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Previous studies have shown that scutellarin inhibits the excessive activation of microglia, reduces neuronal apoptosis, and exerts neuroprotective effects. However, whether scutellarin regulates activated microglia-mediated neuronal apoptosis and its mechanisms remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether scutellarin can attenuate PC12 cell apoptosis induced by activated microglia via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. Microglia were cultured in oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) medium, which acted as a conditioning medium (CM) to activate PC12 cells, to investigate the expression of apoptosis and JAK2/STAT3 signalling-related proteins. We observed that PC12 cells apoptosis in CM was significantly increased, the expression and fluorescence intensity of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and apoptosis-related protein cleaved caspase-3 were increased, and expression of the anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was decreased. Phosphorylation levels and fluorescence intensity of the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway-related proteins JAK2 and STAT3 decreased. After treatment with scutellarin, PC12 cells apoptosis as well as cleaved caspase-3 and Bax protein expression and fluorescence intensity decreased. The expression and fluorescence intensity of Bcl-2, phosphorylated JAK2, and STAT3 increased. AG490, a specific inhibitor of the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, was used. Our findings suggest that AG490 attenuates the effects of scutellarin. Our study revealed that scutellarin inhibited OGD-activated microglia-mediated PC12 cells apoptosis which was regulated via the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blade length, which is a quantitative trait controlled by multiple genes, is a key trait determining the yield in Pyropia haitanensis. However, there are few studies on the identification of candidate genes associated with it. In this study, the double haploid (DH) strains from the hybrid offspring of P. haitanensis were used to construct two DNA pools from extremely long-length and short-length strains, respectively. Using bulk segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq), three candidate regions associated with the blade length were identified on the genome, all of which were located on chromosome 1. These regions contain a total of 625 genes. One extremely long-length strain and one extremely short-length strain were selected respectively, and their 35-day blades were used for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). It was found that the genes related to carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and carbon metabolism were up-regulated in long blades, and 145 genes were differentially expressed in the candidate regions. Subsequently, eight candidate genes were screened using strict criteria (delta SNP-index ≥ 0.9), which encode WD40-repeat containing protein, major facilitator superfamily, LPXTG-anchored surface-anchored adhesin, RmlC-like cupin superfamily, EMP24_GP25L and three unknown functional proteins, respectively. Further SNP molecular marker verification showed that the success rate of selection of these 8 genes for blade length was greater than 90%. In addition, among the differentially expressed genes within the candidate regions, the expression levels of growth-related genes (PKCI and ABC transporters) were significantly different between 5 extremely long-length and 5 extremely short-length strains. In summary, this study identified 10 potential candidate genes associated with the blade length of P. haitanensis, thereby providing valuable insights for future advancements in precise molecular breeding and expedited development of high-yield varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sympathetic eruptions of solar prominences have been studied for decades, however, it is usually difficult to identify their causal links. Here, we present two failed prominence eruptions on 26 October 2022 and explore their connections. Using stereoscopic observations, the South prominence (PRO-S) erupts with untwisting motions, flare ribbons occur underneath, and new connections are formed during the eruption. The North prominence (PRO-N) rises up along with PRO-S, and its upper part disappears due to catastrophic mass draining along an elongated structure after PRO-S failed eruption. We suggest that the eruption of PRO-S initiates due to a kink instability, and fails to erupt due to reconnection with surrounding fields. The elongated structure connecting PRO-N overlies PRO-S, which causes the rising up of PRO-N along with PRO-S and mass drainage after PRO-S eruption. This study suggests that a prominence may end its life through mass drainage forced by an eruption underneath. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been shown to improve gut dysbiosis in dogs; however, it has not completely been understood in police dogs. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FMT on performance and gut microflora in Kunming police dogs. Twenty Wolf Cyan dogs were randomly assigned to receive physiological saline or fecal suspension at low, medium, or high doses through oral gavage for 14 days. Growth performance, police performance, serum biochemical profiling, and gut microflora were determined 2-week post-FMT. Dogs after FMT treatment were also subjected to an hour road transportation and then were evaluated for serum stress indicators. Overall, FMT enhanced the growth performance and alleviated diarrhea rate in Kunming dogs with the greatest effects occurring in the low dose FMT (KML) group. The improvement of FMT on police performance was also determined. These above alterations were accompanied by changed serum biochemical parameters as indicated by elevated total protein and albumin and reduced total cholesterol and glycerol. Furthermore, the serum stress indicators after road transportation in dog post-FMT significantly decreased. Increased bacterial diversity and modified bacterial composition were found in the feces of dogs receiving FMT. The fecal samples from FMT dogs were characterized by higher abundances of the genera Lactobacillus, Prevotella, and Fusobacterium and lower concentrations of Cetobacterium, Allobaculum, Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus. The present study supports a potential benefit of FMT on police performance in Kunming dogs. Key points: • FMT improves the growth performance and reduces diarrhea rates in Kunming police dogs. • FMT alleviates the serum stress profiles after road transportation in Kunming police dogs. • FMT modifies the gut microbiota composition of Kunming police dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind fences are commonly used to mitigate dust emission from coal stockpiles in an open storage yard. There has substantial progress in the trial-and-error study of traditional straight fences, but only limited research focused specifically on the shelter effect of curved fence and its shape optimization. This paper introduces an innovative wind fence with curved deflector, and applies the aerodynamic optimization to enhance its shelter efficiency. