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Accumulated evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) are closely related to the pathogenesis and progression of senile cataracts. Here we investigate the effect of miR-29a-3p in cataractogenesis and determined the potential molecular mechanism involved. In this study, we constructed a selenite cataract model in rats and obtained the miRNAs related to cataracts by whole transcriptome sequencing. To investigate the effect and mechanism of miR-29a-3p on cataracts, we performed several in vivo and in vitro experiments, including CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, luciferase reporter assay, Edu assay, and western blot analysis. Sequencing data showed downregulation of miR-29a-3p in rats with selenite cataracts. Down-regulation of miR-29a-3p could promote lens epithelial cells (SRA01/04) proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis, and miR-29a-3p silence could inhibit the development of cataracts. Additionally, CAND1 was a direct target gene for miR-29a-3p. These data demonstrate that miR-29a-3p inhibits apoptosis of lens epithelial cells by regulating CAND1, which may be a potential target for senile cataracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and development of cost-effective and highly efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts are urgently desirable during the water-splitting process. Here, Ni x Fe 80-x B 20 (x = 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, hereafter referred to as NFB) amorphous alloys, with high mechanical strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and unique atomic structure, are fabricated as efficient water oxidation electrocatalysts in alkaline solutions. Ni 40 Fe 40 B 20 amorphous ribbons achieve only 319 mV of overpotential at 10 mA·cm−2 with a Tafel slope of 56 mV dec−1 and exhibit excellent long-term stability for 24 h at 10 mA·cm−2 and 100 mA·cm−2 in 1 M KOH solution, which outperform the commercial RuO 2 electrocatalyst. It is worth noting that the OER performance of Ni x Fe 80-x B 20 amorphous electrocatalysts after long-term chronopotentiometry test displays more effectively, which can be ascribed to the surface construction. Meanwhile, the analysis of the morphology and structure of the electrocatalysts reveal that continuous oxidation during the OER process induces the structural reorganization on the surface of the electrocatalysts, which can enhance the electron transfer process and adsorption of the reaction intermediates to optimize the OER performance. This study provides a shred of evidence for surface self-reconstruction of NiFeB amorphous alloys electrocatalysts during the OER process and promotes the application of amorphous alloys as functional materials in the water-splitting field. [Display omitted] • Amorphous Ni 40 Fe 40 B 20 alloys show a low overpotential of 319 mV at 10 mA·cm−2. • Long-term stability of amorphous NFB alloys in a concentrated alkaline solution. • Self-construction enhances the OER performance after the long-term test. • Promoting the application of amorphous NFB alloys as electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudospark-sourced electron beam is a promising candidate for driving vacuum electronic devices to generate millimeter wave and terahertz wave radiation as it has a very high combined beam current density. However, the inherent velocity spread of the beam, which is difficult to measure in experiment, has a great influence on the operating frequency and efficiency of the vacuum electronic device. In this paper, the velocity distribution characteristics of the electron beam produced by a single-gap hollow cathode electron gun are numerically studied and a three-dimensional kinetic plasma simulation model of a single-gap hollow cathode electron gun is built by using particle in cell and Monte Carlo collision methods in Vorpal. Based on the simulation model, the time-dependent evolution of the plasma formation inside the hollow cathode and electron beam generation process are observed. It is demonstrated that the pseudospark-sourced electron beam has a relatively large velocity spread. The time-dependent velocity distribution of the beam is analyzed, and the dependence of the beam velocity distribution under various operating conditions such as anode–cathode potential difference, gas pressure, and cathode aperture size are also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental studies have demonstrated statin-induced toxicity for ovary and uterus. However, the safety of statins on the functions of ovary and uterus in real-world clinical settings remains unknown. The aim of this study was to identify ovary and uterus related adverse events (AEs) associated with statin use by analyzing data from FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). We used OpenVigil 2.1 to query FAERS database. Ovary and uterus related AEs were defined by 383 Preferred Terms, which could be classified into ten aspects. Disproportionality analysis was performed to assess the association between AEs and statin use. Our results suggest that statin use may be associated with a series of ovary and uterus related AEs. These AEs are involved in ovarian cysts and neoplasms, uterine neoplasms, cervix neoplasms, uterine disorders (excl neoplasms), cervix disorders (excl neoplasms), endocrine disorders of gonadal function, menstrual cycle and uterine bleeding disorders, menopause related conditions, and sexual function disorders. Moreover, there are variabilities in the types and signal strengths of ovary and uterus related AEs across individual statins. According to our findings, the potential ovary and uterus related AEs of statins should attract enough attention and be closely monitored in future clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was produced from cane molasses by dilute acid catalysis. • A hyper-cross-linked resin (HCLR) was designed and synthesized. • HCLR was applied for separating and purifying HMF from cane molasses hydrolysate. • HCLR had excellent adsorption performance for HMF, and can be reused stably. Sugarcane molasses is a by-product in the process of sugar production, which has characteristics of large quantity, low price and easy to pollute the environment. High-valued utilization of sugarcane molasses has important research significance. In this work, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was obtained through hydrolyzing sugarcane molasses, and was separated from the hydrolysate by a designed hyper-cross-linked adsorption resin (HCLR). The optimal conditions for adsorption/desorption of HMF by HCLR were obtained. On this basis, the adsorption kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic behavior of HMF onto HCLR were studied, and the adsorption mechanism of HMF onto HCLR was clarified. At last, HMF with a highest purity of 96.0% and an average purity of 93.2% were obtained through fixed bed dynamic adsorption/desorption study. Overall, this work provides a complete process route from sugarcane molasses to high-value product of HMF, and provides theoretical and technical references for the efficient and comprehensive utilization of sugarcane molasses resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Jiang-Xian HuGan (JXHG) formulated by five natural products including Freshwater clam (Corbicula fluminea) , Curcuma longa L., Ligustrum lucidum , Eclipta prostrata (L.) L. and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. , has exhibited a great hepatoprotective effect. Aim of this study We investigated the effect of JXHG on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced acute live injury in mice, and to elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Materials and methods Jiangkanling Capsule (900 mg/kg), low-dose JXHG (LJXHG, 700 mg/kg), high-dose JXHG (HJXHG, 1400 mg/kg) were administered to mice by oral gavage daily for 20 days prior to a single intravenous injection of ConA (20 mg/kg). Liver injury was evaluated by measuring the serum levels of enzymes and cytokines as well as liver histological analysis. We also measured the hepatic expression of cytokines at mRNA levels and the proteins related to NF-κB and Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathways. Result Our results showed that JXHG pretreatment significantly alleviated ConA-induced live injury as evidenced by decreased serum levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT) and glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (AST), and reduced hepatocyte apoptosis and mortality. Furthermore, JXHG was able to significantly reduce the serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines, down-regulate the mRNA expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and up-regulate IL-10 as well as superoxide-dimutase-1 (SOD1), glutathione reductase (GSR) and Glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2) mRNA in the liver tissues after Con A injection. In addition, JXHG pretreatment dramatically suppressed the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 (p65), increased Nrf2 expression, and decreased the expression ratio of cleaved caspase-3/caspase-3 in liver tissues. Conclusion These results suggest that JXHG protects against ConA-induced acute live injury through inhibiting NF-κB mediated inflammatory pathway and promoting Nrf2 mediated anti-oxidative stress signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large areas of high-photostability fluorescent X-Zn-ferrite (XZn)Fe 2 O 4 (X = Mg, Mn or Ni) nanoparticles embedded in a bismuth ferrite (BiFeO 3 ) membrane were successfully fabricated via a facile bio-approach using Shewanella oneidensis MR-1. The results revealed that the perovskite BiFeO 3 enhances the fluorescent intensity (at 635 and 795 nm) and surface potential difference (14 meV and −40 meV) of the embedded spinel (XZn)Fe 2 O 4 . This mechanism is attributed to the interfacial coupling of the Fe O O Bi and Fe O Fe interfaces. Such a system could open up new ideas in the design of environmentally friendly fluorescent sensors for water environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BiMg 1/2 Ti 1/2 O 3 (BMT)/NaNbO 3 (NN) was introduced into the Bi 1/2 Na 1/2 TiO 3 -SrTiO 3 lead-free system to modify its phase structure and electrical properties. The ceramics were prepared by a traditional ceramic processing method. All samples exhibited pure perovskite structure, as well as dense microstructures. The modified compositions underwent a phase transition from a ferroelectric phase to an ergodic relaxor state with increasing BMT/NN content. This transition was identified from the decrease in the ferroelectric-relaxor transition temperature to room temperature. When the composition was located in the vicinity of the critical region, giant electrostrain was obtained owing to the field-induced reversible transition between the relaxor and ferroelectric phases. A schematic phase diagram was constructed based on the measured properties. Excellent actuating performance of S max /E max >850 pm/V with an ultra-low driving field of E ≤3 kV/mm was achieved in the modified compositions. This performance is comparable to that of the Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 -based counterparts and demonstrates the great potential of the current materials in piezoactuator applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrical properties and microstructures of (1 − x ) Bi 1/2 Na 1/2 TiO 3 – x SrTiO 3 (BNT-ST100 x , 0.20 ≤ x ≤ 0.30) piezoceramics with different grain size distributions were investigated. The critical region separating the ferroelectric from ergodic relaxor is located around x = 0.26. Strains up to 0.2% could be achieved under a low driving fields ( E < 2 kV/mm) in the BNT-ST26 composition resulting in excellent actuating performance of S max /E max >1000 pm/V. The electrostrain was largely depended on the grain size and an increment of strain up to ∼38% can be realized by increasing the grain size from 5 μm to 13 μm in the BNT-ST26 samples. The results indicate that the field-induced strain performance of BNT-based incipient piezoelectric ceramics can be tailored via microstructure modifications, an alternative strategy to enhance the electromechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previously, we reported that the - (Mn--O-) orbital hybridization induces Mn valence change (MnMn) in the octahedron. The electron transfer mechanism can be controlled by modifying the Mn- orbital in the octahedron. Here, we used the density functional theory (DFT) with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and two-dimensional correlation analysis (2D-CA) techniques to calculate the electron transfer mechanism of the V (Nb or Ta) substituted NiMn2O4 (NMO) in the temperature range of 50-1500 K. The results show that the heat accumulation accelerates the O- orbital splitting, inducing charge disproportionation. The V- substituted Mn increases the intensity and of the partial density of state (PDOS) at conduction band (1-3 eV), this enhances the V--O- - orbital. The Nb-/Ta- substituted Mn reduces the intensity of the PDOS at conduction band (1-5 eV), this weakens the Nb-/Ta--O- - orbital. This study effectively analyzes the microscopic changes of the electron transfer caused by the heat accumulation, provides a theoretical basis for the design of NMO-based negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We elucidated a number of facets regarding arginine–glycine–aspartate (RGD)–bismuth ferrite (BFO)-(1 1 1) membrane interactions and reactivity that have previously remained unexplored on a molecular level. Results demonstrate the intra-molecular interaction facilitates a “horseshoe” structure of RGD adsorbed onto the BFO-(1 1 1) membrane, through the electrostatic (Asp-cation-Fe) and water-bridge (O H 2 O and H 2 O NH 2 ) interactions. The effect of structural and electron-transfer interactions is attributed to the cation-valences, indicating that the divalent cations are electron-acceptors and the monovalent cations as electron-donors. Notably, the strongly bound Ca 2+ ion exerts a “gluing” effect on the Asp-side-chain, indicating a tightly packed RGD–BFO configuration. Thus, modulating the biological response of BFO-(1 1 1) membrane will allow us to design more appropriate interfaces for implantable diagnostic and therapeutic perovskite-type micro-devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pb(Mn 1/3 Sb 2/3 )O 3 -modified (≤4 mol%) ferroelectric ceramics 0.5Pb(Ni 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 –0.14PbZrO 3 –0.36PbTiO 3 were successfully fabricated by the solid-state reaction method to investigate its influences on the phase structure and piezoelectricity as well as mechanical properties. The addition of Pb(Mn 1/3 Sb 2/3 )O 3 (PMS) led to a phase transformation from tetragonal to rhombohedral and a slightly increased average grain size. The compositions modified by PMS mainly displayed “harden” effect, accompanying with the increase of mechanical quality factor Q m and internal bias field E i . The mechanical properties of the ceramics were strengthened monotonously with the addition of PMS, while the piezoelectric coefficient showed a peak value of d 33 ⁎ ~1058 pm/V when the PMS content equaled to 1 mol%. Fairly good electrical properties and mechanical performance of d 33 ⁎ ~1036 pm/V ( E =1 kV/mm), planar electromechanical coupling factor k p ~0.53, dielectric loss (1 kHz)~0.4%, Young’s modulus E ~120.8 GPa, fracture toughness K Ic ~1.44 MPa m 1/2 were achieved in the sample with the addition of 2 mol% PMS, which makes it promising for applications in piezoactuators, transducers and sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

x Pb(Zn 1/3 Nb 2/3 )O 3 –(1− x )PbZr 0.5 Ti 0.5 O 3 ( x PZN–(1− x )PZT) ( x =0.22–0.36) polycrystalline ceramics with finely varied PZN content were fabricated by a solid-state reaction method. The phase structure, microstructure and temperature dependence of the electrical properties were systematically investigated. The core of the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) separating the tetragonal from rhombohedral phases located around the region with x =0.26–0.30, identified by XRD measurement and electrical properties. Higher PZN content favored rhombohedral symmetry and stronger relaxor-like characteristics. All compositions demonstrated well-saturated ferroelectric P–E loops, and a maximum remnant polarization of P r ~41.83 μC/cm 2 with a corresponding coercive field E c ~11.3 kV/cm was achieved around MPB. Optimum electrical properties of piezoelectric constant d 33 ~550 pC/N, planar electromechanical coupling coefficient k p ~0.69, relative dielectric permittivity ε r ~2327 were obtained in the 0.28PZN–0.72PZT composition with a relatively high Curie point of T c ~325 °C. This composition also possessed a good electric field-induced-strain property with d 33 ⁎ up to 658 pm/V ( E =1 kV/mm), making it promising for application in piezoactuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main pathological change in radiation-induced heart disease is fibrosis. Emerging evidence has indicated that sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) was used for treating fibrosis diseases. The present study was undertaken to characterize the effect of STS on radiation-induced cardiac fibrosis (RICF) on cultured cardiac fibroblasts (CFs). CFs were irradiated with 1 or 2 Gy X-rays, and the expression of TGF-β1 and collagen I (Col-1) increased, indicating that low-dose X-rays promoted fibrosis damage effect. The fibrosis damage was accompanied by morphologic changes in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), as well as an increase in the expression of the ER stress-related molecules, GRP78 and CHOP. Administration of STS reduced ROS production and decreased the expression of Col-1, TGF-β1, p-Smad2/3, GRP78, and CHOP in irradiated CFs, thus weakening the radiation-induced fibrosis damage and ER stress. Radiation-induced fibrosis damage was observed on a cellular level. The involvement of ER stress in radiation-induced fibrosis damage was demonstrated for the first time. STS attenuated the fibrosis damage effect in CFs and this effect may be related to its antioxidant action, and also related to its inhibition of ER stress and TGF-β1-Smad pathway. These results suggest that STS shows a good prospect in clinical prevention and treatment of RICF. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Highlights: [•] Alpinia oxyphylla (Yizhi) capsularfruits are commonly used in traditional medicine. [•] The chemicals and their metabolites in rat plasma were identified using LC–MS/MS with MRM mode. [•] Yizhi flavonoids and diarylheptanoids formed mainly monoglucuronide metabolites. [•] Metabolic reduction of Yizhi diarylheptanoids occurred in rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fe-based metallic glasses (MGs) not only are an industrially produced amorphous zero-valent iron (AZVI) with a promising reductive degradability to azo dyes but also can activate persulfate (PS) with sulfate radicals (SO 4 •-, E o = 2.5–3.1V) for wastewater remediation. In this study, acid orange II (AOII) was rapidly and efficiently decolored by Fe 78 Si 8 B 14 MG/PS system with a 99% degradation rate in 8 min. Based on monitoring the degradation rate and the concentration of Fe2+/Fe3+, a two-step degradation mechanism is proposed, that one is deductive degradation by AZVI with products of small organic molecules and Fe2+, and the other is oxidative degradation, where AZVI and Fe2+ activate PS with products of SO 4 •- and •OH confirmed by the electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis test. The orthogonal experimental design proves that the effects of the experiment operating parameters on the decolorization efficiency from high to low are Fe-based MGs dosage, PS dosage, and reaction temperature. Meanwhile, the high efficiency of the Fe-based MGs/PS system is also illustrated for the mineralization of AOII by an indication of the TOC removal rate as high as 57%. This work gives new insight into Fe-based MGs for activating PS and will accelerate the application of Fe-based MGs as catalysts in the field of wastewater treatment. • Fe-based MGs plays the most important role in the decolorization of AOII based on the orthogonal experiments design. • A two-step synergetic decolorization mechanism for the AOII decolorization is proposed. • The Ea of Fe-based MG/PS system is11.556kJ/mol, much lower than other systems for the decolorization of azo dyes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The carboxyl terminus of Hsp70-interacting protein (CHIP) is a member of E3 ubiquitin ligase, functioning as a link between the chaperone (heat shock protein 70/90) and proteasome systems, playing a vital role in maintaining the protein homeostasis in the cytoplasm. CHIP has been demonstrated to be involved in tumorigenesis, proliferation and invasion in several malignancies, regulating a number of oncogenic proteins. However, CHIP has also been implicated in the modulation of tumor suppressor proteins. The pathogenic mechanism of CHIP expression in human malignancy is not yet clear, and a number of studies have suggested that CHIP may have opposing roles in different cancers. Therefore, many studies have focused on the relationship between CHIP and carcinoma. Methods: A literature search focusing on regulation network, biological function and clinical significance of CHIP in connection with its role in cancer development was performed on the MEDLINE databases. Results and conclusions: CHIP may be a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for human cancer, and may play different roles in different human cancers. This inconsistence might be induced by the diversity of CHIP downstream targeting proteins. Therefore, the phenotypes determined by CHIP should be dependent on the function of its specific targets in a specific type of cancer cells. Whether CHIP contributes to tumor progression or suppression in various human cancers remains unclear, suggesting the necessity of further extensive investigation of its role in tumorigenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ferroptosis is a recently discovered special type of regulated cell death that is strongly associated with both homeostasis maintenance and cancer development. Previous studies have indicated that a number of small-molecular agents inducing ferroptosis have great potential in the treatment of different types of cancer, including breast, pancreatic, prostate and head and neck cancer. However, the role of ferroptosis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has remained to be fully determined. To the best of our knowledge, no review of the currently available studies on this subject has been published to date. The metabolism and expression of specific genes that regulate ferroptosis may represent a promising radiosensitization target in cancer treatment. The aim of the present review was to describe the cross-link between ferroptosis and NPC and to discuss the potential value of regulators and the possible mechanism underlying the role of ferroptosis in the radiosensitization of NPC, in the hope that linking the mechanism of ferroptosis with the development of NPC will accelerate the development of novel ferroptosis-based targets and radiotherapy strategies in NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial extracellular matrices play important roles in the regulation of stem cell behavior. To generate materials for tissue engineering, active functional groups, such as amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl, are often introduced to change the properties of the biomaterial surface. In this study, we chemically modified coverslips to create surfaces with different amino densities and investigated the adhesion, migration, and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) under serum-free culture conditions. We observed that a higher amino density significantly promoted NSCs attachment, enhanced neuronal differentiation and promoted excitatory synapse formation in vitro. These results indicate that the amino density significantly affected the biological behavior of NSCs. Thus, the density and impact of functional groups in extracellular matrices should be considered in the research and development of materials for tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new class of axially-unfixed biaryl-based pyrrolidines with C2-symmetry were designed and synthesized by using enantiopure α-proline as a chiral source. These bifunctional organocatalys provided Michael adducts in high chemical yields (up to 99 %) and with excellent stereoselectivities (up to 99:1 dr and 96 % ee) in the direct Michael addition reactions of a variety of ketones and aldehydes to nitro olefins. The transition states were proposed to clarify the stereochemical course of the examined reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethanol as moisturizing agent and ball-milling treatment, has been combined in order to determine their impacts on the improvement of the properties of physically modified maize (Zea mays) starch granules. The content of ethanol has been set respecting a ratio of starch to ethanol varying from 1:0 to 1:3 (w:v), and the ball-milling time varied between 0 and 72 h. We observed that the increase of the amylose content varied in a more effective way with increase of the milling time (p < 0.05) than with the variation of the starch to ethanol ratios. As expected, modified starches were more transparent, more soluble, less crystalline, and presented damaged structures. In all cases, the starch granule sizes were better distributed at ratios of starch to ethanol of 1:0 and 1:3 (w:v) respectively. In addition, the impact of the combination of these treatments on the mobility of water molecules in starch gels characterized by the transverse relaxation time (T2), as well as the abundance of protons (1H T2) in each populations were determined by low field NMR. Mobility of water molecules within starch gels increased at high temperature. Nonetheless, the proton population at T2 > 10 ms (characterized by T22) for the modified starch (starch/ethanol, 1:3 w:v) was fundamental in the different water concentrations, and accounts for 70 to 90% of total protons, at temperatures >60 °C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Arginine kinase (AK) is a key metabolic enzyme for keeping energy