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The sol-gel process has been applied to cotton fabrics to cover the fibers with a silica-based film, which can improve their thermal oxidation and combustion behaviors. Silica sol, silane coupling agent 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) and flame retardant zinc borate (ZB) are used together to prepare SiO2-KH560-ZB hybrid sol, which is then finished on the surface of cotton fabric through impregnation and baking. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index analysis (LOI) and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) are used to characterize functional groups, thermal stability and flammability properties of finished fabrics. Surface morphology of sol modified cotton fabrics are analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy (EDX). Results show the sols are successfully converted into gel coatings onto cotton fabrics, and continuous smoldering phenomenon of resulted fabrics disappears. ΔLOI/Δm of SiO2-KH560-ZB coated cotton fabric reaches the highest of 0.37%/g, char residue rate is as high as 28.43% and the peak heat release rate (PHRR) is reduced by 26.9% (83.7 W/g). KH560 has a significant coupling effect on combining components in the sol system and increases compatibility between sols and cotton fabrics. ZB (cooling, separation, dilution and suppression), silica sol (physical barrier) and KH560 show excellent synergistic effects in enhancing overall flame retardancy.

This study was to evaluate and compare the polyphenols contents, antioxidant capacities, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory abilities of extractable and nonextractable polyphenols (EP and NEP) in Mopan persimmon. The results showed that total phenols content of NEP was 5 times higher than that of EP, and the hydrolyzed NEP compounds displayed higher antioxidant capacity than EP in vitro by DPPH, ORAC assays. Meanwhile, NEP also exhibited inhibition capacity of α‐glucosidase and were higher than that of acarbose. In addition, an in vitro model of gastrointestinal digestion was used for the release of NEP, the polyphenols content and ORAC values were obviously increased in gastric digestion stage. The result indicated that NEP in Mopan persimmon, which has often been overlooked and discarded in the past, possessed higher polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity than EP., Both EP and NEP in Mopan persimmon were evaluated for antioxidant and anti‐α‐glucosidase capacities. The NEP are the main contributor to the antioxidant capacity of Mopan persimmon. The NEP exhibited higher anti‐α‐glucosidase capacity than acarbose. Gastric digestion played a key role in the release of NEP.

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of dimethyl hex-2-en-4-ynedioate with azomethine ylides derived from reaction of l -proline with various isatins in methanol selectively resulted in the formation of functionalized spiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolizine]acrylates as main products and spiro[indoline-3,3′-pyrrolizine]propiolates as minor products. This result indicated that the electron-deficient alkyne has higher reactivity than that of electron-deficient alkene in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction.

Creep age forming techniques have been widely used in aerospace industries. In this study, we investigated the effect of aging temperature (143 °C–163 °C) on the creep behavior of Al-Li-S4 aluminum alloy and their mechanical properties at room temperature. The mechanical properties were tested by tensile testing, and the microstructural evolution at different aging temperatures was examined by transmission electron microscopy. Results show that the creep strains and the room-temperature mechanical properties after creep aging increase with the aging temperature. As the aging temperature increases, the creep strain increases from 0.018% at 143 °C to 0.058% at 153 °C, and then to 0.094% at 163 °C. Within 25 h aging, the number of creep steps increases and the duration time of the same steps is shortened with the growth of aging temperatures. Therefore, the increase in aging temperatures accelerates the progress of the entire creep. Two main strengthening precipitates θ′ (Al2Cu) and T1 (Al2CuLi) phases were characterized. This work indicates that the creep strain and mechanical properties of Al-Li-S4 alloys can be improved by controlling aging temperatures.

We report a carbonaceous nanomotor with a characteristic flask-like hollow structure that can autonomously move under the propulsion of oxygen bubbles. The carbonaceous nanoflask (CNF) motor was fabricated by encapsulating platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) into the hollow cavity of the CNF. The internally encapsulated Pt NPs act as catalysts to decompose hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) fuel into oxygen bubbles. The generated oxygen bubbles recoil the motion of the CNF motors. Besides, the velocity of CNF motors can be controlled by adjusting the concentration of the H2O2 solution. The motion velocity increases with the increase of H2O2 concentration, up to 109.25 μm s-1 at 10% H2O2. This study provides important implications for understanding the motion behaviors of nanomotors with an internal cavity, and the self-propelled CNF motors as smart carrier systems have potential applications in the future.

Cell voltage reversal resulting from hydrogen starvation at anode is one of the factors that exacerbate the overall degradation of polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). An effective material-based mitigation strategy against cell reversal is to add oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts into the anode to make reversal-tolerant-anodes (RTAs). However, RTAs still suffer from an eventual sudden death, and the failure mechanisms of this sudden death have not been well studied thus far. Here we show a novel in-situ measurement technique with a distinctive partition membrane electrode assembly (MEA) to research the failure mechanism of RTAs. It is observed for the first time that the failure of RTAs is mainly attributed to the destruction of electron conducting paths caused by carbon corrosion from catalyst layers (CLs), gas diffusion layers (GDLs) and bipolar plates (BPs), rather than deactivation of the OER catalyst. As a verification, the application of additional OER catalysts on the GDL is found to effectively prolong the reversal tolerant time. These results add significant new insights into the failure mechanism of the RTA MEA and will be of practical importance in directing to design advanced MEAs and BPs that can withstand cell voltage reversal.

Non-water reacted two-component polymer (NRTCP), a newly invented polymeric material, has been widely used in various engineering projects because of its advantages, such as impermeability, time saving, and labor saving. Impact resonance test (IRT) is a type of nondestructive test method. This method has been applied to obtain the dynamic elastic modulus of Portland cement concrete and pavement asphalt traditionally, but it has not been used to test NRTCP. In this study, the damping ratio and elastic modulus of NRTCP are obtained through IRT under different circumstances, such as various liquid depths, salt contents, immersion times and densities. Results show that all changes remarkably affect the damping ratio and dynamic elastic modulus of NRTCP. These findings provide a reference for NRTCP usage in oceanic traffic engineering.

