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Pollution of N-methyl carbamate (NMC) pesticides is threatening the non-target organisms’ survival. Thus, broad-specific antibodies and class-selective immunoassay are demanding for multiple NMCs determination. In this study, we employed a molecular docking-based virtual screening strategy to fast profile antibody spectrum, based on a designed chemical pool containing 17 compounds. A monoclonal antibody (mAb)-6G against carbofuran was used as the objective. The recombinant full-length IgG was successfully expressed to validate the antibody sequences for homology modeling. After docking, we manually categorized the antibody-chemical binding strength into three groups. Non-competitive surface plasmon resonance (SPR) demonstrated the mAb-6G affinitive binding toward five NMCs (carbofuran, isoprocarb, propoxur, carbaryl and carbosulfan), which were classified into strong and moderate binding categories. Antibody binding properties were confirmed again by ic-ELISA and lateral flow immunochromatographic strip. Subsequently, an ultrasensitive indirect competitive fluoromicrosphere-based immunoassay (ic-FMIA) was established with the IC50 (half-maximal inhibitory concentration) values of 0.08-3.37 ng/mL. This portable assay presented a 30~230-fold improved sensitivity than traditional ic-ELISA and was applied in European surface water analysis. Overall, our work provides an efficient platform integrating in-silico and experimental methodologies to accelerate the characterization of hapten-specific antibody binding properties and the development of high-sensitive immunoassays for multi-pollutants monitoring.

Redox-responsive ferrocene (Fc)-containing hydrogels have attracted increasing interest for their potential applications in materials science, biomedicine and catalysis. Herein, we report the synthesis of a novel polynorbornene-based tetrablock terpolymer containing consecutively aldehyde, Fc, and dentritic triethylene glycol and aldehyde groups in the side chain by the ring-opening metathesis polymerization with the aid of the 3rd generation Grubbs catalyst. Owing to the presence of Fc and triazole groups, this copolymer could be used as both reducing and stabilizing agents for the formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Also, this copolymer could be used as a crosslinking agent to fabricate gelatin hydrogels based on the Schiff's base reaction between the aldehyde groups and the side-chain amino groups of gelatin. Based on the above properties, the AgNPs composites of gelatin hydrogels were further successfully fabricated by blending this copolymer, gelatin and AgNO3 together or soaking this Fc-containing gelatin hydrogels into the AgNO3 solution, in which the AgI was in situ reduced into Ag0 by the Fc groups. Results of inhibition zone experiments confirmed the antibacterial activities of the obtained composites against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcal aureus.

The correlation between aggregates and bound rubber structures in silicone rubbers (S(phr)) with various silica fractions (ΦSi) has been investigated by contrast matching small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), swelling kinetics, and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Mixed solvents with deuterated cyclohexane fractions of 4.9% and 53.7% were chosen to match the scattering length densities of the matrix (SMP(phr)) and the filler (SMS(phr)), respectively. All the data consistently suggest that: (i) There is a critical threshold ΦSic between 10 and 30 phr; below Φsic, the isolated aggregates are dominant, while beyond Φsic, some rubber fraction is trapped among the agglomerate; (ii) Φsr-independent thicknesses around 7.5 nm (NMR) and 8.6 nm (SANS) suggest that the bound rubber formation is determined by inherent properties of the components, and the power-law around 4.2 suggests an exponential changed gradient density of the bound rubber; (iii) SMS(80) presents a bicontinuous bound rubber with three characteristic lengths of 41, 100, and 234 nm. The expanded correlation length, a 20 nm smaller aggregate sizes suggest that such existent bicontinuous network in dry samples with less ΦSi is kind of impacted by swelling. With the obtained bound rubber models, the reinforcing mechanism of filled silicone rubber is elucidated.

Carbon dots (CDs) have received increasing attention as fluorescence sensors for the detection of different metal ions and organic small molecules. In this work, κ-carrageenan (κ-Carr)-derived carbon dots (C-CDs) were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal treatment with κ-Carr as a carbon source. The produced C-CDs exhibited a high fluorescence with fluorescent quantum yield up to 20.6% and excellent fluorescent stability under diverse conditions (UV radiation, pH value and ionic strength). Then, the C-CDs were utilized as dual functional sensing probe to detect both Fe3+ and oxytetracycline (Otc). The fluorescence intensity of C-CDs was selectively quenched by Fe3+, in sharp contrast to dozens of other metal ions like Al3+, Ba2+, Ca2+, Co2+, Mg2+, Pb2+, Na+, Hg2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, Cd2+ and Cu2+. Coincidentally, this fluorescence could also be selectively quenched by Otc, entirely distinct from related physiological molecules like glycine, ammonium hydroxide, glucose, urea. The prepared C-CDs could be used for label-free sensitive and selective fluorescent detector for Fe3+ in a wide concentration range of 0–500 μM with a detection limit of 0.21 μM and for Otc as well in the range of 0–100 µM with a detection limit of 0.05 µM. Moreover, the fluorescent C-CDs were successfully used for Fe3+ and Otc detection in some real samples, suggesting great application potential in fluorescence sensing of trace metal elements and antibiotics.

Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO)-derived epoxy thermosets are usually limited by their poor mechanical properties and non-reprocessability. Herein, we report sustainable epoxy vitrimers synthesized fac...

