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BACKGROUND: The adhesion of probiotics to the intestine is crucial for their probiotic function. In previous studies, Tremella polysaccharides (TPS) (with sodium casein) have shown the potential to encapsulate probiotics and protect them in a simulated gastrointestinal tract. This study explored the effect of TPS (with sodium casein) on the adhesion of probiotics. RESULTS: Lactobacillus plantarum was coated with TPS and sodium casein in different proportions, and was freeze‐dried. The rheological properties of the mixture of probiotics powder and mucin solution were determined by static and dynamic rheological analysis. Aqueous solutions of probiotic powder and mucin mixture exhibited pseudoplastic fluid rheological properties. The higher the proportion of TPS content, the higher the apparent viscosity and yield stress. The mixed bacterial powder and mucin fluid displayed thixotropy and was in accordance with the Herschel–Bulkley model. The TPS increased the bio‐adhesive force of the probiotic powder and mucin. When using TPS as the only carbon source, the adhesion of L. plantarum to Caco‐2 cells increased by 228% in comparison with glucose in vitro. Twelve adhesive proteins were also detected in the whole‐cell proteome of L. plantarum. Among them, ten adhesive proteins occurred abundantly when grown with TPS as a carbon source. CONCLUSION: Tremella polysaccharides therefore possess probiotic properties and can promote the intestinal adhesion of L. plantarum. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic frameworks face a trade‐off between the framework stability and the bond dynamics, which necessitates the development of innovative linkages that can generate stable frameworks without hindering efficient synthesis. Although iodine(I)‐based halogen‐bonded organic frameworks (XOFs) have been developed, constructing XOFs based on bromine(I) is desirable yet challenging due to the high sensitivity of bromine(I) species. In this work, we present the inaugural construction of stable bromine(I)‐bridged two‐dimensional (2D) halogen‐bonded organic frameworks, XOF(Br)−TPy−BF4/OTf, based on sensitive [N⋅⋅⋅Br⋅⋅⋅N]+ halogen bonds. The formation of XOF(Br)−TPy−BF4/OTf was monitored by 1H NMR, XPS, IR, SEM, TEM, HR‐TEM, SEAD. Their framework structures were established by the results from PXRD, theoretical simulations and SAXS. More importantly, XOF(Br) displayed excellent chemical and thermal stabilities. They exhibited stable two‐dimensional framework structures in various organic solvents and aqueous media, even over a wide pH range (pH 3–12), while the corresponding model compounds BrPy2BF4/OTf decomposed quickly even in the presence of minimal water. Furthermore, the influence of the counterions were investigated by replacing BF4 with OTf, which improved the stability of XOF(Br). This characteristic enabled XOF(Br) to serve as an efficient oxidizing reagent in aqueous environments, in contrast with the sensitivity of BrPy2BF4/OTf, which performed well only in organic media. This study not only deepens our fundamental understanding of organic frameworks but also opens new avenues for the development and application of multifunctional XOFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymer packaging materials are an emerging trend in food packaging due to their degradability, nontoxicity, low cost, and low environmental stress; moreover, some properties of biopolymer packaging are better than those of traditional packaging. Proteins are a type of natural biopolymer packaging film matrix, and enhancing the packaging properties of proteins has been a focus of research. Preparing protein‐active packaging films by adding natural active substances with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and nanoparticles to protein‐based films to provide more significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and UV‐blocking effects is essential in food packaging and demonstrates the potential of using proteins in active food packaging applications. In recent years, the origin of natural actives, their mechanism of action, and their release from active packaging films have attracted much attention. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of protein film matrices for active packaging, natural antimicrobial agents, and natural antioxidants and discuss the potential of such active films in the packaging field. The sources of natural antimicrobial active substances and natural antioxidant active substances in packaging materials, their mechanisms of action, and their effects after being used to modify protein active films are summarized. The biorelease functions of protein active films with antimicrobial and antioxidant effects and their applications for various types of food are highlighted to understand the current effects of protein active films in food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the use of a Hf doping strategy in epitaxial β‐Ga2O3 thin films is demonstrated to substantially enhance the conductivity and simultaneously achieve an even wider bandgap. Epitaxial β‐Ga2O3 thin films with various Hf dopant ratios are fabricated by pulsed laser deposition. The doping impact on the structural, optical, and transport properties is systematically investigated. At an optimized doping regime of 1%–2% in molar ratio, the heteroepitaxial Hf‐doped β‐Ga2O3 (Hf‐Ga2O3) films grown on the MgO substrate achieve a high n‐type conductivity of 6.5 S cm−1, a carrier mobility of 1.8 cm2 V−1 s−1, a carrier concentration of 2.69 × 1019 cm−3, and an ultrawide bandgap of 4.9 eV. The electron transport is further enhanced for the homoepitaxial Hf‐Ga2O3 film that exhibits a conductivity of 1236 S cm−1 and an ultrahigh mobility of 113 cm2 V−1 s−1. Density functional theory calculations reveal the preferential