorylation-dimethylammonium chloride acyloxylation (PDACA) on the desizability, film properties, paste stability, and adhesion of biological starch macromolecules. A new starch-based sizing agent, phosphorylated-dimethylammonium chloride acyloxylated starch (PDACAS), was synthesized with degrees of substitution (DS) ranging from 0.033 to 0.065. Compared to control phosphorylated-quaternized starch (PQS, 87.4 %), the desizing efficiency of cotton yarns sized with PDACAS was ~94 %, exceeding the industrial minimum requirement of 90 %. The PDACAS film tensile properties were as follows: elongation at break of 3.31 %–3.78 %, bending endurance of 1131–1537 cycles, and tensile strength of 35.83–28.31 MPa, compared with those of acid-thinned starch (ATS) film (2.74 %, 957 cycles, and 38.12 MPa). The PDACAS had paste stability of ~92 %, compared with 83.3 % for ATS. The bonding forces (an indicator of adhesion to fibers) ranged from 107.1 N to 125.3 N for cotton roving, and 128.3 N to 148.7 N for polyester/cotton roving, which were significantly better than those of ATS (95 N for cotton and 117.9 N for polyester/cotton roving). Overall, PDACA treatment effectively avoided the adverse effect of high DS quaternization on the desizability of PQS and imparted good film properties, paste stability, and adhesion to starch. [Display omitted] • Relationship of structure-properties of PDACAS adhesive is ascertained. • Easy desizing of PDACAS from cotton warps avoids the desizing difficulty of PQS. • PDACAS is superior to ATS in the film properties, paste stability, and adhesion. • PDACAS presents potential use in sizing cotton and polyester/cotton warps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interferon (IFN) alpha/beta receptor 1 (IFNAR1) is indispensable for antiviral responses and the immune regulation. Dysregulation of the IFNAR1-mediaetd signaling pathways leads to deleterious autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). QX006N, a humanized therapeutic monoclonal antibody, specifically targets human IFNAR1 and is in the clinical trial phase for treating SLE, but the molecular mechanism underlying the QX006N-mediated recognition of IFNAR1 remains unclear. Here, we report the high neutralization activities of QX006N against IFNAR1-mediated signal transduction. Meanwhile, we determine the structures of the fragment antigen-binding domain (Fab) of QX006N (QX006N-Fab) and QX006N-Fab in complex with the subdomains 1–3 of IFNAR1 (IFNAR1-SD123) at 2.87 Å and 2.68 Å resolutions, respectively. In the structure of the QX006N-Fab/IFNAR1-SD123 complex, QX006N-Fab only recognizes the SD3 subdomain of IFNAR1 by the hydrophobic, hydrogen-bonding and electrostatic interactions. Compared with the structure of the IFN/IFNAR1/IFNAR2 complex, the binding of QX006N-Fab to IFNAR1-SD3 blocks its association with IFN due to steric hindrance, which inhibits the IFN/IFNAR1/IFNAR2 complex formation for signal transduction. The results of this study provide the structural evidence for the specific targeting of IFNAR1 by the therapeutic antibody QX006N and pave the way for the rational design of antibody drugs to combat IFNAR1-related autoimmune diseases. [Display omitted] • QX006N is a humanized therapeutic mAb specifically targeting human IFNAR1. • QX006N binds to the SD3 subdomain of IFNAR1. • The structure of the QX006N-Fab/IFNAR1-SD123 was determined. • QX006N neutralizes IFNAR1 through creating steric hindrance for IFNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the flexibility of starch film adhesion on yarns, sizing lipids (saponified lipid or emulsified lipid) must be added during the sizing process. However, different types of sizing lipids may have diverse combinations with starch to impact enzyme desizing. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of saponified lipid and emulsified lipid commonly used in warp sizing on the hydrolysis of starch. Additionally, the desizing efficiency and chain structure of desizing residues were analyzed. Experimental results demonstrated that the existence of saponified lipid or emulsified lipid led to a reduction in the degree of hydrolysis (1.1 % and 2.6 %, respectively) compared to the original corn starch. Notably, saponified lipid exhibited a relatively strong negative impact. Furthermore, the desizing efficiency decreased after adding emulsified lipid (1.2 %) or saponified lipid (2.9 %). Starch-lipid V-type complexes and physical hindrance could inhibit the enzyme desizing, resulting in a larger wavelength of maximum absorbance for desizing residues, along with higher molecular weight, z-average radius of gyration, and an increased proportion of long chains. The presence of saponified lipid significantly negatively influenced desizing, possibly due to the smaller particle size and propensity for complex formation with starch. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a green and efficient enrichment method for the four majors active diterpenoid components: pimelotide C, pimelotide A, simplexin, and 6α,7α-epoxy-5β-hydroxy-12-deoxyphorbol-13-decanoate in the buds of Wikstroemia chamaedaphne was established using macroporous resin chromatography. The adsorption and desorption rates of seven macroporous resins were compared using static tests. The D101 macroporous resin exhibited the best performance. Static and dynamic adsorption tests were performed to determine the enrichment and purification of important bioactive diterpenoids in the buds of W. chamaedaphne. Diterpenoid extracts were obtained by using D101 macroporous resin from the crude extracts of W. chamaedaphne. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis demonstrated that most of the diterpenoids were enriched in diterpenoid extracts. These results confirmed that diterpenoids in the buds of W. chamaedaphne could be enriched using macroporous resin technology, and the enriched diterpenoid extracts showed more efficient activation of the latent human immunodeficiency virus. This study provides a novel strategy for discovering efficient and low-toxicity latency-reversing agents and a potential basis for the comprehensive development and clinical application of the buds of W. chamaedaphne. [Display omitted] • A green and simple method for enrichment of daphnane-type and tigliane-type diterpenoids from Wikstroemia chamaedaphne was determined by a macroporous resin chromatography technology. • The content of four main diterpenoids was increased to 21.45 % from 9.35 % in the diterpenoid extract. • Twenty-five diterpenoids were identified qualitatively in diterpenoids extracts by LC-MS/MS. • The fold of change of activating latent HIV of diterpenoids extracts were enhanced to 21.13 from 10.41 at 0.1 μg/mL compared with crude extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar desalination is an effective solution to address the global water scarcity issue. However, biofouling poses a significant challenge for solar evaporators due to the presence of bacteria in seawater. In this study, an anti-biofouling evaporator was constructed using the synergistic antibacterial effect of lignin and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The AgNPs were easily synthesized using lignin as reductant under mild reaction conditions. Subsequently, the Lignin-AgNPs solution was integrated into polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAm) without any purification steps, resulting in the formation of Lignin/AgNPs-PAAm (LAg-PAAm). Under the combined action of AgNPs and the hydroquinone groups present in oxidized lignin, LAg-PAAm achieved over 99 % disinfection efficiency within 1 h, effectively preventing biofilm formation in pore channels of solar evaporators. The anti-biofouling solar evaporator demonstrated an evaporation rate of 1.85 kg m−2 h−1 under 1 sun irradiation, and maintained stable performance for >30 days due to its high efficient bactericidal effect. Furthermore, it also exhibited exceptional salt-rejection capability attributed to its superior hydrophilicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides have gained attention as valuable supplements and natural medicinal resources, particularly for their anti-tumor properties. Their low toxicity and potent anti-tumor effects make them promising candidates for cancer prevention and treatment. The tumor microenvironment is crucial in tumor development and offers potential avenues for novel cancer therapies. Research indicates that polysaccharides can positively influence the tumor microenvironment. However, the structural complexity of most anti-tumor polysaccharides, often heteropolysaccharides, poses challenges for structural analysis. To enhance their pharmacological activity, researchers have modified the structure and properties of natural polysaccharides based on structure–activity relationships, and they have discovered that many polysaccharides exhibit significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity after chemical modification. This article reviews recent strategies for targeting the tumor microenvironment with polysaccharides and briefly discusses the structure–activity relationships of anti-tumor polysaccharides. It also summarises the main chemical modification methods of polysaccharides and discusses the impact of chemical modifications on the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharides. The review aims to lay a theoretical foundation for the development of anti-tumor polysaccharides and their derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic wound healing is a substantial clinical challenge, characterized by delayed angiogenesis and unresolved inflammation. Lentinan, a polysaccharide extracted from shiitake mushrooms, has the potential to regulate both macrophage polarization and angiogenesis, though this aspect remains inadequately explored. To facilitate lentinan's clinical utility, we have developed