Background So far, little research has been conducted regarding the underlying mechanism of renal carcinogenesis at molecular level. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) exerts an important part during tumor genesis as well as the development through mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. Therefore, we hypothesized that EMT could promote renal cell carcinoma (RCC) progression via the ERK5/AP-1pathway. Materials and Methods The RCC cell lines were utilized to be the models with in vitro exposure to cigarette smoke extract (CSE). We used the curcumin for the EMT intervention study. In the present study, immunohistochemistry (IHC), Western blotting, and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR had been used to determine the experimental results. EMT phenotypic alterations were assessed by changes in cell morphology, invasion and transfer ability, as well as expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers. Results In human renal cell carcinoma tissue, E-cadherin expression within the smoking renal cancer patients was down-regulated compared with that among the non-smokers. However, Vimentin, N-cadherin, and TWIST levels increased (P

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an important marine osmolyte. Aphotic environments are only recently being considered as potential contributors to global DMSP production. Here, our Mariana Trench study reveals a typical seawater DMSP/dimethylsulfide (DMS) profile, with highest concentrations in the euphotic zone and decreased but consistent levels below. The genetic potential for bacterial DMSP synthesis via the dsyB gene and its transcription is greater in the deep ocean, and is highest in the sediment.s DMSP catabolic potential is present throughout the trench waters, but is less prominent below 8000 m, perhaps indicating a preference to store DMSP in the deep for stress protection. Deep ocean bacterial isolates show enhanced DMSP production under increased hydrostatic pressure. Furthermore, bacterial dsyB mutants are less tolerant of deep ocean pressures than wild-type strains. Thus, we propose a physiological function for DMSP in hydrostatic pressure protection, and that bacteria are key DMSP producers in deep seawater and sediment., Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an osmolyte produced by marine microbes that plays an important role in nutrient cycling and atmospheric chemistry. Here the authors go to the Mariana Trench—the deepest point in the ocean—and find bacteria are key DMSP producers, and that DMSP has a role in protection against high pressure.

A new asymmetric salamo-based ligand (H2L) was synthesized and upon reaction with Cu(ClO4)2 an extremely rare dinuclear Cu(II) complex [Cu2(L)2] was formed and characterized by elemental analyses, ...

Clerodendranthus spicatus, popularly known as "kidney tea" in China, is consumed traditionally as a functional food for treatment of renal inflammation, dysuria, and gout. We evaluated the effects of C. spicatus on gout by assessing activities of antihyperuricemia, anti-gouty arthritis, and analgesia in vivo, and the results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction shows potential activities. Subsequent phytochemical investigation of this fraction led to the isolation of 32 compounds, consisting of 20 diterpenoids (including the new orthosiphonones E and F), 2 triterpenoids, 6 flavonoids, 2 lignanoids, and 2 phenolic acid derivatives. Pharmacological investigation of the pure compounds in the cellular model of hyperuricemia indicated that 12 compounds could promote the excretion of uric acid at 10 μg/mL, and compounds 3, 4, 5, and 21 had better effects than that of benzbromarone, a famous uricosuric drug. Furthermore, compounds 4, 6, 7, 9, 14, 15, 23, 26, and 31 showed significant anti-gouty arthritis activity in monosodium urate (MSU)-induced joint swelling at the dose of 50 mg/kg, while compounds 4, 5, 7, 9, and 26 exhibited significant inhibition of pain induced by acetic acid. Our findings provided scientific justification to support the traditional application of "kidney tea" for treating gout and suggested its good application prospects in the future.

Background. Rifaximin is effective in relieving pain symptoms with IBS patients, although the mechanisms were not clear. The aims of the research were to investigate whether the visceral hyperalgesia was alleviated by rifaximin via TRPV1 channel in rats. Methods. Rats were subjected to water avoidance stress (WAS) and were pretreated with rifaximin by oral gavage. The visceromotor response to colorectal distension was measured. The changes of TRPV1 in peripheral and central neurons of rats were detected by immunofluorescence, western blot method, and RT-PCR. Bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA in ileal contents was assessed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The effect of intestinal flora on TRPV1 channel was observed by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) methods. Results. Rifaximin could relieve the visceral hyperalgesia and reduce the TRPV1 expression of neurons and ileum mucosa in rats induced by WAS. The reduced relative abundance of intestinal flora induced by WAS could be partly prevented by rifaximin. The electromyographical activities and immunoreactivity of TRPV1 in rats could be changed after FMT. Conclusions. Rifaximin could improve visceral hyperalgesia via TRPV1 channels of peripheral and central neurons by modulating intestinal flora in rats.

In this study, a composite aerogel (WP-MMT) composed of wastepaper (WP) and montmorillonite (MMT) was prepared by ambient pressure drying technology to adsorb Cd2+. The study of compression performance indicated that the composite aerogel had ideal mechanical strength when the mass ratio of WP to MMT was 1:1. The specific surface areas of the aerogels modified by hydrogen peroxide (WP-MMT-H2O2) and sodium hydroxide (WP-MMT-NaOH) were increased greatly. The sorption isotherms and kinetics of Cd2+ sorption on WP-MMT-H2O2 and WP-MMT-NaOH were investigated. The Cd2+ sorption data could be well described by a simple Langmuir model, and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model best fitted the kinetic data. The maximum sorption capacity obtained from the Langmuir model was 232.50 mg/g for WP-MMT-NaOH. The adsorption mechanism of WP-MMT was chemical adsorption of a single-molecule layer. In general, it was proved that the composite aerogel with high adsorption capacity of Cd2+ could be synthesized from modified WP and MMT by ambient pressure drying. The composite aerogel fabricated by wastepaper and montmorillonite showed bright application prospect in the aqueous heavy metal pollution control.

