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[Display omitted] Despite the flourishing studies of droplet interfacial boiling, the boiling upon vibratory surfaces, which may cause vigorous liquid–vapor-solid interactions, has rarely been investigated. Enhanced boiling normally can be gained from rapid removal of vapor and disturbance of liquid–vapor interface. We hypothesize that the vibratory surfaces enhance both effects with new intriguing phenomena and thus, attain an enhanced boiling heat transfer. We experimentally investigated the impacting fluid dynamics and coupled heat transfer patterns of multiple droplets and a single droplet impinging on still and vibratory surfaces of various materials and different wettability. The boiling under vibratory surfaces with increased vibration velocity amplitude and enhanced wettability can be enhanced by 80% in heat transfer coefficient and Nusselt number, which is attributed to several reasons: shortened bubble lifespan, thinner and smaller bubbles, and enhanced disturbances in liquid–vapor interfaces. The vibration also delays the Leidenfrost point when the droplet impacts a descending surface, which shows that the droplet impact moment (vibration phase angle) is particularly crucial. The descending surface releases the generated vapor actively and facilitates liquid–solid contact, thereby delaying the Leidenfrost. From fundamentals to application, this article strengthens our understanding of vibrated interfacial boiling in scenarios closer to multiple natural processes and practical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diquat (DQ) is a commonly used bipyridine herbicide known for its toxic properties and adverse effects on individuals. However, the mechanism underlying DQ-induced damage remain elusive. Our research aimed to uncover the regulatory network involved in DQ-induced damage. We analyzed publicly accessible gene expression patterns and performed research using a DQ-induced damage animal model. The GSE153959 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus collection and the animal model of DQ-induced kidney injury were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Pathways including the regulation of DNA-templated transcription in response to stress, RNA polymerase II transcription regulator complex and transcription coregulatory activity were shown to be enriched in 21 DEGs. We used least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis to find possible diagnostic biomarkers for DQ-induced damage. Then, we used an HK-2 cell model to confirm these results. Additionally, we confirmed that 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) was the major gene associated with DQ-induced damage using multi-omics screening. The sample validation strongly suggested that HMGCS2 has promise as a diagnostic marker and may provide new targets for therapy in the context of DQ-induced damage. • DQ caused kidney and liver toxicity. • The database and mouse model results revealed that DQ increased Hmgcs2 expression. • The metabolome and proteome data revealed DQ increased HMGCS2 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are man-made chemicals used in the manufacture of many products with water and dirt repellent properties. Many diseases have been proved to be related to the exposure of PFCs, including breast fibroadenoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer and leydig cell adenoma. However, whether the PFCs promote the progression of prostate cancer remains unclear. In this work, through comprehensive bioinformatics analysis, we discovered the correlation between the prostate cancer and five PFCs using Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. In addition, further analysis showed that several PFCs-related genes demonstrated strong prognostic value for prostate cancer patients. The survival analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves revealed that PFCs-related genes based prognostic model held great predictive value for the prognosis of prostate cancer, which could potentially serve as an independent risk factor in the future. In vitro experiments verified the promotive role of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) in the growth of prostate cancer cells. This study provided novel insights into understanding the role of PFCs in prostate cancer and brought attention to the environmental association with cancer risks and progression. • Many diseases including cancers are proved to be related to the increased exposure of Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). • The water solubility of PFCs theoretically increases the exposure risks of genitourinary systems. • Online analysis exhibited the association between PFCs-related genes and the progression of prostate cancer. • Prognostic model based on PFCs-related genes distinguished prostate cancer patients with diverse long-term survival. • Proliferation of prostate cancer cells were induced by high concentration of PFOA and PFNA validated by in vitro assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are few studies applying pulsed electric field (PEF) on solid foods in databases. Egg white protein (EWP) was subjected to PEF for elucidating mechanism of changes in molecular structure of enzymes and protein components for solid foods. Determination of free and total sulfhydryl groups, ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were used to compare EWP before and after PEF treatment. The results showed that the amount of free sulfhydryl increased while that of total sulfhydryl decreased after PEF exertion. PEF did not change the SDS-PAGE patterns visibly and no shift in maximum absorption wavelength but intensity could be observed in UV spectra of EWP. IR spectra of EWP were subjected to Gaussian multi-component peak modeling for molecular secondary structure analyses. Either the voltage of the PEF ( P < 0.01) or the residence time of the sample ( P < 0.05) significantly decreased the relative portion of α-helices while increased that of β-sheets in EWP, and impact could also be seen in respect of contents of β-turns and random coils in amide I region of EWP and its fractions. The results are of reference values to potential applications of PEF on solid foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Barley is a cereal to seek for higher value added. Its β-glucan has been paid much attention as a soluble dietary fiber. Barley polysaccharide (BP) of a cultivar for brewing was extracted by ultrasonic assistance and derived by using a relatively lower toxic esterifying agent-sulfamic acid to obtain sulfated barley polysaccharides (SBPs) with various degrees of substitution (DS). Comparisons were made amongst SBPs and BP in antioxidant abilities in vitro with total reducing power, scavenging effect on DPPH , hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anion radicals and lipid antioxidation and inhibition against α-glucosidase. The results showed that antioxidant activity of BP was significantly enhanced by sulfation modification. The activities increased with the concentration and DS. Kinetic analyses revealed that the inhibitory effects of SBPs and BP on α-glucosidase were reversible and SBPs exhibited a mixed type of inhibition while BP was a noncompetitively inhibitory process. The present work reflected that BP could be a potential raw material for the development of antiglycemic pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: The inflammatory response after hepatic ischemia reperfusion (I/R) contributes to liver dysfunction and failure after transplantation. Butyrate is a four-carbon fatty acid, normally produced by bacterial fermentation of fiber in mammalian intestines, with anti-inflammatory activities. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of butyrate preconditioning, if any, against hepatic I/R injury in rats and the underlying mechanisms involved. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a partial (70%) hepatic ischemia for 60 min after pretreatment with either vehicle or butyrate, followed by 3, 6, and 24 h of reperfusion. Hepatic injury was evaluated by biochemical and histopathologic examinations. Neutrophil infiltration was measured by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa) and Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Results: Butyrate treatment markedly improved hepatic function and histology, as indicated by reduced transaminase levels and ameliorated tissue pathologic changes. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and myeloperoxidase activity was attenuated by butyrate. Butyrate also reduced I/R-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in Kupffer cells. Conclusion: Our results suggest that butyrate alleviates I/R-induced liver injury, possibly by suppressing inflammatory factors production and preventing NF-κB activation in Kupffer cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Sepsis-associated acute renal injury (SA-AKI) is a common critical clinical disease. It is associated with increased mortality and increased risk of progression to chronic kidney disease. However, its pathogenesis is not fully known. We hypothesized that metabolic interactions mediate cell apoptosis and AKI. We found that phosphatidylcholine content in human renal tubular epithelial cells following lipopolysaccharide-induced injury was increased. The activity of lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3 (LPCAT3), a key enzyme in phospholipid metabolism, was increased, while the expression of miR-124-3p.1, which targets LPCAT3, was decreased. We also found that in the serum of SA-AKI patients, LPCAT3 activity was increased, and miR-124-3p.1 expression was decreased. Further experiments confirmed the specific binding of exocrine miR-124-3p.1 to LPCAT3. Our data reveal the molecular mechanisms of phospholipid metabolic disorder in early SA-AKI as well as the role of the miR-124-3p.1/LPCAT3 pathway in SA-AKI, which leads to ferroptosis. These results could provide the scientific basis for early diagnosis and renal replacement therapy in SA-AKI. • In early SA-AKI, the phospholipid metabolic disordered. • MiR-124-3p.1 can regulate LPCAT3 expression and affect lipid metabolism, which leads to ferroptosis. • These