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques are employed to simulate the flow field around a triangular coal stockpile behind the fence using RNG k-ε turbulence model. The simulation results have confirmed the role of curved fences in reducing wind erosion through comparative analysis of different fence geometries. In order to efficiently and automatically explore the optimal design parameters including fence porosity and external shape, the aerodynamic optimization via surrogate modelling is implemented. Two conflicting objectives namely minimization of total absolute surface pressure coefficients and reduction of peak velocity ratios around the stockpile are considered. The weighted sum method is utilized to solve the proposed multi-objective model. The optimization results suggest that the optimal curved fence is associated with a significant improvement of shelter performance in comparison with the traditional straight fence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scutellarin, an herbal agent, is known to possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In activated microglia, it has been reported that this is achieved through acting on the MAPKs, a key pathway that regulates microglia activation. This study sought to determine if scutellarin would affect the commonly described microglia phenotypes, namely, M1 and M2, thought to contribute to pro- and anti-inflammatory roles, respectively. This is in consideration of its potential effect on the polarization of microglia phenotypes that are featured prominently in cerebral ischemia. For this purpose, we have used an experimentally induced cerebral ischemia rat model and LPS-stimulated BV-2 cell model. Thus, by Western blot and immunofluorescence, we show here a noticeable increase in expression of M2 microglia markers, namely, CD206, Arg1, YM1/2, IL-4 and IL-10 in activated microglia both in vivo and in vitro. Besides, we have confirmed that Scutellarin upregulated expression of Arg1, IL-10 and IL-4 in medium supernatants of BV-2 microglia. Remarkably, scutellarin treatment markedly augmented the increased expression of the respective markers in activated microglia. It is therefore suggested scutellarin can exert the polarization of activated microglia from M1 to M2 phenotype. Because M1 microglia are commonly known to be proinflammatory, while M2 microglia are anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect, it stands to reason therefore that with the increase of M2 microglia which became predominant by scutellarin, the local inflammatory response is ameliorated. More importantly, we have found that scutellarin promotes the M2 polarization through inhibiting the JNK and p38 signaling pathways, and concomitantly augmenting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. This lends its strong support from observations in LPS activated BV-2 microglia treated with p38 and JNK inhibitors in which expression of M2 markers was increased; on the other hand, in cells subjected to ERK1/2 inhibitor treatment, the expression was suppressed. In light of the above, MAPKs pathway is deemed to be a potential therapeutic target of scutellarin in mitigating microglia mediated neuroinflammation in activated microglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scutellarin is used to treat brain ischaemia. However, its underlying mechanism of action remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanism of action of scutellarin in brain ischaemia through network pharmacology and experimental verification. The JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway was identified and experimentally verified. Expression of JAK2/STAT3 signalling related proteins in TNC-1 astrocytes with BV-2 microglia-conditioned medium (CM), CM + lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (CM + L), and CM pretreated with scutellarin + LPS (CM + SL) was analysed by Western Blot and immunofluorescence staining. Expression levels of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, and p-STAT3 were evaluated in astrocytes pre-treated with AG490. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in rats was performed in different experimental groups to detect expression of the above biomarkers. Network pharmacology suggested that the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway is one of the mechanisms by which scutellarin mitigates cerebral ischaemic damage. In TNC-1 astrocytes, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 expression were significantly up-regulated in the CM + L group. Scutellarin promoted the up-regulation of various markers and AG490 neutralised the effect of scutellarin. In vivo, up-regulation of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 after ischaemia is known. These results are consistent with previous reports. Scutellarin further enhanced this upregulation at 1, 3, and 7 d after MCAO. Scutellarin exerts its therapeutic effects on cerebral ischaemia by activating the astrocyte JAK2/STAT3 signalling, which provides a firm experimental basis for its clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liquid metal (LM) exhibits a distinct combination of high electrical conductivity comparable to that of metals and exceptional deformability derived from its liquid state, thus it is considered a promising material for high-performance soft electronics. However, rapid patterning LM to achieve a sensory system with high sensitivity remains a challenge, mainly attributed to the poor rheological property and wettability. Here, we report a rheological modification strategy of LM and strain redistribution mechanics to simultaneously simplify the scalable manufacturing process and significantly enhance the sensitivity of LM sensors. By incorporating SiO2 particles into LM, the modulus, yield stress, and viscosity of the LM-SiO2 composite are drastically enhanced, enabling 3D printability on soft materials for stretchable electronics. The sensors based on printed LM-SiO2 composite show excellent mechanical flexibility, robustness, strain, and pressure sensing performances. Such sensors are integrated onto different locations of the human body for wearable applications. Furthermore, by integrating onto a tactile glove, the synergistic effect of strain and pressure sensing can decode the clenching posture and hitting strength in boxing training. When assisted by a deep-learning algorithm, this tactile glove can achieve recognition of the technical execution of boxing punches, such as jab, swing, uppercut, and combination punches, with 90.5% accuracy. This integrated multifunctional sensory system can find wide applications in smart sport-training, intelligent soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Head and neck rhabdomyosarcoma (HNRMS) is a rare but aggressive malignant neoplasm. Given the young patient age and critical anatomy of the head and neck, performing surgery on the primary tumor still remains debatable. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the non-surgery-based treatment versus surgery-based treatment on patients with nonmetastatic HNRMS. Methods: Patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic HNRMS between 2004 and 2015 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were enrolled in our study. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) method was employed to balance confounding factors between surgery and non-surgery groups. Kaplan–Meier methods and COX regression analyses were used to analyze survival outcomes of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Prognostic nomogram was established to predict survival. Results: A total of 260 eligible patients were extracted from the SEER database. Kaplan–Meier survival curves revealed that there was no significant difference in OS and CSS between the surgery and non-surgery groups both before and after IPTW (p > 0.05). Cox regression analyses and IPTW-adjusted Cox regression analyses for both OS and CSS showed similar survival between the two groups. Prognostic factors were explored and a nomogram for patients in the surgery group was constructed. Risk stratification based on the nomogram indicated that patients in surgery-high-risk group did not benefit from primary surgery. While those in surgery-low-risk group had an equal survival outcome to those in non-surgery group. Conclusions: Our study revealed that compared to patients receiving surgery, those not receiving surgery had similar survival outcomes for nonmetastatic HNRMS. Our established nomogram may serve as a practical tool for individual prognostic evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore whether casticin (CAS) suppresses stemness in cancer stem-like cells (CSLCs) obtained from human cervical cancer (CCSLCs) and the underlying mechanism. Methods: Spheres from HeLa and CaSki cells were used as CCSLCs. DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) activity and mRNA levels, self-renewal capability (Nanog and Sox2), and cancer stem cell markers (CD133 and CD44), were detected by a colorimetric DNMT activity/inhibition assay kit, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, sphere and colony formation assays, and immunoblot, respectively. Knockdown and overexpression of DNMT1 by transfection with shRNA and cDNA, respectively, were performed to explore the mechanism for action of CAS (0, 10, 30, and 100 nmol/L). Results: DNMT1 activity was increased in CCSLCs compared with HeLa and CaSki cells (P<0.05). In addition, HeLa-derived CCSLCs transfected with DNMT1 shRNA showed reduced sphere and colony formation abilities, and lower CD133, CD44, Nanog and Sox2 protein expressions (P<0.05). Conversely, overexpression of DNMT1 in HeLa cells exhibited the oppositive effects. Furthermore, CAS significantly reduced DNMT1 activity and transcription levels as well as stemness in HeLa-derived CCSLCs (P<0.05). Interestingly, DNMT1 knockdown enhanced the inhibitory effect of CAS on stemness. As expected, DNMT1 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of CAS on stemness in HeLa cells. Conclusion: CAS effectively inhibits stemness in CCSLCs through suppression of DNMT1 activation, suggesting that CAS acts as a promising preventive and therapeutic candidate in cervical cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of the formation process of nitrogen oxide in the vertical flue of coke oven, a three-dimensional steady-state mathematical model of heat transfer, mass transfer and combustion process was established, and the numerical method was used to solve the problem. The effects of exhaust gas circulation ratio, preheating temperature of blast furnace gas and air and the blending ratio of coke oven gas on the NOX generation characteristics were studied. The above parameters were further optimized to the model that was applied to 6-m coke oven of Ansteel. The results show that the numerical simulation results are in good agreement with theoretical combustion temperature and the NOX emission data of 6-m coke oven in Ansteel. Through the optimization scheme, the preheating temperature of gas and air is the most significant one, followed by ratio of exhaust gas circulation and coke oven gas blending. The optimized model is applied to 6 m coke oven of Ansteel, and the average content of NOX in the exhaust gas is reduced from 364 to 228 mg/m3, with good effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays an essential role in brain, and its status is dependent on dietary intakes. School-aged children in rural China, who consume diets low in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, may benefit from DHA supplementation. Therefore, this trial was performed to examine the effect of 6-month DHA supplementation on executive functions (EFs) among healthy school-aged children in rural China. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 106 primary school children aged 7–12 years in rural China. Participants were randomized to receive either 300 mg/d DHA or placebo for 6 months. EFs including working memory and cognitive flexibility were evaluated at baseline, at 3 months and at 6 months, using Digit Span Backwards and Wisconsin card sorting test, respectively. Socio-demographic data were collected at baseline, and erythrocyte membrane fatty acids and serum neurotransmitters were measured at baseline and after 6-month intervention. Results: Ninety-four children (88.7%) completed the study according to the protocol. Changes in erythrocyte membrane fatty acids indicated good compliance of the participants. There was no significant intervention effect on serum neurotransmitters. In two-factor ANCOVA, both groups showed a significant improvement in the Digit Span Backwards and the Wisconsin card sorting test from baseline to endpoint. However, no significant intervention effect was found on any EF scores. Linear regression analysis suggested no significant association between changes in erythrocyte DHA level with changes in any EF scores. Conclusions: Supplementation with 300 mg/d DHA for 6 months had no benefit on EFs including working memory and cognitive flexibility among healthy school-aged children. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02308930 on December 5, 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Hα line is an important optical line in solar observations containing the information from the photosphere to the chromosphere. To study the mechanisms of solar eruptions and the plasma dynamics in the lower atmosphere, the Chinese Hα Solar Explorer (CHASE) was launched into a Sun-synchronous orbit on October 14, 2021. The scientific payload of the CHASE satellite is the Hα Imaging Spectrograph (HIS). The CHASE/HIS acquires, for the first time, seeing-free Hα spectroscopic observations with high spectral and temporal resolutions. It consists of two observational modes. The raster scanning mode provides full-Sun or region-of-interest spectra at Hα (6559.7–6565.9 Å) and Fe I (6567.8–6570.6 Å) wavebands. The continuum imaging mode obtains full-Sun photospheric images at around 6689 Å. In this paper, we present detailed calibration procedures for the CHASE/HIS science data, including the dark-field and flat-field correction, slit image curvature correction, wavelength and intensity calibration, and coordinate transformation. The higher-level data products can be directly used for scientific research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese Hα Solar Explorer (CHASE), dubbed "Xihe"—Goddess of the Sun, was launched on October 14, 2021 as the first solar space mission of China National Space Administration (CNSA). The CHASE mission is designed to test a newly developed satellite platform and to acquire the spectroscopic observations in the Hα waveband. The Hα Imaging Spectrograph (HIS) is the scientific payload of the CHASE satellite. It consists of two observational modes: raster scanning mode and continuum imaging mode. The raster scanning mode obtains full-Sun or region-of-interest spectral images from 6559.7 to 6565.9 Å; and from 6567.8 to 6570.6 Å with 0.024 Å pixel spectral resolution and 1 min temporal resolution. The continuum imaging mode obtains photospheric images in continuum around 6689 Å with the full width at half maximum of 13.4 Å. The CHASE mission will advance our understanding of the dynamics of solar activity in the photosphere and chromosphere. In this paper, we present an overview of the CHASE mission including the scientific objectives, HIS instrument overview, data calibration flow, and first results of on-orbit observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tactile sensing is essentially required for dexterous manipulation in robotic applications. Mimicking human perception of softness identification in a non-invasive fashion, thus achieving satisfactory interaction with fragile objects remains a grand challenge. Here, a scatheless measuring methodology based on the multisensory electronic skins to quantify the elastic coefficient of soft materials is reported. This recognition approach lies in the preliminary classification of softness by piezoelectric signals with a modified machine learning algorithm, contributing to an appropriate contact force assignment for subsequent quantitative measurements via strain sensing feedback. The integration of multifunctional sensing system allows the manipulator to hold capabilities of self-sensing and adaptive grasping motility in response to objects with the various softness (i.e., kPa-MPa). As a proof-of-concept demonstration, the biomimetic manipulator cooperates with the robotic arm to realize the intelligent sorting of oranges varying in freshness, paving the way for the development of microsurgery robots, human-machine interfacing, and advanced prosthetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the clinical features and screened for predictive factors of anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AIGA) positivity. We enrolled 63 AIGA-positive (group 1) and 29 AIGA-negative (group 2) HIV-negative patients. White blood cell (WBC) and neutrophil counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP), globulin, immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and IgM levels were higher, whereas CD4+T cell count and hemoglobin level were lower in group 1 than in group 2. Co-infections, multiple infections, and disseminated infections were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. Prognosis was worse in group 1 than in group 2, especially for relapse and persistent infections. The number of infecting pathogens and sites involved; WBC and neutrophil counts; globulin, IgG, IgM, and CRP levels; and ESR were significantly positively correlated with AIGA titers; however, CD4+T cell count was significantly negatively correlated with AIGA titers. Therefore, IgG, globulin, and CRP levels; CD4+T cell and WBC counts; the number of infecting pathogens and sites involved; and ESR were considered potential predictors for AIGA positivity. For HIV-negative hosts with double or multiple opportunistic, disseminated infections and high serum IgG and globulin levels, low CD4+T cell count, and an increase in inflammatory marker levels, positive AIGA-associated immunodeficiency should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the clinical features and the risk factors for nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) and Talaromyces marneffei (TM) co-infections in HIV-negative patients. A multicenter retrospective study in 13 hospitals, and a systematic literature review were performed of original articles published in English related to TM/NTM co-infections. HIV-negative patients with TM and NTM co-infections comprised Group 1; TM-only infection Group 2; NTM-only infection Group 3; and healthy volunteers Group 4. Univariate logistic analysis was used to estimate the potential risk factors of TM/NTM co-infections. A total of 22 cases of TM and NTM co-infections were enrolled. Of these, 17 patients (77.3%) had a missed diagnosis of one of the TM or NTM pathogens. The anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies (AIGAs) titer, white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil counts (N), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), globulin, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels of Group 1 were higher than those of the other groups, whereas the levels of CD4+T cells was lower than those of other groups. There was a significant negative correlation between the AIGA titers and the number of CD4+T cells (P < 0.05). Factors including the ratio of the actual values to the cut-off values of AIGAs, WBC, N, HGB, CD4+T cells, IgG, IgM, IgA, serum globulin, ESR, and CRP were taken as potential risk factors for TM and NTM co-infection. Most patients with TM and NTM co-infection had a missed diagnosis of one of the TM or NTM pathogens. The levels of AIGAs, WBC, N, ESR, and CRP in TM and NTM co-infections were remarkably higher than in mono-infection. High-titer AIGAs may be a potential risk factor and susceptibility factor for co-infection of TM and NTM in HIV-negative hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elucidating the molecular mechanism of the microRNAs in skin fibrosis is critical for identifying a novel therapeutic strategy for hypertrophic scar (HS). In this study, it was shown that miR-210-5p is induced by TGFβ, and that overexpression of miR-210-5p promoted the differentiation of human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) into myofibroblasts. STAT5A is required for TGFβ-induced STAT3 activity. Here, we show that miR-210-5p attenuated TGFβ-induced STAT3 signaling pathway by suppressing the expression of STAT5A. Taken together, the present study suggests that TGFβ-induced miR-210-5p reduced STAT5A expression, leading to aberrant activation of STAT3, and facilitate skin fibrosis in HDFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori infection is a major etiological factor in gastric diseases. However, clinical antibiotic therapy for H. pylori is limited by continuously decreased therapeutic efficacy and side effects to symbiotic bacteria. Herein, we develop an in vivo activatable pH-responsive graphitic nanozyme, PtCo@Graphene (PtCo@G), for selective treatment of H. pylori. Such nanozymes can resist gastric acid corrosion, exhibit oxidase-like activity to stably generate reactive oxygen species only in acidic gastric milieu and demonstrate superior selective bactericidal property. C18-PEGn-Benzeneboronic acid molecules are modified on PtCo@G, improving its targeting capability. Under acidic gastric pH, graphitic nanozymes show notable bactericidal activity toward H. pylori, while no bacterial killing is observed under intestinal conditions. In mouse model, high antibacterial capability toward H. pylori and negligible side effects toward normal tissues and symbiotic bacteria are achieved. Graphitic nanozyme displays the desired enzyme-like activities at corresponding physiological sites and may address critical issues in clinical treatment of H. pylori infections. Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastric diseases, but the standard therapy is limited by continuously decreased therapeutic efficacy and side effects to symbiotic bacteria. Here, the authors develop a pH-responsive graphitic nanozyme that is active under low pH gastric conditions, but inactive in intestines, for selective treatment of H. pylori infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lung cancer is a disease that severely endangers human health. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for approximately 4/5 of lung cancers. Aims: To investigate the efficacy of early combination of local radiotherapy and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) for advanced NSCLC treated with icotinib. Methods: Forty-two patients with stage IV NSCLC complicated with EGFR gene mutation were selected and randomly divided into two groups, with 21 patients in each group. Patients in control group were treated with icotinib, and patients in experimental group were treated with icotinib combined with local radiotherapy and subcutaneous injection of GM-CSF. One-year progression free survival between two groups was compared. Results: Three months after treatment, the efficacy in experimental group was significantly better than that in control group, and objective response rate was 95.24% in experimental group, which was higher than the 71.43% in control group. Patients in experimental group had no differences in white blood cell and neutrophil, but had significantly lower carcino-embryonic antigen and neuron-specific enolase levels and higher CD3+, CD4+, and CD4+/CD8+ than those in control group and before treatment. There were no differences in the proportion of patients with adverse reactions between two groups. One-year progression free survival was significantly better in experimental group than in control group. Conclusions: Early combination of local radiotherapy and GM-CSF has a significant efficacy for advanced NSCLC accounts for approximately 4/5 of lung cancers treated with icotinib, and it can improve patients' autoimmunity and lengthen progression free survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Li2TiO3 (LTO) is a promising Ti-based material showing interesting electrochemical performance, good structural stability, cost-effectiveness, and non-toxic electrode material for energy storage and conversion. In this work, thin films of LTO have been deposited by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique on Au/Ti/SiO2/textured Si multilayer substrates maintained at different temperatures (Ts) in a partial pressure of 0.4 mPa, and the microstructural properties are investigated. The as-deposited films are textured and contain TiO2 impurities. The LTO thin films grown at Ts of 600 °C are observed to be phase pure with a predominant (002) orientation related to the β-Li2TiO3 phase with C2/c symmetry. As electrodes for lithium microbatteries, LTO thin films delivered a specific discharge capacity of 46 μAh cm−2 μm−1 in the voltage range 0.0–1.0 V vs. Ag/AgCl and retained 91% capacity after 30 discharge cycles; as electrodes for supercapacitors, LTO thin films displayed a specific capacitance of 283 mF cm−2 at a current density of 1 mA cm−2 and retained 94% capacitance over 1000 cycles. The dual nature of the films demonstrates that the LTO films are suitable electrodes for supercapattery application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We re-evaluate the Raman spectroscopic quantification of the molar ratio and pressure for CH4–CO2 mixtures. Firstly, the Raman quantification factors of CH4 and CO2 increase with rising pressure at room temperature, indicating that Raman quantification of CH4/CO2 molar ratio can be applied to those fluid inclusions (FIs) with high internal pressure (i.e., > 15 MPa). Secondly, the v1(CH4) peak position shifts to lower wavenumber with increasing pressure at constant temperature, confirming that the v1(CH4) peak position can be used to calculate the fluid pressure. However, this method should be carefully calibrated before applying to FI analyses because large discrepancies exist among the reported v1(CH4)-P curves, especially in the high-pressure range. These calibrations are applied to CH4-rich FIs in quartz veins of the Silurian Longmaxi black shales in southern Sichuan Basin. The vapor phases of these FIs are mainly composed of CH4 and minor CO2, with CO2 molar fractions from 4.4% to 7.4%. The pressure of single-phase gas FI ranges from 103.65 to 128.35 MPa at room temperature, which is higher than previously reported. Thermodynamic calculations supported the presence of extremely high-pressure CH4-saturated fluid (218.03–256.82 MPa at 200 °C), which may be responsible for the expulsion of CH4 to adjacent reservoirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-soluble catalysts could be of special significance for reducing the viscosity of heavy crude oil, because of their good dispersion in crude oil and high catalytic efficiency toward aquathermolysis. Ferric oleate was synthesized and applied as catalyst in the aquathermolysis reaction of Shengli heavy oil. It was found that ferric oleate was more efficient for heavy oil cracking than Co and Ni oleates. Besides, it was superior to oleic acid and inorganic ferric nitrate and achieved the highest viscosity reduction rate of up to 86.1%. In addition, the changes in the components of Shengli heavy oil before and after aquathermolysis were investigated by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Results indicated that ferric oleate contributed to a significant increase in the content of light components and decrease in the content of resin, N and S. The as-prepared ferric oleate showed good activity for reducing the viscosity and improving the quality of the heavy crude oil, showing promising application potential in aquathermolysis of heavy crude oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow structure around upright porous fences and a triangular prism was numerically investigated by using the RNG k-ε turbulence model. The numerical method was validated by comparing the simulations with the experimental data, and then the effects of porosity and height of the wind fence on the flow field around the prism model and surface pressures were studied. The aim of this paper is to achieve the best shelter effect of a porous fence on the triangular prism located behind the fence with the height of 0.5h and 1.0h respectively, where h is the height of the prism. The gradient algorithm was adopted as the optimization algorithm to determine the optimum porosity of the wind fence. Three objective functions were considered to minimize (1) the sum of the absolute values of the mean pressure coefficients on the prism surface; (2) the total turbulence kinetic energy around the prism model, and (3) the total values of the peak velocity ratios involving velocity and turbulence. The numerical results showed that a porous fence with the height of about 0.5h–1.0h seems to be most effective in reducing the absolute value of the mean pressure coefficient on the model surface. Additionally, all three objective functions were capable of finding an optimal shelter performance of porous fences on the prism with surface pressure or flow characteristics considerations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercalated discs (ICDs) are highly orchestrated structures that connect neighboring cardiomyocytes in the heart. Three major complexes are distinguished in ICD: desmosome, adherens junction (AJ), and gap junction (GJ). Desmosomes are major cell adhesion junctions that anchor cell membrane to the intermediate filament network; AJs connect the actin cytoskeleton of adjacent cells; and gap junctions metabolically and electrically connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cardiomyocytes. All these complexes work as a single unit, the so-called area composita, interdependently rather than individually. Mutation or altered expression of ICD proteins results in various cardiac diseases, such as ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy), dilated cardiomyopathy, and hypotrophy cardiomyopathy, eventually leading to heart failure. In this article, we first review the recent findings on the structural organization of ICD and their functions and then focus on the recent advances in molecular pathogenesis of the ICD-related heart diseases, which include two major areas: i) the ICD gene mutations in cardiac diseases, and ii) the involvement of ICD proteins in signal transduction pathways leading to myocardium remodeling and eventual heart failure. These major ICD-related signaling pathways