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Improvement in the quality of life is reflected in the narrowing of the gap between health-adjusted life expectancy (HALE) and life expectancy (LE). The effect of megacity expansion on narrowing the gap is rarely reported. This study aimed to disclose this potential relationship. Annual life tables were constructed from identified death records and population counts from multiple administrative sources in Guangzhou, China, from 2010 to 2020. Joinpoint regression was used to evaluate the temporal trend. Generalized principal component analysis and multilevel models were applied to examine the county-level association between the gap and social determinants. Although LE and HALE in megacities are increasing steadily, their gap is widening. Socio-economic and health services are guaranteed to narrow this gap. Increasing personal wealth, a growing number of newborns and healthy immigrants, high urbanization, and healthy aging have helped in narrowing this gap. In megacities, parallel LE and HALE growth should be highly considered to narrow their gap. Multiple social determinants need to be integrated as a whole to formulate public health plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experimental and numerical studies on flexural behaviour of rectangular double-opening concrete filled sandwich steel tube (DCFSST) beams were performed in this study. Six specimens under different cross-section of inner tube and nominal cross-sectional steel ratio (α n) were tested under bending to assess the failure modes, moment-displacement and moment-strain relationships, flexural capacity and flexural stiffness of rectangular DCFSST beams. The experimental results demonstrate that the two design variables investigated in this paper have limited impact on the failure modes of typical specimens. The failure mode of outer tube includes multiple local bulges on top flange and one case of fracture on bottom flange that is located at the same plane as the primary local bulge on top flange, whilst the failure mode of inner tubes is mainly due to excessive global deflection. Simultaneously, sandwich concrete is crushed at the locations with evident local bulge on outer tube and cracks nearly uniformly within the lower 2/3 section depth. In general, the flexural capacity and stiffness of the specimens enhance as α n increases, and are moderately affected by the cross-section of inner tube. In addition, finite element (FE) models were built to replicate the flexural behaviour of rectangular DCFSST beams, and the FE models were validated by comparison with test results. At the end of the paper, simplified formulae that can better predict the flexural capacity of rectangular DCFSST beams were developed. • Typical tests of rectangular DCFSST beams under bending were carried out. • FE models that can well reproduce the flexural behaviour of rectangular DCFSST beams were developed. • Formulae that can accurately predict the flexural capacity of rectangular DCFSST beams were proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new aporphine alkaloids, fissitungfines C–E ( 1–3 ), together with five known analogues ( 4 – 8 ) were isolated from the stems of Fissistigma tungfangense . Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods Among them, fissitungfines C ( 1 ) and D ( 2 ) are two unusual aporphine alkaloids with a carboxyl group as a substituent at N-6. All isolated compounds were evaluated for their anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities via examining their anti-proliferative effects on synoviocytes in vitro . Fissitungfine E ( 3 ) exhibited a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of synoviocytes comparable to that of methotrexate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new dibenzofurans, bauhichamines A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ), along with six known compounds ( 3 - 8 ), were isolated from the rattans of Bauhinia championii (Benth.) Benth. (Fabaceae). The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods and the known compounds were identified by comparison of their data with those reported in the literatures. All new compounds were evaluated for their anti-rheumatoid arthritis activities via examining their anti-proliferative effects on synoviocytes in vitro . Compounds 1 and 2 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation of synoviocytes with the IC 50 values of 103.1 ± 1.8 and 146.4 ± 1.2 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a new type of rectangular double-opening concrete filled sandwich steel tube (DCFSST) is developed. This new type of composite section can keep the inner steel tubes away from the cross-sectional centroid axis through the reasonable configuration. In order to assess the structural behaviour of rectangular DCFSST members, a pilot research on stub columns under axial compression was conducted. A total of 10 specimens, including 5 with double steel