results could provide the scientific basis for early diagnosis and renal replacement therapy in SA-AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as critical regulators of ischemic stroke, a condition that affects neuronal survival. However, the precise role of miRNAs in regulating neuronal injury during ischemic stroke remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential role of miR-152-3p in regulating oxygen-glucose-deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal injury in vitro. We found that OGD/R-exposed neurons expressed less miR-152-3p. Functional analysis revealed that miR-152-3p overexpression increased the viability and reduced the apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production of OGD/R-exposed neurons. By contrast, miR-152-3p inhibition exacerbated OGD/R-induced injury. Notably, we identified postsynaptic density protein-93 (PSD-93), an important regulator of neuroprotection during ischemic stroke, as a miR-152-3p target gene. PSD-93 inhibition by small interfering RNA (siRNA) or miR-152-3p reinforced the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) antioxidant signaling in OGD/R-exposed neurons. However, PSD-93 overexpression or Nrf2 silencing partially reversed miR-152-3p-mediated neuroprotection in OGD/R-exposed neurons. Overall, these results demonstrated that miR-152-3p protected neurons from OGD/R-induced apoptosis and ROS production by reinforcing Nrf2/ARE antioxidant signaling through targeting and inhibiting PSD-93, findings that suggest miR-152-3p is a potential target for neuroprotection during ischemic stroke. Image 1 • miR-152-3p is decreased in neurons exposed to OGD/R. • miR-152-3p overexpression alleviates OGD/R-induced neuronal injury. •.PSD-93 is identified as a target gene of miR-152-3p. • PSD-93 regulates OGD/R-induced neuronal injury by Nrf2 signaling. • miR-152-3p/PSD-93/Nrf2 signaling regulates OGD/R-induced neuronal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the development of Caenorhabditis elegans, through cell divisions, a total of exactly 1090 cells are generated, 131 of which undergo programmed cell death (PCD) to result in an adult organism comprising 959 cells. Of those 131, exactly 113 undergo PCD during embryogenesis, subdivided across the cell lineages in the following fashion: 98 for AB lineage; 14 for MS lineage; and 1 for C lineage. Is there a law underlying these numbers, and if there is, what could it be? Here we wish to show that the count of the cells undergoing PCD complies with the cipher laws related to the algorithms of Shor and of Grover. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pulsed electric field (PEF) was applied to moisture-preconditioned canola seeds to evaluate the effect on oil yield. The effect of PEF on functional and structural properties of canola protein left over after oil extraction were also examined in albumin and globulin fractions obtained at optimal conditions for oil yield. Generally, PEF pretreatment significantly improved (P < 0.01) the following functional properties of canola protein and its fractions: solubility, water-holding capacity, emulsibility, emulsion stability, oil-holding capacity, foamability, and foam stability. Infrared spectrometry revealed that the secondary structure of the protein changed upon PEF, as shown by changes in the proportions of α-helices, β-sheets, and β-turns in the amide I region. An increased amount of free sulfhydryl groups and surface hydrophobicity suggested alterations in tertiary structure as well. PEF caused the formation of new protein aggregates with low molecular mass, demonstrated by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and changes in the number of total sulfhydryl groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate the impact of CYP3A4 activity inhibition and genetic polymorphism on the metabolism of crizotinib. Enzymatic incubation systems for crizotinib were established, and Sprague-Dawley rats were utilized for in vivo experiments. Analytes were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Upon screening 122 drugs and natural compounds, proanthocyanidins emerged as inhibitor of crizotinib metabolism, exhibiting a relative inhibition rate of 93.7%. The IC 50 values were 24.53 ± 0.32 μM in rat liver microsomes and 18.24 ± 0.12 μM in human liver microsomes. In vivo studies revealed that proanthocyanidins markedly affected the pharmacokinetic parameters of crizotinib. Co-administration led to a significant reduction in the AUC (0–t) , C max of PF-06260182 (the primary metabolite of crizotinib), and the urinary metabolic ratio. This interaction is attributed to the mixed-type inhibition of liver microsome activity by proanthocyanidins. CYP3A4, being the principal metabolic enzyme for crizotinib, has its genetic polymorphisms significantly influencing crizotinib's pharmacokinetics. Kinetic data showed that the relative metabolic rates of crizotinib across 26 CYP3A4 variants ranged from 13.14% (CYP3A4.12, 13) to 188.57% (CYP3A4.33) when compared to the wild-type CYP3A4.1. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of proanthocyanidins varied between CYP3A4.12 and CYP3A4.33, when compared to the wild type. Our findings indicate that proanthocyanidins coadministration and CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism can significantly influence crizotinib metabolism. • Procyanidins significantly inhibited crizotinib metabolism both in vitro and in vivo. • CYP3A4 genetic polymorphism affected the metabolic kinetics of crizotinib. • CYP3A4 variation also determined the intensity of procyanidins inhibition of crizotinib metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Mono-metal Relay catalysis for one-pot bis-alkoxycarbonylation of alkynes. • Relay catalysis over Pd-catalyst induced by two divergent di-phosphines. • Synthesis of N,P-hybrid di-phosphines with bulky steric hindrance. • Two independent and compatible Pd-catalysts modified by two divergent di-phosphines. The mono-metal relay catalysis is a good strategy for one-pot multi-step cascade process in which the specific catalysis can be switched upon the ligand exchange to match the requirements for each independent reaction but without mutual interference and quenching problem. Herein, the one-pot cascade bis-alkoxycarbonylation of terminal alkynes was achieved by taking advantages of the mono-metallic (Pd) relay catalysis, wherein the two kinds of divergent di-phosphines of L1 and DTBPMB were involved. In this Pd(OAc) 2 - L1 -DTBPMB system, due to the steric bulkiness of L1 and DTBPMB, the two type of catalysts including Pd(OAc) 2 - L1 and Pd(OAc) 2 -DTBPMB co-existed independently and compatibly. Pd(OAc) 2 - L1 system was only in charge of the first-step carbonylation of alkynes towards the branched α,β-unsaturated esters with gem -positioned double bond. Subsequent, Pd(OAc) 2 -DTBPMB system took over the carbonylation of the branched α,β-unsaturated esters to afford the target diesters. It was indicated Pd(OAc) 2 -L1 system was an efficient and stable catalyst which could be recycled upon 15 runs for the first-step carbonylation. Anyway, Pd(OAc) 2 -DTBPMB system easily underwent deactivation, which degraded the recyclability of the Pd(OAc) 2 - L1 -DTBPMB coupling system for this cascade bis-alkoxycarbonylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ligand-controlled divergent regioselectivity in Pd-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes. [Display omitted] • Synthesis of pinwheel-like tridentate phosphines. • Ligand-controlled divergent regioselectivity in Pd-catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes. • Flexible tridentate phosphine in charge of anti -Markovnikov's alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes. • Rigid tridentate phosphine in charge of Markovnikov's alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes. The elaborate control of regioselectivity regulated by the involved ligands with specific structural skeleton and compositions is always demanded in alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes. Herein, a series of pinwheel-like tridentate phosphine ligands with rotatable flexibility (L3) or hard rigidity (L5–L7) were synthesized and characterized for the first time, in which the incorporated three PPh 2 -fragments are located at meta-positions of phenyl groups. It was proved that the tridentate phosphine of L3 with the flexible configuration favorably corresponded to the linear regioselectivity with l/b ratio of 98/2, whereas L7 with the rigid configuration absolutely did favor to the branched regioselectivity with l/b ratio of 1/99. The presence of the three PPh 2 -frgaments in L3 did contribute to the remarkable performance of L3 -Pd(TFA) 2 system in terms of activity, linear regioselectivity and stability, subjected to 10-run recycling uses in anti -Markovnikov's methoxycarbonylation of styrene without activity loss and Pd-black precipitation. In comparison, although the optimal L7 -Pd(MeCN) 2 Cl 2 system could catalyze Markovnikov's alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes to afford the branched esters with excellent regioselectivity in the fresh use, its stability was too poor to support the recycling experiments. L3 -Pd(TFA) 2 and L7 -Pd(MeCN) 2 Cl 2 catalytic systems were both applicable to a wide range of substrates in alkoxycarbonylation of alkenes to afford the target esters in the isolated yields of 41–91 %, with the well maintained divergent regioselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulsed electric field (PEF) is promising in food industry in modifying properties of materials. The influences of PEF pretreatment on hydrolysis, texture, multi-scale and semi-crystalline lamellar structure, thermal properties, and flavor of rice were investigated with two special treatments for high and low contents of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch, using enzymatic hydrolysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffractometry, small angle X-ray scattering, attenuated total-reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, texture profile analysis, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (MS)-MS. Upon PEF pretreatment, the starch hydrolysis degree and