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BACKGROUND: Myoglobin (Mb) in duck meat is commonly over‐oxidized when heated at high temperatures, which may worsen the color of the meat. Enhancing the oxidative stability of Mb is essential for improving the color of duck meat. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin (CA‐DI) in chili exhibit antioxidant properties. This study investigated the effects of CA‐DI on the structure and oxidative damage of Mb by fluorescence spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry analysis and particle size in duck meat during heat treatment. RESULTS: When the ratio of CA‐DI to Mb was 10:1 g kg−1 and heat‐treated for 36 min, oxymyoglobin significantly increased, and metmyoglobin significantly decreased compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In parallel, the carbonyl content of Mb in the CA‐DI group decreased by 43.40 ± 0.10%, the sulfhydryl content increased by 188 ± 0.21%, and the free radical scavenging activity of Mb was significantly enhanced (P < 0.05). Moreover, the addition of CA‐DI resulted in a significant decrease in the particle size of the Mb surface (P < 0.05). When the ratio of CA‐DI to Mb was 10:1 g kg−1, CA‐DI enhanced the thermal stability and significantly increased the thermal denaturation temperature of Mb. The molecular docking results indicated that hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds were involved in the binding of CA‐DI to Mb. CONCLUSION: CA‐DI could combine with Mb and improve the oxidation stability of Mb in duck meat. This suggested that CA‐DI could be a potential natural antioxidant that improves the color of meat products. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subduction initiation is recorded by upper plate magmatism and lower plate metamorphism, that is, supra‐subduction zone (SSZ) ophiolite–metamorphic sole pair. Here, we report geochemical and geochronological data as well as P–T calculations of amphibolites (metamorphic sole) and hornblende gabbros (SSZ ophiolite) from the Saga ophiolitic mélange in Tibetan Plateau. Amphibolites show trace element contents compatible with normal‐mid‐ocean ridge basalt (N‐MORB), indicating that the protolith of amphibolite formed in a MOR setting. Instead, hornblende gabbros show significant high field strength elements (HFSEs) negative anomalies, enriched large ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and high zircon εHf(t) values, suggesting they formed by fluid‐induced partial melting of a depleted mantle. Thermobarometry and phase equilibrium modelling suggest two stages of metamorphism for garnet–clinopyroxene amphibolites: (I) a peak metamorphic stage (~1.9 GPa and 1000°C) and (II) a retrograde metamorphic stage (1.1–1.6 GPa and 800–1000°C). Zircon U–Pb ages of amphibolite and hornblende gabbro are 128.8 ± 5.1 Ma and 128.1 ± 1.5 Ma, respectively, suggesting subduction initiation within the eastern Neo‐Tethys occurred no later than 128 Ma and SSZ ophiolite formed at ~128 Ma. Apatite U–Pb ages of amphibolite and hornblende gabbro are 121.8 ± 2.1 Ma and 117.5 ± 4.5 Ma, respectively. Titanite U–Pb age of amphibolite is 122.2 ± 1.5 Ma. Overall, our data suggest that the metamorphic sole and SSZ ophiolite were exhumed since 128–118 Ma, and finally exhumed into the ophiolitic mélange. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the identification of a germline variant, CSF3R P733T, in patients with acute leukemia. The study analyzed data from 1146 patients with newly diagnosed acute leukemia and found that CSF3R P733T was present in 3.66% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases, 7.97% of B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) cases, and 1.92% of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) cases. The variant was also associated with other genetic abnormalities and showed gain-of-function properties similar to the well-known CSF3R T618I mutation. The findings suggest that CSF3R P733T may play a role in the development of acute leukemia and could be targeted with certain drugs. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct a population‐based study to determine the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in children and adolescents. Methods: Patients with RCC who were registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program between 2000 and 2018 had their demographic and clinical characteristics evaluated retrospectively. The log‐rank test was used to compare survival curves. Kaplan–Meier estimates were used to generate survival curves based on various factors. To identify factors associated with overall survival, Cox proportional‐hazards regression was used. Results: A total of 251 patients were enrolled in the study. For all patients, the overall survival (OS) rates at 3‐ and 5‐ year were 93.5% and 92.0%, respectively. A multivariable study revealed that the following factors were independently associated with overall survival: sex, race, histologic type, SEER stage, AJCC stage, and type of surgery. Cox analysis showed that white patients had the lowest risk of mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.33–4.99; P = 0.005), compared with black patients. Patients having metastatic disease had significantly higher mortality risk (HR 43, 95% CI, 14.8–125; P < 0.001) than the patients with localized tumour. Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the importance of race, SEER stage, and surgery in the prognosis of paediatric RCC, providing valuable epidemiological evidence for clinical practice. Economic studies assessing a race/ethnic group specific strategy are also required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proves that the weak solution is regular in terms of one velocity component or the gradient of one velocity component for 3D nematic liquid crystal system. Several regularity criteria will be showed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the relationship between the position of the midline catheter tip and the frequency and type of complications associated with its placement. Design: A cohort study was performed on patients between May 2018 and December 2021 who underwent midline catheter placement at our institution. Patients were divided into two groups, superficial implementation and deep implementation, based on the midline catheter tip location relative to the clavicle. Methods: Clinical data and outcome parameters, including the numbers and types of midline catheter‐related complications, day of occurrence and catheter indwell duration, were recorded. Results: Catheter‐related complications occurred in 14 individuals. Compared with the superficial implementation group, the incidence of complications in the deep catheterization group was significantly reduced, with a delayed first occurrence time, and a prolonged catheter indwelling time. The results suggested that locating the midline catheter tip in the distal segment of the axillary vein may reduce catheter‐related complication incidence and prolong the indwelling duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Soy hull, a by‐product of crop processing, is rich in pectin‐like polysaccharides that have potential for thickening, gelling and emulsifying applications. The effect of ammonium oxalate (SHPA) and sodium citrate (SHPS) on the conformation, physicochemical properties and emulsifying ability of soy hull polysaccharide (SHP) were investigated. RESULTS: The composition analysis showed that SHPS had more polysaccharide, protein, and higher molecular weight than SHPA. Images of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that SHPS molecules appeared spherical bodies with smooth and firm surfaces, while SHPA molecules appeared chain‐like bodies with rough and wrinkled surface. At the oil–water interface, SHPS adsorbed faster and formed a more elastic interfacial layer than SHPA. The characterization of the prepared emulsions showed that the SHPS emulsion was a smaller particle size and more stable system within 30 days than SHPA emulsion, especially at the SHPS concentration of 9 mg mL−1. Images of cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (cryo‐SEM) also demonstrated SHPS formed clearer network structure on the surface of the oil droplets, compared to SHPA. CONCLUSION: Overall, ammonium oxalate and sodium citrate significantly influenced the composition and properties of the SHP. SHPS exhibited a better emulsifying ability than SHPA, which was mainly due to the higher protein content of SHPS and the sodium ion (Na+) residue of sodium citrate. This study is useful for the extraction and application of SHP and other plant‐based polysaccharides. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multifold chiral fermions with high‐fold degeneracy beyond the twofold Weyl fermions have recently been reported in the transition metal silicide CoSi (space group P213). Here, by alloying parent compound CoSi, an alloy engineering approach to realize different topological phases in CoSi1−xAx (A = Ge, Sn) is demonstrated. By using first‐principles calculations and symmetry analysis, it is shown that the gradual decrease of crystal symmetry due to alloying makes Weyl‐type low‐energy excitation phases appear in CoSi1−xAx. For the alloy structures considered, surface states (SS) and Fermi arcs (FAs) are investigated, and the dynamic stability of the alloy structures is also confirmed by the phonon spectrum. These findings provide a feasible method for customizing the fermion behavior of multifold fermions semimetal and expect future experimental verification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new methodology for the synthesis of fascaplysin derivatives has been established. A library of diversified fascaplysins can be efficiently and quickly prepared by regioselective Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling and subsequent quaternization for the first time. The minimum inhibitory concentration assessment showed that the unique 5‐ring coplanar aromatic system plays a key role in the resulting bioactivity, and functional groups at different substitution position exert differentiable impact on the bactericidal activity. some synthesized fascaplysin derivatives exhibited higher antibacterial activities than the pristine fascaplysin and the positive controls, especially against Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922). These novel fascaplysin derivatives may have promising application potentials as bactericidal drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme precipitation events are an increasingly important issue, and their changing trends vary by geographical region. In this study, 12 extreme precipitation indices (EPI) were selected to analyse the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of extreme precipitation, explore the relationships between EPI and annual total precipitation (ATP) and elevation in the Pearl