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• Advances in cryo-EM have enabled a surge of chromatin factor-nucleosome structures. • The structures suggest principles for how chromatin proteins recognize the nucleosome. • The nucleosome acidic patch is targeted by arginine anchors and variant arginines. • The H3 and H2B α1-L1 histone elbows emerge as novel shared interaction surfaces. • Diverse chromatin factors bind to and distort nucleosomal DNA. The recent torrent of structures of chromatin complexes determined by cryoelectron microscopy provides an opportunity to discern general principles for how chromatin factors and enzymes interact with their nucleosome substrate. We find that many chromatin proteins use a strikingly similar arginine anchor and variant arginine interactions to bind to the nucleosome acidic patch. We also observe that many chromatin proteins target the H3 and H2B histone fold α1-loop1 elbows and the H2B C-terminal helix on the nucleosomal histone face. These interactions with the histones can be complemented with interactions with and distortions of nucleosomal DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraging behavior is known to place demands on the metabolic characteristics of anurans. Active foragers feeding on sedentary prey typically have high aerobic capacity and low anaerobic capacity, whereas sit-and-wait foragers feeding on active and mobile prey have the opposite pattern. Thus, the energetic demands of foraging may influence their metabolic adaptations to harsh environments, such as high elevations. Anurans that engage in active foraging have been found to increase maximum metabolic rate (MMR) and aerobic scope (AS, the difference between MMR and resting metabolic rate, RMR) at high elevations. However, data are lacking in amphibian ambush foragers. In this study, we examined the RMR, MMR, AS, and feeding capacity of a sit-and-wait forager ─the Asiatic toad (Bufo gargarizans), from two populations that are in close geographic proximity but differ by 1350 m in elevation. Our results show that there is no elevational variation in RMR and feeding capacity in either males or females. However, there are sex-specific variations in MMR and AS along an elevational gradient; females from high elevations have lower MMR and smaller net AS than their counterparts from low elevations while males maintain similar MMR and net AS across elevations. Furthermore, aerobic performances do not appear to be associated with feeding capacity at either the individual or population level. Our results support the hypothesis that sit-and-wait foragers may not increase their aerobic capacity as a strategy in hypoxic and low food availability environments and the role of sex in these adaptive adjustments should not be overlooked. • The feeding capacity and resting metabolic rate did not change with increasing elevation. • The maximum metabolic rate and aerobic scope were modulated by elevation in a sex-specific way. • Sit-and-wait foragers may not increase their aerobic capacity as a strategy in hypoxic and low food availability environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • We provided evidence of MMP-9 and spontaneous haemorrhagic transformation (sHT) in Chinese patients with ischaemic stroke. • Plasma MMP-9 concentration was significantly higher in the sHT group. • MMP-9 concentration >181.7 ng/mL was an independent predictor of sHT with high negative predictive value. Abstract Whether matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) concentrations in plasma predict risk of spontaneous haemorrhagic transformation (sHT) in acute ischaemic stroke is unclear. From 1 March 2003 to 27 February 2006, patients with acute ischaemic stroke admitted to West China Hospital within 24 h of onset and healthy controls were enrolled and blood samples obtained. Plasma MMP-9 concentrations were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and sHT was diagnosed based on brain computed tomography or magnetic resonance performed 3–14 d after stroke onset. MMP-9 concentrations were compared for sHT patients, non-sHT patients and healthy controls. The threshold concentration for predicting sHT was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the association between MMP-9 concentration and sHT was tested. One hundred and sixty-eight stroke patients and 40 healthy controls were included. Spontaneous HT occurred in 17.3% (29/168) of stroke patients and median plasma MMP-9 concentration in the sHT subgroup [244.3 ng/mL; interquartile range (IQR), 190.6–431.4] was significantly higher than in the non-sHT subgroup (110.0 ng/mL; IQR, 54.4–172.2) as well as in healthy controls (63.3 ng/mL; IQR 37.9–84.9) (both