balance in invertebrates. Therefore, regulation of the enzymatic activity and the folding studies of AK from the various invertebrates have been the focus of investigation. We studied the effects of helical structures by using hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) on AK folding. Folding kinetic studies showed that the folding rates of the urea-denatured AKs were significantly decelerated after being induced in various concentrations of HFIP. AK lost its activity completely at concentrations greater than 60%. The results indicated that the HFIP-induced helical structures in the denatured state play a negative role in protein folding, and the helical structures induced in 5% (v/v) HFIP act as the most effective barrier against AK taking its native structure. The computational docking simulations (binding energies for −2.19 kcal/mol for AutoDock4.2 and −20.47 kcal/mol for Dock6.3) suggested that HFIP interacts with the several important residues that are predicted by both programs. The excessively pre-organized helical structures not only hampered the folding process, but also ultimately brought about changes in the three-dimensional conformation and biological function of AK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Corn starch was pre-treated with acetic acid and then acetylated by acetic anhydride under microwave irradiation. The effects of molar ratios of these two reagents on the acetylation of starch were investigated. Starch acetate with a high degree of substitution (DS, 2.93) was obtained at a molar ratio (acetic acid/acetic anhydride) of 1:1. However, the DS should tend to decrease with a change of this ratio. The FT-IR analysis indicated characteristic absorption peaks, with increasing DS materialised by an increase of the carbonyl Cnd a decrease of the hydroxyl O–H group, at about 1750cm−1 and 3450cm−1, respectively. The X-ray diffraction patterns of acetylated starch showed an amorphous structure. Degree of crystallinity, surface morphology, water solubility and water absorption index of corn starch were also affected by the changes in reagent ratios. The glass transition (T g) and melting (T m) temperatures of acetylated starches also decreased after acetylation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: By activating corn starch with acetic acid and using acetic anhydride as an esterifying agent, starch acetates with increasing degrees of substitution were obtained using microwave assistance when the amount of iodine varied from 0.5 to 1.75mmol. The study of Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectra, X-ray diffraction pattern, thermal properties, granule morphology, water absorption and solubility, revealed important changes on the physical properties of the obtained products related to the increase of the iodine content. As shown by the scanning electron microscope (SEM), a specific structure on the granule surface was discerned for each amount of iodine. By its exo-corrosive action on starch, iodine indirectly induced loss of crystallinity, decrease of the glass transition and melting temperatures, and a progressive reduction in the water absorption and water solubility index of the modified products. Starch esters with better hydrophobicity and good processability for bio-based material applications were synthesized. Alternatively, the variation in the concentration of the iodine could also be of interest in special purposes, in which starch granules with controlled surface porosity are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present a simulation research of the heterogeneous oxidation mechanism of SO 2 on Al 2 O 3 (mineral oxides) surface by H 2 O 2 , density functional theory (DFT) calculations was used to investigate the adsorption mechanism of SO 2 and H 2 O 2 on the perfect and O defect γ-Al 2 O 3 (110) surfaces. The results show that SO 2 molecularly adsorbed on the prefect and O defect surfaces, while H 2 O 2 was adsorbed in the molecule form on the perfect surface. In particular, H 2 O 2 dissociation only occurred on the O defect γ-Al 2 O 3 (110) surface. The oxygen defects not only enhanced the adsorption intensities of H 2 O 2 and SO 2 , but also promoted the H 2 O 2 decomposition (H 2 O 2 →OH + OH). Analysis of partial density of states, differential charge density and Mulliken population indicated that H 2 O 2 decomposition followed the Haber-Weiss mechanism (formation of surface OH), and SO 2 was oxidized by the OH radicals to form HOSO 2 molecule when SO 2 and H 2 O 2 co-adsorbed on O defect γ-Al 2 O 3 (110) surface. Moreover, the lower energy barrier of H 2 O 2 decomposition (32.69 kJ/mol) and SO 2 oxidation (78.21 kJ/mol) demonstrated that SO 2 to be oxidized easily by the H 2 O 2 on the O defect γ-Al 2 O 3 (110) surfaces. These results can well explain the formation mechanism of OH radicals and the oxidation mechanism of SO 2 by H 2 O 2 on the mineral dust at the molecular level, which is of great significance for understanding the role of H 2 O 2 in the heterogeneous oxidation of SO 2 on the mineral dust and the formation mechanism of sulfate aerosols in the atmosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we propose a three-dimensional diffuse-interface immersed-boundary (3D DIIB) method for the simulations of fluid-structure interaction (FSI) with dynamic wetting, complex geometry and contact angle hysteresis. In particular, the movement of rigid solid objects is allowed to have six degrees of freedom. In the method, the complex solid boundaries are represented by a set of Lagrangian patches that cover the whole surface of the solid objects, while the flows are solved on a staggered Cartesian grid. The couplings between the object movement and surrounding fluid flows are performed using an immersed boundary method. A simple model of contact angle hysteresis is used to ensure pinned contact lines if local contact angle is within the window of contact angle hysteresis. To relieve the stress singularity at moving contact lines, a characteristic moving contact line model [1] is adopted at 3D curved solid surfaces, after the geometrical information of interface is constructed in the vicinity of the contact line. For 3D simulations of FSI with dynamic wetting, it is crucial but difficult to estimate capillary force, of which the process consists of locating the moving contact line on complex solid surfaces, discretizing it into line segment, and determining the local tangent to the interface at the contact lines. Special consideration is given to the modeling of the capillary force and associated torque, in order to have accurate approximations. The performance of the 3D DIIB method is systematically examined through a series of numerical experiments, of which the results are either verified against theoretical predictions or compared with experimental data. Finally, we simulate the collision process of raindrops with 3D mosquito body, to show the potential of the 3D DIIB method in practical applications. • A method for fully 3D simulation of fluid-structure interaction with dynamic wetting. • The method allows for complex geometry and contact angle hysteresis. • Motion with six degrees of freedom motion has been considered. • Results are verified against theoretical predictions and experimental data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we present a simulation study of temperature‐dependent electronic transitions in BiVO3 (BVO) and BiNbO3 (BNO) using density functional theory (DFT) together with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and two‐dimensional correlation analysis (2D‐CA). The results indicate that heat accumulation can accelerate the degeneracy of V‐3d orbital in BVO and the splitting of Nb‐4d orbital in BNO at 750 K. We found changes in the type of d–p hybrid orbital as follows, for BVO: V‐dx2+y2 + dZ2‐O‐2pz → V‐dx2+y2‐O‐2pz; and for BNO: Nb‐dx2+y2‐O‐2pz → Nb‐dx2+y2 + dZ2‐O‐2pz. Furthermore, we found changes in the type of hybrid orbital leading to the following electron–electron interactions, for BVO: t2g (V‐dZ2‐O‐2pz) + eg (V‐dx2+y2‐O‐2pz) → t2g (V‐dx2+y2‐O‐2pz); and for BNO: t2g + eg (Nb‐dx2+y2 + dZ2‐O‐2pz) → t2g (Nb‐dx2+y2‐O‐2pz) + eg (Nb‐dz2‐O‐2pz). The electronic transitions are determined by a charge‐transfer from the occupied O‐2p4 orbitals to the unoccupied V‐3d3 (or Nb‐4d3) and Bi‐6p3 orbitals. Due to the temperature‐dependent electronic structure closely related to these electronic transitions, this study provides a new perspective for the design and improvement of BFO‐based temperature‐sensitive devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the effect of contact time on the interfacial interaction mechanism of amino acids (AAs) connected to the aluminol group (AlOH) and interlayer Ca ions of Ca-montmorillonite (Ca Mt) in an aqueous solution using density functional