An ultrafine tin dioxide/N, P-doped porous carbon (SnO2/NPPC) nanocomposite is prepared through in-situ growth of tin dioxide (SnO2) nanoparticles in N, P-doped porous carbon (NPPC). Owing to the in-situ growth method, the size of SnO2 nanoparticles in SnO2/NPPC is quite small and uniform (generally less than 5.0 nm). NPPC provides a support and a conductive carbon skeleton for the SnO2 nanoparticles. The small SnO2 nanoparticles are less likely to aggregate during the discharge–charge process due to the presence of Sn–O–C bonding and nanoconfinement effect of SnO2 nanoparticles in carbon matrix. The N and P doping can provide abundant defects to facilitate the penetration of Li+ or Na+ into the interior of the electrode. In addition, the presence of Sn–N bonding can further improve the electrochemical properties of the electrodes. Thus, as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, SnO2/NPPC possesses an enhanced rate performance, an excellent cycling stability, and a high initial Coulombic efficiency. The structure of the ultrafine SnO2 nanoparticles is well maintained in cycled SnO2/NPPC. Meanwhile, SnO2/NPPC also possesses good electrochemical performance as an anode for sodium-ion batteries. The good electrochemical properties for SnO2/NPPC materials can be ascribed to the synergetic effect between small SnO2 nanoparticles and NPPC.

The design of highly efficient catalysts for the cleavage of various lignin linkages is the key step in the depolymerization of lignin. In this paper, strong-base-modified covalent triazine framewo...

The electrochemical methods for microRNA (miRNA) detection have received increasing attention because high portability and affordability of electrochemical biosensors may facilitate point-of-care quantitative detection of miRNAs. Among these biosensors, the homogenous label-free electrochemical biosensors for miRNAs are rarely reported due to the lack of a universal and efficient signal read-out-mode. A newly discovered G-triplex, 5′-CTGGGAGGGAGGGA-3’ (denoted as G3), can specifically bind with methylene blue (MB), leading to a significant decrease of the diffusion current of MB. By using miRNAs as a driving force, a two-stage isothermal exponential amplification reaction was proposed to generate G3 through miRNAs. The generated G3 can combine with MB and produce observable current changes, which depend on the concentration of miRNAs. Therefore, a novel homogeneous label-free electrochemical biosensor for miRNA detection was successfully constructed. By choosing let-7a, the down-regulation of which is possibly associated with the over-expression of RAS and HMGA2 oncogenes, as a model, we discovered that this biosensor demonstrated excellent analytical performance in detecting let-7a, with an ultralow limit of detection (0.45 fM) and high specificity (discriminating one nucleotide variation). Moreover, the proposed biosensor was successfully applied in monitoring the expression levels of the low-abundant miRNAs in the human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. This assay successfully verified the feasibility of G-triplex/MB as an efficient and sensitive probe for immobilization-free and label-free electrochemical detection of nucleic acids, which would greatly promote the rapid development of homogeneous label-free electrochemical biosensors.

Four coordination polymers ∞2 [Ni(DMF)(L)Ln(bdc)1.5] (Ln = La (1) and Nd (4)) and ∞2 [Ni2(DMF)2(L)2Ln2(bdc)3]·CH3OH (Ln = Ce (2) and Pr (3)) were derived from a symmetrical salamo-based ligand (H2L) with Ni(OAc)2·4H2O, Ln(NO3)3·6H2O (Ln = La, Ce, Pr and Nd), and H2bdc (terephthalic acid). Coordination polymers 1–4 were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, X-ray single crystal diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy. Coordination polymers 1–4 have similar structures exhibiting two-dimensional coordination polymers with brick wall in which [Ni(DMF)(L)Ln] units were linked by exodentate (bdc)2− linker. In each unit, Ni(II) atoms adopted a slightly distorted octahedral geometry, the Ln(III) atoms were nine-coordinated, and the coordination polyhedron was a distorted tricapped trigonal prism. The crystal structure and supramolecular features were discussed in detail. At the same time, the fluorescent properties of coordination polymers 1–4 were also investigated.

In this work, hyperbranched polyurethane elastomer (HBPUE) electrolyte and aluminum foil (Al) were joined together by anodic bonding. It provides a possibility for packaging of flexible devices to use anodic bonding. The HBPUEs were designed and prepared via prepolymerization method cured at room temperature using polypropylene glycol (PPG), toluene-2,4-diisocyanate(TDI), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and the varying ratios of trimethylolpropane (TMP)/1,4-butanediol (BDO). All HBPUEs prepared exhibited low glass transition temperature (Tg) and good thermal stability. The highly branched structures increase the proportion of amorphous phase of HBPUEs, resulting in a high ionic conductivity with a highest value of 2.38 × 10−4 S cm−1 at 70 °C when adding TMP and BDO at the ratio of 0.45:0.45 (HBPUE3). There are no obvious diffraction peaks of the LiTFSI in the XRD patterns, indicating that LiTFSI was dissolved in polyurethane matrix completely. XRD results show that the structures of PEO-PUEs are amorphous. The HBPUEs prepared have good mechanical properties that can be used as packaging material. After bonded, the microstructures of the bonded interface between HBPUE and Al with a clear intermediate bonding layer could be observed by the cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, and the elements diffused were also detected by the energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), indicating that the HBPUEs and Al were bonded together successfully. The maximum tensile strength for HBPUE3/Al was up to 1.15 MPa. All results demonstrated that the HBPUEs prepared would be a promising packaging material for flexible devices applied to anodic bonding.