square hollow sections (SHSs) and 5 with double steel circular hollow sections (CHSs), were tested with the various offset rate of inner tube (e 0) and opening ratio (ϕ). The experimental observations indicate that, generally, e 0 and ϕ have moderate effect on the failure process and failure modes of the specimens, and the failure modes of the specimens include outward local buckling of outer tube, crushing of the sandwiched concrete and inward local buckling of inner tubes. In addition, ϕ has significant influence on the load-deformation curves, axial capacity and axial compressive stiffness of the specimens; however, e 0 has no obvious effect on the above performance. Moreover, nonlinear finite element (FE) simulation on the behaviour of axially compressed rectangular DCFSST stub columns was carried out using the ABAQUS software, and the typical performance of new composite members was further analyzed by the verified FE model. Finally, the formulae to calculate the axial capacity of rectangular DCFSST stub columns were also developed based on the FE simulation results and test results. In this paper, we carry out experimental and numerical study on the axial compressive performance of a new type of rectangular DCFFST stub columns. Furthermore, based on the analysis on the finite element (FE) simulation results under different parameters, we suggest the simplified equations capable of predicting the bearing capacity of axially compressed rectangular DCFSST stub columns, and the accuracy of the formulae is verified by comparison with numerical and test results. [Display omitted] • A new type of rectangular double-opening concrete filled sandwich steel tube (DCFSST) is proposed. • Tests on axially compressed rectangular DCFSST stub columns were conducted. • Static performance of new composite columns was simulated by the finite element (FE) model. • Simplified formulae for axial capacity calculation of rectangular DCFSST stub columns were developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cryptotanshinone could significantly inhibit the differentiation of Th17 cells and the activation of STAT3 in spleen cells. • Cryptotanshinone could alleviate the symptoms of acute and chronic ulcerative colitis and the degree of intestinal fibrosis in colitis mice. • Cryptotanshone significantly reduced DSS-induced phosphorylation of STAT3 and the number of Th17 cells in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of colitis mice. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronically relapsing inflammatory disease in the intestinal tract. Current unsatisfactory treatments prompt people to seek for alternative therapies and drug candidates. Cryptotanshinone (CTS), a diterpene quinone extracted from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza , has recently been shown to inhibit acute colitis by reducing pro-inflammatory mediators. However, whether CTS can protect against chronic UC and its effect on T lymphocytes remain unknown. In this study, CTS (20, 60 mg/kg) showed potent inhibitory activity against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute UC, as determined by weight loss, disease activity, colon length and histology. Similarly, in a model of DSS-induced chronic colitis, the administration of CTS prevented the disease progression with longer colon length, lower histological scores, and less expression of fibrosis-related collagen and α-smooth muscle actin in the colon. CTS also reduced the proportion of CD4+IL-17A+ Th17 cells in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of mice with acute or chronic colitis. However, CTS at 20 mg/kg had no effect on regulatory T cells (Tregs). In addition, CTS reduced the phosphorylation of signal transduction and transcription activator 3 (STAT3) in DSS-treated colon tissue. Further study showed that CTS concentration-dependently suppressed the differentiation of naïve CD4+ T cells into Th17 cells. CTS could not inhibit the activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes or attenuate the secretion of cytokines including IL-10, IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-γ, but could inhibit the production of IL-17A and TNF-α in Con A-stimulated splenocytes. CTS suppressed IL-6-induced phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of STAT3. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that CTS alleviated acute and chronic UC by suppressing STAT3 activation and Th17 cell differentiation, suggesting that it may be a promising candidate drug for the treatment of UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: An actinobacterial strain YIM 80766T was isolated from a soil sample collected from the eastern desert of Egypt, and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. The organism was found to have a range of chemical and morphological properties consistent with its classification in the genus Dietzia. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain YIM 80766T and the other type strains of recognized members of the genus Dietzia were 97.0–98.9%. However, DNA–DNA hybridization values and phenotypic characteristics revealed that the strain differed from the currently recognized species of the genus Dietzia. Therefore, strain YIM 80766T represents a novel species of the genus Dietzia, for which the name Dietzia lutea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 80766T (=KCTC 19232T=DSM 45074T=CCTCC AA 207008T). The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain YIM 80766T has been deposited in GenBank under the accession number EU821598. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A motile, Gram-positive, slightly halophilic, endospore-forming, catalase- and oxidase-positive, obligately aerobic, slender rod-shaped bacterium, strain YIM-C229T was isolated from the sediment of a salt lake in the Qaidam Basin, north-west China. Filamentous forms were present throughout the growth cycle. Strain YIM-C229T grew in the presence of 0.5–8% NaCl and at pH 6.0–8.5, with optimum growth at 1–3% NaCl and pH 7.0–7.5. It grew at 4–45°C, with optimum growth at 37°C. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, iso-C15:0, C16:1 ω11c and anteiso-C17:0. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7, and diphosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylglycerol were the polar lipids, with meso-diaminopimelic acid occurring in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The genomic DNA G+C content was 40.9mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM-C229T was closely related to the type strains of the four recognized species of the genus Gracilibacillus: G. halotolerans NNT (sequence similarity 95.5%), G. dipsosauri DD1T (96.1%), G. orientalis XH-63T (96.8%) and G. boraciitolerans T-16XT (99.1%). The DNA–DNA relatedness between strain YIM-C229T and G. boraciitolerans DSM 17256T was 30.8%. The combination of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic differences and DNA–DNA hybridization data supported the view that this strain represented a novel species of the genus Gracilibacillus, for which the name Gracilibacillus quinghaiensis sp. nov. is proposed, with YIM-C229T (=DSM 17858T=CGMCC 1.6304T) as the type strain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A halophilic, Gram-positive, spore-forming motile Bacillus-like strain YIM 012T, was isolated from one of the hypersaline soil samples collected in Xin-jiang province, China. Its optimum growth occurred at 10–20% of NaCl concentration (w/v), pH 7.0–8.0. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 012T is a member of the genus of Alkalibacillus, which is well supported by its chemotaxonomic and molecular characteristics. Based on its phenotypic evidence and genotypic data, Alkalibacillus halophilus sp. nov. was proposed and strain YIM 012T (=DSM 17369T=KCTC 3990T) was assigned as the type strain of the novel species. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Two actinomycete strains, designated YIM 30006T and YIM 31075T, were isolated from soil samples in Yunnan, China and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Morphological and chemotaxonomic analysis revealed that the two isolates should be consistent with the nocardioform actinomycetes. Comparative 16S rDNA sequences confirmed that the two unknown isolates to be members of the genus Kribbella. Based on the results of phenotypic characteristics, phylogenetic studies and DNA–DNA hybridization results, strains YIM 30006T and YIM 31075T should be classified as two novel species of the genus Kribbella, for which the names Kribbella yunnanensis sp. nov. and Kribbella alba sp. nov. are proposed. The type strains for them are YIM 30006T (=CCTCC AA001019T=DSM 15499T) and YIM 31075T (=CCTCC AA 001020T=DSM 15500T), respectively. The 16S rDNA sequences of strains YIM 30006T, YIM 31075T have been deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers AY 082061 and AY 082062, respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A giant magnetoresistance effect in the Mn1.82V0.18Sb compound is reported, which is associated with a first-order metamagnetic transition from an antiferromagnetic to a ferrimagnetic state, induced by an external field. The largest GMR ratio equals 26% for Mn1.82V0.18Sb and is achieved at 250 K in a field of 5 T. The origin of the GMR effect is ascribed to the reconstruction of the Fermi surface due to the collapse of the super-zone gap after the metamagnetic transition. In addition, a magnetocaloric effect with a magnetic-entropy change of −5.5 J/kg K is observed in this compound around the magnetic transition temperature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• In this work, we have demonstrated that HA and Sr-HA scaffolds prepared using SPS technology can be used to repair critical bone defects in the radius of rabbits. • Sr-HA scaffolds have a greater ability to enhance bone regeneration than HA scaffolds. • Beneficial effects of Sr-HA scaffolds prepared using SPS can be applied in the repair of bone defects. Ideal bone defect repair scaffolds should be biodegradable, biocompatible, bioactive, porous, and provide adequate mechanical support. However, it is challenging to fabricate such an ideal bone repair scaffold. Previously, we showed that 5 wt.