theory (DFT) and two-dimensional correlation analysis (2D-CA) technology. The results showed that these interactions include electrostatic (or van-der-Waals) interaction, cation exchange and hydrophilic interaction. In particular, the electrostatic (or van-der-Waals) interaction between the –COO−(H) (and –NH 3 +) groups of the AAs and surface negative O atoms of Ca Mt were found to be the main interaction leading to the adsorption behaviour of AAs onto Ca Mt. With increasing contact time, the Ca-d0 orbital splitting (d x 2 +y 2 → d x 2 +y 2 + d Z 2) not only changes the orbital coupling between the Ca-d0 and O-2p4 orbitals (Ca-d x 2 +y 2-O-2p4 → Ca-d x 2 +y 2 + d Z 2-O-2p4) but also enhances the formation of Ca+–COO−(H) p-p σ (neutral: glycine and serine) and Ca+-NH 3 + p-p π (charged: glutamate and arginine) hybrid orbitals, as well as the cation exchange (AlOH-Ca + AAs) that mainly contributes to the short-range van-der-Waals interaction. Furthermore, the H-1 s (H 2 O) orbital is degenerate, which in turn enhances the orbital overlap of H-1 s (H 2 O) with O-2p4 (-HOCO) and N-2p3 (-NH 3), leading to the formation of hydrated clusters: -NH 3 ·(H 2 O)+ and –HOCO·(H 2 O)−. The hydrophilic interaction (AlOH-H 2 O + AAs) mainly contributes to the long-range electrostatic interaction. The results of the study provide a new perspective to understand the adsorption process of AAs onto clay mineral surfaces. Unlabelled Image • Calculation of the interface interaction between various AAs and Ca-Mt in the water environment. • Orbital hybridization and electronic transition mechanism between AAs and Ca/H 2 O was explained in the interface. • The transition mechanism of van-der Waals (Ca + AAs) and electrostatic interactions (H 2 O + AAs) with contact time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose-based superabsorbent was synthesized by bacterial cellulose (BC) grafting acrylic acid (AA) in the presence of N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) as a crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as an initiator. The influence of different factors on composite synthesis, including the weight ratio of the monomer to BC, initiator content, crosslinker content, AA neutralization degree, reaction temperature, and reaction time on the water absorbency of the composite, were systematically learned. Under the optimized conditions, the maximum water absorbency of the composite was 322 ± 23 g/g distilled water. However, the water absorbency was much less for the different salt solutions and the absorption capacity of the composite decreased as the concentration of the salt solutions increased. The pH value had a significant influence on water absorption performance, and with the increase of temperature, the water retention rate of the composite decreased. Additionally, the structure of this composite was characterized with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of NMR and FT-IR provided evidence that the composite was synthesized by BC and AA, and the microstructure showed that it had good performance for water absorption. In addition, the composite possessed suitable thermal stability, and that it could be used in a few high-temperature environments. Overall, this composite is promising for application in water absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world, and there is a lack of effective treatment drugs. CircRNA plays an important part in a variety of diseases, however, the role of circRNA in cataracts remains largely unknown. In this study, we constructed a cataract model of rats and obtained the circRNAs related to cataracts by whole transcriptome sequencing and circRNA-mRNA co-expression network. To investigate the effect and mechanism of circRNA 06209 on cataracts, we performed several in vivo and in vitro experiments, including CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, dual luciferase reporter assay, RIP assay, actinomycin D assay, and Western blot analysis. We identify that a necroptosis-related circRNA, circRNA 06209, is down-regulated in cataracts. Vitro experiments showed that up-regulation of circRNA 06209 could promote cell proliferation and inhibit cell apoptosis. Vivo experiments revealed that circRNA 06209 overexpression could inhibit the development of cataracts. Mechanistically, circRNA 06209 acts as a miRNA sponge and competitively binds to miR-6848-5p to curb the inhibitory effect of miR-6848-5p on ALOX15, thereby affecting cell viability and apoptosis. This study found that circRNA 06209 plays a critical part in inhibiting cataracts through the miR-6848-5p/ALOX15 pathway, suggesting that circRNA 06209 may be a promising therapeutic target for cataracts. • In this manuscript, we constructed a cataract rat model and obtained the circRNAs related to cataracts by whole transcriptome sequencing and circRNA-mRNA co-expression network. We found that circRNA 06209 plays a critical part in inhibiting cataracts through the miR-6848-5p/ALOX15 pathway, suggesting that circRNA 06209 may be a promising therapeutic target for cataracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • The dynamic characteristics of aggregates under simple shear flow were studied by coarse-graining method. • The relationship between the structure and shear stress of MRF was discussed. • The effect of the size of shear rate on the structure and shear stress of MRF was discussed. • The increase of magnetic field strength and volume fraction of magnetic particles lead to the increase of the shear stress. Abstract In this article, the aggregation behavior and shear properties of magnetorheological fluid (MRF) under different magnetic field strengths, volume fraction of magnetic particles (MPs) and shear rates were investigated by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. With the formation of a wall-like structure, the shear stress (τ) of the MRF increased linearly in the shear strains region 0 < strain (γ) < 0.58. In the yield region (γ > 0.58), the stress began to decrease and finally tended to be stable. The relationship between the aggregation of MPs and shear stress under a magnetic field-shear field was determined at the microscopic level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Superabsorbent composite was synthesized from special bacterial cellulose (BC). • Bentonite inorganic gel (BIG) was produced as substrate for fermentation. • BC was obtained by in situ fermentation. • Effect of different factors on the performance of superabsorbent was evaluated. • The water absorption capacity of composite is suitable for industrial application. Abstract Superabsorbent was synthesized from bacterial cellulose (BC) generated by in situ fermentation on bentonite inorganic gel (BIG). For BIG preparation, the effect of sodium agent's type and content, temperature and time of sodium-modification, and gelling agent's type and content on the viscosity of BIG were learned to optimize the synthesis process. For polymerization, the effect of different factors including ratio of monomer to substrate (modified BC from in situ fermentation), content of initiator and crosslinker, monomer neutralization degree, reaction temperature and time on the performance of composite (superabsorbent) synthesized were analyzed. Under optimal condition, the composite showed good water absorption, salts absorption, and water retention capacity. The original bentonite, sodium-based bentonite, BIG and composite structure was characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the characterization partly explained the performance of water absorption and thermal stability of the composite. Overall, this study provides one method for superabsorbent synthesis from low-cost and natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CHIP (c-terminal Hsp70-interacting protein) is an E3 ligase which may play different roles in different cancers. The elucidation of the VHL-HIF-1α(hypoxia inducible factor-1α)-VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) pathway has led to the development of targeted therapy in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, little is known about the role of CHIP and the relationship between CHIP and VEGF-VEGFR2 (VEGF receptor 2) pathway in RCC. In this study, we found that the expression of CHIP was downregulated and significantly correlated with pT status (P = 0.022) and TNM stage (P = 0.022) in 304 RCC and 35 normal renal tissues using tissue microarray. Moreover, low expression of CHIP is a strong and independent negative prognostic value for RCC. In vitro, CHIP negatively regulated RCC cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis. In addition, ELISA tests showed that restoration of CHIP inhibited, while knockdown promoted, the secreted level of VEGF. Furthermore, western blot indicated that the VEGFR2 protein level was reduced after CHIP overexpression. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that CHIP may be involved in RCC angiogenesis through regulating VEGF secretion and expression of VEGFR2. CHIP may serve as promising prognostic biomarker of angiogenesis and may constitute a potential therapeutic target in RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies suggest R-spondins (Rspos) plays a role in mammalian sex development and differentiation by activating WNT signaling pathways. However, Rspos are frequently less reported in teleosts. In this study, a molecular characterization and expression analysis was conducted with a new rspondin member in the Chinese tongue sole, rspondin2-like ( rspo2l ). The length of rspo2l cDNA is 1251 bp with 732 bp of coding sequence. A qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the transcription of rspo2l was distributed in various tissues, with high transcription levels in the liver, skin, and gills which might indicate a possible role in immunity. We next examined a time-course of transcription levels in four immune tissues (gill, liver, spleen, and kidney) after Vibrio harveyi challenge. It was found that rspo2l was up-regulated in the gills, spleen, and kidney and down-regulated in the liver, and the greatest responses occurred at 24 and 48 h after bacterial challenge. An assessment of β-catenin , the key regulator of the canonical WNT signaling pathway, at different time points in four immune organs revealed that its transcription profile was similar to that of rspo2l after bacterial challenge. The results suggest that tongue sole rspo2l might play a role in immune responses after bacterial challenge, while the potential link with the WNT signaling pathway still requires further investigation. This is the first report about the involvement of rspondins in fish immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Immobilizing catalyst system faces the challenge of balancing catalysts stability and exposure of active site in water treatment. In this study, a novel in-situ synthesis of monoclinic phase of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 (B)) in cellulose-derived carbon aerogel (TCA) is proposed for processing multi-task in water treatment. The homogeneous gelation reaction supported the high dispersion of TiO 2 (B) in carbon skeleton. Meanwhile, TiO 2 acts as crosslinker to reinforce cellulose network, then the grain refinement of amorphous TiO 2 is limited to obtain TiO 2 (B) during carbonization. Benefiting from the reinforced structure, TCA remains the porous structure after carbonization and exposes more adsorption site than carbon aerogel blended with anatase particles (ACA). The adsorption performance of TCA are 837.3 mg/g, 1156.2 mg/g and 512.6 mg/g on methylene blue, malachite green and crystal violet, respectively. Compared with ACA, the superior interaction between TiO 2 and graphite-like carbon improves the degradation rate of tetracycline from 1.3 × 10–3 min−1 to 8.6 × 10–3 min−1, and maintains the degradation efficiency in 3 rounds cyclic test. Besides, TCA also exhibits nearly twice to ACA on absorption capacity of different oil. This facile in-situ synthesis method offers a new insight in fabricating carbon aerogel immobilized photocatalysts system for multi-task in water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Immobilizing catalyst system faces the challenge of balancing catalysts stability and exposure of active site in water treatment. In this study, a novel in-situ synthesis of monoclinic phase of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 (B)) in cellulose-derived carbon aerogel (TCA) is proposed for processing multi-task in water treatment. The homogeneous gelation reaction supported the high dispersion of TiO 2 (B) in carbon skeleton. Meanwhile, TiO 2 acts as crosslinker to reinforce cellulose network, then the grain refinement of amorphous TiO 2 is limited to obtain TiO 2 (B) during carbonization. Benefiting from the reinforced structure, TCA remains the porous structure after carbonization and exposes more adsorption site than carbon aerogel blended with anatase particles (ACA). The adsorption performance of TCA are 837.3 mg/g, 1156.2 mg/g and 512.6 mg/g on methylene blue, malachite green and crystal violet, respectively. Compared with ACA, the superior interaction between TiO 2 and graphite-like carbon improves the degradation rate of tetracycline from 1.3 × 10–3 min−1 to 8.6 × 10–3 min−1, and maintains the degradation efficiency in 3 rounds cyclic test. Besides, TCA also exhibits nearly twice to ACA on absorption capacity of different oil. This facile in-situ synthesis method offers a new insight in fabricating carbon aerogel immobilized photocatalysts system for multi-task in water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Diastereoselective and Enantioselective Michael Addition Reactions of Ketones and Aldehydes to Nitro Olefins Catalyzed by C2-Symmetric Axially-Unfixed Biaryl-Based Organocatalysts Derived from Enantiopure α-Proline" is presented.

Aim and Objective. Hyperlipidemia is a public health matter of global scale, contributing to a wide range of diseases that can result in severe complications and significant annual mortality. Dendrobium officinale (DO) is an edible plant with a long medicinal history in China. Our previous studies revealed that DO may have therapeutic benefits in lipid disorders. However, the mechanism of its active compounds is still unclear. This research aimed at uncovering the hidden anti-hyperlipidemia mechanisms of DO through network pharmacology and experimental validation. Materials and Methods. The active compounds in DO, their targets, and targets associated with hyperlipidemia were screened across various databases, and the hidden targets of DO in treating hyperlipidemia were forecast. The compound-target (C-T), protein-protein interaction (PPI), and compound-target-pathway (C-T-P) networks of DO were set up with Cytoscape software. The hub genes and core clusters of DO predicted to be active against hyperlipidemia were calculated by Cytoscape. The DAVID database was adopted for Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Next, we used the high-sucrose-fat diet and alcohol (HFDA)-induced hyperlipidemia rats to evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of DO. Results. In this study, we obtained 264 compounds from DO, revealed 11 bioactive compounds, and predicted 89 potential targets of DO. The network analysis uncovered that naringenin, isorhamnetin, and taxifolin might be the compounds in DO that are mainly in charge of its roles in hyperlipidemia and might play a role by modulating the targets (including PPARG, ADIPOQ, AKT1, TNF, and APOB). The pathway analysis showed that DO might affect diverse signaling pathways related to the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia, including PPAR signaling pathway, insulin resistance, AMPK signaling pathway, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease simultaneously. Meanwhile, in the HFDA-induced hyperlipidemia rat model, DO could significantly decrease the level of TC, TG, LDL-c, and ALT in serum, and increase HDL-c as well. The liver pathological section indicated that DO could ease liver damage and lipid cumulation. Conclusion. In summary, the biological targets of the main bioactive compounds in DO were found to distribute across multiple metabolic pathways. These findings suggest that a mutual regulatory system consisting of multiple components, targets, and pathways is a likely mechanism through which DO may improve hyperlipidemia. Validation experiments indicated that DO may treat hyperlipidemia by affecting NAFLD-related signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim and Objective. Hyperlipidemia is a public health matter of global scale, contributing to a wide range of diseases that can result in severe complications and significant annual mortality. Dendrobium officinale (DO) is an edible plant with a long medicinal history in China. Our previous studies revealed that DO may have therapeutic benefits in lipid disorders. However, the mechanism of its active compounds is still unclear. This research aimed at uncovering the hidden anti-hyperlipidemia mechanisms of DO through network pharmacology and experimental validation. Materials and Methods. The active compounds in DO, their targets, and targets associated with hyperlipidemia were screened across various databases, and the hidden targets of DO in treating hyperlipidemia were forecast. The compound-target (C-T), protein-protein interaction (PPI), and compound-target-pathway (C-T-P) networks of DO were set up with Cytoscape software. The hub genes and core clusters of DO predicted to be active against hyperlipidemia were calculated by Cytoscape. The DAVID database was adopted for Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Next, we