DEHP is a wildly used plasticizer. Maternal DEHP exposure induced fetal growth restriction (FGR) and behavioral abnormalities in adolescence and adulthood mouse. The effect of low birth weight induced by DEHP on behaviors after growing up is not certain. In this study, the ICR pregnant mice were exposed to 200 mg/kg DEHP during gestation 6–12 days or 13–17 days, which can create FGR model. The F1 offspring were performed three ethological experiments at puberty (6 weeks postpartum) and adult period (8 weeks postpartum). The open field test was performed to detect the locomotor activity and anxiety, the elevated plus maze to test anxiety-like behavior, and the Morris water maze assay to measure the spatial learning and memory capability of male and female offspring. The results showed that spatial memory ability was dramatically impaired for male rather than female offspring in gestation 13–17 days’ group. Other behaviors had no statistically different between groups. These findings suggest that prenatal DEHP exposure disturbed mouse offspring spatial memory ability in a phase- and gender-dependent manner.

A gilsonite from Qingchuan (Sichuan province, China) was separated into several fractions and characterized by various techniques. The vanadyl porphyrins were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, high-temperature gas chromatography-atomic emission detector, and positive-ion electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. The results show that the gilsonite contains a large amount of metal elements, especially the vanadium content is as high as 3888 μg/g. A large number of vanadyl porphyrins are detected, in which the deoxophylloerythroetio porphyrins are the most abundant, indicating high molecular condensation but low thermal maturity. The huge reserves and high metal content imply important utilization value for this natural source.

A novel actinobacterium, designated strain CFH S0261T, was isolated from a sediment sample of the Yellow River. The taxonomic position of the strain was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain CFH S0261T were Gram-reaction-positive, aerobic, non-motile. Growth occurs at 15–37 °C, pH 6.0–8.0 and with 0–9.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain CFH S0261T was a member of the genus Amycolatopsis . The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity indicated that strain CFH S0261T is most closely related to the type strains of Amycolatopsis niigatensis LC11T (98.95 %), Amycolatopsis echigonensis LC2T (98.81 %) and Amycolatopsis albidoflavus IMSNU 22139T (98.73 %). The whole-genome of CFH S0261T showed a G+C content of 69.5 mol%. The ANI values and in silico DDH values between CFH S0261T and the other species of the genus Amycolatopsis were found to be low (ANIb T was meso-diaminopimelic acid and the whole-cell hydrolysate comprised arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose and ribose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The major cellular fatty acids were C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannosides and four unidentified glycolipids. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data, strain CFH S0261T represents a novel species of the genus Amycolatopsis , for which the name Amycolatopsis nivea sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CFH S0261T (=KCTC 39515T =CCTCC AA 2014028T).

Salinity has a significant impact on the sewage treatment efficiency of constructed wetlands (CWs), as well as affecting the greenhouse gas emissions of CWs. A lab-scale CW simulation system was constructed to observe the treatment efficiency and greenhouse gas flux occurring in CWs at different influent salinities (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%). The results show that (1) the removal rates of COD, TN, NH4+-N, NO3−-N, and TP reach the highest at salinity of 0 or 0.5%. And the lowest removal rates are all at a salinity of 2.0%. (2) The emission flux of CO2, CH4, and N2O in CWs varies with an increase in salinity. The trends of CO2 and CH4 emission flux were consistent with those of COD reduction rate. However, it was opposite for N2O flux to that of TN, NH4+-N, and NO3−-N removal rate. Affected by salinity, the greenhouse gas emission flux in this study is generally lower than what was reported in literature. (3) Correlation analysis showed that CO2 and CH4 emission fluxes were positively correlated with the COD reduction rate. N2O emission flux was negatively correlated with the removal rates of TN, NH4+-N, and NO3−-N. The results suggest that different pollutants are inhibited by salinity to different degrees. COD is more affected by salinity than nitrogen and phosphorus, while nitrogen is more easily inhibited by salinity than phosphorus. CWs can have a high removal rate of pollutants in treating low-salinity wastewater. Although increased salinity reduces treatment efficiency of wastewater to some extent, it also inhibits the emission of CO2 and CH4.

In this study, the response surface methodology was used to optimize the reaction conditions of carboxymethylated modification of Qingke β-glucans (QG), and effects of different degrees of carboxymethylation (high, medium, and low) on their structural characteristics, in vitro antioxidant activities, and in vitro hypolipidemic activities were studied. The optimal reaction conditions of carboxymethylated Qingke β-glucans (QG-Cs) with high degree of carboxymethylation (DC = 0.90) were as follows: reaction temperature of 62.1 °C, reaction time of 3.29 h, and concentration of chloroacetic acid of 1.75 mol/L. Results demonstrated that the carboxymethylated modification significantly affected the solubilities, molar ratios of constituent monosaccharides, molecular weights, and apparent viscosities of QG. Indeed, the QG-Cs exhibited much higher antioxidant activities (reducing powers, NO, and DPPH radical scavenging activities), in vitro binding properties (fat, bile acid, and cholesterol binding capacities), and pancreatic lipase inhibition activities than that of QG. Furthermore, results showed that bioactivities of QG-Cs were closely correlated to their carboxymethyl groups. Results suggested that the carboxymethylated modification could be an efficient method for enhancing bioactivities of QG, and QG-Cs had good potential applications in bio-pharmaceutical industry.