% strontium-doped hydroxyapatite (Sr-HA) scaffolds prepared by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology exhibited good biocompatibility. Moreover, unlike pure hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds, HA scaffolds containing strontium (Sr) exhibited superior bioactivity, higher proliferation rate of BMSCs and MG-63 osteoblast cells, as well as enhanced BMSCs differentiation. In this study, we prepared pure HA scaffolds and 5 wt.% strontium containing Sr-HA scaffolds by SPS technology without adhesive, ammonium bicarbonate as pore former. Subsequently, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the properties of Sr-HA and HA scaffolds. The ability of the scaffolds to repair bone defects was evaluated using a critical-sized rabbit tibia-bone defect rabbit model. Thirty 3-month-old New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (blank control group, Sr-HA scaffolds implanted group and HA scaffolds implanted group) with 10 rabbits in each group. These rabbits are sacrificed after 8 weeks and 16 weeks of surgery, and the repair effects of each scaffold were evaluated with X-ray, micro-CT, and HE staining. The three-point bending test was employed to assess the mechanical property of repaired bones. XRD pattern indicated that Sr-HA and HA scaffolds possess a similar crystal structure after sintering, and that incorporation of strontium did not form impure phase. SEM showed that the porosity of Sr-HA and HA scaffolds was about 40 %. Universal Testing Machine tests showed that Sr-HA scaffolds had better compressive strength than HA scaffolds. Bone defect was obvious, and the fibrous tissue was formed in the bone defects of rabbits in the blank control group after 8 weeks of surgery. Sr-HA and HA scaffolds enhanced osteointegration of the host bone, and extensive woven bone was formed on the surface of the Sr-HA scaffolds. After 16 weeks, the bone strump became blunt and a small amount of callus was formed in the blank control group. Comparatively, the scaffolds were substantially degraded in the Sr-HA scaffolds implanted group while scaffolds shadows still were observed in the HA implanted group. Bone remodeling and cavity recanalization were completely developed in the Sr-HA scaffolds group. The compressive strength of repaired bone in the Sr-HA scaffolds implantation group was higher than that of HA scaffolds implantation group after 8 weeks and 16 weeks of surgery. Our results show that the Sr-HA composite scaffolds can effectively repair bone defects and have good biodegradable properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of steel slag concrete (SSC) filled steel square hollow section (SHS) stub columns and beams under short-term static loading is experimentally and numerically studied in this paper. Fifteen typical specimens, including 10 stub columns and 5 beams, were tested. The main factors investigated are: mass substitution rate of steel slag aggregate (SSA) [ R c(f) ], which is equal to mass of steel slag coarse (fine) aggregate over that of total coarse (fine) aggregate, and tube width-to-thickness ratio (B / t). The failure modes, relationship between loads and deformations, axial/flexural capacity and axial compressive/flexural stiffness were recorded and analysed. The test results indicate that, the SSC filled steel SHS specimens have similar static performance as the reference composite specimens using ordinary concrete (OC). The variation in the mass substitution rate of SSA mainly leads to the difference in the mechanical factors, and simultaneously the behaviour of stub columns with a smaller B / t is better than that of the corresponding specimens with a larger B / t. A modified compressive stress-strain model of the SSC with the effect of R c and/or R f was developed, and finite element (FE) models were further established to investigate the static performance of the SSC filled steel SHS stub columns and beams. The FE models were validated by the experimental results in this study and the existing literature. Finally, the suitable method for the axial/flexural capacity prediction of the SSC filled steel SHS members was recommended. • Representative tests of SSC filled steel SHS stub columns and beams under short-term static loads were conducted. • A modified engineering stress-strain model for the SSC under compression was proposed. • FE models that can well reproduce the static performance of SSC filled steel SHS members were constructed. • Method in the relevant standards was evaluated for the capacity prediction of SSC filled steel SHS members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article quantifies the potential gains in health-adjusted