include Wnt/β-catenin pathway, p38 MAPK cascade, Rho-dependent serum response factor (SRF) signaling, calcineurin/NFAT signaling, Hippo kinase cascade, etc., which are differentially regulated in pathological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three turbulence closure models (RNG k-ε, SST k-ω and RSM) were used to investigate the flow characteristics around a two-dimensional isolated porous fence. The comparison between the numerical results and the experimental measurements indicated that RSM model shows a better performance than the other two models. The aim of this paper is to accurately and efficiently determine the optimum porosity that attain the best shelter effect of the wind fence in the near wake region (0-4hb) and in the far wake region (4hb-10hb) respectively, where hb is the height of the fence. The gradient algorithm was adopted as the optimization algorithm and the RSM model was used to model turbulent features of the flow. The shelter effect was parameterized by the peak velocity ratio involving velocity and turbulence. The objective was to reduce the peak velocity ratio in the near or far wake region by changing the design variable porosity (ϕ) of the fence, which ranged between 2 and 60%. The results revealed that a porosity of 10.2% was found as the optimum value giving rise to the best shelter effect in the near wake region, and ϕ = 22.1% was determined in the case of the far wake region. In addition, based on the proposed optimization method, it is found that the recirculating bubble behind the fence can only be detected when ϕ < 29.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing number of cases diagnosed in HIV-negative individuals may be associated with the better clinical recognition of talaromycosis among HIV-negative individuals, the advances in genetic testing and immunological diagnostics, and the discovery of new forms of immunodeficiency, such as primary immunodeficiency and adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome due to AIGAs. AIGA-associated immunodeficiency, called adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome, was closely related to intracellular pathogen infection, especially nontuberculous mycobacteria [[3]]. In this study, adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome was due to AIGAs and autoimmune disease, which were the most common underlying immunodeficiencies. [Extracted from the article]

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) based sensors offer important advantages over traditional instrumentation with regards to real-time structural health monitoring (SHM) of composite materials and structures in recent years. FBG sensors, integrated into existing structures or embedded into new ones, have played a major role in assessing the safety and integrity of engineering structures. In this paper, a review on the latest research of the FBG-based SHM technique for composite field is presented. Firstly, the FBG sensing principle is briefly discussed and FBG and several other optical fiber sensors (OFSs) for SHM are performance-compared. Then, several examples of the use of FBG sensors in composite SHM are illustrated, including those from the field of cure monitoring, civil engineering, aviation, aerospace, marine and offshore platform. Finally, some existing problems are pointed out and some proposals for further researches are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Activin A (Act A), a member of transforming growth factor-β superfamily, plays a neuroprotective role in multiple neurological diseases through Act A/Smads signal activation. Traditionally, the up-regulation of Act A gene and extracellular Act A accumulation show the signal activation as a linear pathway. However, one of our discoveries indicated that Act A could lead a loop signaling in ischemic injury. To clarify the characteristic of this loop signaling in a non-pathological state, we up-regulated the expression of Act A, monitored extracellular Act A accumulation and examined the activity of Act A signaling, which was quantified by the expression of phosphorylated Smad3 and the fluorescence intensity of Smad4 in nuclei. The results demonstrated a noncanonical Act A signal loop with self-amplifying property in PC12 cells. Further, it showed self-limiting behavior due to temporary activation and spontaneous attenuation. This periodic behavior of Act A signal loop was found to be regulated by the level of Smad anchor for receptor activation (SARA). Moreover, increased activity of Act A signal loop could promote PC12 cell proliferation and enhance the survival rate of cells to Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation. These practical discoveries will bring new insight on the functional outcome of Act A signaling in neurological diseases by the further understanding: loop signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing deployment of smart distribution grid, it has become urgent to investigate the smart distribution grid behavior during transient faults and improve the system stability. The feasibility of segmenting large power grids and multiple smart distribution grids interconnections using energy storage technology for improving the system dynamic stability was studied. The segmentation validity of the large power grids and smart distribution grid inverter output interconnections power system using energy storage technology was proved in terms of theoretical analysis. Then, the influences of the energy storage device location and capacity on the proposed method were discussed in detail. The conclusion is obtained that the ESD optimal locations are allocated at the tie line terminal buses in the interconnected grid, respectively. The effectiveness of the proposed method was verified by simulations in an actual power system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A library of sixty-five chalcones was prepared for screening against the protein phosphatase, cdc25B. From this library, thirteen compounds were found having good inhibitory activity. Two compounds have excellent activity and can be used for the design of more potent antiproliferative agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of 1-halogenated sinomenine derivatives was designed and prepared. All synthesized derivatives were structurally confirmed by ESI-MS, PMR. The inhibition of the NF-κB pathway in vitro was evaluated with pNF-κB-luc cell lines. The derivatives 5b, 6a, 6c, and 7a inhibited NF-κB action with IC values lower than that of sinomenine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of aucubin on HO-induced apoptosis was studied by using a rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell line. We have analyzed the apoptosis of HO-induced PC12 cells, HO-induced apoptosis appeared to correlate with lower Bcl-2 expression, higher Bax expression and sequential activation of caspase-3 leading to cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Aucubin not only inhibited lower Bcl-2 expression, high Bax expression, but also modulated caspase-3 activation, PARP cleavage, and eventually protected against HO-induced apoptosis. These results indicated that aucubin can obstruct HO-induced apoptosis by regulating of the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, as well as suppression of caspases cascade activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage profiles of feeders with the connection of distributed generations (DGs) were investigated. A unified typical load distribution model was established. Based on this model, exact expressions of feeder voltage