In this study, in order to evaluate the influences of drying methods on the chemical structures and bioactivities of polysaccharides from okra (OPPs), four drying methods, including microwave drying at 400 W, 600 W, and 800 W, freezing drying, hot air drying, and vacuum drying, were applied to dry okra fruits. Six different OPPs were extracted from okra dried by different drying methods. Results showed that physicochemical characteristics and bioactivities of OPPs varied by different drying methods. Noticeable variations in extraction yields, molecular weights, rheological properties, molar ratios of constituent monosaccharides, contents of uronic acids, degrees of esterification, and contents of total phenolics were observed in OPPs obtained by different drying methods. In addition, results showed that OPPs, especially OPP-H and OPP-V obtained by hot air drying and vacuum drying, respectively, exhibited remarkable antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH, and nitric oxide radical scavenging activities, and ferric reducing antioxidant powers), strong in vitro binding capacities (fat, cholesterol, and bile acids binding capacities), and obvious inhibitory activities on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Results suggested that the hot air and vacuum drying techniques could be appropriate drying methods before extraction of OPPs with high bioactivities for applications in the functional food and medicine industries.

Phenolic compounds are considered the main bioactive components in kiwifruit. In order to well understand the accumulation pattern of health-beneficial phenolics, and to obtain high-quality kiwifruits with health-promoting characteristics, the changes of physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, antioxidant capacities, and inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes of “Donghong” kiwifruits during maturation were systematically investigated. Noticeable variations in physicochemical properties and phenolic profiles were observed throughout the maturation stages of “Donghong” kiwifruit. According to the HPLC analysis, phenolic compounds, including chlorogenic acid, (−)-epicatechin, procyanidin B2, quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside, gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid, were found in “Donghong” kiwifruit, while chlorogenic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound. Considering the accumulation patterns of both total phenolics and soluble solids content, the optimum harvest time of kiwifruit with relatively high level of health-beneficial components was determined. Furthermore, “Donghong” kiwifruit exerted remarkable antioxidant capacities, and inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase and α-glucosidase. Indeed, the Pearson’s correlation showed that chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, (−)-epicatechin, and quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside could be major contributors to the antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes. Results are beneficial for better understanding of the accumulation patterns of health-beneficial phenolic compounds, which can aid in the targeting of specific developmental stages with an optimal phenolic profile for the production of health-beneficial products.

In SOFT study, subgroup analysis for hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer women younger than 35 years indicated better 5-year DFS in OFS+exemestane arm than OFS+tamoxifen. Since only about 11% of women included were younger than 35 years of age, this subgroup analysis result is underpowered. In addition, there still no specific randomized clinical trial focusing on endocrine treatment in women younger than 35 years of age. The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa)+tamoxifen versus GnRHa+AIs in HR+ early breast cancer patients under age 35 with intermediate or high risk for disease recurrence. Study design This is a prospective, open label, multicentre, randomized controlled trial that compared the efficacy of GnRHa+tamoxifen versus GnRHa+AIs in HR+ early breast cancer patients under age 35 with intermediate or high risk for disease recurrence. This study was initiated by the first affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen university in 2016. Twenty-four hospitals in China participate in this trial. The protocol was approved by the appropriate regulatory and ethics authorities for each centre. This trial has been registrated at ClinicalTrials.gov. The NCT Number is NCT02914158. Criteria for patient eligibility: 1. Written informed consent must be signed. 2. ECOG≤2. 3. Histologically proven HR+ (ER≥1% by IHC) invasive breast cancer. 4. Age≤35, premenopausal. 5. No distant metastatic disease. 6. T≥2cm or with at least 1 axillary lymph node involved. 7. Patient must accept proper surgery, systemic therapy and radiation therapy if necessary. 8. Laboratory exam criteria for enrollment: hemoglobin ≥10g/dl, white blood cell ≥4,000/mm3, platelets ≥100,000/mm3, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase ≤2 times upper limit of normal (ULN), total bilirubin, creatinine clearance rate ≤1.5 times ULN. Criteria for patient ineligibility: 1. Patients who are pregnant or lactating at the time of randomization or refuse to contraception.2. Patients who received organ transplantation. 3. Patients who have other malignant diseases within 5 years. 4. Patients with psychiatric disorder, peripheral or central nerve system disease or any disorder, which compromises ability to give informed consent or participate in this study. 5. Patients with sever hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive diseases or uncontrolled diabetes. 6. Patients who participate in other clinical trials. 7. Patients who allergy to goserelin, leuprorelin, tamoxifen or AIs. Statistical analysis According to previous results, 5-year DFS for OFS+tamoxifen in HR+ breast cancer patients under age 35 with intermediate or high risk of disease recurrence was 73% vs. 81% for OFS+AIs. This trial designed 80% power to detect a between-group difference using a two-sample log-rank test (two-sided a=0.05). To allow for missing 10% data, the study planned to enroll 680 patients (340 patients for each group) in 5 years. The statistical design assumed that 197 primary end point events should occur during 5-year follow-up and OFS+AIs should decrease 30% DFS relative risk. The calculations were performed using PASS 11. Treatment details Patients enrolled are randomized 1:1 to two arms in 8 weeeks after surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Goserelin 3.6mg or leuprorelin 3.75mg is injected subcutaneously every 28 days for 5 years. Arm A: Tamoxifen 20mg orally daily. Arm B: Exemestane 25mg, letrozole 2.5mg or anastrozole 1mg orally daily. Stratification Stratified by HER2 and axillary lymph node status. Primary end point: Disease free survival. Secondary end point: Overall survival. Invasive Breast Cancer Recurrence-Free Interval. Adverse Effects Rate. Citation Format: Zhen Shan, Nan Shao, Zhongyu yuan, Qianjun Chen, Anqin Zhang, Kun Wang, Ailing Zhang, Li Cai, Yuhua Song, Herui Yao, Hongmin Ma, Heng Huang, Jianwen Li, Yuanqi Zhang, Lehong Zhang, Jincai Zhong, Hui Liu, Zhiyong Wu, Li Zhao, Feihai Ling, Weixiong Yang, Rui Zhuo, Xiangyang Song, Ying Lin. Adjuvant ovarian suppression plus aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in women younger than 35 (ASPAIT): A multicenter randomized clinical trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr OT1-04-01.