P < 0.001). We identified 181.7 ng/mL as the threshold MMP-9 concentration, for which the positive predictive value was 48% and the negative predictive value was 96%. After controlling for potential confounding factors, MMP-9 concentration >181.7 ng/mL was an independent predictor of sHT (odds ratio 18.8, 95% confidence interval 6.0–58.5, P < 0.001). Plasma MMP-9 concentration >181.7 ng/mL within 24 h after stroke onset independently predicts sHT in patients with ischaemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoS 2 was prepared by a hydrothermal method and then applied into the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of p -cresol as a model compound for bio-oil to study the effects of water and benzothiophene on the conversion, product distribution and stability in detail. The presence of water enhanced the HDO activity and decreased the hydrogen consumption: the deoxygenation degree and toluene selectivity reached to 97.0% and 88.0%, respectively. When water was replaced by benzothiophene, p -cresol conversion increased to 92.3% with toluene selectivity of 72.4%. With water and benzothiophene simultaneously introduced, at 275 °C and 4.0 MPa, the conversion and toluene selectivity were 86.0% and 79.1%, respectively. The reaction temperature and hydrogen pressure were also significant factors. The conversion was raised to 97.4% with toluene selectivity of 80.1% when the reaction temperature increased to 300 °C, but decreased to 71.7% with toluene selectivity of 77.2% when hydrogen pressure increased to 5.0 MPa. The characterization results of the spent catalysts indicated that some defects in the (0 0 2) plane of MoS 2 caused by the loss of sulfur were observed after the HDO reaction, which resulted in its deactivation. This deactivation was accelerated by adding water but inhibited by adding benzothiophene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been well known that metabolic thermogenesis plays an important role in the thermoregulation of small mammals under different temperatures, while its role in fat accumulation is far from clear. In the present study, several physiological, hormonal, and biochemical measures indicative of metabolic thermogenesis were measured in the weaning striped hamsters after acclimated to a warm condition (30 °C) for 1, 3 and 4 months. The warm-acclimated groups significantly decreased energy intake, and simultaneously decreased nonshivering thermogenesis compared to those housed at 21 °C. Body fat content increased by 29.9%, 22.1% and 19.6% in the hamsters acclimated to 1, 3 or 4 months, respectively relative to their counterparts maintain at 21 °C ( P < 0.05). The cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity of brain, liver, heart and skeletal muscle, and the ratio of serum tri-iodothyronine to thyroxine significantly decreased in warm-acclimated groups compared with 21 °C group. COX activity and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP 1 ) mRNA expression of brown adipose tissue (BAT) were significantly down-regulated under the warm conditions. COX activity of BAT, liver, heart and muscle were significantly negatively correlated with body fat content, and the correlation between UCP 1 expression and body fat content tended to be negative. These findings suggest that the decrease in the energy spent on metabolic thermogenesis plays an important role in the fat accumulation. The attenuation of COX and UCP 1 -based BAT activity may be involved in body fat accumulation in animals under warm conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dynamic expression of the genome requires coordinated binding of chromatin factors and enzymes that carry out genome-templated processes. Until recently, the molecular mechanisms governing how these factors and enzymes recognize and act on the fundamental unit of chromatin, the nucleosome core particle, have remained a mystery. A small, yet growing set of structures of the nucleosome in complex with chromatin factors and enzymes highlights the importance of multivalency in defining nucleosome binding and specificity. Many such interactions include an arginine anchor motif, which targets a unique acidic patch on the nucleosome surface. These emerging paradigms for chromatin recognition will be discussed, focusing on several recent structural breakthroughs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copolymerization is one way of influencing the properties of polymers and the outcome of copolymerization between vinyl monomers is dependent on the reactivity ratios between the monomers. Incorporation of polar monomers into copolymers offer many benefits. In this regard, N-Vinyl imidazole (NVI) carries