profile with single and double DGs were derived and used to analyze the impact of DGs’s location and capacity on the voltage profile quantitatively. Then, a general formula of the voltage profile was derived. The limitation of single DG and necessity of multiple DGs for voltage regulation were also discussed. Through the simulation, voltage profiles of feeders with single and double DGs were compared. The voltage excursion rate is 7.40% for only one DG, while 2.48% and 2.36% for double DGs. It is shown that the feeder voltage can be retained in a more appropriate range with multiple DGs than with only one DG. Distributing the total capacity of DGs is better than concentrating it at one point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract  Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), a 32-kDa protein located in the inner mitochondrial membrane, is abundant in brown adipose tissue, as a proton transporter in mitochondria inner membrane which uncouples oxidative metabolism from ATP synthesis and dissipates energy through the heat. UCP1 has been reported to play important roles for energy homeostasis in rodents and neonate of larger mammals including human. Recently, numerous candidate genes were searched to determine the genetic factors implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity, related metabolic disorders and diabetes. UCP-1, which plays a major role in thermogenesis, was suggested to be one of the candidates. This review summarizes data supporting the existence of brown adipocytes and the role of UCP1 in energy dissipation in adult humans, and the genetic variety association with the fat metabolism, obesity and diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has received much attention due to its pivotal role in type 2 diabetes and obesity as a negative regulator of the insulin signaling pathway. Mangiferin, a xanthone glucoside, has been reported to possess significant antidiabetic activity. In the present study, a series of mangiferin derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for their PTP1B inhibitory activity. Some of the screened compounds displayed good PTP1B inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is the primary pathogen of viral myocarditis. Upon infection, CVB3 exploits the host cellular machineries, such as chaperone proteins, to benefit its own infection cycles. Inducible heat shock 70-kDa proteins (Hsp70s) are chaperone proteins induced by various cellular stress conditions. The internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) within Hsp70 mRNA allows Hsp70 to be translated cap-independently during CVB3 infection when global cap-dependent translation is compromised. The Hsp70 protein family contains two major members, Hsp70-1 and Hsp70-2. This study showed that Hsp70-1, but not Hsp70-2, was upregulated during CVB3 infection both in vitro and in vivo. Then a novel mechanism of Hsp70-1 induction was revealed in which CaMKIIγ is activated by CVB3 replication and leads to phosphorylation of heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) specifically at Serine 230, which enhances Hsp70-1 transcription. Meanwhile, phosphorylation of Ser230 induces translocation of HSF1 from the cytoplasm to nucleus, thus blocking the ERK1/2-mediated phosphorylation of HSF1 at Ser307, a negative regulatory process of Hsp70 transcription, further contributing to Hsp70-1 upregulation. Finally, we demonstrated that Hsp70-1 upregulation, in turn, stabilizes CVB3 genome via the AU-rich element (ARE) harbored in the 3′ untranslated region of CVB3 genomic RNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talaromyces marneffei infection involving the trachea presents as diffuse irregular nodules that grow on the tracheal lumen and/or rarely present as concurrent severe eosinophilia. Herein, we report two patients without HIV infection whose main tracheal and/or principal bronchi were involved by T. marneffei infection, which manifested as diffuse proliferative nodules. In case 1, the infection primarily affected the main trachea, resulting in structural cartilage damage, tracheal stenosis, and tracheal absence. In case 2, there were diffuse proliferative nodules in the trachea and bronchi with marked eosinophilia. The final diagnosis was made based on a positive culture from bronchiolar lavage fluid, skin, and tracheal polyps. Case 1 was administered antifungal treatment combined with surgery, but relapse occurred during a 3-month follow-up period. Case 2 was treated by intravenous liposomal amphotericin B combined with atomized inhaled liposomal amphotericin B, and he later showed improvement; there was no relapse during the 12-month period of antifungal treatment. Importantly, atomized inhaled amphotericin B antifungal treatment for T. marneffei infection has never been previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is one of the most prevalent causes of viral myocarditis and is associated with many other pathological conditions. CVB3 replication relies on host cellular machineries and causes direct damage to host cells. MicroRNAs have been found to regulate viral infections but their roles in CVB3 infection are still poorly understood. Here we describe a novel mechanism by which miR-126 regulates two signal pathways essential for CVB3 replication. We found that CVB3-induced ERK1/2 activation triggered the phosphorylation of ETS-1 and ETS-2 transcription factors, which induced miR-126 upregulation. By using both microRNA mimics and inhibitors, we proved that the upregulated miR-126 suppressed sprouty-related, EVH1 domain containing 1 (SPRED1) and in turn enhanced ERK1/2 activation. This positive feedback loop of ERK1/2–miR-126–ERK1/2 promoted CVB3 replication. Meanwhile, miR-126 expression stimulated GSK-3β activity and induced degradation of β-catenin through suppressing LRP6 and WRCH1, two newly identified targets in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which sensitized the cells to virus-induced cell death and increased viral progeny release to initiate new infections. Our results demonstrate that upregulated miR-126 upon CVB3 infection targets SPRED1, LRP6, and WRCH1 genes, mediating cross-talk between ERK1/2 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways, and thus promoting viral replication and contributes to the viral cytopathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimization design of the power system is essential for stratospheric airships with paradoxical requirements of high reliability and low weight. The methodology of orthogonal experiment is presented to deal with the problem of the optimization design of the airship's power system. Mathematical models of the solar array, regenerative fuel cell, and power management subsystem (PMS) are presented. The basic theory of the method of orthogonal experiment is discussed, and the selection of factors and levels of the experiment and the choice of the evaluation function are also revealed. The proposed methodology is validated in the optimization design of the power system of the ZhiYuan-2 stratospheric airship. Results show that the optimal configuration is easily obtained through this methodology. Furthermore, the optimal configuration and three sub-optimal configurations are in the Pareto frontier of the design space. Sensitivity analyses for the weight and reliability of the airship's power system are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with an improved bonding approach of surface-bonded fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for airship envelope structural health monitoring (SHM) under the strain transfer theory. A theoretical formula is derived from the proposed model to predict the strain transfer relationship between the airship envelope and fiber core. Then theoretical predictions are validated by numerical analysis using the finite element method (FEM). Finally, on the basis of the theoretical approach and numerical validation, parameters that influence the strain transfer rate from the airship envelope to fiber core and the ratio of effective sensing length are analyzed, and some meaningful conclusions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia are resident immune cells in the central nervous system that are rapidly activated to mediate neuroinflammation and apoptosis, thereby aggravating brain tissue damage after ischemic stroke (IS). Although scutellarin has a specific therapeutic effect on IS, the potential target mechanism of its treatment has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we explored the potential mechanism of scutellarin in treating IS using network pharmacology. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce an in vitro BV‐2 microglial cell model, while middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was used to induce an in vivo animal model. Our findings indicated that scutellarin promoted the recovery of cerebral blood flow in MCAO rats at 3 days, significantly different from that in the MCAO group. Western blotting and immunofluorescence revealed that scutellarin treatment of BV‐2 microglial cells resulted in a significant reduction in the protein expression levels and incidence of cells immunopositive for p‐NF‐κB, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, Bax, and C‐caspase‐3. In contrast, the expression levels of p‐PI3K, p‐AKT, p‐GSK3β, and Bcl‐2 were further increased, significantly different from those in the LPS group. The PI3K inhibitor LY294002 had similar effects to scutellarin by inhibiting neuroinflammation and apoptosis in activated microglia. The results of the PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling pathway and NF‐κB pathway in vivo in MCAO models induced microglia at 3 days were consistent with those obtained from in vitro cells. These findings indicate that scutellarin plays a neuroprotective role by reducing microglial neuroinflammation and apoptosis mediated by the activated PI3K/AKT/GSK3β/NF‐κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aspect of Mg metabolism was studied in 83 patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The result indicated that CHF per se and treatment with digoxin were not the causes of Mg depletion. Pronounced diuresis induced by diuretics increased markedly renal excretion of Mg and, in consequence, lowered the plasma Mg in 55% of the patients. The hypomagnesemia was not associated with decreased RBC Mg, and was usually transient and asymptomatic. When in addition to diuretics there were other factors known to promote extra Mg loss, the hypomagnesemia became more severe, the RBC Mg level might be decreased in association with it. A part of these patients might develop symptomatic Mg deficiency, the chief clinical manifestations of which included changes in neuromuscular excitability, mental disturbances and cardiac arrhythmia, often accompanied by hypopotassemia, hypocalcemia and metabolic alkalosis. The important role played by the Mg depletion in causing relevant symptoms and other electrolyte disturbances might be identified by careful analysis of the whole situation of the patient and the therapeutic test with Mg. The lowering of the plasma and RBC Mg levels, the decrease in the 24 h urinary Mg excretion could be used as routine laboratory diagnostic criteria of Mg deficiency, and the application of the Mg loading test as an important diagnostic procedure and at the same time a therapeutic test should be used more frequently in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Storage tanks are placed in group arrangements in refinery plants. Furthermore, winds may be treated as a critical lateral load for such structures. The present study explores the effects of storage tank adjacency on wind pressure variations. The wind tunnel test was employed to obtain the wind pressure coefficients on corrugated-plate tanks with rise-to-span ratios of 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5. These coefficients were also calculated numerically through a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach and compared to the experimental data. To evaluate the adjacency effect, two adjacent tanks in the transverse and longitudinal directions and the base tank with longitudinal and transverse adjacency were studied. The wind pressure coefficients were compared to the non-adjacency scenario. It was found that the adjacency effect was below 10% in transverse and longitudinal adjacency scenarios at distances three and four times as large as the diameter, respectively. The corrugated-plate tanks were found to have smaller negative (suction) pressure coefficients than simple-plate ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small GTPases have been shown to play an important role in several cellular functions, including cytoskeletal remodeling, cell polarity, intracellular trafficking, cell-cycle, progression and lipid transformation. The Ras-associated binding (Rab) family of GTPases constitutes the largest family of GTPases and consists of almost 70 known members of small GTPases in humans, which are known to play an important role in the regulation of intracellular membrane trafficking, membrane identity, vesicle budding, uncoating, motility and fusion of membranes. Mutations in Rab genes can cause a wide range of inherited genetic diseases, ranging from neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) to immune dysregulation/deficiency syndromes, like Griscelli Syndrome Type II (GS-II) and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), as well as a variety of cancers. Here, we provide an extended overview of human Rabs, discussing their function and diseases related to Rabs and Rab effectors, as well as focusing on effects of (aberrant) Rab expression. We aim to underline their importance in health and the development of genetic and malignant diseases by assessing their role in cellular structure, regulation, function and biology and discuss the possible use of stem cell gene therapy, as well as targeting of Rabs in order to treat malignancies, but also to monitor recurrence of cancer and metastasis through the use of Rabs as biomarkers. Future research should shed further light on the roles of Rabs in the development of multifactorial diseases, such as diabetes and assess Rabs as a possible treatment target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A benthic microbial electrochemical systems (BMES) of 195 L (120 cm long, 25 cm wide and 65 cm height) was constructed for sediment organic removal. Sediment from a natural river (Ashi River) was used as test sediments in the present research. Three-dimensional anode (Tri-DSA) with honeycomb structure composed of carbon cloth and supporting skeleton was employed in this research for the first time. The results demonstrated that BMES performed good in organic-matter degradation and energy generation from sediment and could be considered for river sediments in situ restoration as novel method. Community analysis from the soil and anode using 16S rDNA gene sequencing showed that more electrogenic functional bacteria was accumulated in anode area when circuit connected than control system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]