The fruits of Lycium barbarum have a long history as an edible and medicinal food in Asian regions and have multiple consumption methods; the polysaccharides (LBPs) are commonly considered as their major immunological constituents. The current study revealed that the total phenolic amide moieties from L. barbarum fruits showed greater potential immunomodulatory activity in vivo than did LBPs. Through subsequent investigation on the immunological bioactive phenolic amides, three new phenolic amides, lyciumamides L-N (1-3), as well as 12 analogues, were obtained from the total phenolic amide fraction. Extensive spectroscopic methods were used to elucidate the new structures. Compounds 4-6 and 15 significantly promoted LPS-stimulated B splenocyte, while compounds 4-6 displayed accelerative effects on the proliferation of Con A-stimulated T lymphocytes at a concentration of 20.0 μg/mL. These data indicated that extracts from L. barbarum fruits enriched with phenolic amides could be developed as a nutritional dietary supplement for immunocompromised individuals.

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and poly(propylene oxide) (PPO), especially their tri-block copolymers PEO-PPO-PEO (poloxamers), have a broad range of applications in biotechnology and medical science. Understanding their specific interactions with biomembranes is the key to unveil the unique features of poloxamers either as membrane-healing or membrane pore-forming agents. Based on the coarse-graining convention of the MARTINI force field and the big multipole water (BMW) model, which has a three charged site topology and can reproduce the correct dipole moment of four-water clusters, we generated coarse-grained (CG) models with analytical and numerical potentials for PEO and PPO homopolymers and poloxamers in dilute solution. The effective bonded interaction potentials between CG beads were determined from the probability distributions of bond lengths, angles and dihedrals that are determined from atomistic simulations. The nonbonded interaction parameters were fine-tuned to reproduce the conformational properties of atomistic PEO and PPO homopolymers and poloxamers via extensive CG simulations of PEO and PPO homopolymers and poloxamers in a BMW water environment. The reported CG models provide a promising framework for a comprehensive understanding of the microstructural, conformational, and dynamic properties of poloxamers and their delicate interactions with other species in an explicit water environment.

The transitions between surfactant aggregate structures are triggered by changes in chemical or physical stimulations, including addition of additives. Effects of added alcohols on aggregate morphologies correlate strongly with alcohol chain length. The local molarities of alcohol, water, and counterions in the interfacial regions play an important role in controlling the aggregate morphologies. However, direct experimental estimates of changes of interfacial alcohol molarities during alcohol induced micelle-to-vesicle transitions have never been reported. Ellipsoidal-wormlike micelle-vesicle transitions in CTAB/KBr aqueous solutions in the presence of long-chain octanol were characterized by using combined rheological, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and turbidity measurements. However, the transitions are absent with added butanol. The chemical trapping method (CT) was employed to understand the differences between medium- and long-chain alcohols in determining aggregate morphology. The CT method was used to estimate interfacial water, alcohol, and counterion molarities with increasing stoichiometric alcohol concentrations. With 55 mM alcohol added, the interfacial octanol molarity is 0.9 M, which is three times higher than that for butanol. With added octanol, the ellipsoidal-wormlike micelle-vesicle transition is accompanied by a concurrent sharp increase of interfacial water molarities and a decrease of interfacial counterion molarity, which is not observed with added butanol. The CT data was also employed to estimate the changes of Israelachvili's packing parameter with increasing added alcohol concentration. Our result provides critical molecular level information for understanding the morphological transitions of CTAB/additives.

A catalytic asymmetric synthesis of 3,4-dihydrocoumarins with adjacent tertiary–quaternary stereocenters by 1,6-addition/transesterification cascade reaction of α-isocyanoacetates with ortho-hydroxyphenyl-substituted para-quinone methides (p-QMs) has been developed. Using a combination of dihydroquinidine-derived aminophosphine and silver nitrate as a binary catalytic system, moderate to good yields, excellent diastereoselectivities (>20 : 1 dr) and good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 94% ee) were achieved for a wide range of isocyanoacetates and p-QMs.

Carrier recombination and charge loss at the interfaces of perovskite layers have a significant influence on high-performance planar perovskite solar cells (PSCs). We employed two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), which is a heat-resistant n-type semiconductor, to modify the electron-transport layer/perovskite and perovskite/hole-transport layer interfaces, respectively. g-C3N4 could passivate the surface trap states of the methylammonium lead iodide light absorber through the formation of a Lewis adduct between N and the under-coordinated Pb, and it could also remarkably reduce the grain boundaries between perovskite crystal particles. A maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 19.67% (Voc = 1.14 V, Jsc = 21.45 mA cm−2, FF = 0.807) could be obtained from planar PSCs with long-term stability using dual-positioned g-C3N4. Therefore, we consider that ultrathin semiconductor films with a Lewis base nature are suitable as dual-functional transport materials for devices. This work provides new guidance for dual-interfacial modification to improve the PCE and stability of devices.