a GelMA hydrogel encapsulated with lentinan (10 μM), offering a controlled release mechanism for sustained lentinan delivery at the wound site. Application of the lentinan-encapsulated delivery system topically significantly expedites wound closure compared to control groups. Furthermore, histological examination demonstrates enhanced neovascularization and reduced inflammation in lentinan-treated wounds, as evidenced by increased M2 macrophage infiltration. Moreover, our results indicated that lentinan-induced AMPK activation promotes DAF16 expression, enhancing the resistance of macrophages and HUVECs to oxidative stress in high-glucose environments, thereby promoting M2 macrophage polarization and angiogenesis. All these findings underscore lentinan's capacity to modulate macrophage polarization and angiogenesis via the AMPK/DAF16 pathway, ultimately facilitating the healing of diabetic wounds. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Schisandra , a member of the Magnoliaceae family, is a well-known tonic traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of traditional medicinal and functional food used in China. Polysaccharides are one of its main active constituents, which have a wide range of bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotection, anti-diabetes, hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, and anti-fatigue. In this paper, we review the extraction, isolation, purification, structural characterization, bioactivities, as well as structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides from the genus Schisandra. In conclusion, we hope that this review could provide reference for the subsequent research on structural, bioactivities, development and application of the genus Schisandra polysaccharides. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ganoderma is a well-known medicinal macrofungal genus, of which several species have been thoroughly studied from the medicinal perspective, but most species are rarely involved in. In this study, we focus on the polysaccharides extracted from Ganoderma boninense and their antioxidant activity. Ganoderma boninense is a serious pathogen of oil palms that are cultivated commercially in Southeast Asia. Response surface methodology was conducted to optimize the liquid medium composition, and the mycelia biomass reached 7.063 g/L, that is, 1.4-fold compared with the seed medium. The crude and purified polysaccharides extracted from the fermentation broth showed well 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical scavenging abilities, and the scavenging abilities of purified polysaccharides reached 94.47 % and 99.88 %, respectively. Six fractions of polysaccharides were extracted and purified from fruiting bodies, mycelia and fermentation broth separately with the elution buffers of distilled water and 0.1 M NaCl solution. Generally, the polysaccharides from fruiting bodies showed stronger protective effect on H 2 O 2 -induced HepG2 cell oxidative damage than other fractions. A total of five to seven monosaccharides were identified in the six fractions of polysaccharides. The correlation analysis revealed that the content of fucose was significantly correlated with the antioxidant activity of polysaccharides, while xylose showed negative correlation results. In summary, the polysaccharides from G. boninense have a potential to be used as natural antioxidants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GH 11 endo -β-1,4-xylanase (Xy) was a crucial enzyme for xylooligosaccharides (XOS) production. The lower reusability and higher cost of purification has limited the industrial application of Xy. Addressing these challenges, our study utilized various immobilization techniques, different supports and forces for Xy immobilization. This study presents a new method in the development of Fe 3 O 4 @PDA@MOF-Xy which is immobilized via multi-point interaction forces, demonstrating a significant advancement in protein loading capacity (80.67 mg/g), and exhibiting remarkable tolerance to acidic and alkaline conditions. This method significantly improved Xy reusability and efficiency for industrial applications, maintaining 60 % activity over 10 cycles. Approximately 23 % XOS production was achieved by Fe 3 O 4 @PDA@MOF-Xy. Moreover, the yield of XOS from cobcorn xylan using this system was 1.15 times higher than that of the free enzyme system. These results provide a theoretical and applicative basis for enzyme immobilization and XOS industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the potential prebiotic characteristics of the previously reported Lactiplantibacillus plantarum extracellular polysaccharide (EPS-T1) with immunological activity. EPS-T1 was a novel heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose and galactose (1.00:1.21), with a molecular weight of 1.41 × 106 Da. The monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, fourier transform