much significance as a comonomer. NVI is a specialty monomer. The high polarity and planarity of NVI can impart many beneficial characteristics upon copolymerization with other vinyl monomers. However, its unfavourable reactivity ratios with other vinyl monomers prevent the facile incorporation of NVI in the copolymers. In this work, a semi-continuous solution polymerization is employed with the help of software called Monomer Addition Profile (MAP) to predict the optimal addition profile of the more reactive monomer (methyl methacrylate) through an iterative approach in order to achieve uniform incorporation of less reactive comonomer in the copolymer chain. The predicted chemical composition distribution (CCD) of the copolymerization is used to determine the homogeneity of copolymers which is well supported by the glass transition temperature (T g) of copolymers. Apart from the workflow of MAP, solubility characteristics of copolymers, microstructure and sequence length are also discussed in this article. [Display omitted] • Improved copolymerization using Optimal Monomer Addition Profile (OMAP) process. • Copolymerization of vinyl monomers of unequal reactivity - MMA and N-Vinyl imidazole. • Copolymers with improved chemical composition distribution. • Incompatible copolymers with reduced glass transition temperature window. • Enhanced solution transparency with improved homogeneity of copolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To prospectively evaluate the clinical usefulness of Silent magnetic resonance angiography (Silent MRA) in the follow-up of endovascular-treated intracranial aneurysms by comparing it with time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA).Methods: Patients with endovascular-treated saccular aneurysms and followed with Silent MRA, TOF MRA, and DSA in our center were included. The visualization of the treated sites in the two MRA sequences was assessed using a 5-point scale. The aneurysm occlusion status according to each of the three imaging modalities was assessed using a 3-point scale.Results: Forty-one patients with 46 saccular aneurysms were recruited. The image quality score of Silent MRA was significantly higher than that of TOF MRA (4.32 ± 0.87 vs. 3.08 ± 1.48, P < 0.001). In the aneurysms treated by simple coiling, the maximal aneurysm diameter showed a strong negative correlation with image quality score in TOF MRA (Spearman's r = -0.519, P = 0.033), while it showed no significant correlation in Silent MRA (r = -0.037, P = 0.887). For the aneurysm occlusion status, inter-modality agreement was excellent (κ = 0.845) between DSA and Silent MRA, but poor (κ = 0.185) between DSA and TOF MRA.Conclusions: Silent MRA was superior to TOF MRA in the follow-up of endovascular-treated intracranial aneurysms and showed excellent consistency with DSA in the evaluation of aneurysm occlusion. Therefore, Silent MRA is useful for the follow-up of endovascular-treated aneurysms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromatin plays a fundamental role in eukaryotic genomic regulation, and the increasing awareness of the importance of epigenetic processes in human health and disease emphasizes the need for understanding the structure and function of the nucleosome. Recent advances in chromatin structural studies, including the first structures of nucleosomes containing the Widom 601 sequence and the structure of a chromatin protein–nucleosome assembly, have provided new insight into stretching of nucleosomal DNA, nucleosome positioning, binding of metal ions, drugs and therapeutic candidates to nucleosomes, and nucleosome recognition by nuclear proteins. These discoveries ensure promising future prospects for unravelling structural attributes of chromatin. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Histone post-translational modifications are essential for the regulation of gene expression in eukaryotes. Gcn5 (KAT2A) is a histone acetyltransferase that catalyzes the post-translational modification at multiple positions of histone H3 through the transfer of acetyl groups to the free amino group of lysine residues. Gcn5 catalyzes histone acetylation in the context of a HAT module containing the Ada2, Ada3 and Sgf29 subunits of the parent megadalton SAGA transcriptional coactivator complex. Biochemical and structural studies have elucidated mechanisms for Gcn5's acetyl- and other acyltransferase activities on histone substrates, for histone H3 phosphorylation and histone H3 methylation crosstalks with histone H3 acetylation, and for how Ada2 increases Gcn5's histone acetyltransferase activity. Other studies have identified Ada2 isoforms in SAGA-related complexes and characterized variant Gcn5 HAT modules containing these Ada2 isoforms. In this review, we highlight biochemical and structural studies of Gcn5 and its functional interactions with Ada2, Ada3 and Sgf29. • Gcn5 is a key gene regulator that catalyzes the acetylation of histone proteins. • Gcn5 forms an enzyme module with SAGA complex partner proteins Ada2, Ada3, and Sgf29. • We review mechanistic roles of Gcn5, Ada2, Ada3 and Sgf29 in histone acetylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