atomic site of Hf dopants in the β‐Ga2O3 lattice and its impact on the optical bandgap. This study demonstrates an effective way to achieve degenerate n‐type doping in ultrawide‐bandgap semiconductors for developing optoelectronic and power electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Baking treatment is commonly used to improve the aroma and taste of tea but its effects on Liupao tea are unknown. The quality, nonvolatile and volatile compounds of the stale‐aroma type Liupao tea (CX) and its baked tea (HB) were investigated. After baking, the bitterness and aftertaste‐bitterness of the tea infusion were reduced, the aroma of grass was increased, and the stale was weakened. Caffeine, (−)‐epigallocatechin, (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate, (−)‐epicatechin gallate, and gallic acid content decreased significantly. Significant lipid content down‐regulation was observed in the differential metabolites, but phosphatidylcholines accumulated after baking. According to GC–MS, the reduction of methoxy compound content after baking was critical in the reduction of CX stale aroma. HB newly generated 2,4‐decadienal and (E, E)‐2,4‐heptadienal, which may be related to linoleic and linolenic acid lipid oxidation. This study contributes to a better understanding of Liupao tea and the impact of baking treatment on improving Liupao tea quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the association between social capital and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and to determine whether depression mediates the association among Chinese older adults in the context of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Design: A descriptive cross‐sectional research design. Methods: The Geriatric Depression Scale‐15, Social Capital Questionnaire and 12‐item Short‐Form Health Survey were used to investigate 1201 older adults selected from Jinan, Shandong Province, China, using a multistage stratified cluster random sampling method. Results: Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between social capital and HRQoL (r = 0.269, p < 0.01). Multivariate linear regression analyses demonstrated that social capital was significantly negatively associated with depression (β = −0.072, p < 0.001) and that depression was associated with HRQoL (β = −1.031, p < 0.001). The mediation analyses showed that depression mediated the association between social capital and HRQoL, and the indirect effect size was 0.073 (95% confidence interval: 0.050, 0.100). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The targeted biological activity of a natural product is often the result of the combined action of multiple functional components. Screening for predominant contributing components of targeting activity is crucial for quality evaluation. RESULTS: Thirteen and nine phenolic compounds inhibiting α‐glucosidase and α‐amylase, respectively, were identified in the ethanol extracts of passion fruit peel through liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis. Considering the different concentrations of components and their interactions, the role of the semi‐inhibitory concentration (IC50) in the dose–effect relationship is limited. We proposed the active contribution rate (ACR), which is the ratio of a single component concentration to its IC50 in the whole, to assess the relative activity of each compound. Luteolin, quercetin, and vitexin exhibited a minimum IC50. Before the simulation of gastrointestinal digestion, quercetin, salicylic acid, and luteolin were identified as the dominant contributors to α‐glucosidase inhibition according to ACR, while salicylic acid, 2,3‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, and quercetin were identified as dominant contributors to α‐amylase inhibition. After simulated digestion, the contents of all polyphenolic compounds decreased by various degrees. Salicylic acid, gentisic acid, and vitexin became the dominant inhibitors of α‐glucosidase based on ACR (cumulative 57.96%), while salicylic acid and 2,3‐dihydroxybenzoic acid became the dominant inhibitors of α‐amylase (cumulative 84.50%). CONCLUSION: Therefore, the ACR evaluation strategy can provide a quantitative reference for screening the predominant contributor components of a specific activity in complex systems. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In individuals with underlying chronic liver disease (CLD), hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a potential trigger of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure. In this systematic review, seven electronic databases were searched. Pooled incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated by the Freeman–Tukey double arcsine transformation method. The association between death or liver failure and HEV superinfection in CLD patients was estimated by the odds ratios (OR) with a 95% CI. A total of 18 studies from 5 countries were eligible for systematic review. The prevalence of acute HEV infection in hospitalized CLD patients with clinical manifestations of hepatitis was 13.6%, which was significantly higher than that in CLD patients from the community (pooled prevalence 1.1%). The overall rates of liver failure and mortality in CLD patients with HEV superinfection were 35.8% (95% CI: 26.7%–45.6%) and 14.3% (95% CI: 10.6%–18.5%), respectively, with the rates in cirrhotic patients being approximately 2‐fold and 4‐fold higher than those in noncirrhotic patients, respectively. The risks of liver failure (OR = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.5–20.1) and mortality (OR = 5.0, 95% CI: 1.9–13.3) were significantly higher in CLD patients with HEV superinfection than in those without HEV superinfection. HEV testing in hospitalized CLD patients is necessary due to the high prevalence of HEV infection observed in hospitalized CLD patients. HEV superinfection could accelerate disease progression in patients with underlying CLD and increase mortality in these patients. HEV vaccination is appropriate for patients with pre‐existing CLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Preeclampsia, characterized by hypertension, proteinuria and restriction of fetal growth, is one of the leading causes of maternal and perinatal mortality. So far, there is no effective pharmacological therapy for preeclampsia. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementation with l‐citrulline in Dahl salt‐sensitive rats, a model of superimposed preeclampsia. Experimental Approach Parental Dahl salt‐sensitive rats were treated with l‐citrulline (2.5 g·L−1 in drinking water) from the day of mating to the end of lactation period. Blood pressure was monitored throughout pregnancy and markers of preeclampsia were assessed. Endothelial function of the pregnant Dahl salt‐sensitive rats was assessed by wire myograph. Key Results: In Dahl salt‐sensitive rats, l‐citrulline supplementation significantly reduced maternal blood pressure, proteinuria and levels of circulating soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase 1. l‐Citrulline improved maternal endothelial function by augmenting the production of nitric oxide in the aorta and improving endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor‐mediated vasorelaxation in resistance arteries. l‐Citrulline supplementation improved placental insufficiency and fetal growth, which were associated with an enhancement of angiogenesis and reduction of fibrosis and senescence in the placentas. In addition, l‐citrulline down‐regulated genes involved in the TLR4 and NF‐κB signalling pathways. Conclusion and Implications: This study shows that l‐citrulline supplementation reduced gestational hypertension and improved placentation and fetal growth in a rat model of superimposed preeclampsia. l‐Citrulline supplementation may provide an effective and safe therapeutic strategy for preeclampsia that benefits both the mother and the fetus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal types of cancer due to its asymptomatic nature in the early stages and consequent late diagnosis. Its mortality rate remains high despite advances in treatment strategies, which include a combination of surgical resection and adjuvant therapy. Although these approaches may have a positive effect on prognosis, the development of chemo‐ and radioresistance still poses a significant challenge for successful PC treatment. Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C1/C2 (HNRNPC) and RhoA have been implicated in the regulation of tumour cell proliferation and chemo‐ and radioresistance. Our study aims to investigate the mechanism for HNRNPC regulation of PC radiation resistance via the RhoA pathway. We found that HNRNPC and RhoA mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in PC tissues compared to adjacent non‐tumour tissue. Furthermore, high HNRNPC expression was associated with poor patient prognosis. Using HNRNPC overexpression and siRNA interference, we demonstrated that HNRNPC overexpression promoted radiation resistance in PC cells, while HNRNPC knockdown increased radiosensitivity. However, silencing of RhoA expression was shown to attenuate radiation resistance caused by HNRNPC overexpression. Next, we identified RhoA as a downstream target of HNRNPC and showed that inhibition of the RhoA/ROCK2‐YAP/TAZ pathway led to a reduction in DNA damage repair and radiation resistance. Finally, using both in vitro assays and an in vivo subcutaneous tumour xenograft model, we demonstrated that RhoA inhibition can hinder the activity of cancer‐related fibroblasts and weaken PC radiation resistance. Our study describes a role for HNRNPC and the RhoA/ROCK2‐YAP/TAZ signalling pathways in mediating radiation resistance and provides a potential therapeutic target for improving the treatment of PC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A bilayer antibacterial film of gelatin (G)—egg white protein (EW) containing carvacrol (CA) on polyethylene (PE) was prepared. This study investigated the effects of different concentrations of CA on the apparent viscosity and particle size of gelatin and egg white protein composite film‐forming solution (FFS). The static rheological results showed that the viscosity of FFS increased significantly in the presence of CA. The results of particle size showed that FFS had good stability. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy indicated that there were hydrogen bond interactions among G/EW and CA with good compatibility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) indicated that the incorporation of CA made the film surface structure denser. The film with CA had good antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Under the same conditions, the higher the CA content, the higher the release rate, and the release rate was positively correlated with the increase in temperature and ethanol content in the food simulant, which indicated that the bilayer antibacterial film containing CA could be used for packaging high‐fat foods. Therefore, the G/EW‐PE bilayer antibacterial film containing CA could make up for the poor water resistance of the edible monolayer film, and gave the antibacterial function that the polyethylene packaging film did not have. Practical Applications: CA has safe and efficient antibacterial activity. It is listed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the list of additives that can be directly added to food for human consumption. Compared with the traditional single‐layer packaging film (plastic film and edible packaging film), the G/EW‐PE bilayer film containing CA can not only make up for the poor water resistance of the edible single‐layer film, but also give