The amino acid response (AAR) and unfolded protein response (UPR) pathways converge on eIF2α phosphorylation, which is catalyzed by Gcn2 and Perk, respectively, under different stresses. This close interconnection makes it difficult to specify different functions of AAR and UPR. Here, we generated a zebrafish model in which loss of threonyl-tRNA synthetase (Tars) induces angiogenesis dependent on Tars aminoacylation activity. Comparative transcriptome analysis of the tars-mutant and wild-type embryos with/without Gcn2- or Perk-inhibition reveals that only Gcn2-mediated AAR is activated in the tars-mutants, whereas Perk functions predominantly in normal development. Mechanistic analysis shows that, while a considerable amount of eIF2α is normally phosphorylated by Perk, the loss of Tars causes an accumulation of uncharged tRNAThr, which in turn activates Gcn2, leading to phosphorylation of an extra amount of eIF2α. The partial switchover of kinases for eIF2α largely overwhelms the functions of Perk in normal development. Interestingly, although inhibition of Gcn2 and Perk in this stress condition both can reduce the eIF2α phosphorylation levels, their functional consequences in the regulation of target genes and in the rescue of the angiogenic phenotypes are dramatically different. Indeed, genetic and pharmacological manipulations of these pathways validate that the Gcn2-mediated AAR, but not the Perk-mediated UPR, is required for tars-deficiency induced angiogenesis. Thus, the interconnected AAR and UPR pathways differentially regulate angiogenesis through selective functions and mutual competitions, reflecting the specificity and efficiency of multiple stress response pathways that evolve integrally to enable an organism to sense/respond precisely to various types of stresses.

In this study, the immunomodulatory effect of sea buckthorn (SBT) pulp oil was elucidated in immunosuppressed Balb/c mice induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). The results showed that SBT pulp oil could reverse the decreasing trend of body weight, thymus/spleen index and hematological parameters induced by CTX. Compared with immunosuppressive mice induced by CTX, SBT pulp oil could enhance NK cytotoxicity, macrophage phagocytosis, and T lymphocyte proliferation, and regulate the proportion of T cell subsets in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and promote the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and TNF-α in the intestines. In addition, SBT pulp oil can promote the production of short fatty acids (SCFAs), increase the diversity of gut microbiota, improve the composition of intestinal flora, increase the abundance of Alistipes, Bacteroides, Anaerotruncus, Lactobacillus, ASF356, and Roseburia, while decreasing the abundance of Mucispirillum, Anaeroplasma, Pelagibacterium, Brevundimonas, Ochrobactrum, Acinetobacter, Ruminiclostridium, Blautia, Ruminiclostridium, Oscillibacter, and Faecalibaculum. This study shows that SBT pulp oil can regulate the diversity and composition of intestinal microflora in CTX-induced immunosuppressive Balb/c mice, thus enhancing the intestinal mucosa and systemic immune response. The results can provide a basis for understanding the function of SBT pulp oil and its application as a new probiotic and immunomodulator.

We present a velocity-map imaging (VMI) apparatus coupled with a magneto-optical trap (MOT) of 87Rb atoms designed for low-energy photo-ion spectroscopy. The VMI-electrode geometry uses a three-electrode configuration, and the focusing electric field is optimized based on systematic simulations of relatively low-energy ions. To calibrate the apparatus, we use resonant two-color two-photon ionization of rubidium atoms as Doppler-selected ions. This VMI system provides an accuracy of 0.15 m/s and a resolution of 7.5 m/s for photoions with speeds below 100 m/s. Finally, details of the design, construction, and testing of the VMI–MOT system are presented.

Fibrosis is the final common pathway of inflammatory diseases in various organs. The inflammasomes play an important role in the progression of fibrosis as innate immune receptors. There are four main members of the inflammasomes, such as NOD-like receptor protein 1 (NLRP1), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), NOD-like receptor C4 (NLRC4), and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2), among which NLRP3 inflammasome is the most studied. NLRP3 inflammasome is typically composed of NLRP3, ASC and pro-caspase-1. The activation of inflammasome involves both “classical” and “non-classical” pathways and the former pathway is better understood. The “classical” activation pathway of inflammasome is that the backbone protein is activated by endogenous/exogenous stimulation, leading to inflammasome assembly. After the formation of “classic” inflammasome, pro-caspase-1 could self-activate. Caspase-1 cleaves cytokine precursors into mature cytokines, which are secreted extracellularly. At present, the “non-classical” activation pathway of inflammasome has not formed a unified model for activation process. This article reviews the role of NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, AIM2 inflammasome, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 and IL-33 in the fibrogenesis.

Pd/Al2O3 catalysts modified by different amount of magnesium were fabricated for catalytic combustion of methane (CCM). After the introduction of different amount of magnesium, Al2O3, MgAl2O4-like mixed oxide and Mg(Al)Ox solid solution were formed. Owing to the formation of distinguished supports, the supported Pd species, i.e. metallic Pd, PdOx and support-Pd oxide complex were formed, and they were quite different in relative content and Pd↔PdO transformation ability. It was found that PdOx was active at low temperature, while metallic Pd particles and support-Pd oxide complex were active at high reaction temperature. The one with Mg/Al mole ratio of 1:3 was the most easily in Pd↔PdO transformation, demonstrating the best catalytic activity towards CCM reaction.

We present an approach to experimentally investigate the nonlinear response of phosphor screen (PS) module applied in velocity-map-imaging spectrometry under the condition of microchannel plate (MCP) module working in an appropriate amplifier voltage to ensure a constant unsaturation gain. Our approach, taking the Photek's VID240 detector system as an example, is based on the measurements of the position spectra of 87Rb+ photoion pulses with well-determined numbers of ions and duration times at various voltage differences (Uf) between MCP and PS modules. The measured spectra allow us to obtain the relationship between the two-dimensional distribution of luminescence (the luminescence intensity in the kth pixel) and the total number of ions in one pulse at a given Uf value. The obtained relationship leads to the luminescence efficiency and the acceptable limit of input ion flux density (the maximal number of ions arriving at MCP per unit time per unit area to avoid the nonlinear response) for a particular PS to be determined.

Successful seed germination depends on the rapid repair of cell membrane damaged by dry storage. However, little is known about the reorganization of lipids during this process. In this study, the changes of intracellular redox environment, cell membrane integrity, lipid composition, and expression of genes related to phospholipid metabolism were assessed during imbibition of Brassica napus seeds. A total number of 443 lipids belonging to 7 categories were detected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS). In the 24 h-imbibed seeds, the relative content of triacylglycerol was lower than in dry seeds, while the relative content of phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylserine (PS), especially PC (36:2, number of carbons in the acyl chains: number of double bonds), PC (36:3), and PE (36:3) were higher than those in dry seeds. Meanwhile, the content and unsaturation levels of phospholipids increased, indicating membrane lipids remodeling during seed imbibition. The plasma membrane integrity, which was measured by the relative electrolyte leakage (REL) of the membrane and FM4-64 fluorescent dye, was improved upon imbibition, confirming that cell membrane was repaired after 24 h-imbibition. The reduction of H2O2 content, redox potential, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content indicated that the degree of membrane lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased upon imbibition. Gene expression analysis showed that the differential expression of genes for key enzymes occurred in the plateau phase of the imbibition curve, i.e. after 8 h-to 24 h-imbibition. Moreover, the differential expression of genes such as those encoding phospholipase C (PLC), phospholipase D (PLD), triacylglycerol lipase (TAG lipase), choline/ethanolamine phosphotransferase (CEPT), and phosphatidylserine synthase (PTDSS2) during imbibition indicated that membrane lipid remodeling was related to complex metabolic pathways, among which the degradation of triacylglycerol and the synthesis of phospholipids using diacylglycerol might play an important role during membrane remodeling.