NiS 2 //MoS 2 catalysts with different Ni/Mo molar ratios were prepared by two-step hydrothermal method, i.e., MoS 2 was firstly synthesized and then NiS 2 was prepared and deposited on the surface of MoS 2 . The resultant catalysts were characterized by XRD, XPS, TEM, SEM, N 2 physisorption and their activities were tested using the hydrodeoxygenation of p -cresol as a probe. The results showed that separated NiS 2 and MoS 2 phases rather than Ni–Mo–S phase existed in NiS 2 //MoS 2 catalysts. In the HDO of p -cresol, NiS 2 acted as a donor phase to provide spillover hydrogen, which migrated to MoS 2 for reaction. Because of the particular synthesis procedure, NiS 2 //MoS 2 had higher surface area to expose more active sites. When Ni/Mo molar ratio was adjusted to 0.3, p -cresol conversion and the deoxygenation degree reached to 98.5% and 95.4% at 275 °C for 4 h, respectively. The hydrogenation activity was enhanced in the presence of NiS 2 , leading to the increases on both methylcyclohexane selectivity and deoxygenation degree. NiS 2 //MoS 2 catalysts prepared by this two-step synthesis method exhibited higher hydrodeoxygenation activity than that by other methods, presenting a good potential of this method for the synthesis of other bi-component sulfides with high catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative resting-state electroencephalography (rs-EEG) is a convenient method for characterizing the functional impairments and adaptations of the brain that has been shown to be valuable for assessing many neurological and psychiatric disorders, especially in monitoring disease status and assisting neuromodulation treatment. However, it has not yet been explored in patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). This study aimed to investigate the rs-EEG features of NMOSD patients and explore the rs-EEG features related to disease characteristics and complications (such as anxiety, depression, and fatigue). A total of 32 NMOSD patients and 20 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited; their demographic and disease information were collected, and their anxiety, depression, and fatigue symptoms were evaluated. The rs-EEG power spectra of all the participants were obtained. After excluding the participants with low-quality rs-EEG data during processing, statistical analysis was conducted based on the clinical information and rs-EEG data of 29 patients and 19 HCs. The rs-EEG power (the mean spectral energy (MSE) of absolute power and relative power in all frequency bands, as well as the specific power for all electrode sites) of NMOSD patients and HCs was compared. Furthermore, correlation analyses were performed between rs-EEG power and other variables for NMOSD patients (including the disease characteristics and complications). The distribution of the rs-EEG power spectra in NMOSD patients was similar to that in HCs. The dominant alpha-peaks shifted significantly towards a lower frequency for patients when compared to HCs. The delta and theta power was significantly increased in the NMOSD group compared to that in the HC group. The alpha oscillation power was found to be significantly negatively associated with the degree of anxiety (reflected by the anxiety subscore of hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS)) and the degree of depression (reflected by the depression subscore of HADS). The gamma oscillation power was revealed to be significantly positively correlated with the fatigue severity scale (FSS) score, while further analysis indicated that the electrode sites of almost the whole brain region showing correlations with fatigue. Regarding the disease variables, no statistically significant rs-EEG features were related to the main disease features in NMOSD patients. The results of this study suggest that the rs-EEG power spectra of NMOSD patients show increased slow oscillations and are potential biomarkers of widespread white matter microstructural damage in NMOSD. Moreover, this study revealed the rs-EEG features associated with anxiety, depression, and fatigue in NMOSD patients, which might help in the evaluation of these complications and the development of neuromodulation treatment. Quantitative