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The presence of an ovotestis is a rare difference of sex development. The diagnosis can be difficult with the gold standard being the presence of both testicular cords and ovarian follicles within the same gonad. Herein we describe two new markers of ovotesticular syndrome: ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles. Twenty human gonads with a previous diagnosis of ovotestis were re-stained with markers for testicular cords (SOX9, TSPY, SALL4, DDX4, cP450, AR, α-actin) and ovarian tissue (FOXL2, SALL4, DDX4). Ovotesticular cords were defined as structures expressing both testicular Sertoli cell marker (SOX9) and an ovarian follicular cell marker (FOXL2), and in Y chromosome positive specimens, TSPY-positive testicular germ cells. Ovotesticular follicles were defined as a hybrid ovarian follicle containing FOXL2-positive granulosa cells and a central oocyte, but also containing cells expressing the testicular Sertoli cell marker, SOX9, intermingled within FOXL2-positive granulosa cells and male and female germ cells. Six of twenty ovotestis did not meet our criterion for the diagnosis of ovotestis lacking the histologic evidence of both testicular and ovarian tissue. The remaining 13 patients in which 14 separate specimens were evaluated, contained ovotestis defined by the presence of testicular cords and ovarian follicles. Eleven of the 14 ovotestis specimens (79 %) contained ovotesticular cords. Four of 11 ovotestis specimens (36 %) contained ovotesticular follicles. We recommend using eight immunohistochemical markers to diagnose an ovotestis: 1) SOX9, TSPY, SALL4, DDX4, cytochrome P450, AR, smooth muscle α-actin for the testicular component and FOXL2 and SALL4, DDX4 for the ovarian component. SOX9 and TSPY (useful only in the presence of a Y karyotype) are specific testicular markers and FOXL2 the only specific ovarian marker. We found ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles in both human bipolar and mixed ovotestis specimens both with and without the presence of the Y chromosome. The clinical significance of ovotesticular cords and follicles remains unknown. We did not observe any obvious abnormalities in cellular architecture with the juxtaposition of testicular cells and ovarian cells. We have identified two new structures in humans with ovotestis, ovotesticular cords and ovotesticular follicles (Figure), which appears to be additional markers to facilitate the diagnosis of ovotesticular gonads. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an age- and gender-associated brain disorder. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as key regulators of brain development, homeostasis, and pathologies. Here, we used gene array data sets and bioinformatics analysis to identify differentially expressed age- and gender-associated lncRNAs in human AD brains. We found that the expressions of 16 age-associated and 13 gender-associated lncRNAs were dysregulated in AD brains. Notably, the expressions of age-associated lncRNAs—SNHG19 and LINC00672—were significantly correlated with Braak stage of AD, positively and negatively, respectively, whereas the expressions of gender-associated lncRNAs—RNF144A-AS1, LY86-AS1, and LINC00639—were negatively correlated with Braak stage of AD. Functional analysis suggests that the pathways involved in neurodegenerative diseases, synaptic vesicle cycle, and endocytosis were overly represented within age- and gender-associated lncRNA-correlating genes. The identification of age- and gender-associated lncRNAs and their differential expressions in the human AD brain provide potential targets for further experimental validation and mechanistic investigation, which could, in turn, pave the way for developing age- and gender-specific prevention and adjunctive therapeutic options for patients with AD. • The expressions of 16 age-associated lncRNAs are dysregulated in AD brains. • The expressions of 13 gender-associated lncRNAs are alternated in AD brains. • The expressions of age- and gender-associated lncRNAs are correlated with Braak stage of AD and neuritic plaque density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are large RNA transcripts that do not code for proteins but exert their effects in the form of RNA. To date many thousands of lncRNAs have been identified, their molecular functions and mechanisms of action however are largely unknown. The development of high-throughput experimental technologies, such as ChIRP (Chromatin isolation by RNA purification), CHART (Capture Hybridization Analysis of RNA Targets), RAP (RNA antisense purification), RIP (RNA Immunoprecipitation), CLIP (cross-linking and immunoprecipitation) and RNA pull-down, has led to a rapid expansion of lncRNA research and resulted in many publicly-available databases. This review provides an overview of the current methodologies available for discovering and investigating functions of lncRNAs in various human diseases. A comparison and application of these methods are also included. Finally, this paper surveys current databases containing annotations, interactome networks and functions of lncRNAs. The appropriate use of these methods and databases will provide not only high-resolution functional features of lncRNAs, but also enhance our understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which lncRNAs regulate a variety of biological processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the twin impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and sustainability requirements, many healthcare organizations face disruptions and uncertainties, which put patient safety at risk and decrease the overall quality of health services. Drawing on the dynamic capability view, this study aims at exploring the relationship among supply chain dynamic capabilities (SCDCs), supply chain integration (SCI), supply chain resilience (SCR), sustainable competitive advantage (SCA), and sustainable supply chain performance (SSCP). The study collected 325 usable responses from healthcare supply chain organizations in the developing country of Pakistan, including hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing firms, surgical and equipment manufacturing firms, etc. Structural equation modeling using Smart-PLS v.3.3.2 was adopted for the data analysis. The results indicate that SCDCs positively influence SCI, SCR, SCA, and SSCP. This study finds that SCA, SCI, and SCR mediate the relationship between SCDCs and SSCP. This study contributes by aligning the SC dynamic capabilities for supply chain visibilities (i.e., sensing, learning, and coordinating) in the healthcare context. It has examined the impacts of SCDC, SCI, and SCR collectively rather than addressing them piecemeal. Sensing, learning, and coordinating capabilities through frequent collaborative meetings offer healthcare firms SC integration, allowing them to respond to the changing environment quickly and resiliently, further improving their SCA and SSCP. Since disruptions are inevitable, healthcare organizations must turn uncertainties into opportunities and activate a dynamic and resilient strategy to absorb stress. SCA and SSCP improve when SCDCs/SCR and disruptions are properly balanced. • Healthcare organizations face disruptions due to dual effects of COVID-19 pandemic and sustainability regulations • Most studies in this area have been conducted in developed nations and less attention is paid to developing nations • Explore relationships among supply chain dynamic capabilities, integration, resilience, SCA, and SSCP. • Collect data from hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, surgical and equipment manufacturers, etc. • Explain how SC dynamic capabilities work and to what extent they offer SC resilience and SCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We previously reported a novel tumor-associated antigen with a molecular weight of approximately 48 kDa that was a fragment derived from human DNA-topoisomerase I. The aim of this study is to further investigate the clinical significance of the autoantibody in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods We determined serum levels of the autoantibody in 127 NSCLC patients, 127 age-, sex-, and smoking history–matched healthy control subjects, and 38 patients with pulmonary benign tumors by using a specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the autoantibody. We then statistically evaluated its clinical application value. Results Serum levels of the autoantibody in NSCLC patients were significantly higher than in healthy control subjects and patients with benign tumors ( p = 0.001). The percentage of sera with a positive level of the autoantibody was 71.8%, 65.6%, 41.9%, and 48.0% in stages I, II, III, and IV of the cancer, respectively ( p = 0.049). The area under the receiver-operating characteristics curve was 0.971 (95% confidence interval: 0.953 to 0988) for healthy controls and patients with benign tumors versus early stage NSCLC patients. Moreover, the overall survival rate of the patients in stages I, II, and IV with negative levels of the autoantibody was significantly lower than that of patients with positive levels of the autoantibody ( p = 0.013, 0.023, and 0.047 for stages I, II, and IV, respectively). Conclusions Our results indicate that the autoantibody can be used as a novel biomarker for the early diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Kham Tibetans are one of several Tibetan ethnic subgroups living in the Kham area of China. Because studies on the high-altitude adaptation of the Kham people are scant, the main aim of this study is to investigate whether the response to hypoxia, especially polycythemia status, in the Kham Tibetans is different from other Tibetan ethnic subgroups.Methods: The primary investigation was conducted on 346 native Kham Tibetan adults (268 men and 78 women) from 3 herdsmen villages located in Hongyuan County situated at an altitude of greater than 3600 m. The participants were aged 46.2±14.1 (21-82; mean±SD with range) years. Anthropometric measurements such as weight, height, waist circumference, body mass index, and blood pressure, as well as laboratory blood tests such as glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and uric acid were analyzed.Results: The concentrations of hemoglobin were 171.3±12.9 (66-229) mg·L-1 and 151.4±16.4 (86-190) mg·L-1 in men and women, respectively. The frequency of polycythemia was found to be 25.5 and 21.8% in men and women, respectively. Polycythemia was found to be significantly associated with glycosylated hemoglobin concentrations, hypertension, and hyperuricemia (P=0.002, 0.023, and 0.009, respectively).Conclusions: There is a higher frequency of polycythemia in the Kham Tibetans when compared with reported studies from other Tibetan ethnic subgroups living on the Qinghai-Tibet plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colonization of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) induces immune and inflammatory response in gastric mucosa. Trimethylamine N -oxide (TMAO), from diet and metabolite through the action of gut microbiota, has been linked to inflammatory diseases. To investigate the effects of TMAO and H. pylori infection on gene expression in gastric epithelial cells, Human gene chip Affymetrix HTA 2.0 was used in this study. 