We experimentally explore weak space charge effects (SCEs) in multiphoton ionization (MPI) experiments using C60 as an example of heavy species. The laser-induced delayed ionization of C60 was used to prepare a photoion pulse with a decreasing initial charge density distribution from a start value that is one order of magnitude smaller than the density limit (3☓108 ions/cm3) proposed previously to assume that the SCEs can be negligible. The photoion spectra at different time slices of the photoion pulse were measured using a velocity map imaging spectrometry. This allows us to quantify the SCEs on the photoion spectra in such low-density and heavy-species regime. The weak SCEs explored here can help us to understand and improve the temporal-spatial resolutions in those high-precision measurements.

Previous studies have documented mitochondrial dysfunction during the critical node (CN) of rice (Oryza sativa) seed aging, including a decrease in the capacity of NADH dependent O2 consumption. This raises the hypothesis that changes in the activity of NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) may play a role in seed aging. The composition and activity of complex I was investigated at the CN of aged rice seeds. Using BN-PAGE and SWATH-MS 52 complex I subunits were identified, nineteen for the first time to be experimentally detected in rice. The subunits of the matrix arm (N and Q modules) were reduced in abundance at the CN, in accordance with a reduction in the capacity to oxidise NADH, reducing substrate oxidation and increase ROS accumulation. In contrast, subunits in the P module increased in abundance that contains many mitochondrial encoded subunits. It is proposed that the changes in complex I abundance subunits may indicate a premature re-activation of mitochondrial biogenesis, as evidenced by the increase in mitochondrial encoded subunits. This premature activation of mitochondrial biogenesis may under-pin the decreased viability of aged seeds, as mitochondrial biogenesis is a crucial event in germination to drive growth before autotrophic growth of the seedling is established.

Here, we present a highly specific, sensitive and cost-effective system to quantify microRNA (miRNA) expression based on two-step RT-qPCR with EvaGreen detection chemistry, called linear-hairpin variable primer RT-qPCR. It takes advantage of the novel designed variable primer, which is initially designed to be linear, extending to form a hairpin structure and replacing the target miRNA for cyclic RT. Then the RT product is quantified by conventional EvaGreen based qPCR. The results show that this method has a dynamic range of 8 logs and the sensitivity is sufficient to directly detect down to 4 target miRNA molecules with a total analysis time of less than 2 hours. It is capable of discriminating between similar miRNAs, leading to an accurate representation of the mature miRNA content in a sample. The RT step can be multiplexed and the 8 miRNA profiles measured in 7 mouse tissues by this method show an excellent correlation with the commercial standard TaqMan RT-qPCR assays (r2 = 0.9881).

Epidemiological studies demonstrated an association between heavy metal exposure and the incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, the particular effects of metal toxicity on adipose tissue functioning are unclear. Therefore, recent findings of direct influence of heavy metals (mercury, cadmium, and lead) and metalloid (arsenic) on adipose tissue physiology are discussed while considering existing gaps and contradictions. Here, we provide a literature review addressing adipose tissue as a potential target of heavy metal toxicity. Experimental in vivo studies demonstrated a significant influence of mercury, cadmium, lead, and arsenic exposure on body adiposity. In turn, in vitro experiments revealed both up- and downregulation of adipogenesis associated with aberrant expression of key adipogenic pathways, namely CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Comparison of the existing studies on the basis of dose and route of exposure demonstrated that the effects of heavy metal exposure on adipose tissue may be dose-dependent, varying from increased adipogenesis at low-dose exposure to inhibition of adipose tissue differentiation at higher doses. However, direct dose-response data are available in a single study only for arsenic. Nonetheless, both types of these effects, irrespective of their directionality, contribute significantly to metabolic disturbances due to dysregulated adipogenesis. Particularly, inhibition of adipocyte differentiation is known to reduce lipid-storage capacity of adipose tissue, leading to ectopic lipid accumulation. In contrast, metal-associated stimulation of adipogenesis may result in increased adipose tissue accumulation and obesity. However, further studies are required to reveal the particular dose- and species-dependent effects of heavy metal exposure on adipogenesis and adipose tissue functioning.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is sweeping the world since the end of 2019. The titer change of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 needs to be further clarified, the clinical and preventive value of antibodies still needs to be further investigated. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established by coating with SARS-CoV-2 recombinant spike protein and used to detect serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in coronavirus disease 2019 patients to evaluate the pattern of changes of antibodies. The specificity of the ELISA for detection SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG were 96% (144/150) and 100% (150/150), respectively. The sensitivity of ELISA was 100% (150/150) for IgM, and 99.3% (149/150) for IgG. SARS-CoV-2-SP-IgM and SP-IgG antibodies could be detected on Day 1 of hospitalization in 12.5% patients, and SP-IgM began to decrease after reaching its peak at around 22-28 days, and become negative at Month 3 in 30% patients and negative at Month 7 in 79% of these patients after onset; IgG reached its peak around Day 22-28 and kept at a high level within the longest observation period for 4 months, it dropped very sharply at 7 months. The positive rates of SP-IgM and SP-IgG were higher than those of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction on Day 7 and 4. The established indirect ELISA has good specificity and sensitivity. IgM and IgG against SARS-CoV-2 appeared almost simultaneously in the early stage, and the level of IgG antibodies could not maintain a high plateau in the observation period of 7 months. Our data will help develop the diagnosis and vaccine of SARS-CoV-2.