glycemic index of cooked rice increased slightly; the hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness of cooked rice increased significantly (P < 0.05). PEF reduced the integrity of cell structure, altered the gelatinization enthalpy, relative crystallinity degree, semi-crystalline layered structure of rice lightly, without obviously changing the diffractive pattern type of rice grains. PEF pretreatment caused decrease of phenols and ketones and increase of acids and aldehydes in cooked rice. • Pulsed electric field (PEF) significantly affected texture of cooked rice. • PEF significantly enhanced starch hydrolysis and increased glycemic index of cooked rice. • PEF significantly changed composition of volatile compounds of rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the urinary system, whose molecular mechanism is still not clear. ALPK2 is a member of alpha protein kinase family, and its relationship with RCC is never reported. In this study, expression of ALPK2 in tumor tissues or cells of RCC was detected by qPCR, western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis. The effects of ALPK2 knockdown on cell proliferation, colony formation, cell migration and apoptosis were assessed by MTT, colony formation assay, wound-healing assay, Transwell assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The influence of ALPK2 knockdown on tumor growth in vivo was evaluated by mice xenograft models. The results demonstrated that ALPK2 was upregulated in tumor tissues of RCC and its high expression was significantly associated with advanced stage and poor prognosis. Knockdown of ALPK2 could inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and cell migration of RCC cells, while promoting cell apoptosis. The suppression of tumor growth in vivo by ALPK2 knockdown was also showed by using mice xenograft models. Moreover, the regulation of RCC by ALPK2 may involve Akt, CDK6, Cyclin D1 and PIK3CA signaling. Therefore, our studies suggested that ALPK2 may act as a tumor promotor in the development and progression of RCC, and could be considered as a novel therapeutic target for RCC treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ibuprofen is the most commonly used analgesic. CYP polymorphisms are mainly responsible for the differences in drug metabolism among individuals. Variations in the ability of populations to metabolize ibuprofen can lead to drug exposure events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 polymorphisms on ibuprofen metabolism in a Chinese population. First, 31 CYP2C19 and 12 CYP3A4 microsomal enzymes were identified using an insect expression system. Then, variants were evaluated using a mature incubation system. Moreover, ibuprofen metabolite content was determined via ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Finally, kinetic parameters of CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 genotypes were determined via Michaelis-Menten curve fitting. Most variants exhibited significantly altered intrinsic clearance compared to the wild type. In the CYP2C19 metabolic pathway, seven variants exhibited no significant alterations in intrinsic clearance (CL int), six variants exhibited significantly high CL int (121–291%), and the remaining 15 variants exhibited substantially reduced CL int (1–71%). In the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway, CYP3A4*30 was not detected in the metabolite content due to the absence of activity, and 10 variants exhibited significantly reduced CL int. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to assess the kinetic characteristics of 31 CYP2C19 and 12 CYP3A4 genotypes on ibuprofen metabolism. However, further studies are needed on poor metabolizers as they are more susceptible to drug exposure. Our findings suggest that the kinetic characteristics in combination with artificial intelligence to predict the toxicity of ibuprofen and reduce any adverse drug reactions. • We firstly evaluate the catalytic activities of 31 CYP2C9 and 12 CYP3A4 variants toward ibuprofen in vitro. • Most variants exhibit decreased catalytic activity toward ibuprofen. • We need to focus on PMs with severely abnormal metabolic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In addition to thrombolysis, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) can evoke neurorestorative processes. We therefore investigated the therapeutic effect of subacute intranasal administration of tPA post stroke on neurological recovery and on corticospinal innervation in mice. A transgenic mouse line, in which the pyramidal neurons and corticospinal tract (CST) axons are specifically labeled by yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) was employed. Adult CST-YFP mice were subjected to right unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo), and were randomly divided into groups treated with saline or tPA intranasally in the subacute phase. Pseudorabies virus (PRV)-614-monomeric red fluorescent protein (RFP) was injected into the left forelimb. The cervical spinal cord and brain were processed for fluorescent microscopy to detect YFP and RFP labeling. Primary