life expectancy for people aged 30 to 70 years (HALE [30-70 ]) by examining the reductions in disability in addition to premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). We extracted data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 for 4 major NCDs (cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes mellitus) in 188 countries from 2010 to 2019. Estimates of the potential gains in HALE [ 30-70] were based on a counterfactual analysis involving 3 alternative future scenarios: (1) achieve Sustainable Development Goals target 3.4 but do not make any progress on disability reduction, (2) achieve Sustainable Development Goals target 3.4 and eliminate NCD-related disability, and (3) eliminate all NCD-related mortality and disability. In all scenarios, the high-income group has the greatest potential gains in HALE [ 30-70] , above the global average. For all specific causes, potential gains in HALE [ 30-70] decrease as income levels fall. Across these 3 scenarios, the potential gains in HALE [ 30-70] globally of reducing premature mortality for 4 major NCDs are 3.13 years, 4.53 years, and 7.32 years, respectively. In scenario A, all income groups have the greatest potential gains in HALE [ 30-70] from diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases. In scenarios B and C, the high-income group has the greatest potential gains in HALE [ 30-70] from cancer intervention, and the other income groups have the greatest potential gains in HALE [ 30-70] from cardiovascular diseases intervention. Reducing premature death and disability from 4 major NCDs at once and attaching equal importance to each lead to a sizable improvement in HALE [ 30-70]. • Meeting Sustainable Development Goals target 3.4 would have substantial effects on life expectancy globally. • Reducing premature mortality and disability from noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) at once and attaching equal importance to each lead to a sizable improvement in health-adjusted life expectancy. • In the context of a marked shift toward a greater proportion of burden because of years lived with disability from NCDs, the global effect of the equal emphasis on reducing disability and premature mortality from NCDs and its capacity to enable improvement in quality of life provides a crucial reference for shaping policy and identifying priorities for interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel aporphine related alkaloids, fissitungfines A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ), together with two known biogenetically related alkaloids, nornuciferine ( 3 ) and annonaine ( 4 ), were isolated from the stems of Fissistigma tungfangense . Fissitungfines A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ) were a new type of aporphine related alkaloids, possessing an unprecedented skeleton in which one six-membered carbocyclic ring in classic aporphine alkaloid was replaced by one six-membered lactone ring. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic data. A plausible biogenetic pathway for this new type of aporphine related alkaloid is also proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study seven strains of the genus Arthrobacter were screened by biotransformation to discover glycosylating patterns on steroid saponins. A strain of Arthrobacter nitroguajacolicus (CPCC 203516) was found to have the ability of fructosylation. Crude enzyme of the strain was extracted for the further study of conversion characteristics and patterns. Sucrose was used as a non-activated sugar donor, and fifteen steroidal saponins were involved. Nine furostan saponins of the substrates were converted, and ten products were isolated and identified. Based on the HR-ESI-MS, 1D, and 2D NMR spectral data, one fructosyl was added to furostan saponins at C 6 -OH of 26- O -β- d -glucopyranosyl by A. nitroguajacolicus for all nine products. One product was distinguished by an additional fructosyl at the position of C 6 -OH on the first added fructosyl. Spirostan saponins of the substrates could not be converted. Steroidal saponins embracing a fructosyl are quite rare according to other reports based on similar studies. This study successfully converted furostan saponins into new compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We aimed to confirm the role of ECHS1 as a binding protein of HBsAg (HBs) and investigate its function during the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our results show that both exogenous and endogenous ECHS1 proteins bind to HBs and co-localize in the cytoplasm in vitro. The coexistence of HBs and ECHS1 enhances HepG2 cell apoptosis, affects ECHS1 localization in the mitochondria and induces apoptosis by decreasing the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). These findings suggest that ECHS1 may be applied as a potential therapeutic target during the treatment of HBV-related hepatitis or HCC. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]