Summary New strategies are urgently needed to characterize the functions of the lipid droplet (LD). Here, adiposome, an artificial LD mimetic platform, was validated by comparative in vitro bioassays. Scatchard analysis found that the binding of perilipin 2 (PLIN2) to the adiposome surface was saturable. Phosphatidylinositol (PtdIns) was found to inhibit PLIN2 binding while it did not impede perilipin 3 (PLIN3). Structural analysis combined with mutagenesis revealed that the 73rd glutamic acid of PLIN2 is significant for the effect of PtdIns on the PLIN2 binding. Furthermore, adiposome was also found to be an ideal platform for in situ enzymatic activity measurement of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). The significant serine mutants of ATGL were found to cause the loss of lipase activity. Our study demonstrates the adiposome as a powerful, manipulatable model system that mimics the function of LD for binding and enzymatic activity studies of LD proteins in vitro., Graphical abstract, Highlights • An artificial organelle was validated for the targeting and regulation of LD proteins • Binding affinity analysis of PLIN2 targeting on artificial LD was performed • PtdIns and the 73rd glutamic acid in PLIN2 affect the targeting of PLIN2 to LD • In situ enzymatic activity of ATGL was demonstrated and measured via artificial LD, Cell biology; Functional aspects of cell biology; Biophysics

The microenvironment of the electrodes in a polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is critical to its performance and is significantly affected by the distribution of water and heat...

Black carbon (BC) is the most important aerosol light-absorbing component, and its effect on radiation forcing is determined by its microphysical properties. In this study, two microphysical parameters of refractory BC (rBC), namely, size distribution and mixing state, in urban Beijing from 2013 to 2019 were investigated to understand the effects of source changes over the past years. The mass equivalent diameter of rBC (Dc) exhibited bimodal lognormal distributions in all seasons, with the major modes accounting for most (>85%) of the rBC masses. The mass median diameter (MMD) was obviously larger in winter (209 nm) than in summer (167 nm) likely due to the contribution of more rBC with larger Dc from solid fuel combustion and enhanced coagulation of rBC in polluted winter. More rBC particles were thickly coated in winter, with the number fraction of thickly coated rBC (fcoatBC) ranging within 29%–48% compared with that of 12%–14% in summer. However, no evidential increase in BC light-absorption capability was observed in winter. This finding was likely related to the lower absorption efficiency of larger rBC in winter, which partly offset the coating-induced light enhancement. Two stage of decreases in MMD and fcoatBC were observed, accompanied with a persistent decrease in rBC loading, thereby reflecting the discrepant effects of source control measures on rBC loading and physical properties. The control measures in the earlier stage before 2016 was more efficient to reduce the rBC loading but slightly influenced the microphysical properties of rBC. As of 2016, the reduction in rBC concentration slowed down because of its low atmospheric loading. However, rBC showed a more obvious decrease in its core size and became less coated. The decrease in fcoatBC may have weakened the BC absorption and accelerated the decrease in light absorption resulting from the reduction in rBC loading.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Laminaria japonica, a brown seaweed, has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat a variety of diseases including lung cancer. Aim of the study To demonstrate the effects of Fucoxanthin (FX), a major active component extracted from Laminaria japonica on metastasis and Gefitinib (Gef) sensitivity in human lung cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods Invasion and migration of lung cancer cells were detected using the wound healing assay and transwell assay. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) factors and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathways were analyzed by western blotting. RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to silence TIMP-2 gene expression in A549 cells. The anti-metastatic effect of FX was evaluated in vivo in an experimental lung metastatic tumor model. On the other hand, cell counting kit-8 assay was used to study the cell viability of human lung cancer PC9 cells and Gef resistant PC9 cells (PC9/G) after Gef, FX or FX combined with Gef treatment. PC9 xenograft model was established to explore the anti-tumor effect of FX or combined with Gef. Immunohistochemistry staining assay and immunofluorescence staining assay were used to reveal the effects of FX on lung cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis. Results FX was able to significantly inhibit lung cancer cells migration and invasion in vitro. FX suppressed the expressions of Snail, Twist, Fibronectin, N-cadherin, MMP-2, PI3K, p-AKT and NF-κB, and increased the expression of TIMP-2. Furthermore, knockdown of TIMP-2 attenuated FX-mediated invasion inhibition. Additionally, we demonstrated that FX inhibited lung cancer cells metastasis in vivo. The anti-metastatic effects of FX on lung cancer cells might be attributed to inhibition of EMT and PI3K/AKT/NF-κB pathway. We further demonstrated that the anti-tumor activity of FX was not only limited to the drug sensitive cell lines, but also prominent on lung cancer cells with Gef resistant phenotype. Furthermore, in vivo xenograft assay confirmed that FX inhibited tumor growth and enhanced the sensitivity of lung cancer cells to Gef and this effect may be due to inhibition of tumor cell proliferation and activation of apoptosis. Conclusion Collectively, our findings suggested that FX suppresses metastasis of lung cancer cells and overcomes EGFR TKIs resistance. Thus, FX is worthy of further investigation as a drug candidate for the treatment of lung cancer.

SUMMARYNew strategies to decode the specific protein targeting mechanism on lipid droplet (LD) are urgently needed. Using adiposome, the LD binding of perilipin 2 (PLIN2), perilipin 3 (PLIN3), and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) were studied. Scatchard analysis found that the binding of PLIN2 to the adiposome surface was saturable, pointing to a specific membrane binding partner. Phosphatidylinositol (PI) was found to inhibit PLIN2 binding while it did not impede PLIN3. Structural analysis combined with mutagenesis revealed that the 73rd glutamic acid of PLIN2 is significant for the effect of PI on the protein binding. The presence of PI significantly stimulated the activity of ATGL in vitro. The phosphorylation site mutants of ATGL were found reducing the lipase activity in the adiposome system. Our study demonstrates the utility of adiposome as a powerful, manipulatable model system for the characterization of LD binding and enzymatic activity of LD proteins in vitro.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising regenerative medicine. The roles of miRNAs in osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) remained less reported. Forkhead Box O3 (FOXO3) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in the BM-MSCs were measured on 3, 7, and 14 days after osteogenic differentiation. After transfection of FOXO3 overexpression plasmids or siFOXO3 into BM-MSCs, factors related to osteogenic differentiation or cell autophagy were determined. Besides, 3-methyladenine or rapamycin, as well as miR-223-3p mimic or inhibitor were applied to further determine the effect of FOXO3 in BM-MSCs. FOXO3 and ALP levels were increased in a time-dependent manner with osteogenic differentiation, supported by Alizarin Red Staining. Furthermore, up-regulated FOXO3 increased levels of ALP and factors related to osteogenic differentiation by increasing levels of autophagy-related factors. FOXO3, targeted by miR-223-3p, reversed the effects of miR-223-3p on factors related to BM-MSC autophagy and osteogenic differentiation. Down-regulated miR-223-3p expression promoted osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs by enhancing autophagy via targeting FOXO3, suggesting the potential of miR-223-3p as a therapeutic target for enhancing bone functions.