rs-EEG analysis may play an important role in the management of NMOSD patients, and future studies are warranted to more comprehensively understand its application value. • NMOSD patients show increased slow oscillations of rs-EEG. • Slow oscillations were potential biomarkers of white matter microstructural damage. • Alpha oscillations were negatively associated with anxiety and depression of NMSOD. • Gamma oscillations were positively associated with fatigue of NMOSD. • Quantitative rs-EEG analysis showed its potential in the management of NMOSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To report our experience of the management of 60 patients with craniopharyngioma with endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) and evaluate the feasibility and safety of EES for craniopharyngiomas. Methods The clinical data of 60 patients with craniopharyngioma who underwent EES between November 2014 and December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had vascularized nasoseptal flaps, and the most recent 4 patients had "in situ bone flaps" for better skull base reconstruction. Visual improvements, tumor resection extents, recurrence rates, endocrine functional changes, and surgical complications were evaluated. Results The resection rates were as follows: gross total, 68.3% (41 patients); near total (>95% of tumor removed), 15% (9 patients); subtotal (≥80% of tumor removed), 10% (6 patients); and partial (partial resection <80% of tumor removed), 6.7% (4 patients). Fifty-two patients presented with visual impairment; of these, 46 (88.5%) improved or returned to normal after surgery. Regarding the 32 patients with hypopituitarism before surgery, pituitary function was unchanged in 15 (46.8%), improved or normalized in 4 (12.5%), and deteriorated in 13 (40.6%). Eleven patients (18.3%) suffered from diabetes insipidus before treatment, and 27 more patients had this condition after surgery. Twenty-two patients had hyposmia postoperatively, and 17 patients experienced significant weight gain. Four patients had recent memory loss, and 2 of them had a temporary recent mental disorder. Three (5%) patients had cerebro-spinal fluid leakage after surgery. Three patients (5%) contracted meningitis and were cured with antibiotic treatment. One patient showed recurrence by magnetic resonance imaging re-examination, at the mean follow-up time of 22 months (range, 8–45 months; standard deviation, 11 months). Conclusions EES can provide surgeons with excellent exposure and can achieve a high extent of removal of most craniopharyngiomas, even those with intraventricular extensions, In our view, vascularized pedicled septal flaps and in situ bony flaps were used in skull base reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Pituitary corticotroph tumors lead to excess adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) secretion, resulting in Cushing's disease (CD), which is associated with significant mortality. Standard treatments include neurosurgery, radiotherapy and medical therapy. Both surgery and radiotherapy have undesirable complications and high recurrence rates. At present, there is only one medical option available that targets pituitary adenoma and ACTH secretion, the drug pasireotide. However, hyperglycemia is common during pasireotide treatment. In addition, some patients have discontinued pasireotide treatment because of hyperglycemia-related adverse events or uncontrolled diabetes. New medical treatments directly targeting the corticotroph cells and suppressing ACTH secretion are urgently required. Metformin is a commonly used antidiabetic drug that has been widely used to control the hyperglycemia that occurs in patients with CD, which is secondary to both cortisol excess and pasireotide treatment. Recent studies suggest that metformin has direct anticancer activities against many tumor cell lines. In the present study, we investigated whether metformin exerts an anti-tumor effect by directly targeting pituitary corticotroph tumors and exploring the underlying mechanisms. Using the mouse corticotroph tumor cells, AtT20 cells, we report that metformin inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis and decreased ACTH secretion but did not block the cell cycle in cells. The apoptosis induced by metformin was accompanied by increased caspase-3 activity. Meanwhile, metformin down-regulated the anti-apoptotic protein B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) but up-regulated the pro-apoptotic protein Bcl2-associated X (BAX), which suggests the involvement of the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, metformin promoted AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation but inhibited insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) expression, protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) phosphorylation and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation. Finally, the IGF-1R inhibitor picropodophyllin (PPP) significantly inhibited the cell proliferation of AtT20 cells. We conclude that metformin inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in AtT20 cells by activating AMPK/mTOR and inhibiting IGF-1R/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. Metformin may have direct antitumor activity against pituitary corticotroph tumors. Highlights • Metformin inhibits the viability of mouse pituitary corticotroph adenoma AtT20 cells. • Metformin promotes apoptosis of the AtT20 cells. • Metformin suppresses the levels of intracellular and secreted ACTH in AtT20 cells. • Metformin activated AMPK/mTOR and inhibited IGF-1R/AKT/mTOR pathways in AtT20 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to prepare clove essential oil (CEO) nanoemulsion through high-pressure homogenization (HPH) by using natural food-grade material sodium caseinate and gum arabic. The fabrication condition, structural characterization, and non-contact antimicrobial activity were investigated. The results showed that CEO nanoemulsion was obtained at pH 4 through electrostatic interaction. The size of emulsion oil droplets decreased with increasing homogenization pressure and the HPH-treated emulsions still had good stability after 60 days of storage. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis demonstrated the interactions between the wall material and CEO. The surface morphology of freeze-dried powder was spherical with few cracks on the surface. In addition, the CEO nanoemulsion and powder displayed antimicrobial activity on spoilage microorganisms, especially suitable for non-contact antimicrobial packaging. This has been realized in the bread storage experiment. In conclusion, the CEO nanocapsule prepared by HPH displayed desirable physicochemical properties to perform non-contact antimicrobial effect, which showed great potential in extending the shelf life of bread. • Nanoemulsion with sodium caseinate/clove essential oil/gum arabic was prepared. • High-pressure homogenization treatment led to a more stable emulsion. • Non-contact of CEO nanocapsule had good inhibition on spoilage microorganisms. • CEO nanocapsule can be used in non-contact preservation of bread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic thermogenesis plays important roles in thermoregulation, and it may be also involved in body fat regulation. The thermogenesis of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is largely affected by ambient temperature, but it is unclear if the roles in body fat regulation are dependent on the temperature. In the present study, uncoupling protein 1 (ucp1)-based BAT thermogenesis, energy budget and body fat content were examined in the striped hamsters fed high fat diet (HF) at cold (5 °C) and warm (30 °C) temperatures. The effect of 2, 4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a chemical uncoupler, on body fat was also examined. The striped hamsters showed a notable increase in body fat following the HF feeding at 21 °C. The increased body fat was markedly elevated at 30 °C, but was significantly attenuated at 5 °C compared to that at 21 °C. The hamsters significantly increased energy intake at 5 °C, but consumed less food at 30 °C relative to those at 21 °C. Metabolic thermogenesis, indicated by basal metabolic rate, UCP1 expression and/or serum triiodothyronine levels, significantly increased at 5 °C, but decreased at 30 °C compared to that at 21 °C. A significant decrease in body fat content was observed in DNP-treated hamsters relative to the controls. These findings suggest that the roles of metabolic thermogenesis in body fat regulation largely depend on ambient temperature. The cold-induced enhancement of BAT thermogenesis may contribute the decreased body fat, resulting in a lean mass. Instead, the attenuation of BAT thermogenesis at the warm may result in notable obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A. flavus grew slower after CA vapor removal. • Most damaged cell functions of A. flavus resumed normal after CA vapor removal. • Transient CA vapor treatment caused irreversible damage to mitochondria. • Aflatoxin production intensified after CA disappeared. The antimicrobial effects of continuous treatment with essential oils (EOs) in both liquid and gaseous phases have been intensively studied. Due to their rapid volatility, the effects of EOs on microorganisms after transient treatment are also worth exploring. In