infrared, and 1H NMR analysis showed that EPS-T1 was well tolerated in the simulated oral cavity, gastric fluid, and small intestinal fluid environments, and was not easily degraded. Meanwhile, EPS-T1 could effectively be used as a carbon source to promote the growth of beneficial Lactobacillus species (Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. Bulgaricus , Streptococcus thermophilus , Lacticaseibacillus rhamnose GG, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum , Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Lactobacillus reuteri). After 24 h of fecal fermentation, EPS-T1(5 mg/mL) effectively reduced the relative abundance of harmful bacteria such as the Escherichia-Shigella , Citrobacter , Fusobacterium , Parasutterella , and Lachnoclostridium. While, the level content of beneficial flora (Bacteroides , Blautia , Phascolarctobacterium , Bifidobacterium , Parabacteroides , and Subdoligranulum) were significantly increased. In addition, EPS-T1 was able to significantly promote the enrichment of short-chain fatty acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid. These results provide some basis for the functional application of EPS-T1 as a potential prebiotic. [Display omitted] • EPS-T1 could be utilized as substrates for Lactobacillus growth. • EPS-T1positively regulated the structure and composition of gut microbiota. • EPS-T1 promotes the proliferation of Bifidobacterium spp. in the intestine • EPS-T1 reduces the abundance of pathogenic genera in the gut. • More SCFAs were produced with combination of EPS-T1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colitis can significantly impact daily life. This study utilized DSS to induce acute colitis in mice and examined the regulatory effect of arabinogalactan (AG). The findings demonstrated that AG intake effectively alleviated the phenotype of DSS-induced colitis in mice and protected against small intestine damage. Furthermore, AG suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β, while promoting the secretion of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. It also inhibited the secretion of LPS in serum and MPO in colon tissue. Additionally, AG regulated the NF-κB/MAPK/PPARγ signaling pathway and inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating DSS-induced colitis inflammation in mice. AG also influenced the metabolism of short-chain fatty acids, particularly butyrate, in the intestinal tract of mice. Moreover, AG modulated and enhanced the composition of intestinal flora in mice with colitis, increasing the diversity of dominant flora and promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria. These results highlight the protective effects of arabinogalactan against colitis and its potential applications in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has a poor prognosis due to chemotherapy resistance and unfavorable drug transportation. Albumin conjugates are commonly used as drug carriers to overcome these obstacles. However, membrane-bound glycoprotein mucin 4 (MUC4) has emerged as a promising biomarker among the genetic mutations affecting albumin conjugates therapeutic window. Human serum albumin-conjugated arsenic trioxide (HSA-ATO) has shown potential in treating solid tumors but is limited in PC therapy due to unclear targets and mechanisms. This study investigated the transport mechanisms and therapeutic efficacy of HSA-ATO in PC cells with different MUC4 mutation statuses. Results revealed improved penetration of ATO into PC tumors through conjugated with HSA. However, MUC4 mutation significantly affected treatment sensitivity and HSA-ATO uptake both in vitro and in vivo. Mutant MUC4 cells exhibited over ten times higher IC50 for HSA-ATO and approximately half the uptake compared to wildtype cells. Further research demonstrated that ALPL activation by HSA-ATO enhanced transcytosis in wildtype MUC4 PC cells but not in mutant MUC4 cells, leading to impaired uptake and weaker antitumor effects. Reprogramming the transport process holds potential for enhancing albumin conjugate efficacy in PC patients with different MUC4 mutation statuses, paving the way for stratified treatment using these delivery vehicles. • The unique TME and high genetic heterogeneity of PC lead to chemotherapy damage • The penetration of ATO was significantly enhanced after HSA conjugated • The sensitivity of PC cells to HSA-ATO is influenced by the genetic mutation of MUC4 • MUC4 wildtype PC cells are sensitive to HSA-ATO since ALPL associated transcytosis specifically enhanced [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the periodontium caused by a persistent bacterial infection, resulting in destruction of the supporting structures of teeth. Analysis of microbial composition in saliva can inform periodontal status. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Streptococcus mutans (Sm) are among reported periodontal pathogens, and were used as model systems in this study. Our atomic force microscopic (AFM) study revealed that these pathogens are biological nanorods with dimensions of 0.6–1.1 μm in length and 500–700 nm in width. Current bacterial detection methods often involve complex preparation steps and require labeled reporting motifs. Employing surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), we revealed cell-type specific Raman signatures of these pathogens for label-free detection. It overcame the complexity associated with spectral overlaps among different bacterial species, relying on high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) spectra carefully collected from pure species samples. To enable simple, rapid, and multiplexed detection, we harnessed advanced machine learning techniques to establish predictive models based on a large set of raw spectra of each bacterial species and their mixtures. Using these models, given a raw spectrum collected from a bacterial suspension, simultaneous identification of all three species in the test sample was achieved at 95.6 % accuracy. This sensing modality can be applied to multiplex detection of a broader range and a larger set of periodontal pathogens, paving the way for hassle-free detection of oral bacteria in saliva with little to no sample preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe/Mn bimetallic carbon materials were synthesized by combining oat and urea, followed by and carbonization processes, the activity and mechanism of the obtained materials in activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for sulfamethoxazole (SMX) degradation were determined. Data suggested that the obtained material (CN@FeMn-10-800) showed the optimal performance for SMX degradation under the1:8:0.05:0.05 mass ratios of oat/urea/Fe/Mn. Around 91.2 % SMX (10 mg L−1) was removed under the conditions of 0.15 g L−1 CN@FeMn-10-800 and 0.20 g L−1 PMS. The CN@FeMn-10-800 showed great adaptability under different conditions, satisfactory activation repeatability and versatility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that core-shell structure with rich porous of CN@FeMn-10-800 was achieved. Quenching test and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) indicated that surface bound oxygen and singlet oxygen (1O 2) were the dominate reactive groups in this system. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) suggested that graphite N, Fe0, Fe 3 C and Mn(II) were the dominant active sites. Through the work, a simple strategy could be found to make high-value use of biomass and use it to effectively purified wastewater. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influenza remains a global health concern due to its potential to cause pandemics as a result of rapidly mutating influenza virus strains. Existing vaccines often struggle to keep up with these rapidly mutating flu viruses. Therefore, the development of a broad-spectrum peptide vaccine that can stimulate an optimal antibody response has emerged as an innovative approach to addressing the influenza threat. In this study, an immunoinformatic approach was employed to rapidly predict immunodominant epitopes from different antigens, aiming to develop an effective multiepitope influenza vaccine (MEV). The immunodominant B-cell linear epitopes of seasonal influenza strains hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) were predicted using an antibody-peptide microarray, involving a human cohort including vaccinees and infected patients. On the other hand, bioinformatics tools were used to predict immunodominant cytotoxic T-cell (CTL) and helper T-cell (HTL) epitopes. Subsequently, these epitopes were evaluated by various immunoinformatic tools. Epitopes with high antigenicity, high immunogenicity, non-allergenicity, non-toxicity, as well as exemplary conservation were then connected in series with appropriate linkers and adjuvants to construct a broad-spectrum MEV. Moreover, the structural analysis revealed that the MEV candidates exhibited good stability, and the docking results demonstrated their strong affinity to Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4). In addition, molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stable interaction between TLR4 and MEVs. Three injections with MEVs showed a high level of B-cell and T-cell immune responses according to the immunological simulations in silico. Furthermore, in-silico cloning was performed, and the results indicated that the MEVs could be produced in considerable quantities in Escherichia coli (E. coli). Based on these findings, it is reasonable to create a broad-spectrum MEV against different subtypes of influenza A and B viruses in silico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feature of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) is seasonal spermatogenesis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is not well clarified. Here, we firstly cloned and