River Basin from 1960 to 2018, and investigate the persistence of extreme precipitation in the future. The results showed that the regionally averaged ATP insignificantly decreased at a rate of 27.27 mm/decade, while the maximum 1‐day precipitation and maximum 5‐day precipitation exhibited insignificantly increased trends, simple daily intensity index significantly increased at a rate of 0.18 mm/day per decade, whereas wet days, heavy precipitation days and consecutive dry days significantly decreased from 1960 to 2018. Trends in the EPI in four seasons showed large differences, most of the EPI in spring were decreased, while increased in winter. Most EPI in the western regions showed decreasing trends, whereas in the southeastern regions exhibited positive trends. The large spatial variability of EPI is mainly due to the impacts of terrain and water vapour sources. The variations in the extreme precipitation are closely related to the atmospheric circulation index, especially for the East Asian Summer Monsoon. All indices except consecutive dry days exhibited significant positive correlations with ATP. All indices except consecutive dry days had negative correlations with elevation, and extreme precipitation events mainly occurred in lower elevation regions. All the EPI had long‐range correlations based on R/S analysis (H > 0.5), thereby indicating that the EPI will maintain their current trends in the future. This research will provide support for water resource management and scientific adaptation, mitigation and response to climate anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, flame retarding phosphonate‐functionalized imidazolium ionic liquids (PFILs) were synthesized and employed as electrolyte additives for Li/LiFePO4 half‐cells. Physical and electrochemical properties, including ionic conductivity, electrochemical properties, electrochemical oxidation limit, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and lithium‐ion transference number (TLi+), were investigated. The results demonstrate that the addition of PFIL can improve the electrochemical performance of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Hybrid electrolyte with 10 wt % bidentate phosphonate‐functionalized imidazolium ionic liquid (b‐PFIL) exhibits more excellent electrochemical oxidation stability (up to 4.77 V vs. Li/Li+), capacity retention (87.3 % after 400 cycles) and rate capability. These improvements can be ascribed to the enhanced lithium‐ion transference number (TLi+), which results from the stronger binding affinity between chelating b‐PFIL and LiPF6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because the cadherin‐mediated signaling pathway promotes cancer progression, we assessed associations between genetic variants in 109 cadherin‐related genes and risk of pancreatic cancer (PanC) by using genotyping data from publically available genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) datasets comprising 15,423 individuals of European ancestry. After initial single‐locus analyses and subsequent meta‐analysis with multiple testing correction for 29,963 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 11 SNPs remained statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the stepwise logistic regression analysis, three independent PanC risk‐associated SNPs (KIF5B rs211304 C > G, FMN1 rs117648907 C > T, and MGAT3 rs34943118 T > C) remained statistically significant (p < 0.05), with odds ratios of 0.89 (95% confidence interval = 0.82–0.95 and p = 6.93 × 10−4), 1.33 (1.13–1.56 and 2.11 × 10−4), and 1.11 (1.05–1.17 and 8.10 × 10−5), respectively. Combined analysis of unfavorable genotypes of these three independent SNPs showed an upward trend in the genotype‐risk association (ptrend < 0.001). Expression quantitative trait loci analyses indicated that the rs211304 G and rs34943118 C alleles were associated with increased mRNA expression levels of KIF5B and MGAT3, respectively (all p < 0.05). Additional bioinformatics prediction suggested that these three SNPs may affect enhancer histone marks that likely have an epigenetic effect on the genes. Our findings provide biological clues for these PanC risk‐associated SNPs in cadherin‐related genes in European ancestry populations, possibly by regulating the expression of the affected genes. However, our findings need to be validated in additional population, molecular and mechanistic investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celastrol, a pentacyclic tritepene extracted from Tripterygium Wilfordi plant, showing potent liver protection effects on several liver‐related diseases. However, the anti‐inflammatory potential of celastrol in liver fibrosis and the detailed mechanisms remain uncovered. This study was to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect of celastrol in liver fibrosis and to further reveal mechanisms of celastrol‐induced anti‐inflammatory effects with a focus on AMPK‐SIRT3 signalling. Celastrol showed potent ameliorative effects on liver fibrosis both in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in fibrotic liver. Celastrol remarkably suppressed inflammation in vivo and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in vitro. Interestingly, celastrol increased SIRT3 promoter activity and SIRT3 expression both in fibrotic liver and in activated HSCs. Furthermore, SIRT3 silencing evidently ameliorated the anti‐inflammatory potential of celastrol. Besides, we found that