1312 genes were identified as differentially expressed genes in GES-1 cells with H. pylori and TMAO co-treatment compared to the control. GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the functions of these differentially expressed genes were related closely with immune inflammation. GO-network showed that Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was the most important biological processes and 49 up-regulated genes related to immune inflammation were obtained. The synergistic effects of H. pylori and TMAO enhanced the genes expression of IL-6, CXCL1, CXCL2, FOS and C3 related to immune inflammation in comparison with those of non-infected control cells, H. pylori -infected cells, and TMAO-stimulated cells. RT-PCR verified the expression levels of IL-6, CXCL1. Additionally, expression levels of 2053 genes were altered and 52 immunoinflammatory genes were upregulated in comparison with H. pylori -infected cells. This study suggested that TMAO altered the expression levels of immunoinflammatory genes induced by H. pylori infection, and the synergistic effects of H. pylori and TMAO provided novel insights into the development of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of irradiation with different doses on microbial safety, sensory quality and protein content of ready-to-eat stir fry chicken dices with hot chili (FCC) during one year storage. Fresh chicken meat was cut into small dices and fried at approximately 180 °C for 10 min for preparation of FCC samples. The samples were vacuum-packaged and gamma irradiated at 10, 20, 30 and 40 kGy. The results suggest that irradiation with the doses of 10 and 20 kGy could ensure microbiological safety of the samples without deterioration of sensory quality. Microbial counts, sensory qualities and protein contents of the samples were investigated during one year storage. No viable cells were observed and the samples were completely sterilized. Sensory qualities showed no significant difference after irradiated at the doses of 10 and 20 kGy during the storage period. Protein contents were also not affected by irradiation at the same doses. Our results indicate that gamma irradiation of 10 and 20 kGy are effective to maintain shelf stability of ready-to-eat FCC products with microbial safety, sensory quality and nutritional value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study we made use of DOTAP (1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium), DOPE (1,2-dioleoyl-snglycero-3-phosphoethanolamine) and PEG-PE (polyethylene glycol- polyethylene) to make cationic PEG-liposomes by ultrasonic dispersion method. The plasmid pGPU6 combined with cationic PEG-liposomes or Liopofectamin 2000 was used to transfect PC3 cells to judge the transfection efficiency. HE staining showed that the pGUP6-shAurora B plasmid/liposomes complex could significantly inhibit tumor growth in mice tumor model. The results indicated that there was no remarkable difference between the homemade liposomes and Lipofectamin 2000 after transfection, with transfection efficiency over 80%. And the homemade liposomes also had high transfection efficiency in vivo. No significant side effects were observed on weight, coat condition, behavior or appetite and the life span of mice treated with pGPU6-shAurora B were extended. Beyond that, there were no differences in mortality or in pathological changes to the heart, liver, spleen, lungs and kidneys among all the mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP) plays a very important role in the degradation of proteins. Finding novel UPP inhibitors is a promising strategy for treating multiple myeloma (MM). Methods: Ub-YFP reporter assays were used as cellular UPP models. MM cell growth, apoptosis and overall death were evaluated with the MTS assay, Annexin V/PI dual-staining flow cytometry, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and PI uptake, respectively. The mechanism of UPP inhibition was analyzed by western blotting for ubiquitin, in vitro and cellular proteasomal and deubiquitinases (DUBs) activity assays. Cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured with H2DCFDA. Results: Curcusone D, identified as a novel UPP inhibitor, causes cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in MM cells. Curcusone D induced the accumulation of poly-ubiquitin-conjugated proteins but could not inhibit proteasomal activity in vitro or in cells. Interestingly, the mono-ubiquitin level and the total cellular DUB activity were significantly downregulated following curcusone D treatment. Furthermore, curcusone D could induce ROS, which were closely correlated with DUB inhibition that could be nearly completely reversed by NAC. Finally, curcusone D and the proteasomal inhibitor bortezomib showed a strong synergistic effect against MM cells. Conclusions: Curcusone D is novel UPP inhibitor that acts via the ROS-induced inhibition of DUBs to produce strong growth inhibition and apoptosis of MM cells and synergize with bortezomib. General significance: The anti-MM molecular mechanism study of curcusone D will promote