embryonic neurons were cultured with tPA at different concentrations. Neurite length and branch numbers were then measured. In vivo, subacute tPA treatment significantly enhanced functional recovery ( p  < 0.05), and increased CST density in the denervated gray matter, and in the numbers of PRV-labeled neurons in bilateral cortices. The behavioral performance was significantly correlated with axonal density in the denervated spinal cord. In vitro, both neurite length and branch numbers significantly increased with concentration of tPA ( p  < 0.05). Our results demonstrate that tPA dose-dependently increases neurite outgrowth and branching of cultured cortical neurons. Subacute intranasal administration of tPA may provide enhance neurological recovery after stroke by promoting CST axonal remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development, protection, and restoration of bays require works in scientific research and applications, and the success of which depends on a well deployment of monitoring stations for marine water quality. However, for bays without historical data, it is difficult to carry out related research on deployment of the monitoring stations, resulting in very few research works. This paper has introduced the affinity propagation (AP) clustering algorithm and achieved good results by correcting the preferences. The results show that under the given preference, that is, when the value of M is −6800, the number of monitoring stations in the Xincun lagoon area is 24. Simultaneous the sensitivity analysis of preferences shows that the number of exemplars decreases with lower preferences, that is, when M decreased from −4000 to −12000, the number also decreased from 70 to 36. However, some exemplars remain unchanged or being changed to adjacent positioning. This shows the stability of computation results and the rationality of AP. The research results can be well applied to other bays, even open waters. • AP clustering can be used to layout seawater monitoring stations. • Multi-dimensional feature parameters is used to modify the bias parameters of the algorithm. • Sensitivity analysis shows that AP clustering can be applied in bays lacking historical data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Cervical cancer is one of the most common gynecologic malignant tumors. Propofol has been proposed to play a role of antitumor in various cancers. However, the functions and mechanisms of Propofol in cervical cancer is still not clear. Methods In vitro , the different concentrations of propofol were co-incubated with cervical cancer cell lines, including Hela, Caski and C-33A cells respectively. The pcDNA-HOTAIR plasmid was transfected into cells after the treatment of 10 μg/ml propofol. The cell viability and apoptosis were detected by MTT assay and TUNEL method. In vivo , propofol was injected into mice of transplantation tumor with Caski cells or with pcDNA-HOTAIR treated Caski cells. Results Propofol significantly decreased the cell viability and increased the cell apoptosis in Hela, Caski and C-33A cells, while HOTAIR overexpression promoted cell viability and inhibits cell apoptosis. mTOR/p70S6K protein expression levels were also markedly reduced by propofol but the effects were reversed with pcDNA-HOTAIR. In vivo , propofol inhibited the tumor size but had no inhibition effect in HOTAIR overexpression group. Conclusion Propofol inhibited tumor size, cell viability and promoted cell apoptosis via inhibiting mTOR/p70S6K pathway mediated by HOTAIR in cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Critical melting pretreatment for granular swelling and soluble starch release was performed before freeze-thawing (FT) to enhance the effect of FT treatment on structure modification of potato starch. The critical melting temperature applied was based on the onset melting temperature (T o) of the native potato starch. After pretreatment, the effect of multiple FT cycles on the morphology, structure, and functionality was investigated. The pretreatment effectively induced granular swelling and partial disruption of the crystalline structure by increasing the volume of water molecules inside the granules. The pasting pattern changed obviously after treatments with the significantly increased final viscosity (up to 5000 from 2900 mPa s) and decreased breakdown (1/5th of native starch). Soluble starch released due to the both critical melting and FT treatments had a strong tendency to reassociate outside the granules, which effectively raised the thermal stability of starch granules. Moreover, increased water (∼109–∼164%) and oil (∼56–∼64%) absorption of starch at room temperature were observed. The synergistic effect of the combination of critical melting pretreatment and mechanical force of ice crystals effectively modified the properties of potato starch, suggesting a useful clean-label method for starch modification. [Display omitted] • Pretreatment enhanced modification effect of freeze-thawing on potato starch (PS). • Critical melting pretreatment applied is based on onset melting temperature of PS. • The combined treatment changed