the plastic film new packaging performance. This study characterized the microstructure, physical properties, antibacterial properties and the release of CA in the film, which provided theoretical reference for the development of food packaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the fascinating structures and wide applications, porous materials with open frameworks have attracted more and more attentions. Herein, a novel two‐dimensional (2D) halogen‐bonded organic framework (XOF–TPPE) was successfully designed and fabricated by iodonium‐bridged N⋅⋅⋅I+⋅⋅⋅N interactions between pyridyl groups and I+ for the first time. The formation of XOF–TPPE and its linear analogue was monitored by 1H NMR, UV–Vis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), IR, SEM, TEM, HRTEM and selected‐area electron diffraction (SAED). The structural model of XOF–TPPE was established based on powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) data and theoretical simulations. Significantly, synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), DLS and UV–Vis spectroscopy experiments suggested that XOF–TPPE still maintains a stable 2D framework structure in solutions. This research opens up a novel avenue for the development of organic frameworks materials, and may bring new promising applications for the field of porous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemoresistance is a major obstacle in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. The pseudogene keratin 17 pseudogene 3 (KRT17P3) has been previously shown to be upregulated in lung cancer tissues of patients with cisplatin resistance. In the present study, RT‐qPCR was performed to evaluate KRT17P3 levels in plasma samples collected from 30 cisplatin‐resistant and 32 cisplatin‐sensitive patients. We found that the plasma level of KRT17P3 is upregulated in cisplatin‐resistant patients, and the increased expression of plasma KRT17P3 is associated with poor chemotherapy response. Functional studies demonstrated that KRT17P3 overexpression in cultured NSCLC cells increases cell viability and decreases apoptosis upon cisplatin treatment in vitro and in vivo, while KRT17P3 knockdown has the opposite effect. Mechanistically, bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, and dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that KRT17P3 acts as a molecular sponge for miR‐497‐5p and relieves the binding of miR‐497‐5p to its target gene mTOR. Rescue experiments validated the functional interaction between KRT17P3, miR‐497‐5p, and mTOR. Taken together, our findings indicate that KRT17P3/miR‐497‐5p/mTOR regulates the chemosensitivity of NSCLC, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for cisplatin‐resistant NSCLC patients. KRT17P3 may be a potential peripheral blood marker of NSCLC patients resistant to cisplatin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is well known for its strong invasiveness, rapid recurrence and poor prognosis. Immunotherapy, including chimeric antigen receptor‐modified T (CAR‐T) cells, has emerged as a promising tool to treat TNBC. The identification of a specific target tumor antigen and the design of an effective CAR are among the many challenges of CAR‐T therapy. Methods: We reported that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in TNBC and consequently designed an optimal third generation of CAR targeting EGFR. The efficacy of primary T lymphocytes infected with EGFR CAR lentivirus (EGFR CAR‐T) against TNBC was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo. The signalling pathways activated in tumor and EGFR CAR‐T cells were revealed by RNA sequencing analysis. Results: Third‐generation EGFR CAR‐T cells exerted potent and specific suppression of TNBC cell growth in vitro, whereas limited cytotoxicity was observed towards normal breast epithelial cells or oestrogen receptor‐positive breast cancer cells. This capability was further demonstrated in vivo in a xenograft mouse model, with minimal off‐tumor cytotoxicity. Mechanistically, in vitro stimulation with TNBC cells induced the expansion of naïve‐associated EGFR CAR‐T cells and enhanced their persistence. Furthermore, EGFR CAR‐T cells activated the interferon γ, granzyme–perforin–PARP and Fas–FADD–caspase signalling pathways in TNBC cells. Conclusion: We demonstrate that EGFR is a relevant immunotherapeutic target in TNBC, and EGFR CAR‐T exhibits potent and specific antitumor activity against TNBC, suggesting the potential of this third‐generation EGFR CAR‐T as an immunotherapy tool to treat TNBC in the clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are secondary metabolites of plants that have been widely studied for their health benefits as antioxidants. In the last decade, several clinical trials and epidemiological studies have shown that long-term consumption of polyphenol-rich diet protects against chronic diseases such as cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Current cardiovascular studies have also suggested an important role of gut microbiota and circadian rhythm in the pathogenesis metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. It is known that polyphenols can modulate the composition of core gut microbiota and interact with circadian clocks. In this article, we summarize recent findings, review the molecular mechanisms and the potential of polyphenols as dietary supplements for regulating gut microbiota and circadian rhythms, and discuss future research directions. LINKED ARTICLES: This article is part of a themed section on The Pharmacology of Nutraceuticals. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.6/issuetoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: LRRK2 mutations, the most common genetic cause of Parkinson disease (PD), display incomplete penetrance, indicating the importance of other genetic and environmental influences on disease pathogenesis in LRRK2 mutation carriers. The present study investigates whether urate, an antioxidant, Nrf2 activator, and inverse risk factor for idiopathic PD, is one such candidate biomarker of PD risk modulation in pathogenic LRRK2 mutation carriers.Methods: Banked plasma samples or urate levels were obtained for 3 cohorts of age- and sex-matched subjects with and without a known LRRK2 mutation in PD and unaffected controls to conduct a pilot study of 192 subjects from the LRRK2 Cohort Consortium (LCC) and 2 validation studies of 380 additional subjects from the LCC and 922 subjects from the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative. Urate levels were compared by multiple regression between subjects with and without a PD diagnosis conditional on LRRK2 status, controlling for age and sex.Results: Nonmanifesting LRRK2 mutation carriers had significantly higher levels of urate than those who developed PD in each of the 3 independent cohorts. A meta-analysis demonstrated an adjusted mean difference of 0.62 mg/dL (p < 0.001), with similar results for separate assessments of women (p < 0.02) and men (p < 0.001). A 2 mg/dL increment in urate concentration decreased the odds of having PD by approximately 50% (odds ratio = 0.48, p = 0.004).Interpretation: These findings identify and substantiate urate as a biomarker of resistance to PD among LRRK2 mutation carriers. Ann Neurol 2019;85:593-599. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, a DC vacuum arc interruption test based on the hybrid high-speed actuator and the method of commutation is carried out in the synthetic loop system. The safe stroke is one of the basic breaking parameters. The minimum safe stroke directly determines the commutation time and breaking property of the mechanical DC vacuum circuit breaker. The main circuit breaker is a high-speed vacuum switch driven by electromagnetic repulsion actuator. In order to simplify its control system, the commutation switch also adopts high-speed vacuum switch. The main current source for verification test of this DC breaker system is provided by a LC oscillator circuit with lower frequency. Simulations with some experiments were completed on breaking process of this system by PSCAD. The breaking current is 4 kA by the DC breaker system proposed here, the opening speed is about 2.417 m/s in this experimental system; From the results, the simulation and experimental waveforms are compared and analysed, and some effects on safe stroke of the DC vacuum circuit breaker is studied. The shortest arcing time is about 0.89 ms and the minimum safe stroke is about 2.15 mm under the lower voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Since difficulty and complexity of spaceflight missions are increasing, current electric systems in the spacecraft become growingly complicated challenging the spacecraft electrical power system (EPS) architecture development. By using traditional approaches, system architectures are managed by document collections including various reports, documents and data chats. Due to lack of a unified visualization of system architectures, consistency and traceability among data, documents and information are difficult to manage, particular in supporting architecture design and system verification and validation. This paper presents a model‐based systems engineering (MBSE) tool with emphasis on domain specific modeling (DSM), architecture visualization, model transformation and automated verification and validation by using Modelica. The MBSE tool aims to develop the architecture models of EPS, to support MBSE‐driven visualizations of architectural hierarchies inspired by related techniques of Google Earth and to realize architecture‐driven verification & validation by using Modelica language. Finally, through a case study of EPS, we evaluate the feasibility of our tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Based on a sample of listed companies in Shanghai and Shenzhen, China from 2007 to 2015, this paper discusses the relationship between customer concentration and corporate innovation. The results show that this relationship is nonlinear and U‐shaped. In addition, this paper finds that when the bargaining power of large customers is weak and the level of supply chain integration is high, the U‐shaped relationship becomes more significant. Additional analyses show that the U‐shaped relationship between customer concentration and corporate innovation is more significant for non‐state‐owned enterprises and those with lower levels of cash holding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Polysaccharides‐rich dark tea is believed to be beneficial to health in Southeast Asian. However, the hypolipidemic effect of Chinese Liupao tea polysaccharides (CLTPS) has not been investigated. Here, the potential mechanism by which the oral administration of CLTPS affects lipid metabolism was evaluated using high‐fat diet‐induced hyperlipidemia rats. In rats supplemented with CLTPS, a suppressive effect on body weight was observed after 4 weeks of intervention. CLTPS significantly improved the levels of lipid profiles, the oxidation of lipids and antioxidant enzyme activity in a dose‐dependent manner. The cholesterol‐lowering action was paralleled by the stimulation of cholesterol converted to bile acids along with a 1.5‐fold increase in faecal excretion. Besides, the prolongation of coagulation factors and the reduction in fibrinogen content showed that CLTPS regulated the coagulation initiated through the intrinsic pathway. With current findings, CLTPS may be valuable as a natural hypolipidemic nutraceutical for human consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under physiological conditions, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) attenuates agonist-induced