Accumulating evidence suggested that neuroinflammation played a crucial role in dopaminergic neuronal death in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), a multi-ligand receptor of the immunoglobulin superfamily, has been proposed as a key molecule in the onset and sustainment of the inflammatory response. Engagement of RAGE contributed to neuroinflammation by upregulating nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) as well as cytokines. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of RAGE in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice and elucidate the RAGE signal pathway involved in the inflammation. Results showed that RAGE protein and pro-inflammatory cytokines cyclooxygenase type 2 (COX-2) were upregulated in MPTP-treated mice. Further experiments showed that RAGE ablation inhibited phosphorylation of IκB and p38 and protected nigral dopaminergic neurons against cell death in the substantia nigra (SN). These results suggested that RAGE participated in the pathogenesis of PD by neuroinflammation and p38MAPK-NFκB signal pathway may be involved in the process. Moreover, interfering with RAGE signaling pathway may be a reasonable therapeutic option in slowing PD development and progression.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae can obtain xylose utilization capacity via integration of heterogeneous xylose reductase (XR) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) genes into its metabolic pathway, and XYL2 which encodes the XDH plays an essential role in this process. Herein, we reported that two hypothetical XYL2 genes from the multistress-tolerant yeasts of Issatchenkia orientalis and Torulaspora delbrueckii were cloned, and they encoded two XDHs, IoXyl2p and TdXyl2p, respectively, with the activities for oxidation of xylitol to xylulose. Comparative studies demonstrated that IoXyl2p and TdXyl2p, like the SsXyl2p from Scheffersomyces stipitis, were probably localized to the cytoplasm and strictly dependent on NAD+ rather than NADP+ as the cofactor for catalyzing the oxidation reaction of xylitol. IoXyl2p had the highest specific activity, maximum velocity (Vmax), affinity to xylitol (Km), and catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) among the three XDHs. The optimum temperature for oxidation of xylitol were at 45 °C by IoXyl2p and at 35 °C by TdXyl2p and SsXyl2p, and the optimum pH of IoXyl2p, TdXyl2p and SsXyl2p for oxidation of xylitol was 8.0, 8.5 and 7.5, respectively. Mg2+ promoted the activities of IoXyl2p and TdXyl2p, but slightly inhibited the activity of SsXyl2p. Most metal ions had much weaker inhibition effects on IoXyl2p and TdXyl2p than SsXyl2p. IoXyl2p displayed the strongest salt resistance among the three XDHs. To summarize, IoXyl2p from I. orientalis and TdXyl2p from T. delbrueckii characterized in this study are considered to be the attractive candidates for the construction of genetically engineered S. cerevisiae for efficiently fermentation of carbohydrate in lignocellulosic hydrolysate.

We report a leukocyte membrane-coated gallium nanoswimmer (LMGNS) capable of ultrasound-propelled motion, antibiofouling, and cancer cell recognition and targeting. The LMGNS consists of a needle-shaped gallium core encapsulating an anticancer drug and a natural leukocyte membrane shell. Under the propulsion of an ultrasound field, LMGNSs could autonomously move in biological media with a speed up to 108.7 μ m s −1 . The velocity and motion direction of the LMGNSs can be modulated by regulating the frequency and voltage of the applied ultrasound field. Owing to the leukocyte membrane coating, LMGNSs can not only avoid biofouling during the motion in blood but also possess cancer cell recognition capability. These LMGNSs could actively seek, penetrate, and internalize into the cancer cells and achieve enhanced anticancer efficiency by combined photothermal and chemical therapy. Such biofunctionalized liquid metal nanoswimmer presents a new type of multifunctional platform for biomedical applications.

Background: Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in host defense against pathogen infection. DC-specific intercellular adhesion molecule-3-grabbing nonintegrin (SIGN) is a group II C-type lectin receptor and specifically expressed on the surface of DCs. This study aimed to determine whether DC-SIGN affects intracellular signaling activation, Th1/Th2 imbalance and aspergillus immune evasion in aspergillus infection, and explore the application of DC-SIGN-modified DCs in immunotherapy. Methods: DCs were first obtained from the mononuclear cells of peripheral blood. The interferon (IFN)-γ and dexamethasone (Dex) were used to stimulate DCs. The expression of DC-SIGN, Th1 and Th2 cytokines, and the capacity of DCs in stimulating T cells proliferation and phagocytosis, and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation were analyzed. In addition, adenovirus expression vector Ad-DC-SIGN was generated to transfect DCs. Mannan was used to block DC-SIGN signaling for confirming the involvement of DC-SIGN function in Aspergillus fumigatus (Af)-induced DCs maturation. The unpaired, two-tailed Student's t-test was used in the comparisons between two groups. Results: Exogenous IFN-γ could activate Af-induced DCs and promote the Th0 cells toward Th1 profile (interleukin [IL]-12 in IFN-γ/Af group: 50.96 ± 4.38 pg/ml; control/Af group: 29.70 ± 2.00 pg/ml, t = 10.815, P < 0.001). On the other hand, Dex inhibited the secretion of Th2 cytokines (IL-10 in Dex/Af group: 5.27 ± 0.85 pg/ml; control/Af group: 15.14 ± 1.40 pg/ml, t = 14.761, P < 0.001)), and successfully caused immunosuppression. After transfection with Ad-DC-SIGN, DCs have improved phagocytosis (phagocytosis rates in Ad-DC-SIGN group: 74.0% ± 3.4%; control group: 64.7% ± 6.8%, t = 3.104, P = 0.013). There was more Th1 cytokine secreted in the Af-induced DC-SIGN modified DCs (IL-12 in Ad-DC-SIGN/Af group: 471.98 ± 166.31 pg/ml; control/Af group: 33.35 ± 5.98 pg/ml, t = 6.456, P = 0.001), correlated to the enhanced NF-κB activation. Conclusion: Overexpressing DC-SIGN in DCs had a protective function on aspergillosis. Key words: Asepergillus fumigatus; Dendritic Cell-Specific Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-3-Grabbing Nonintegrin; Dendritic Cells; Immunity

Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) is a selenium-dependent enzyme that reduces intracellular hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides. While past research explored regulations of gene expression and biochemical function of this selenoperoxidase, GPX1 has recently been implicated in the onset and development of chronic diseases. Clinical data have shown associations of human GPX1 gene variants with elevated risks of diabetes. Knockout and overexpression of Gpx1 in mice may induce types 1 and 2 diabetes-like phenotypes, respectively. This review assembles the latest advances in this new field of selenium biology, and attempts to postulate signal and molecular mechanisms mediating the role of GPX1 in glucose and lipid metabolism-related diseases. Potential therapies by harnessing the beneficial effects of this ubiquitous redox-modulating enzyme are briefly discussed.