celastrol could increase the AMPK phosphorylation. Further investigation showed that SIRT3 siRNA decreased SIRT3 expression but had no obvious effect on phosphorylation of AMPK. In addition, inhibition of AMPK by employing compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) or AMPK1α siRNA significantly suppressed SIRT3 expression, suggesting that AMPK was an up‐stream protein of SIRT3 in liver fibrosis. We further found that depletion of AMPK significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of celastrol on inflammation. Collectively, celastrol attenuated liver fibrosis mainly through inhibition of inflammation by activating AMPK‐SIRT3 signalling, which makes celastrol be a potential candidate compound in treating or protecting against liver fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of β‐carboline amides has been synthesized in one‐pot reaction via coupling between an acid and an amine in the presence of HBTU/Et3N. This mild amidation reaction undergoes efficiently and chemoselectively. Bioactivity studies indicate that the β‐carboline amide derivatives exhibit neuroprotective activity and might be developed to be lead compounds for anti‐stroke agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphonate‐functionalized ionic liquid (PFIL) is employed as a multifunctional additive to the base electrolyte mixture consisting of ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate and LiPF6. Addition of PFIL (5 wt%) significantly improves the cyclic stability and rate capability of LiCoO2 cathode performed between 3.0 and 4.3 V (vs Li/Li+), and decreases the flammability of the base electrolyte as well. Electrochemical studies indicate that PFIL is preferentially oxidized on cathode to form robust cathode electrolyte interface (CEI), which contributes to the enhanced cyclic stability and rate capability. Morphological and surface analysis on the cycled cathodes also reveal that PFIL is a key component for the formation of thin CEI film and retention of structural integrity of cathode material. Comparison experiments verify that chemically linking between ionicity and phosphorus functionality is indispensable for the enhanced performance. Additives of individual nonfunctionalized ionic liquid, neutral phosphonate, or their mixture all fail to improve the electrochemical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We proposed a thought of active capture of particles by improving the interaction force between fibers and particles. Nanoparticle‐enhanced tubular nanofibers (Ag‐SPNTs) were prepared by template‐free cationic polymerization followed by surface modification. Ag‐SPNTs have coarse surface and bamboo‐like tubular structure with a diameter of approximately 80‐150 nm. Ag nanoparticles were embedded on the nanofibers surface, and the content of Ag nanoparticles in the nanofibers could be tuned by changing the concentration of [Ag(NH3)2]+ in the preparation process. f‐d curve measured by AFM showed that increasing the content of Ag nanoparticles in the nanofibers resulted in the enhanced interaction force between the nanofiber surface and particles. Particle matter capture test showed that the number of captured microscaled/naonoscaled particles on the fiber surface increased obviously for the nanoparticle‐enhanced tubular nanofibers (Ag‐SPNTs) compared to the nanofibers without nanoparticle (SPNTs), probably due to the increased interaction force and adhesion energy between fiber surface and particles. Filtration property test showed that the Ag‐SPNTs fiber films had a better filtration performance with a higher filter efficiency and QF value than that of SPNTs. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Bcl‐2‐associated athanogene3(BAG3) protects the heart and cardiomyocytes from ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Although the anti‐apoptosis effect of BAG3 has been demonstrated in multiple cell types, the structural domain of BAG3, which is responsible for its anti‐apoptosis effect, is not well understood. BAG3 protein consists of various characteristic amino acid motifs/regions that permit the interaction of BAG3 with numerous proteins involved in many cellular key pathways. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the proline‐rich (PXXP) domain of BAG3 is necessary for its cellular protection against hypoxia–reoxygenation (H/R) stress by binding to its chaperone, heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein (HSC70). Cell apoptosis induced by H/R was evaluated using propidium iodide (PI) staining, caspase 3/7 activation and TUNEL staining in cultured H9C2 cells. The expression levels of BAG3 and HSC70 were manipulated, where BAG3 or its mutant, which lacked the PXXP domain, was overexpressed using a plasmid and adenovirus vector, and HSC70 expression was silenced using siRNA. Co‐immunoprecipitation (co‐IP) followed by western blot was employed to define the complex of BAG3 binding to its chaperones. The PXXP domain of BAG3 was determined to be critical for BAG3‐mediated attenuation of H9C2 cell apoptosis induced by H/R through the binding of PXXP with HSC70. The abolished cellular protection of BAG3 induced by the knockdown of HSC70 is associated with reduced binding to HSC70. Given that the structural domain PXXP of BAG3 is necessary for the cellular protection of BAG3 from I/R injury, the mechanism revealed in this study indicates that BAG3 may be a therapeutic target in patients undergoing