combination therapies with different UPP inhibitors against MM and further support the concept of oxidative stress regulating the activity of DUBs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neem (Azadirachta indica), popularly known as traditional medicine is a native plant in India. Neem oil is a vegetable oil derived from seeds or fruits of the neem tree through pressing or solvent extraction, and largely used in popular medicine to have antifungal, antibacterial, antimalarial, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory, as well as immunemodulatory properties in different animal species. In the present study, acute and 28-day subacute toxicity tests were carried out. In the acute toxicity test, the LD50 values of neem oil were found to be 31.95g/kg. The subacute treatment with neem oil failed to change body weight gain, food and water consumption. Serum biochemistry analysis showed no significant differences in any of the parameters examined under the dose of 1600mg/kg/day. Histopathological exams showed that the target organs of neem oil were testicle, liver and kidneys up to the dose of 1600mg/kg/day. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Although the quinolizidine alkaloids and flavonoids, the main active components of the traditional Chinese medicine Sophora flavescens, have been largely investigated, a new matrine alkaloid derivative 9α-hydroxy-7,11-dehydromatrine (1) and a rare 1,4-diazaindan-type alkaloid flavascensine (17), together with 15 known alkaloids, were isolated from S. flavescens. The structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The pathological effects of α-amanitin on BALB/c mice after receiving intravenous injection were evaluated by RP-HPLC and mouse genome oligonucleotide microarray. The content of α-amanitin in Amanita virosa was about 2833.8μg/g dry fruiting body. The liver and kidneys showed critical pathological changes after α-amanitin poisoning, and sera BUN, Crea, ALT, AST, TBIL and DBIL were the sensitive markers. The compound α-amanitin was detected in liver and kidney tissue homogenates by RP-HPLC after 48h. The results of mouse genome oligonucleotide microarray showed 146 genes’ expression changed, which formed the alternant network. The expression of 66 genes decreased, while 80 ones increased with more than two-fold differential expression after 48h. The compound α-amanitin influenced not only RNA polymerase II, but also the expression of its associated genes. The application of mouse oligo chip provided valuable data for further understanding the biological properties and molecular pathogenesis of α-amanitin, also might be helpful for screening the curative drug for α-amanitin intoxication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • L. casei T1 inhabited H. pylori growth. • L. casei T1 suppressed H. pylori adhesion. • L. casei T1 alleviated gastric inflammation caused by H. pylori -infection. • L. casei T1 pretreatment prevent the gut microbial disorder caused by H. pylori. Probiotics have the functions of inhibiting pathogen infection and maintaining gastrointestinal homeostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the preventive effect of Lactobacillus casei T1 (L. casei T1) isolated from kurut against the gastric inflammation and gut microbiota alteration induced by Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The results showed that L. casei T1 and its supernatant had a potent inhibitory effect on H. pylori growth in vitro. L. casei T1 adhered to GES-1 cells, down-regulated the expression of MUC5AC, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in GES-1 cells induced by H. pylori. This followed by in vivo studies demonstrated that L. casei T1 pretreatment alleviated gastric inflammation and prevent gut microbiota alteration caused by H. pylori infection. These results demonstrated that L. casei T1 have a preventive effect against H. pylori infection and it can be served as a further development and utilization of probiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• TMAO enhanced the viability and virulence of H. pylori in vitro. • TMAO facilitated the production of inflammatory factors induced by H. pylori. • TMAO increased the abundance of Escherichia_Shigella of H. pylori -infected mice. • TMAO may aggravate inflammation in association with the gut microbiota of mice. Diet is one of the factors contributing to symptom of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), a diet-related microbial metabolite, is associated with inflammatory and metabolic diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of TMAO intake on inflammation and gut microbiota composition in H. pylori -infected mice via 16S rRNA sequencing and biochemical analyses. The in vitro experiments showed that TMAO not only increased the expression of growth- and metabolism-associated genes and the urease activity of H. pylori , but increased the production of virulence factors. Moreover, TMAO intake increased the production of inflammatory markers and reduced the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota in H. pylori -infected mice. Further analysis showed that TMAO increased the relative abundance of Escherichia_Shigella in H. pylori -infected mice, which had positive correlation with the levels of LPS, CRP, and CXCL1. Collectively, our results suggest that TMAO may aggravate H. pylori -induced inflammation by increasing the viability and virulence of H. pylori and may aggravate inflammation in