this work, the persistent effects of cinnamaldehyde (CA) vapor on Aspergillus flavus were detected by a series of biochemical analyses. Transcriptome analysis was also conducted to study the gene expression changes between recovered and normal A. flavus. When CA vapor was removed, biochemical analyses showed that the oxidative stress induced by the antimicrobial atmosphere was alleviated, and almost all the damaged functions were restored apart from mitochondrial function. Remarkably, the suppressed aflatoxin production intensified, which was confirmed by the up-regulation of most genes in the aflatoxin synthetic gene cluster, the velvet-related gene FluG and the aflatoxin precursor acetyl-CoA. Transcriptomic analysis also demonstrated significant changes in secondary metabolism, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and amino acid metabolism in the recovery group. Taken together, these findings provide new insights into the mechanisms underlying the response of A. flavus to CA vapor treatment and will guide the rational application of EOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co–Mo–S catalysts were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal synthesis and their activities were tested in the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of p -cresol, hydrodesulfurization (HDS) of benzothiophene, and simultaneous HDO of p -cresol and HDS of benzothiophene. When Co/Mo mole ratio in Co–Mo–S was adjusted to 0.3, the catalyst presented a flower-like morphology and exhibited high HDO and HDS activity, which was attributed to its specific structure and the maximum synergy between CoS 2 and MoS 2 . In the HDO of p -cresol, direct deoxygenation (DDO) was the main reaction route and toluene selectivity reached to 97.5%. The hydrogen consumption was markedly cut down. By adding small amount of benzothiophene, p -cresol conversion was enhanced because the produced H 2 S from the HDS of benzothiophene slowed down the catalyst deactivation. In simultaneous HDO of p -cresol and HDS of benzothiophene, because of the competitive adsorption of reactants on the active sites, both the toluene selectivity and desulfurization degree were lowered compared with the single component reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron is abundant in the soil, but its low solubility in neutral or alkaline soils limits its uptake. Plants can rely on rhizosphere acidification to increase iron solubility. OsSEC27p was previously found to be a highly up-regulated gene in iron-deficient rice roots. Here, pH-dependent complementation assays using yeast mutants sec24Δ / SEC24 and sec27Δ / SEC27 showed that OsSEC27 could functionally complement SEC24 but not SEC27 in yeast; thus, it was renamed as OsSEC24. We found that OsSEC24 -transgenic tobacco plants increased the length and number of roots under iron deficiency at pH 8.0. To explore how OsSEC24 confers tolerance to iron deficiency, we utilized transgenic tobacco, rice and rice protoplasts. H + flux measurements using Non-invasive Micro-test Technology (NMT) indicated that the transgenic OsSEC24 tobacco and rice enhanced H + efflux under iron deficiency. Conversely, the application of plasma membrane PM-H + -ATPase inhibitor vanadate elucidated that H + secretion increased by OsSEC24 was mediated by PM-H + -ATPase. OsPMA2 was used as a representative of iron deficiency-responsive PM-H + -ATPases in rice root via RT-PCR analysis. In transgenic rice protoplasts OsPMA2 was packaged into OsSEC24 vesicles after export from the ER through confocal-microscopy observation. Together, OsSEC24 vesicles, along with PM-H + -ATPases stimulate roots formation under iron deficiency by enhancing rhizosphere acidification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • AprD-mediated metabolic reprogramming in meat-borne P. fragi was studied. • The biofilm architecture varied greatly due to the absence of aprD. • The aprD deletion triggered the alterations of three cellular metabolic pathways. • AprD was critical for regulating cell metabolism and spoilage strength of P. fragi. Pseudomonas fragi is by far one of the most threatening species in the spoilage of chilled meat that is stored under aerobic conditions. The membrane protein AprD is a well-established regulator controlling protease secretion in Pseudomonas spp. However, its exact roles in modulating metabolic pathways and spoilage potential of P. fragi at the molecular level remain undefined. Here, an in-frame deletion mutation of aprD was used to explore the impacts on their biofilm structure, matrix secretion, and cell metabolism. The results showed that Δ aprD formed relatively disorganized loose aggregation in