reperfusion after myocardial infarction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a phosphonate‐functionalized ionic liquid, 4‐(diethoxyphosphoryl)butyl triphenylphosphonium hexafluorophosphate (PFIL) has been synthesized and characterized by FTIR, NMR and HRMS spectra. The viscosities (η) and conductivities (κ) of three binary mixtures of PFIL with acetonitrile (ACN), N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF), and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), respectively, were investigated in the temperature range from 293.15 to 343.15 K at atmospheric pressure. Solid PFIL dissolves in all these polar solvents within the concentrations studied (mole fraction of PFIL from 0.01 to 0.14). The experimental studies indicate that the viscosities of the three binary mixtures decrease in the following order: [PFIL(1) + DMSO(2)] > [PFIL(1) + DMF(2)] > [PFIL(1) + ACN(2)], while as expected, the conductivities increase in the following order: [PFIL(1) + ACN(2)]>[PFIL(1) + DMF(2)]>[PFIL(1) + DMSO(2)]. The conductivities as a function of temperature have been well correlated by Vogel‐Fulcher‐Tammann (VFT) and Arrhenius equations, while viscosities can be better fitted by using VFT equation. The dependence of conductivity on concentration for the studied systems is well represented by Casteel‐Amis equation. Phosphonate‐functionalized phosphonium ionic liquid was synthesized. Viscosities and conductivities of three binary mixtures of ionic liquid with acetonitrile, N,N‐dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide were investigated. Temperature dependence of conductivities and viscosities can be described by Vogel‐Fulcher‐Tammann (VFT) and Arrhenius equations. The dependence of conductivity on concentration is well represented by Casteel–Amis equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A novel hydrophilic magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) sorbent with imidazole‐based ionic liquid and adenosine tri‐phosphate (ATP) as bifunctional groups, polydopamine (PDA) as an intermediate layer, Fe3O4 as a magnetic core (Fe3O4@PDA‐ATP@IL) was prepared and applied for selective extraction of phthalic acid esters (PAEs). The resultant Fe3O4@PDA‐ATP@IL performed strong paramagnetic response, excellent water dispersibility, high capacity and selectivity toward PAEs. This strategy exhibited wide linearity (50‐8000 ng/mL), low limit of detection (0.02‐0.80 ng/mL), good recovery (92.3‐105.3%) and good precision (intra‐day RSDs less than 4.8%, inter‐day RSDs less than 6.7%). More encouragingly, under the optimized conditions, the prepared microspheres were applied to analyze nine PAEs in human plasma samples and achieved satisfactory results. The proposed method may open new avenues for analysis of aromatic chemicals in real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The natural decomposition of proteins yields peptides and amino acids, which are susceptible to further decay, resulting in formation of biogenic amines ( BAs) in proteinaceous foods such as bee pollen ( BP). However, excessive consumption of BAs will bring side effects, so it is vital to study the presence of BAs in BP. In this study, a sensitive and reliable ultra -high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric method was used for the determination of 12 BAs in BP. Large variations in the distribution and levels of BAs were observed with its total concentrations ranging from 6837.4 to 25444.2 μg kg−1. In addition, the changes in the levels of BAs during storage and fermentation were preliminarily investigated. The results showed that fermentation significantly altered the quantities of BAs in rape BP, while changes during storage were modest. The results of this study could be applied for quality evaluation and risk assessment of BP in near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lysosome-associated transporter proton-coupled amino acid transporter 1 (PAT1) promotes nutrient recycling through releasing luminal amino acids into the cytosol. Using HEK293 cells expressing an EGFP-tagged PAT1 ( EGFP- PAT1) as a model, we identified a consensus tyrosine-based targeting signal in the cytosolic N-terminal region of PAT1, which facilitates its expression on the lysosome. Interestingly, this signal can be removed via protein cleavage in an amino acid-sensitive manner. The cleavage is suppressed upon amino acid starvation and is induced by amino acid replenishment. However, amino acid deficiency does not suppress the cleavage of amino acid-binding mutants of EGFP- PAT1. Our data support a mechanism, whereby amino acid binding induces PAT1 cleavage to remove a targeting signal, thus suppressing the expression of PAT1 on the lysosome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Acute appendicitis is one of the most common emergency requiring operation. As the first discovered coagulation factor, plasma fibrinogen frequently increases with inflammation due to the activation of coagulation. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the diagnostic value of hyperfibrinogenemia as a preoperative laboratory marker for appendiceal perforation in patients with acute appendicitis. Materials and methods We identified 455 patients (202 females, 253 males; mean age, 31.7 years) with histologically confirmed acute appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic or open appendectomy. Results of preoperative laboratory values and post-operative histologic results were analysed retrospectively. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to determine patient's age and laboratory tests associated with perforated appendicitis. Result Mean plasma fibrinogen level of all patients was 3.99 g/L (1.41 SD; range, 1.73-10.6 g/L; median, 3.69 g/L). Patients with appendiceal perforation had a mean fibrinogen level of 5.72 g/L (1.52 SD; range, 3.38-10.04 g/L; median, 5.28 g/L), which was significantly higher than those with nonperforated groups ( P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed fibrinogen and D-dimer were associated with perforation ( P = 0.001, P = 0.014, respectively). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of fibrinogen for discriminating acute perforated appendicitis from non-perforated groups were larger than white blood cell and D-dimer. Conclusions Hyperfibrinogenemia was common in patients with acute appendicitis and fibrinogen may be useful as a predictive factor for appendiceal perforation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amino acid transporter PAT1 is typically expressed on the lysosome and plasma membranes in various human tissues. Glycosylation has been shown to be critical for the cell surface expression of PAT1, but not for its stability, in Xenopus oocytes. Here, we report that the glycosylation-deficient mutant of PAT1 ( PAT13 NQ) is unstable and is degraded mainly via the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation pathway in HEK293 cells. Interestingly, PAT13 NQ binds preferentially to the plasma membrane rather than to the lysosome. Consistent with this altered distribution, overexpression of PAT13 NQ fails to inhibit the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 ( mTORC1). Our data suggest that glycosylation affects the stability and localization of PAT1 in HEK293 cells and the subcellular distribution of PAT1 is a factor affecting mTORC1 activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study aims to assay the irisin level and investigate the relationships of irisin level with body mass index (BMI), body composition and bone metabolism in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and control women.Methods: Fifty two PCOS and 39 control women were recruited. Serum sex hormone, fasting insulin and C-peptide were tested. Fasting serum irisin and adiponectin were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Body composition and bone mineral density were assayed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry.Results: Polycystic ovary syndrome women showed different body compositions compared with controls. Serum irisin level of PCOS did not show significant difference compared with controls although it was decreased. The level of adiponectin in PCOS patients was significantly reduced. BMI had no correlation with irisin level. It indicated a positive correlation between serum irisin levels and bone mineral density in the control group and a negative correlation in the PCOS group after BMI and age adjusted. Furthermore, total lean mass has a significant effect on irisin concentration in the PCOS group. There are no correlations between adiponection and body compositions and bone mineral density in both groups.Conclusions: The abnormal body composition in PCOS may contribute to the circulation irisin. The crosstalk of irisin in different organs was found and may be related to disease development in PCOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A four-armed star-shaped single-polymer system with 4,7-bis(5-(4-(9 H-carbazol-9-yl)phenyl)-4-hexylthiophen-2-yl)benzo[ c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (FTBT) as a red emissive core, polyfluorene (PF) as blue emissive arms and 1,3-benzo thiadiazole (BT) as green emissive dopants was designed and synthesized, in which red, green, and blue (RGB) emission balance can be achieved by adjusting the doping concentration of FTBT and BT discreetly. A typical single-emissive-layer device (ITO/PEDOT:PSS/polymer/TPBI/LiF/Al) was studied and discussed, realizing a pure and stable white emission with a luminous efficiency (LE) of 1.59 cd·A−1 and CIE coordinates of (0.31, 0.34). The high-color-quality white electroluminescence of the devices could be mainly attributed to the suppressed intermolecular interactions, and partial energy transfer from the blue PF arms to the red and green dopants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Injectable hydrogels with pH and glucose triggered drug release capability were synthesized based on biocompatible phenylboronic modified chitosan and oxidized dextran through the formation of covalent imine bond and phenylboronate ester. Rheological characterization demonstrated that the gelation rate was rapid, and the moduli of the hydrogels were able to be tuned with chemical composition as well as pH and glucose concentration of the polymer solution. Anticancer drugs could be incorporated inside the hydrogel through the in situ gel forming process and undergo a controlled release by altering pH or glucose concentration. The hydrogels had good biocompatibility with viable and proliferated cells cultured in the three dimensional matrix, and the cell proliferation was suppressed when a small amount of DOX was added, which is benefit for the application of the hydrogels as smart anticancer drug delivery system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1235-1244 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]