Much less research on regulation and function of selenoproteins has been conducted in domestic pigs than in rodents or humans, although pigs are an excellent model of human nutrition and medicine and pork is a widely consumed meat in the world. Phylogenetically, the 25 identified porcine selenoproteins fell into two primitive groups, and might be further divided into three parallel branches. Despite a high similarity to that of humans and rodents, the porcine selenoproteome exhibited the closest evolutionary relationship with that of sheep and cattle among eight domestic species. Expression (mRNA, protein, and/or enzyme activity) of 2/3 of the 25 porcine selenoproteins in various tissues of pigs was affected by dietary Se intakes, and 14 of them showed responses to a high fat diet. When dietary Se deficiency mainly down-regulated the expression of selected selenoproteins, dietary Se excess exerted rather diverse effects on their expression. Overdosing pigs with dietary Se induced hyperinsulinemia, along with lipid accumulation and protein increase, in the liver and muscle by affecting key genes and(or) proteins involved in the metabolisms of glucose, lipid, and protein. In conclusion, expression of porcine selenoproteins was highly responsive to dietary Se and fat intakes, and was involved in body glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism as those of rodents and humans.

The three-component reaction of triphenylphosphine, dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate and 3-arylamino-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2,5-diones in CH2Cl2 at room temperature resulted in functionalized 3-(triphenyl-λ5-phosphanylidene)succinates in nearly quantitative yields. However, tri(n-butyl)phosphine promoted reaction of dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates and 3-arylamino-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2,5-diones in CH2Cl2 afforded functionalized pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyridine-4-carboxylates in satisfactory yields.

Current treatment strategies for leukemia still have some limitations such as severe side effects and drug resistance. Less toxic and more effective drugs for leukemia patients are therefore expected. In the present study, the efficacy of a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, Voxtalisib, on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line HL60 and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cell line K562, as well as their Adriamycin (ADR)-selected multi drug resistance (MDR) counterparts HL60/ADR and K562/A02, was investigated. Voxtalisib exhibited potent anti-proliferative activity on these four cell lines dose-dependently, with IC50 values as 2.23 μM for HL60, 4.79 μM for HL60/ADR, 4.20 μM for K562 and 3.90 μM for K562/A02 cells. Voxtalisib arrested cell cycle progression at G1 phase in all cell lines by upregulating p27, downregulating cyclin D1 and p-pRb. When combined with ADR, Voxtalisib reversed the ADR-resistance of HL60/ADR and K562/A02 cells, possibly by reducing MDR1 and MRP1 expression. In conclusion, Voxtalisib showed anti-leukemia activity on AML and CML cell lines as well as their multidrug resistant ones, suggesting Voxtalisib might become a promising drug candidate for therapy of AML and CML in the future.

Transformation of CO2 into value-added chemicals with efficient and recyclable catalyst is an effective way to reduce carbon emissions. It is valuable to develop an efficient catalyst that can promote the N-formylation reaction under mild conditions with a high activity and excellent recyclability. Single atom catalysts (SACs) possess ultimate atom utilization efficiency and outstanding catalytic performance. Herein, we synthesize Zn SACs (Zn-TpPa) anchored on a COF (TpPa-1) using a facile solution method. Catalyzed by Zn-TpPa, CO2 and N-methylamine are transformed into N-methylformanilide under mild reaction conditions with a TOF of 17,155 h−1, which is the highest among all reported recyclable Zn-based catalysts. Zn-TpPa can also catalyze N-formylation of many other amines with excellent yields. The higher reactivity was attributable to the well-dispersed Zn active sites on COF and outstanding adsorption of CO2 owing to high surface area of COF. Our research provides a facile method for constructing SACs as well as an effective pathway for CO2 transformation and environmental protection.

Liver fibrosis is a health concern that leads to organ failure mediated via production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic biomarkers. To date, there was no direct approved antifibrotic therapy, and current treatment was mainly the removal of the causative factor. Recent studies demonstrated that aberrant expression of miR-124 was involved in the progression of various liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether miR-124 could function as a transcriptional regulator in the inflammatory cytokines secretion of liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that the expression of miR-124 was downregulated in liver fibrosis tissues and TNF-α-induced LX-2 cells, concomitant with the upregulated expression of IQGAP1, suggesting that miR-124 and IQGAP1 might be associated with the development of inflammation in liver fibrosis. Therefore, we demonstrated that the overexpression of miR-124 and knockdown of IQGAP1 could lead to the downregulation of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. While knockdown of miR-124 or overexpression of IQGAP1 showed reversed results. Moreover, dual luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-124 specifically targeted the 3'-UTR of IQGAP1, and thus inhibited the expression of IQGAP1. Mechanistically, we found that the expression changes of miR-124 and IQGAP1 could be involved in inhibition or activation of NF-κB signaling pathway in response to TNF-α. In conclusion, these results indicated that miR-124 plays a crucial role in TNF-α-induced LX-2 cells via regulating NF-κB signaling pathway.

The short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family, the largest family in dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily, is divided into "classical," "extended," "intermediate," "divergent," "complex," and "atypical" groups. Recently, several open reading frames (ORFs) were characterized as intermediate SDR aldehyde reductase genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, no functional protein in the atypical group has been characterized in S. cerevisiae till now. Herein, we report that an uncharacterized ORF YLL056C from S. cerevisiae was significantly upregulated under high furfural (2-furaldehyde) or 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde concentrations, and transcription factors Yap1p, Hsf1p, Pdr1/3p, Yrr1p, and Stb5p likely controlled its upregulated transcription. This ORF indeed encoded a protein (Yll056cp), which was grouped into the atypical subgroup 7 in the SDR family and localized to the cytoplasm. Enzyme activity assays showed that Yll056cp is not a quinone or ketone reductase but an NADH-dependent aldehyde reductase, which can reduce at least seven aldehyde compounds. This enzyme showed the best Vmax, Kcat, and Kcat/Km to glycolaldehyde, but the highest affinity (Km) to formaldehyde. The optimum pH and temperature of this enzyme was pH 6.5 for reduction of glycolaldehyde, furfural, formaldehyde, butyraldehyde, and propylaldehyde, and 30 °C for reduction of formaldehyde or 35 °C for reduction of glycolaldehyde, furfural, butyraldehyde, and propylaldehyde. Temperature and pH affected stability of this enzyme and this influence varied with aldehyde substrate. Metal ions, salts, and chemical protective additives, especially at high concentrations, had different influence on enzyme activities for reduction of different aldehydes. This research provided guidelines for study of more uncharacterized atypical SDR enzymes from S. cerevisiae and other organisms.

Thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimeter and accelerating rate calorimeter (ARC) were performed to study the thermal characteristics and kinetics of energetic 5,5′-bistetrazole-1,1′-diolate (1,1-BTO). The DSC measurements showed one endothermic peak and one exothermic peak with decomposition occurring at 219.1, 227.2, 234.0 and 244.1 °C at different heating rates (2, 4, 8 and 15 °C min−1). The value of critical temperature of thermal explosion (T b) and kinetics parameters was calculated, suggesting that 1,1-BTO is stable below the temperature of 175.36 °C. The thermal behavior under adiabatic condition was studied by ARC, depicting that onset temperature was 176.61 °C and the thermal decomposition ended at 215.93 °C, within the time span of 49.04 min. In addition, the thermo-kinetic parameters such as the activation energy E a and pre-exponential factor A under adiabatic condition were also obtained.

The three-component reaction of triphenylphosphine, dialkyl but-2-ynedioate and arylidene pivaloylacetonitrile in dry methylene dichloride at room temperature resulted in unexpected densely substituted 1-(triphenyl-λ 5 -phosphanylidene)ethyl)-2,3-dihydrofurans in satisfactory yields with high diastereoselectivity. The relative configuration of the 2,3-dihydrofurans was elucidated by determination of single crystal structures.

Metabolic disorders of glucose and lipid were associated with some mineral elements, and data were warranted from various contexts to make the association more explicit.To investigate the relationships between the serum concentrations of six mineral elements (calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, and selenium) and the risk of hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in adults.The basic information and the over-night fasting serum samples of adults were randomly collected at a health examination center. The serum concentrations of glucose and lipids were measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer, and the mineral elements were measured with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Data were analyzed between the hyperglycemia group (HGg) and the normal glucose group (NGg) as well as between the dyslipidemia group (DLg) and the normal lipid group (NLg).A total of 1466 adults aged 22-81 years (male/female = 1.8) were included, 110 in the HGg and 1356 in the NGg, or 873 in the DLg and 593 in the NLg. The serum element concentration medians [P50 (P25-P75)] significantly different between the HGg and the NGg were 0.83 (0.75-0.94) vs. 0.76 (0.68-0.87) mg/L for copper and 100 (90-110) vs. 94 (87-103) μg/L for selenium (P 0.001), while those between the DLg and the NLg were 99 (92-110) vs. 97 (90-106) mg/L for calcium, 0.78 (0.69-0.88) vs. 0.75 (0.66-0.85) mg/L for copper, 1.7 (1.4-2.0) vs. 1.6 (1.3-2.0) mg/L for iron, 24 (22-28) vs. 23 (22-27) mg/L for magnesium, and 97 (89-106) vs. 92 (84-100) μg/L for selenium (P 0.05). When the copper and selenium between the HGg and the NGg were analyzed by logistic regression with age, gender, body mass index, and mineral elements adjusted, only the highest quartile of selenium concentration had association with the increased risk of hyperglycemia [quartile (Q) 4 against Q1: OR = 2.9, 95 % CI = 1.5-5.5, P 0.001). When the five differed mineral elements between the DLg and the NLg were similarly analyzed, only iron and selenium had associations with the increased risk of dyslipidemia (e.g., Q4 against Q1: OR = 1.4, 95 % CI = 1.1-2.0 for iron and OR = 2.9, 95 % CI = 2.1-4.0 for selenium, P 0.05).In contrast to those of calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, and magnesium, the higher serum concentration of selenium increased the risk of both hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in the study population of adult Chinese.

Eleven soil samples were collected from different plantations at the Forestry Model Base, Northeast Forestry University, China (45°43ʹ10″N, 126°37ʹ15″E), and 122 Trichoderma strains (T1–T122) were isolated. Nine Trichoderma species were identified based on morphological and molecular classification methods. The diversity of woody fungi was analyzed based on the type and quantity of Trichoderma spp. in the soil samples isolated from each plantation. Subdominant T. pseudoharzianum T17 (TpsT17) was screened and its biocontrol potential against Fusarium oxysporum CFCC86068 (Fox68) and growth promotion of Populus davidiana × P. alba var. pyramidalis (PdPap) seedlings were investigated. Compared with PdPap + Fox68 treatment, PdPap + TpsT17 + Fox68 treatment had an obvious antagonistic effect on Fox68 based on the status of roots and stomata of the poplar seedlings. In addition, pretreatment with TpsT17 increased catalase activity 14-fold and decreased hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde concentrations 2.57- and 7-fold, respectively, in the PdPap + TpsT17 + Fox68 treatment compared with the PdPap + Fox68 treatment. The transcription levels of PR1, JAZ6751, MYC2, MP, and JAR1 in PdPap + TpsT17+Fox68-treated plants were upregulated 5.75-, 5.63-, 14.88-, 8.24-, and 10.45-fold, respectively, at 3 d, while LAX2 exhibited little change in comparison with the level in PdPap + Fox-treated plants. TpsT17 was detected in the roots and stems of PdPap + TpsT17- and PdPap + TpsT17+Fox68-treated PdPap 28 d after inoculation, which demonstrated the endogenous capacity of TpsT17.