biofilm, resulting in a thinner structure and more dead cells. Meanwhile, marked changes in the content of extracellular carbohydrates and proteins were observed. Furthermore, intracellular metabolomic profiling revealed the involvement of aprD in several cellular metabolic pathways, mostly including the carbohydrate pathway, amino acid pathway, and nucleotide pathway, while the characterization of extracellular metabolism clarified the variations in the spoilage-related metabolites (e.g., creatine, IMP, spermine, fatty acids, amino acids, and oligopeptides) could be highly correlated with aprD deletion. In this finding, we indicated that aprD could be responsible for cell reproduction and in situ spoilage potential of P. fragi NMC25 during chilled storage by controlling related metabolism and nutrients utilization. Thus, our results will contribute to an improved understanding of the regulatory mechanism of aprD gene in meat spoilage contaminated with P. fragi , which can be valuable to ensure the quality and safety of meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alzheimer''s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, characterized by amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition and neurofibrillary tangles. Numerous microRNAs have been found to play crucial roles in regulating Aβ production in the process of AD. Previous investigations have reported lower levels of many microRNAs in AD patients and animal models. Here, we examined the role of miR-195 in the process of Aβ formation. Bioinformatics’ algorithms predicted miR-195 binding sites within the beta-site APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR), and we found the level of miR-195 to be negatively related to the protein level of BACE1 in SAMP8 mice. We confirmed the target site in HEK293 cells by luciferase assay. Overexpression of miR-195 in N2a/WT cells decreased the BACE1 protein level, and inhibition of miR-195 resulted in increase of BACE1 protein level. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-195 in N2a/APP decreased the level of Aβ, while inhibition of miR-195 resulted in an increase of Aβ. Thus, we demonstrated that miR-195 could downregulate the level of Aβ by inhibiting the translation of BACE1. We conclude that miR-195 might provide a therapeutic strategy for AD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the current study, we explored whether chronic salicylate exposure could induce apoptosis in outer hair cells (OHCs) and spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) of the cochlea. Guinea pig received sodium salicylate (400mg/kg/d) or saline vehicle for 10 consecutive days. Programmed cell death (PCD) executioner was evaluated with immunohistochemistry detection of activated caspase-3. Apoptosis was examined with a terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method. Repeated salicylate administration activated caspase-3 and caused apoptosis in OHCs and SGNs (p <0.01 vs. saline control for both measures and in both cell types). Cell counting showed a significant loss in OHCs (p <0.01 vs. saline control), but not in inner hair cells (IHCs). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed chromatin condensation and nucleus margination in salicylate-treated cochlea. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) demonstrated stereociliary bundles breakdown and fusion at the apical of OHCs, villous matter was discovered to attach on the surface of SGNs. These findings suggest that long-term administration of high-dose salicylate can activate caspase-3 pathway to induce OHC and SGN apoptosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanostructured nickel–manganese oxides composite was prepared by the sol–gel and the chemistry deposition combination new route. The surface morphology and structure of the composite were characterized by scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. The as-synthesized NiO/MnO2 samples exhibit higher surface area of 130–190m2 g−1. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements were applied to investigate the electrochemical performance of the composite electrodes with different ratios of NiO/MnO2. When the mass ratio of MnO2 and NiO in composite material is 80:20, the specific capacitance value of NiO/MnO2 calculated from the cyclic voltammetry curves is 453Fg−1, for pure NiO and MnO2 are 209, 330Fg−1 in 6molL−1 KOH electrolyte and at scan rate of 10mVs−1, respectively. The specific capacitance of NiO/MnO2 electrode is much larger than that of each pristine component. Moreover, the composite electrodes showed high power density and stable electrochemical properties. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]