the morphology, structure, and functionality of PS. • Thermal stability of PS granules raised significantly after the combined treatment. • Partial disruption of chain arrangement and soluble starch release plays a key role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Elucidating the underlying mechanisms and developing protective strategies for the pathophysiological consequences of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) have been hampered due to the absence of a satisfactory long-term recovery animal model. The objective of this study was to establish a survival experimental model of CPB in rats to meet the requirement of these studies. Materials and methods: Male SD rats (450–550 g) were randomly divided into CPB (n = 10) group and Sham group (n = 10). All rats were anaesthetized and mechanically ventilated. The femoral artery and vein were cannulated for continuous blood pressure recordings and fluid replacement, respectively. The CPB circuit comprised a venous reservoir, a membrane oxygenator, and a roller pump. Blood was drained from the right atrium via a jugular vein catheter and returned to the right carotid artery. Priming consisted of 8 ml of homologous blood and 8 ml of colloid. CPB was conducted for 60 min at a flow rate of 100–150 ml/kg/min in the CPB group. Haemodynamic investigations, blood gas analysis, and survival studies were performed subsequently. Results: Our data show that the rat model principally simulated the clinical setting of CPB in terms of its construction, configuration, performance, material surface area, and priming volume to blood volume ratio. All CPB rats survived and the 2-week follow-up period remained uneventful. Conclusions: The rat model of CPB was easy to establish and was associated with excellent survival. This model should facilitate the investigation of the pathophysiological processes concerning CPB-related multiple organ dysfunction and possible protective interventions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Pulsed electric field (PEF) was efficient in inactivating lipase in wheat grains. To understand the modification in wheat components, the functional, rheological, and structural properties of vital wheat gluten (VWG) were evaluated after PEF treatment. The results showed that the PEF parameters, electric field intensity (EFI), pulse frequency, pulse width, and material residence time significantly (P < 0.01) affected the solubility, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, foaming capacity, foam stability, and emulsion stability to different extents. The transition temperature and denaturation enthalpy of gluten protein decreased significantly (P < 0.01). The elastic modulus, viscous modulus, tanδ of the wet gluten protein, and the apparent viscosity of VWG changed slightly; however, they changed significantly (P < 0.05) with the increase in EFI. Larger EFIs resulted in a more homogeneously condensed and evenly distributed wet gluten pore. The proportion of α-helices and β-sheets had decreased and increased with the increase in EFI, respectively, while the proportion of random coils changed insignificantly (P > 0.05). The amount of free and total sulfhydryl increased and decreased significantly (P < 0.01) with an increase in EFI, respectively. Surface hydrophobicity was significantly reduced (P < 0.01). • Pulsed electric field (PEF) was applied to dry wheat gluten powder. • Functional, rheological and structural properties were investigated. • PEF showed significant actions on gluten protein properties to different extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice accounts for more than half the global population as staple food with starch predominating the major component. The effect of pulsed electric field (PEF) on thermal, paste and digestible properties, morphology, and hierarchical structure of rice starch in solid state was investigated. Upon PEF treatment, the gelatinization enthalpy (Δ Η) of starch decreased, the retrogradation value of starch paste decreased slightly; and the rapid digestible starch (RDS) increased, the slowly digestible starch (SDS) decreased and the resistant starch (RS) changed slightly. PEF might act on the outer structure of starch granules, slightly changed the molecular structure of rice starch by rearranging the short-range structure and damaging the amorphous and crystalline structure. Pearson correlation analysis suggested that molecular weight of amylopectin, Δ Η and digestibility were strongly dependent on the electric field strength; the changes in multi-scale structure was closely related to those in properties of PEF. The improvement of digestibility of rice starch might be attributed to the disruption of starch granule surface as evidenced by SEM observation and the rearrangement of multi-scale structures of rice starch induced by PEF. • PEF can modulate the properties and multi-scale structures of rice starch. • M w of amylopectin, ΔΗ and digestibility changes depending on the EFI input. • The digestibility improvement attributes to rearrangement of starch structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]