association with the gut microbiota in H. pylori -infected mice. This study may provide a novel insight into the mechanism for the effect of diet-derived metabolites such as TMAO on H. pylori -induced disease development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • DOX/PEG-Fmoc-GA micelle was developed for intracellular co-delivery of DOX and GA. • Micelle achieve synergistic action on cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis. • Micelle displayed preferentially blood circulation and tumor accumulation. • Micelle demonstrated pronounced therapeutic efficacy in a HepG2 xenograft model. Abstract Significant synergy of doxorubicin (DOX) and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) in inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells was demonstrated in the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HepG2. A novel polymeric prodrug micellar carrier based on polyethylene glycol-derivatized GA (PEG-Fmoc-GA), was developed for co-delivery of DOX as a combined anti-cancer treatment. The PEG-Fmoc-GA polymeric prodrug micelles achieved a more effective synergistic action on cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction, when co-delivered with DOX, which can be attributed to the dual effect of the cleaved GA and loaded DOX. PEG-Fmoc-GA conjugated micelles significantly facilitated the intracellular uptake of DOX by HepG2 cells, when compared to a DOX solution alone. In addition, DOX encapsulated in PEG-Fmoc-GA micelles displayed longer blood circulation time, larger drug concentration area under the curve, decreased volume distribution and clearance than DOX solution. Biodistribution studies showed that DOX/PEG-Fmoc-GA micelles were preferentially accumulated at the tumor site. Importantly, DOX/PEG-Fmoc-GA micelles demonstrated a more pronounced therapeutic efficacy in vivo compared with DOX alone with respect to both tumor growth inhibition and overall survival in a HepG2 xenograft model. Thus, PEG-Fmoc-GA polymeric prodrug micelles represent a promising dual-function co-delivery system to achieve anti-cancer synergistic activity of DOX and GA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: Kushecarpin D (KD) is a novel flavonoid isolated from the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Kushen (the dried root of Sophora flavescens Ait). As part of our continuous effort to explore Chinese traditional medicinal herbs and to identify novel natural anticancer products, the antiangiogenic properties of KD were examined in vitro using a human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (ECV304). Main methods: The SRB and Trypan Blue exclusion assays were used to evaluate the effect of KD on cell proliferation. The antiangiogenic activities of KD were evaluated through studies of cell migration, cell adhesion, and tube formation. DCFH-DA and DHE fluorescent assays were used to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Catalase activity was detected using the colorimetric ammonium molybdate method. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured using flow cytometry and the Hoechst 33258 staining assay. Key findings: The results indicated that KD showed antiangiogenic activity via inhibitory effects on cell proliferation, cell migration, cell adhesion, and tube formation. ROS levels were down-regulated and catalase activity was up-regulated after treatment with KD. The cell cycle was arrested at the G2/M phase, while no apoptosis was observed using the Hoechst 33258 staining assay or following the flow cytometric analysis of the sub-G1 proportion. Significance: The antiangiogenic properties of KD, in combination with its anti-proliferative effect and ability to induce cell cycle arrest without inducing apoptosis, make it a good candidate for development as antitumor agent. However, further studies are essential to elucidate its mechanism of action. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, structural features of Tricholoma matsutake polysaccharide (TMP-A) were investigated by a combination of infrared (IR) spectra, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The results indicated that TMP-A had a backbone of 1,4-β-d-glucopyranose residue which branches at O-6 based on the experimental results. The branches were mainly composed of an (1→3)-α-d-galactopyranose residue, and terminated with α-d-xylopyranose residue. The antioxidant activity of TMP-A was evaluated with several biochemical methods, including DPPH− radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging. The results indicated that TMP-A showed strong antioxidant. In the in vitro antioxidant assay by MTT method, TMP-A could attenuate PC12 cell damage significantly caused by hydrogen peroxide. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel heteropolysaccharide was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Tricholoma matsutake through DEAE–cellulose column and Sephadex G-100 column. The T. matsutake polysaccharide (TMP-A) had a molecular weight of 8.89×104 Da and was mainly composed of 4-D-Glc:4,6-D-Glc:3-D-Gal:T-D-Xyl and with the ratio of 7:1:1:1. The structural features of TMP-A were investigated by a combination of total hydrolysis, methylation analysis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), infrared (IR) spectra, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and dynamical analysis of the atomic force microscope (AFM) studies. The results indicated that TMP-A had a backbone of 1,4-β-glucopyranos which branches at O-6 composed of an (1→3)-α-galactopyranose residue and terminated with α-xylopyranose residue. Chain conformation study showed that the polysaccharide took random coil compact conformation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In a previous study, allatotropic and allatostatic activities were observed in brain extract from the Eri silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini (Samcri) [Li, S., Jiang, R.