Water scarcity has led to the adoption of water-saving irrigation technology around the world. Drip-irrigation has been used for rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation in Xinjiang, China. Researchers reported 12.0 t/ha yield; however, drip-irrigated rice produces around 6-8 t/ha in practice, and it is clear that water deficiency explains this gap. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to compare the growth, photosynthetic characteristics, and antioxidant activity of rice grown in nutrient solutions with water potentials of 0.00, -0.02, -0.05, and -0.09 MPa [0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5% polyethylene glycol (PEG), respectively], to determine the optimal water conditions for drip-irrigated rice. There was no significant difference between the 0, 2.5, and 5.0% PEG treatments for relative growth rate and relative water content after 10 and 20 days. However, 2.5 and 5.0% PEG treatments substantially affected the photosynthetic capacity and antioxidant enzyme activity after 10 and 20 days. Treatment with 7.5% PEG inhibited shoot growth. There was a significant reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity. Water-saving rice cultivation, such as drip-irrigated rice, suffered mild drought stress at -0.02 to -0.05 Mpa, but this did not inhibit growth. The amount of irrigation should be increased to obtain higher rice yields under drip-irrigation conditions. RESUMO A escassez de água levou à adoção de tecnologia de irrigação que economiza água em todo o mundo. A irrigação por gotejamento tem sido usada para o cultivo de arroz em Xinjiang, China. Pesquisadores relataram 12,0 t/ha de rendimento; no entanto, o arroz irrigado por gotejamento produz cerca de 6-8 t/ha na prática, e está claro que a deficiência de água explica essa lacuna. Portanto, o objetivo deste experimento foi comparar o crescimento, as características fotossintéticas e a atividade antioxidante do arroz cultivado em solução nutritiva com potencial hídrico de 0,00, -0,02, -0,05 e -0,09 MPa [0, 2,5, 5,0 e 7,5 % polietilenoglicol (PEG), respectivamente], para determinar as condições ótimas da água para o arroz irrigado por gotejamento. Não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos 0, 2,5 e 5,0% de PEG para a taxa de crescimento relativo e o conteúdo relativo de água após 10 e 20 dias. No entanto, os tratamentos de 2,5 e 5,0% de PEG afetaram substancialmente a capacidade fotossintética e a atividade das enzimas antioxidantes após 10 e 20 dias. O tratamento com 7,5% de PEG inibiu o crescimento das brotações. Houve uma redução significativa na atividade das enzimas antioxidantes. O cultivo de arroz que economiza água, como o arroz irrigado por gotejamento, sofreu um leve estresse hídrico de -0,02 a -0,05 Mpa, mas isso não inibiu o crescimento. A quantidade de irrigação deve ser aumentada para obter maiores rendimentos de arroz sob condições de irrigação por gotejamento.

An active TNT (2,4,6-trinitrotoluene) catalytic sensor based on Janus upconverting nanoparticle (UCNP)-functionalized micromotor capsules, displaying “on–off” luminescence with a low limit of detection has been developed. The Janus capsule motors were fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly of UCNP-functionalized polyelectrolyte microcapsules, followed by sputtering of a platinum layer onto one half of the capsule. By catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen bubbles, the Janus UCNP capsule motors are rapidly propelled with a speed of up to 110 μm s−1. Moreover, the Janus motors display efficient on–off luminescent detection of TNT. Owing to the unique motion of the Janus motor with bubble generation, the likelihood of collision with TNT molecules and the reaction rate between them are increased, resulting in a limit of detection as low as 2.4 ng mL−1 TNT within 1 minute. Such bubble-propelled Janus UCNP capsule motors have great potential for contaminated water analysis.

The aldehyde reductases from the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) family were identified as a series of critical enzymes for the improved tolerance of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the aldehydes by catalyzing the detoxification reactions of aldehydes. Herein, we report that a novel aldehyde reductase Ykl107wp deduced from YKL107W from S. cerevisiae belongs to the classical SDR group and can catalyze the reduction reactions of acetaldehyde (AA), glycolaldehyde (GA), furfural (FF), formaldehyde (FA), and propionaldehyde (PA) but cannot reduce the six representative ketones. Ykl107wp displayed the best maximum velocity (Vmax), catalytic rate constant (Kcat), catalytic efficiency (Kcat/Km), and highest affinity (Km) to acetaldehyde. The optimum pH of Ykl107wp was 6.0 for the reduction of AA and 7.0 for the reduction of GA and FF, and the optimum temperatures were 40, 35, and 30 °C for the reduction of AA, GA, and FF, respectively. Ykl107wp for the reduction of AA was greatly affected by metal ions, chemical additives, and salts and showed poor thermal and pH stability, but its stability was slightly affected by a substrate. Ykl107wp was localized in endoplasmic reticulum and prevented the yeast cells from damage caused by furfural via the detoxification of furfural to furfural alcohol. This research provides guidelines for the study of uncharacterized classical SDR aldehyde reductases and exploration of their protective mechanisms on the corresponding organelles.

Background Dysfunction of p53 is a key cause of cancer development, while CCDC106 can reduce p53 stability and is associated with lung cancer. However, the roles of CCDC106 in other cancer types and its upstream regulators have not been investigated. Methods The phosphorylation status was investigated by in vitro kinase assay and Western blotting using phosphorylation-specific antibodies. Co-immunoprecipitation assay and GST-pulldown were used to detect protein interaction. Cell viability, apoptosis, colony formation, wound-healing and invasion assays were measured for in vitro functional analyses. The in vivo effect of CCDC106 on tumor growth was investigated using a subcutaneous xenograft tumor mouse model. Results We demonstrated that CCDC106 knockdown enhanced apoptosis by stabilizing p53 and suppressed cell viability, colony formation, migration and invasion in cervical cancer HeLa and breast cancer MCF7 cells with wild-type p53 (wtp53), whereas CCDC106 overexpression exerted the opposite effects in normal breast epithelial HBL100 and cervical cancer SiHa cells with wtp53. However, CCDC106 had no similar effects on p53-mutant cervical and breast cancer cells (C33A and MDA-MB-231). Further study showed that CK2 interacts with CCDC106 through its regulatory β subunit and then phosphorylates CCDC106 at Ser-130 and Ser-147. The phosphorylation of CCDC106 at Ser-130 and Ser-147 is required for its interaction with p53 and nuclear localization, respectively. Inhibiting CCDC106 phosphorylation by substituting both Ser-130 and Ser-147 with alanine or treating cells with the CK2 inhibitor CX-4945 abrogated CCDC106-induced p53 degradation and its oncogenic function in cells with wtp53. Wildtype CCDC106, but not Ser-130/− 147 mutant CCDC106, enhanced tumor growth and p53 degradation in a xenograft mouse model. Moreover, suppression of CCDC106 increased CX-4945 sensitivity of cancer cells with wtp53. Conclusion This study revealed a CK2/CCDC106/p53 signaling axis in the progression of breast and cervical cancers, which may provide a new therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1137-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Thermionic emission (delayed ionization) experiments have been performed on nanosecond laser excited gas-phase C60/C70 molecules. Time resolved velocity-map-imaging spectrometer is used to measure a series of photoion spectra in a wide range of time delay. The position distribution features of photoions recorded in each spectrum allow us to well identify a specific ionic species originating from pure delayed ionization process, namely from C60/C70 electron emission without contamination from other decay channels to be activated when molecules have an energy required for thermionic emission. Hence, thermionic emission behaviors for hot C60/C70 molecules can be obtained precisely, which may have significance for improving determination precisions of some basic decay parameters of neutral fullerene molecules.