α-Glucosidase is an important enzyme in human intestine, and inhibition of its activity can lower blood sugar levels to effectively prevent hyperglycaemia induced tissue damage. Here, we investigated the inhibitory activities of procyanidins with different structures on α-glucosidase and the underlying mechanism. The results showed that the IC50 of catechin and compounds 2-7 on α-glucosidase was lower than that of acarbose. A-type procyanidins might have better inhibitory activity than B-type procyanidins. In addition, there was no positive correlation between the polymerization degree of A-type procyanidin oligomer and its inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase. Compound 7 (A-type trimer) with the best inhibitory effect reversibly inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase in a mixed-type manner. Fluorescence data confirmed that the intrinsic fluorescence of α-glucosidase was quenched by compound 7 through static-dynamic quenching. The calculated thermodynamic parameters indicated that their binding was spontaneous and driven by hydrophobic interaction, which was also confirmed by the UV spectrum experiment. Besides, circular dichroism analysis displayed that their binding resulted in conformational changes of α-glucosidase characterized by a decrease in α-helix and an increase in β-sheet. The results demonstrate the ability of procyanidins to intervene in the progression of type 2 diabetes by inhibiting α-glucosidase.

Despite being promising photovoltaic materials, widespread use of organic–inorganic halide perovskite materials is still hindered by their undesirable stability. To cope with this challenge, methylamine (MA) is doped into triple cation perovskite single crystals of (FA0.95−xMAxCs0.05)PbI3, and cesium-containing triple cation perovskite single crystals with five different MA molar ratios (x = 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20) are synthesized and characterized. Among them, (FA0.8MA0.15Cs0.05)PbI3 shows high stability against water-oxygen and light for 60 days, and the thermal decomposition temperature of (FA0.8MA0.15Cs0.05)PbI3 reaches as high as 305 °C. Besides, the carrier lifetime of (FA0.8MA0.15Cs0.05)PbI3 is up to 5.957 μs, which remains as 5.646 μs (95%) after 60 days of light illumination. This work studies the stability of perovskite single crystals based on (FA0.95−xMAxCs0.05)PbI3 compositions and provides a reference for the discovery of novel perovskite photovoltaic devices with high efficiency and long-term stability.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been proven to be important biomarkers for disease diagnosis, prognosis and disease pathogenesis. Here, taking the advantages of a self-assembled oligonucleotide sandwich structure and robust chemical reactions, we have developed a simple, high-throughput and effective colorimetric analytical technique termed CuAAC-based ligation-assisted assays (CuAAC-LA) for SNP detection using a DNA-BIND 96-well plate. With the 5'-azide and 3'-alkyne groups labelled on two oligonucleotide probes, the target DNA can direct a Cu(i)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) click reaction. Since the small difference in duplex stability caused by a single-nucleotide mismatch was amplified by the steric effects of these reactive groups for the ligation reaction of an unstable duplex, CuAAC-LA exhibited an ultra-sensitive discrimination ability for a mutant type target in the presence of large amounts of wild type targets. As low as 0.05% SNP could be clearly detected, which was better than most previously reported methods by various DNA ligases, indicating that a simple and rapid synthetic method i.e., the DNA template-directed click reaction held the potential to replace the ligase for SNP detection.

The current research involves fabrication of a redox-responsive self-assembly system based on a ferrocene (Fc)-containing β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) derivative (βCD-EG-Fc). βCD-EG-Fc was synthesized, and its redox-sensitive self-assembly behavior was investigated using various techniques. On the basis of the intermolecular host–guest recognition between the β-CD group and the Fc moiety, βCD-EG-Fc primarily formed network-like structures and then vesicles following aging for a specified time. The formation of these structures was primarily driven by hydrogen bonding. Conversely, the oxidized molecules (βCD-EG-Fc+) self-assembled into cationic vesicles with the absence of host–guest complexation. Upon controlling the oxidation and reduction of Fc/Fc+, reversible aggregate transformation was achieved. The current study resulted in a deeper understanding of β-CD/Fc redox-responsive self-assemblies and contributed to the development of a single-component host–guest inclusion model.

Carbazole-based porous organic polymers (CPOPs) and their derived carbon materials have been found to be promising candidates for many applications, such as gas adsorption and energy storage, due to their highly porous structure and nitrogen-containing functionalities. However, most of the reported CPOPs or CPOP-derived carbons are powder-like materials, which limit their industrial applications. Hereby, flexible nitrogen-doped porous carbon materials (FNPCs) were synthesized through in situ oxidative coupling polymerization in/on flexible biomass textiles and subsequent carbonization procedures. During the carbonization procedure, the microporous structure and the nitrogen in CPOPs were maintained. The CPOP-derived FNPCs possess good flexibility and relatively large specific surface area and pore volume, together with high nitrogen contents. In light of these merits, gas adsorption, separation, and preliminary sensing experiments were conducted. The carbon dioxide and methane adsorption capacities of the FNPC are 21.0 wt% and 3.5 wt% (at 273 K and 1.0 bar), respectively. Meanwhile, due to the interaction between CO2 and the FNPCs, the materials can also be used for CO2/N2 separation and gas sensing, and a preliminary experiment on FNPC as a gas sensor for exhaled breath was conducted. More importantly, the materials are flexible and they can be easily assembled into gas adsorption devices and sensors.