-J., Cao, M.-X., 2002b. Allatotropic and allatostatic activities in brain extracts of the Eri silkworm, S. cynthia ricini, and the effects of Manduca sexta allatotropin and M. sexta allatostatin on juvenile hormone in vitro. Physiol. Entomol. 27, 322–329]. In the present study, the HPLC purified Samcri-allatotropin (AT) and -allatostatin (AST) factors were shown to have the same retention time as those of M. sexta (Manse)-AT and -AST, respectively. Moreover, the amino acid sequences of mature Samcri-AT and -AST deduced from their encoding cDNAs are identical to the Manse-AT and -AST amino acid sequences. Both Samcri-AT and -AST genes were expressed in brain, nerve cord, and midgut, with Samcri-AT also detected in gonads and epidermis, suggesting their pleiotropic physiological functions. The expression levels of Samcri-AT and -AST genes correlated well with the allatoregulatory activities during the period of adult emergence indicating the two peptides tightly control JH synthesis, in a contradictive and cooperative manner. Our biochemical and molecular data of Samcri-AT and -AST and other studies demonstrate that these two peptides regulate JH synthesis by corpora allata in Lepidoptera and have pleiotropic physiological effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ruthenium polypyridine and polypyridined-derivative complexes are used in dye-sensitized solar cell as a light to current conversion sensitizers, study on the electronic absorption spectroscopy of which are very important for the understanding of their photovoltaic character. A theoretical research of UV–Vis spectrum on the Ru(II)L2[L=bis(5′-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine-6-carboxylato)], a polypyridined-derivative mononuclear ruthenium complex, is presented here. Transition excited states of Ru(II)L2 in the gas phase have been studied by the time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) using a hybrid functional, B3LYP, as well as the 3-21G∗ basis set. Two maximum absorptions are dominated by the metal-to-ligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) transitions, from Ru 4d orbitals to the bipyridine rings π∗. Taking account of solvent effect, the electronic absorption spectrum of Ru(II)L2 in N,N′-dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution has also been investigated on the basis of Polarized Continuum Model (PCM) in connection with TD-DFT. Calculation results indicate that the two maximum MLCT absorption peaks are blue-shifted in DMF solution with respect to those in the gas phase, which is in agreement with the observed phenomenon of other ruthenium polypyridine-type complexes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The adsorption and dissociation of methanol on Au(111) surface were studied using the first-principles calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Adsorption energies, geometric structures, Mulliken charges population, and vibrational frequencies of the various intermediates were computed from full-geometry optimization with a three-layer slab model. The most stable adsorption modes of the species, i.e. CH3OH, CH3O, and HCHO were considered in calculation. The possible decomposition pathways were investigated with transition state search methods. The results indicate that methoxyl radical is likely the decomposition intermediate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Diet is one of the factors affecting the pathogenicity of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Choline is a dietary component that is crucial for normal cellular function. However, choline intake imbalance can lead to liver injury, inflammation, and changes of the gut microbiota composition. The study aimed to explore the effects of choline supplementation on liver biology, gut microbiota, and inflammation in H. pylori -infected mice. Liver function was detected by biochemical and histopathological analysis. Serum inflammatory markers were measured using ELISA. Fecal microbial profiles were determined via 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that choline supplementation decreased serum LDL level, while increased the activities of serum AST and ALT in normal BALB/c mice. Besides, choline also reduced hepatic SOD and GSH-P x activities, and elevated hepatic MDA level of H. pylori -infected mice. Moreover, choline markedly enhanced the concentrations of inflammatory factors including LPS, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, and CXCL1 in H. pylori -infected mice. Meanwhile, choline and H. pylori cotreatment altered the richness and diversity of the mice gut microbiota, and increased the relative abundance of Escherichia_Shigella , which had a significant positive correlation with the levels of LPS, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and CXCL1. Our data suggest, for the first time, that choline can aggravate H. pylori- induced inflammation, which may be associated with the alterations of gut microbiota. This study may provide novel insights into the possible effects of food-derived