vasoconstriction by releasing vasoactive molecules including hydrogen peroxide, angiotensin 1-7, adiponectin, methyl palmitate, hydrogen sulfide, NO and leptin. This anticontractile effect of PVAT is lost under conditions of obesity. The central mechanism underlying this PVAT dysfunction in obesity is likely to be an 'obesity triad' (consisting of PVAT hypoxia, inflammation and oxidative stress) that leads to the impairment of PVAT-derived vasoregulators. The production of hydrogen sulfide, NO and adiponectin by PVAT is reduced in obesity, whereas the vasodilator response to leptin is impaired (vascular leptin resistance). Strikingly, the vasodilator response to acetylcholine is reduced only in PVAT-containing, but not in PVAT-free thoracic aorta isolated from diet-induced obese mice, indicating a unique role for PVAT in obesity-induced vascular dysfunction. Furthermore, PVAT dysfunction has also been observed in small arteries isolated from the gluteal/visceral fat biopsy samples of obese individuals. Therefore, PVAT may represent a new therapeutic target for vascular complications in obesity. A number of approaches are currently being tested under experimental conditions. Potential therapeutic strategies improving PVAT function include body weight reduction, enhancing PVAT hydrogen sulfide release (e.g. rosiglitazone, atorvastatin and cannabinoid CB1 receptor agonists) and NO production (e.g. arginase inhibitors), inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, inhibition of inflammation with melatonin or cytokine antagonists, activators of AMP-activated kinase (e.g. metformin, resveratrol and diosgenin) and adiponectin releasers or expression enhancers.Linked Articles: This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue - Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: We have recently shown that a reduced function of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) contributes crucially to obesity-induced vascular dysfunction in mice. The current study was conducted to test the hypothesis that vascular dysfunction in obesity can be reversed by in vivo improvement of PVAT eNOS activity.Experimental Approach: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 22 weeks to induce obesity. During the last 4 weeks of HFD feeding, the obese mice were treated p.o. with the standardized Crataegus extract WS® 1442, which has been shown previously to improve eNOS activity.Key Results: Diet-induced obesity in mice markedly reduced the vasodilator response of thoracic aorta to acetylcholine in wire myograph experiments. Strikingly, this vascular dysfunction was only evident in PVAT-containing aorta but not in PVAT-free aorta. In vivo treatment of obese mice with WS® 1442 had no effect on body weight or epididymal fat mass, but completely restored the vascular function of PVAT-containing aorta. Feeding a HFD led to a reduced phosphorylation and an enhanced acetylation of PVAT eNOS, both effects were reversed by WS® 1442 treatment.Conclusion and Implications: PVAT plays a key role in vascular dysfunction in diet-induced obese mice. Not obesity itself, but a PVAT dysfunction is responsible for obesity-induced vascular disorders. Improving PVAT function by pharmacological means (e.g. with WS® 1442) can ameliorate vascular function even without reducing body weight or fat mass.Linked Articles: This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue - Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under physiological conditions, nitric oxide (NO) is produced in the vasculature mainly by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS). Experiments using gene-disrupted mice have demonstrated that eNOS has antihypertensive, antithrombotic, and antiatherosclerotic effects. Recent studies show that eNOS is expressed not only in the endothelium but also in the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). Resveratrol prevents eNOS uncoupling and upregulates eNOS expression and activity. These effects of resveratrol are well established for the eNOS enzyme in the endothelium. Interestingly, resveratrol also improves PVAT function. However, a causal role for eNOS in the effects of resveratrol on PVAT function has not yet been verified and needs to be studied in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant effects of resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) contribute substantially to the health benefits of this compound. Resveratrol has been shown to be a scavenger of a number of free radicals. However, the direct scavenging activities of resveratrol are relatively poor. The antioxidant properties of resveratrol in vivo are more likely to be attributable to its effect as a gene regulator. Resveratrol inhibits NADPH oxidase-mediated production of ROS by down-regulating the expression and activity of the oxidase. This polyphenolic compound reduces mitochondrial superoxide generation by stimulating mitochondria biogenesis. Resveratrol prevents superoxide production from uncoupled endothelial nitric oxide synthase by up-regulating the tetrahydrobiopterin-synthesizing enzyme GTP cyclohydrolase I. In addition, resveratrol increases the expression of various antioxidant enzymes. Some of the gene-regulating effects of resveratrol are mediated by the histone/protein deacetylase sirtuin 1 or by the nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2. In this review article, we have also summarized the cardiovascular effects of resveratrol observed in clinical trials.Linked Articles: This article is part of a themed section on Redox Biology and Oxidative Stress in Health and Disease. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.12/issuetoc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean seed oil was valued in foods, animal feed and some industrial applications. Molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) for high-oil-content cultivars was an important method for soybean breeders. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and epistatic QTL underlying the seed oil content of soybeans across two backcross (BC) populations (with one common male parent 'Dongnong47') and two different environments. Two molecular genetic maps were constructed. They encompassed 1046.8 cM [with an average distance of 6.75 cM in the 'Dongnong47' × 'Jiyu89' (DJ) population] and 846.10 cM [with an average distance of 5.76 cM in the 'Dongnong47' × 'Zaoshu18' (DZ) population]. Nine and seven QTL were identified to be associated with oil content in the DJ and DZ populations, respectively. The phenotypic variation explained by most of the QTL was usually less than 10%. Among the identified QTL, those stable ones across multiple environments and populations often had stronger additive effects. In addition, three stable QTL in the DZ populations were identified in the similar genomic region of the three QTL in the DJ population [qDJE and qDZE-1 were located near Satt151 of Chromosome 15 (Chr15), qDJA1 and qDZA1 were located near Satt200 of Chr15 (LG A1), and qDJD2-1 and qDZD2-1 were located near Sat365 of Chr17]. In conclusion, MAS will be able more effectively to combine beneficial alleles of the different donors to design new genotypes with higher soybean seed oil content using the BC populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background Hepatitis E virus ( HEV) infection has become relevant to blood transfusion practice because isolated cases of blood transmission have been reported and because HEV has been found to cause chronic infection and severe liver disease in immunocompromised patients. Study Design and Methods We tested for immunoglobulin ( Ig) G and IgM antibodies to the HEV and for HEV RNA in 1939 unselected volunteer US blood donors. Subsequently, we tested the same variables in pre- and serial posttransfusion samples from 362 prospectively followed blood recipients to assess transfusion risk. Results IgG anti- HEV seroprevalence in the total 1939 donations was 18.8%: 916 of these donations were made in 2006 at which time the seroprevalence was 21.8% and the remaining 1023 donations were in 2012 when the seroprevalence had decreased to 16.0% (p < 0.01). A significant (p < 0.001) stepwise increase in anti- HEV seroprevalence was seen with increasing age. Eight of 1939 donations (0.4%) tested anti- HEV IgM positive; no donation was HEV RNA positive. Two recipients had an apparent anti- HEV seroconversion, but temporal relationships and linked donor testing showed that these were not transfusion-transmitted HEV infections. Conclusion No transfusion-transmitted HEV infections were observed in 362 prospectively followed blood recipients despite an anti- HEV seroprevalence among donations exceeding 16%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s with methyl ester terminals (HPAMAM-COOCH3) were used as nanoreactors and reductants to prepare gold or silver nanoparticles (Au NPs or Ag NPs). HPAMAM-COOCH3 could bind AuCl4 − (or Ag+) and then reduce AuCl4 − (or Ag+) into Au NPs (or Ag NPs) through their internal amines, while the external methyl ester groups prevented the aggregation of polymers. The formation of Au NPs or Ag NPs was verified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), confirming the formation of Au NPs or Ag NPs with small particle size and low size distribution.POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY There have been increased attentions on HEV and its associated diseases in recent years as a result of an increased number of reports on autochthonous patients from many developed countries. Vaccine development and better disease management are expected from protective immunity with increased knowledge on the pathogenesis and virology of HEV. This review summarizes the current understanding of the HEV virology, the key neutralization sites (epitopes) on the surface of the viral capsid, the host humoral immune responses for HEV infection, and the protective immunity conferred by natural infection and vaccination. Recombinant VLPs were prepared to mimic the protective and neutralizing epitopes on the virion surface, thus being capable of eliciting protective immunity when injected to nonhuman primates or human volunteers during preclinical tests and clinical trials. Four markers-viral RNA, anti-HEV IgM, anti-HEV IgG, and low avidity of anti-HEV IgG-are important in the diagnosis of HEV infection, particularly for patients presenting with acute hepatitis symptoms. This toolbox of genomic and immunological assays is valuable in furthering our understanding of the time course of HEV infection and the subsequent hepatitis during preclinical and clinical development of an efficacious vaccine. Two vaccine candidates had shown good tolerability, high immunogenicity, and high efficacy against symptomatic and/or asymptomatic HEV infection. One of them has been licensed in China recently. However, many issues need to be resolved before new technological progresses can benefit the people who need them most. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in endothelial function, and impaired NO production is involved in hypertension. Therefore, compounds that regulate endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) may be of therapeutic benefit. A novel, low molecular weight compound AVE3085 is a recently developed compound with the ability to enhance eNOS transcription. The present study investigated the effects of AVE3085 in endothelial dysfunction associated with hypertension.Experimental Approach: Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were treated with AVE 3085 (10 mg·kg·day(-1) , orally) for 4 weeks. Isometric force measurement was performed on rings of isolated aortae in organ baths. Protein expression of eNOS, phosphorylated-eNOS and nitrotyrosine in the aortae were examined by Western blotting. mRNA for eNOS in rat aortae were examined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Key Results: AVE3085 greatly improved endothelium-dependent relaxations in the aortae of SHRs. This functional change was accompanied by up-regulated expression of eNOS protein and mRNA, enhanced eNOS phosphorylation and decreased formation of nitrotyrosine. Furthermore, AVE3085 treatment reduced the blood pressure in SHR without affecting that of hypertensive eNOS(-/-) mice.Conclusions and Implications: The eNOS-transcription enhancer AVE3085 restored impaired endothelial function in a hypertensive model. The present study provides a solid basis for the potential development of eNOS-targeting drugs to restore down-regulated eNOS, as a new strategy in hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific activity concentrations of radionuclides 238U, 232Th, and 40K of 2300 sampling points in the Qingdao area were measured by an FD-3022 gamma-ray spectrometer. The radioactivity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 3.3 to 185.3, from 6.9 to 157.2, and from115.8 to 7834.4 Bq kg−1, respectively. The air-absorbed dose at 1 meter above ground, effective annual dose, external hazard index, and radium equivalent activity were also calculated to systematically evaluate the radiological hazards of the natural radioactivity in Qingdao. The air-absorbed dose, effective annual dose, external hazard index, and radium equivalent activity in the study area were 98.6 nGy h−1, 0.12 mSv, 0.56, 197 Bq kg−1, respectively. Compared with the worldwide value, the air-absorbed dose is slightly high, but the other factors are all lower than the recommended value. The natural external exposure will not pose significant radiological threat to the population. In conclusion, the Qingdao area is safe with regard to the radiological level and suitable for living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of bionanocomposite materials for packages has received increasing attention due to environmental pollution issues. However, storage results in many undesirable properties in films. This study evaluated the effects of storage on simple layer and bilayer soy protein isolate/nano‐silica (SPI/nano‐SiO2) films, which may reduce the migration of nanoparticles, and on the properties (mechanical, barrier, and optical) and parameters (moisture content, sulfhydryl content, and glycerol migration rate) of the films. Compared to SPI films, SPI/nano‐SiO2 films had a higher moisture content, higher sulfhydryl content, lower glycerol migration rate and better properties after storage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that hydrogen bonding existed between SPI and nano‐SiO2 and that α‐helix, β‐sheet, β‐turn, and random coil structures transformed due to bond breaking and formation during storage. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that SS‐3‐2 film had better morphologies after storage. In conclusion, bilayer films are safer and may replace simple layer films in food packaging. Practical applications: Based on an EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) scientific opinion, SiO2 is approved in the European Union. However, nanoparticles have been reported to process certain characteristics that pose a health hazard. To reduce the migration of nano‐SiO2, the contact area between the food and films with nano‐SiO2 must be reduced. SPI film is a biodegradable packaging material and has been widely studied due to its biodegradable properties, which are attributed to the lack of repeating units in peptides compared to petroleum synthetic polymers. However, the properties of SPI film change during storage, which limits its application. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of storage on the properties of simple layer and bilayer SPI/nano‐SiO2 films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell transplantation is efficient method to therapy end-stage liver disease ( ESLD). How to punctually induce stem cell differentiation into hepatocyte is still a challenge. Notch plays important roles in embryonic development and cell differentiation. However, during the differentiation process from fetal liver stem/progenitor cells ( FLSPCs) to mature hepatocytes, the contribution of Notch, especially which Notch receptor is primarily responsible, is unknown. First, specific Notch receptor responsible for FLSPCs differentiation was identified. On both tissue level and cell level, we found that Notch3 was the only receptor greater expressed in liver tissue at embryonic day ( ED) 14 and FLSPCs, compared with the adult liver and BRL cells, respectively. Second, morphological phenotypic and functional aspects were analyzed to evaluate whether Notch inhibition by GSIs (γ-secretase inhibitors, inhibitor of Notch) promotes the differentiation of FLSPCs into hepatocytes. Results showed that N-[ N-(3, 5-Difluorophenacetyl)-L-alanyl]-S-phenylglycine t-butyl ester ( DAPT) as GSIs was able to induce FLSPCs differentiation into hepatocytes. The differentiated FLSPCs showed similar morphology to mature hepatocytes, expressed hepatic markers indicative of a mature developmental stage, and displayed similar functionality to mature hepatocytes. The differentiation efficiency by GSIs was similar to that by hepatocyte growth factor ( HGF) induction. More specifically, as the differentiation of FLSPCs progressed towards hepatocytes, the expression of Notch3 was gradually down-regulated, consistent with the down-regulation of other stem cell markers. These findings imply that Notch3 may not only be a regulator of FLSPCs differentiation into hepatocytes, but also be a potential marker of FLSPCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]