characterized P. sinensis DKKL1 , and then performed comparative genomic studies, expression analysis, and functional validation. P. sinensis DKKL1 had 2 putative N-glycosylation sites and 16 phosphorylation sites. DKKL1 also had classic transmembrane structures that were extracellularly localized. DKKL1 's genetic distance was close to turtles, followed by amphibians and mammals, but its genetic distance was far from fishes. DKKL1 genes from different species shared distinct genomic characteristics. Meanwhile, they were also relatively conserved among themselves, at least from the perspective of classes. Notably, the transcription factors associated with spermatogenesis were also identified, containing CTCF , EWSR1 , and FOXL2. DKKL1 exhibited sexually dimorphic expression only in adult gonads, which was significantly higher than that in other somatic tissues (P < 0.001), and was barely expressed in embryonic gonads. DKKL1 transcripts showed a strong signal in sperm, while faint signals were detected in other male germ cells. DKKL1 in adult testes progressively increased per month (P < 0.05), displaying a seasonal expression trait. DKKL1 was significantly downregulated in testes cells after the sex hormones (17β-estradiol and 17α-methyltestosterone) and Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor treatment (P < 0.05). Likewise, the Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor treatment dramatically repressed CTCF, EWSR1, and FOXL2 expression. Conversely, they were markedly upregulated after the 17β-estradiol and 17α-methyltestosterone treatment, suggesting that the three transcription factors might bind to different promoter regions, thereby negatively regulating DKKL1 transcription in response to the changes in the estrogen and androgen pathways, and positively controlling DKKL1 transcription in answer to the alterations in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Knockdown of DKKL1 significantly reduced the relative expression of HMGB2 and SPATS1 (P < 0.01), suggesting that it may be involved in seasonal spermatogenesis of P. sinensis through a positive regulatory interaction with these two genes. Overall, our findings provide novel insights into the genome evolution and potential functions of seasonal spermatogenesis of P. sinensis DKKL1. • DKKL1 had a relatively conserved function across species, but also underwent functional evolution. • Expression of DKKL1 exhibited testis-biased, age variation, and seasonal variation characteristics. • DKKL1 predominantly was localized in sperm and could be used as a molecular marker for male germ cells in P. sinensis. • CTCF , EWSR1 , and FOXL2 most likely bind to different promoter regions regulating DKKL1 transcription in different pathways. • DKKL1 may be involved in seasonal spermatogenesis of P. sinensis through a positive regulation with HMGB2 and SPATS1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CONSTANS-like (COL) genes, as a core transcription factor in the photoperiod regulation pathway, play a key role in plant reproduction development. However, their molecular characterization has rarely been studied in Pinus tabuliformis. Here, 10 PtCOL genes were identified in the P. tabuliformis genome and multiple sequence alignments have indicated that the PtCOL proteins contained highly conserved B-BOX1 and CCT domains. Sequence similarity analysis showed that PtCOL1 and PtCOL3 had the higher similarity with Norway spruce COLs (PaCOL2 and PaCOL1) and Arabidopsis COLs (AtCOL3, 4 and 5), respectively. Phylogeny and gene structure analyses revealed that PtCOLs were divided into three subgroups, each with identical or similar distributions of exons, introns, and motifs. Moreover, 10 PtCOL s were distributed on 6 chromosomes and PtCOL9 has syntenic gene pairs in both Ginkgo biloba and Sequoiadendron giganteum. Interestingly, in transcriptome profiles, most PtCOL s exhibited a diurnal oscillation pattern under both long (LD) and short (SD) day conditions. Additionally, PtCOL s were highly expressed in needles and female cones, and showed different spatial expression patterns. Among the ten PtCOL s, PtCOL1/3 heterologous overexpression Arabidopsis displayed a delayed-flowering phenotype under SD, indicating that they are likely to play a crucial role in the reproductive development. Additionally, PtCOL1 and PtCOL3 were not only capable of interacting with each other, but they were each capable of interacting with themselves. Furthermore, PtCOL1 and PtCOL3 were also involved in the MADS-box protein-protein interaction (PPI) network in P. tabuliformis cone development. Direct interactions of PtDAL11 with PtCOL1/3 impeded PtCOL1/3 translocation into the nucleus. In summary, this study provided comprehensive understanding for the functions of the PtCOL gene family and revealed their biological roles in the photoperiod-dependent P. tabuliformis cone development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]