used the high-sucrose-fat diet and alcohol (HFDA)-induced hyperlipidemia rats to evaluate the hypolipidemic effect of DO. Results. In this study, we obtained 264 compounds from DO, revealed 11 bioactive compounds, and predicted 89 potential targets of DO. The network analysis uncovered that naringenin, isorhamnetin, and taxifolin might be the compounds in DO that are mainly in charge of its roles in hyperlipidemia and might play a role by modulating the targets (including PPARG, ADIPOQ, AKT1, TNF, and APOB). The pathway analysis showed that DO might affect diverse signaling pathways related to the pathogenesis of hyperlipidemia, including PPAR signaling pathway, insulin resistance, AMPK signaling pathway, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease simultaneously. Meanwhile, in the HFDA-induced hyperlipidemia rat model, DO could significantly decrease the level of TC, TG, LDL-c, and ALT in serum, and increase HDL-c as well. The liver pathological section indicated that DO could ease liver damage and lipid cumulation. Conclusion. In summary, the biological targets of the main bioactive compounds in DO were found to distribute across multiple metabolic pathways. These findings suggest that a mutual regulatory system consisting of multiple components, targets, and pathways is a likely mechanism through which DO may improve hyperlipidemia. Validation experiments indicated that DO may treat hyperlipidemia by affecting NAFLD-related signaling pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to present ball bearings with a composite structure based on the bionics principle and shows the comparison between five types of different structures. Design/methodology/approach: By means of the finite element method, the stress and other parameters between different structures are compared and verified. Finally, the comprehensive parameters of different structures are evaluated by the analytic hierarchy process method. Findings: The evaluation of the comprehensive parameters of five types of structures is shown here. Originality/value: The value of this paper is calculated and compared to the parameters of five types of different structures, and the parameter score evaluation of each structure is given. Different structures can be selected according to different parameter requirements, which to provide a theoretical basis for the design of ball bearings. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon10.1108/ILT-10-2019-0413 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaloids and lignans in Zanthoxylum armatum display important biological activities, but the quanitification method of alkaloids has not been reported. In this study, an effective extraction method was developed through an orthogonal design, and ten compounds in roots, stems, branches and leaves of Zanthoxylum armatum were simultaneously quantified by ultra-fast liquid chromatography–tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (UFLC–MS/MS). The roots, stems, branches and leaves of Z. armatum were ultrasonically extracted with methanol (solvent–to–sample ratio 100 : 1, v/w) for 10 min. An UFLC–MS/MS method was developed with a gradient UFLC mobile phase and triple quadruple tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode. The method was validated for linearity, precision, repeatability and accuracy. The limits of detection and quantification were within 0.01–7.5 and 0.04–30 ng/mL, respectively. The root samples collected from Tian'e County were abundant in N-methylanhydrotetrahydroberberrubine A, escholidine perchlorate and pinoresinol monomethyl ether, eudesminthe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benefits of volatile anesthetics in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients remain controversial. We aimed to conduct an updated meta-analysis to assess whether the use of volatile anesthetics during CABG could reduce mortality and other outcomes. We searched eight databases from inception to June 2019 and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of volatile anesthetics versus total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) in CABG patients. The primary outcomes were operative mortality and one-year mortality. The secondary outcomes included the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital and postoperative safety outcomes (myocardial infarction, heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, delirium, postoperative cognitive impairment, acute kidney injury, and the use of intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) or other mechanical circulatory support). Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to control for random errors. A total of 89 RCTs comprising 14,387 patients were included. There were no significant differences between the volatile anesthetics and TIVA groups in operative mortality (relative risk (RR) = 0.92, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68–1.24, p = 0.59, I2 = 0%), one-year mortality (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.32–1.26, p = 0.19, I2 = 51%), or any of the postoperative safety outcomes. The lengths of stay in the ICU and hospital were shorter in the volatile anesthetics group than in the TIVA group. TSA revealed that the results for operative mortality, one-year mortality, length of stay in the ICU, heart failure, stroke, and the use of IABP were inconclusive. Conventional meta-analysis suggests that the use of volatile anesthetics during CABG is not associated with reduced risk of mortality or other postoperative safety outcomes when compared with TIVA. TSA shows that the current evidence is insufficient and inconclusive. Thus, future large RCTs are required to clarify this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Anaerobic digestion of elephant grass hydrolysate was evaluated. • Efficient COD removal and biogas production were fulfilled. • Most inlet organic materials could be utilized or degraded efficiently. • Almost no VFAs were accumulated and the operation was stable. • COD and color of outlet effluent of anaerobic digestion were removed efficiently. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) acid hydrolysate was used as substrate for anaerobic digestion for the first time. Within short period (ten days), the organic materials (sugars and organic acids) in the elephant grass hydrolysate could be utilized efficiently for stable biogas production that the COD removal, biogas yield, and CH 4 content were 91.3 ± 2.0%, 0.561 ± 0.014 m3/kg COD consumption, and 68.1 ± 4.6%, respectively throughout this bioprocess. During anaerobic digestion, almost no volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was accumulated (merely <0.1 g/L acetic acid was found) and the outlet pH was very stable (7.3 ± 0.1). Meanwhile, the furans including furfural and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) existing in the inlet substrate could be degraded. After anaerobic digestion, the outlet effluent was treated by combination of Fe-C micro-electrolysis and Fenton reaction to remove 93.1% of residual COD and 98.6% of color. Considering the performance, cost, operation, and environmental influence, this technology is suitable for industrial treatment of waste elephant grass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and accurate Nile Red fluorescent method was built to evaluate the lipid content of three different oleaginous yeasts by one standard curve. The staining of cells can be observed clearly by laser scanning confocal microscope, showing that Nile Red can enter into the cells of oleaginous yeasts easily. A series of conditions such as pretreating temperature, cell suspension concentration (OD600), staining time, Nile Red concentration and the type of suspension solvent were learnt systematically to obtain the optimal process parameters for Nile Red staining. After optimization, the fitting curve of Nile Red fluorescent method was established under suitable conditions (pretreating temperature: 50 °C, OD600: 1.0; staining time: 5 mins; Nile Red concentration: 1.0 μg/mL; suspension solvent: PBS) and it had a suitable correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.95) for lipid content measurement of different oleaginous yeasts. By this study, the possibility of lipid content determination of different oleaginous yeasts by one fitting curve can be proven and this will improve the efficiency of researches related to microbial lipid production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Wastewater treatment is one important issue for turpentine plant and more wastewater generated by greater turpentine processing will prevent its further development. To solve this issue without extra place and new equipment, one industrial system for reuse and treatment of turpentine processing wastewater was introduced for the first time. For wastewater reuse, the technology was simple and easy to control that after neutralization by lime and absorption with activated carbon (optional, mostly not necessary), the wastewater could be reused for turpentine processing. After reuse, the wastewater was further treated by a biological system. During long-term application of wastewater reuse in this plant, it showed little influence on the products performance (mainly acid value) and final wastewater COD. Base on above advantages, the plant could decide when for wastewater drainage, and thus the amount of wastewater was reduced greatly. For the biological treatment, the COD of wastewater could be degraded to suitable level stably and the wastewater after treatment could be applied for daily life in the plant. Overall, considering the cost, operation, and performance, the whole system shows great potential and possibility of industrial application and therefore can be applied widely in the turpentine processing industry. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A system for turpentine processing wastewater reuse and treatment was introduced. • Simply treated by neutralization and absorption, the wastewater could be reused. • The wastewater after reusing was suitable for biological treatment. • The whole system has great potential and possibility for industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: To compare the effectiveness, safety, and costs of commercial standardized multi-chamber bag and customized compounded total parenteral nutrition (TPN) among gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy.Methods and Study Design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 64 gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy from 2014 to 2016 in a tertiary teaching hospital in Beijing, China. Patients were categorized into standardized (s-TPN) and customized TPN (c-TPN) groups based on their TPN order after gastrectomy. Patients were followed up until discharge. The effectiveness measures (body mass index (BMI) and albumin) and safety measures (liver and renal functions and electrolytes) were compared before TPN started and after TPN finished within and between the two groups. The length of hospital stay and costs were compared be-tween the two groups.Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in BMI preserva-tion, metabolic complications, the length of hospital stay and costs, except that both total bilirubin (Tbil) and di-rect bilirubin (Dbil) were significantly higher in the s-TPN group than c-TPN (p<0.05).Conclusions: There were no significant differences in effectiveness and safety measures, the length of hospital stay and costs between s-TPN and c-TPN groups, except that s-TPN group was more likely to lead to parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD). More studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study in other healthcare settings and study populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compounds of N-Methylanhydrotetrahydroberberrubine A, dictamnine and eudesmin were the primary bioactive components in the roots of Zanthoxylum armatum DC ( Z . armatum ). To clarify the pharmacokinetics and distribution of these three compounds, an ultra-fast liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) was employed to determine the contents of these three compounds in rat plasma and seven tissues. The separation was achieved on a Kinetex XB–C18 100A column (2.1 × 50 mm, 2.6 μm, Phenomenex). The optimized mobile phase system was set with 0.1‰ formic acid aqueous solution (A) and acetonitrile (containing 0.1‰ formic acid) (B) with a programmed elution of 0.00 to 0.50 min, 2% B; 0.51–4.00 min, 30%–60% B; and 4.01–5.00 min, 2% B. All analytes were measured with optimized multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in the positive ion ESI mode. Berberine hydrochloride was selected as the internal standard (IS). The MS/MS transitions of N-Methylanhydrotetrahydroberberrubine A, dictamnine, eudesmin and IS were 339.9135.1, 200.1 → 129.1, 387.4 → 369.0 and 337.1 → 321.1, respectively. The lower limits quantification (LLOQ) of the three analytes was 0.5–20 ng/ml. The linear ranges were 0.5–400 ng/ml for N-Methylanhydrotetrahydroberberrubine A and dictamnine and 20–4000 ng/ml for eudesmin. The present analysis showed that the two alkaloids were quickly absorbed, with T max in 0.167–0.292 h, and eudesmin was absorbed in 2.5 h. Moreover, all compounds were found at high concentrations in the gastrointestinal track. These results are helpful for further investigation of the clinical application of Z . armatum . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass acid hydrolysate of oleaginous yeastTrichosporon cutaneumafter microbial oil extraction was applied as substrate for bacterial cellulose (BC) production byKomagataeibacter xylinus(also named asGluconacetobacter xylinuspreviously) for the first time. BC was synthesized in static culture for 10 days, and the maximum BC yield (2.9 g/L) was got at the 4th day of fermentation. Most carbon sources in the substrate (glucose, mannose, formic acid, acetic acid) can be utilized byK. xylinus. The highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (40.7 ± 3.0%) was obtained at the 6th day of fermentation, and then the COD increased possibly due to the degradation of BC. The highest BC yield on COD consumption was 38.7 ± 4.0% (w/w), suggesting that this is one efficient bioconversion for BC production. The BC structure was affected little by the substrate by comparison with that generated in classical HS medium using field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction. Overall, this technology can both solve the issue of waste oleaginous yeast biomass and produce valuable biopolymer (BC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian is one important tropical fruit with high nutritional value, but its shell is usually useless and considered as waste. To explore the efficient and high-value utilization of this agricultural and food waste, in this study, durian shell was simply hydrolyzed by dilute sulfuric acid, and the durian shell hydrolysate after detoxification was used for bacterial cellulose (BC) production by Gluconacetobacter xylinus for the first time. BC was synthesized in static culture for 10 days and the highest BC yield (2.67 g/L) was obtained at the 8th day. The typical carbon sources in the substrate including glucose, xylose, formic acid, acetic acid, etc. can be utilized by G. xylinus. The highest chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal (16.40%) was obtained at the 8th day. The highest BC yield on COD consumption and the highest BC yield on sugar consumption were 93.51% and 22.98% (w/w), respectively, suggesting this is one efficient bioconversion for BC production. Durian shell hydrolysate showed small influence on the BC structure by comparison with the structure of BC generated in traditional Hestrin-Schramm medium detected by FE-SEM, FTIR, and XRD. Overall, this technology can both solve the issue of waste durian shell and produce valuable bio-polymer (BC). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional solid-state biogas production from lignocellulosic biomass has some issues such as relatively low methane yield, instability of fermentation system, etc., and these might be solved by changing solid-state mode to completely liquid-state mode using lignocellulosic hydrolysates as substrate for biogas production. However, the potential and possibility of this new technology for industrial application is still unclear. In this study, semi-pilot scale long-term biogas production using various lignocellulosic hydrolysates (acid hydrolysates of bagasse, rice straw, and corncob) as substrate was carried out in a 100 L up-flow anaerobic bioreactor (internal circulation reactor, IC) for 76 days. During operation, biogas was generated almost immediately when the substrate was pumped into bioreactor and the start-up can be finished in short period. Throughout the fermentation process, most COD (>85%) of lignocellulosic hydrolysates was utilized for biogas production. High biogas yield (0.549 ± 0.058 m 3 /kg COD consumption ), methane yield (0.381 ± 0.043 m 3 /kg COD consumption ) and CH 4 content in biogas (69.6 ± 5.6%) can be obtained respectively when the fermentation system was stable. Variations of inlet pH value and types of lignocellulosic hydrolysate showed little influence on the operation performance of this fermentation system. Overall, the fermentation scale, operation period, COD removal, biogas yield, CH 4 content in biogas, and operation performance with various inlet pH value and different kinds of substrate shows that this technology has great potential and possibility of industrialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]