choline on H. pylori infection-related diseases. Unlabelled Image • Choline may help inhibit hepatic fat accumulation, but it could impair the liver function to some extent. • Choline aggravated the inflammation in response to H. pylori infection. • Choline reduced the abundance of Helicobacter and elevated the content of Escherichia_Shigella in H. pylori -infected mice. • Choline may affect the inflammation caused by H. pylori infection through gut microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A method for hydrogen industrial route analysis was provided. • Energy and economic calculations were carried out for three hydrogen energy routes. • The fuel cell CCHP route has the highest energy utilization rate of 46.6%. • The transportation route is most economical if it is promoted on a large scale. • The transportation cost of the hydrogen doping pipeline (0.257 RMB/kg) is very low. The uneven distribution of renewable energy resources and different levels of development have produced a large amount of abandoned electricity. Hydrogen production from the electrolysis of water can effectively consume abandoned electricity. And hydrogen energy has been hailed as the ultimate energy source in the 21st century. However, the many branches of the industry have made the overall layout of local hydrogen energy a tricky issue. Therefore, combining the characteristics and development status, and pilot project data, this article selects three typical hydrogen energy industry routes with high development potential for focused study. These three routes cover the main hydrogen production, storage and transportation technologies, and hydrogen energy application scenarios. A modeling-based approach is applied to calculate the energy utilization and economics of each route. The analysis is then combined with the current development status to obtain the advantages and disadvantages, suitable conditions, and development potential of each route. Among the three routes, the PEMFC route has the highest energy efficiency of 46.6% but is less economical. Suitable for construction in and around power plants to improve energy utilization. The hydrogen transportation route has a lower energy utilization rate of 34.9%. However, this route is more economical, with a conservative estimate of hydrogen refueling cost of about 60 RMB/kg at the current demonstration level. Suitable for medium and large cities with mature hydrogen energy development. The transportation cost of pipeline hydrogen transportation is low, but the preliminary pipeline construction and modification are more complicated. Based on the research results and local conditions, the government or enterprises can personalize the design of the hydrogen energy industry chain faster and more effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We previously demonstrated that the detection of circulating cancer cells (CCC) expressing survivin mRNA could provide valuable information for predicting metastasis and recurrence in breast cancer. The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of detecting survivin-expressing CCC on the clinical outcomes of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Peripheral blood samples collected from 143 NSCLC patients and 177 healthy volunteers were quantitatively evaluated using a technique developed in our laboratory that detected reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) products based on a hybridisation-enzyme linked immunosorbant essay (ELISA), which we called RT-PCR ELISA. The presence of survivin-expressing CCC was detected in 63 cancer patients (44.1%) and was significantly associated with pathological T classification, nodal status, and disease stages (all P <0.001). During a follow-up period of 36 months, patients who had positive survivin expressions at the time of the initial assay test had a higher relapse rate and shorter survival time when compared to those who had negative survivin expressions (all P <0.001). Through multivariate analysis, the detection of survivin-expressing CCC was found to be an independent predictor for cancer recurrence (HR=43.5; 95% CI=2.67–70.9; P =0.008) and survival (HR=1.35; 95% CI=1.02–4.31; P =0.049). Thus, detection of survivin-expressing CCC could be used in the prediction of disease recurrence as well as in the prognosis of NSCLC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The plane-wave function method, based on density functional theory, has been used to calculate the adsorption, electronic band structures and optical absorption spectra of molecular and dissociative catechol adsorbed on TiO2 anatase (101) surface. The obtained electronic structures of anatase (101) surface are similar with the previous theoretical works for anatase bulk. Our calculations reveal that one type of molecular catechol adsorption on (101) surface almost has no effect on the anatase optical absorption threshold; while another type of molecular adsorption and several dissociative adsorptions on (101) surface could lead to large red shifts of the absorption threshold. The dissociative adsorption at the defect site of (101) surface is also examined, and causes the strongest light absorption in the visible region. These results are in agreement with other experimental and theoretical studies reasonably. It is very important for the understanding and further development of photovoltaic materials that are active under visible light. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]