Dactylicapnosines A (1) and B (2), two reconstructed aporphines with unprecedent five-membered carbon ring D, were isolated from Dactylicapnos scandens, in which dactylicapnosine A showed potent anti-inflammatory bioactivity in vitro. Inspired by its biosynthetic pathway, the total synthesis of dactylicapnosine A via 10 steps has been achieved and afforded enough material to prove its significant anti-inflammatory effect in vivo.

Cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) acting as phase II metabolic enzymes can be used in the sulfonation of small molecules by transferring a sulfonate group from the unique co-factor 3′-phosphoadenosine 5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS) to the substrates. In the present study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and ensemble docking study were employed to theoretically characterize the mechanism for the effect of co-factor (PAP) and ligands (LCA, raloxifene, α-hydroxytamoxifen, ouabain, and 3′-phosphoadenylyl sulfate) on structural stability and selectivity of SULT2A1 from the perspective of the dynamic behavior of SULT2A1 structures. Structural stability and network analyses indicated that the cooperation between PAP and LCA may enhance the thermal stability and compact communication in enzymes. During the MD simulations, the obviously rigid region and inward displacement were detected in the active-site cap (loop16) of the conformation containing PAP, which may be responsible for the significant changes in substrate accessibility and catalytic activity. The smaller substrates such as LCA could bind stably to the active pocket in the presence of PAP. However, the substrates or inhibitors with a large spatial structure needed to bind to the open conformation (without PAP) prior to PAPS binding.

Objective: To study subclinical thyroid dysfunction (SCTD)—subclinical hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism—in Chinese patients in relation to body mass index (BMI) and to determine whether a difference between sexes exists. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 13,503 healthy participants (8,345 male, 5,158 female) who participated in a health examination. Clinical data, including anthropometric measurements and serum parameters, were collected. The association between SCTD and the BMI of each sex was analyzed separately by stratifying the data by SCTD type and regarding BMI as a categorical or as a continuous variable in different models. The odds ratio of SCTD was calculated from binary logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of both subclinical hyperthyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly lower in males compared to females. For subclinical hypothyroidism, we found no significant association with BMI in females. In males, there was a significant negative relationship between BMI and subclinical hypothyroidism. For subclinical hyperthyroidism, we did not find any significant relationship with BMI in either sex after stratifying the data and treating BMI as a categorical or as a continuous variable. Conclusion: For subclinical hyperthyroidism, no significant effect was found in either sex. For subclinical hypothyroidism, high BMI was associated with lower rates of subclinical hypothyroidism in males, and no significant correlation was found in females. The mechanism of this sex-specific association between BMI and SCTD needs more verification. Abbreviations: ALT = alanine aminotransferase; AST = aspartate aminotransferase; BMI = body mass index; BUN = blood urea nitrogen; CI = confidence interval; Cr = creatinine; DBP = diastolic blood pressure; FG = fasting glucose; FT3 = free triiodothyronine; FT4 = free thyroxine; HDL = high-density lipoprotein; LDL = low-density lipoprotein; OR = odds ratio; SBP = systolic blood pressure; SCTD = subclinical thyroid dysfunction; TBIL = total bilirubin; TC = total cholesterol; TG = triglyceride; TSH = thyroid-stimulating hormone; UA = uric acid; WBC = white blood cell; WC = waist circumference

Exosomes are membrane-enclosed phospholipid extracellular vesicles. In spite of their great promise as noninvasive biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, sensitive detection of exosomes is still challenging. Herein, the detection of exosomes was changed to the detection of DNA after recognition of exosomes with its aptamers. CD63 aptamer and EpCAM aptamer were used for the detection of MCF-7 cell-secreted exosome. The recognition process was amplified through the movements of a three-dimensional DNA walker. And then, Exonuclease III- assisted electrochemical ratiometric sensor was applied for further signal amplification. Under optimal conditions, the detection limit of 1.3 × 104 particles/mL was obtained with excellent selectivity. Furthermore, clinical application test for the detection of exosomes in human serum was also verified.

We demonstrate the first electrically-pumped, GaAs-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) emitting in the 1500 nm range that operate in continuous wave mode at and above room temperature. The VCSELs employ a dilute-nitride GaInNAsSb/GaNAs multiple quantum well active region, two n-doped AlGaAs/GaAs distributed Bragg reflectors and a GaAs tunnel junction. Continuous-wave single-mode lasing was observed up to 50 °C with room-temperature threshold current densities below 3 kA/cm2. Small signal measurements indicate that dilute nitride GaInNAsSb/GaNAs active regions are capable of high speed modulation.

We reported herein an unexpected cinchona alkaloid-derived squaramide-catalyzed asymmetric two-component Ugi-type reaction of α-aryl-substituted isocyanoacetates with C,N-cyclic azomethine imines, ...

A novel actinomycete strain, designated CFH S0054T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from Xiaokongshan in Tengchong, Yunnan Province, in south-west PR China. Phylogenetic analysis based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that strain CFH S0054T belonged to the genus Nocardia . Based on the results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain CFH S0054T was most closely related to Nocardia concava IFM 0354T (98.3 %), Nocardia inohanensis NBRC 100128T (97.9 %), Nocardia otitidiscaviarum NBRC 14405T (97.9 %) and Nocardia heshunensis CFH S0067T (97.8 %). Strain CFH S0054T contained C16 : 0, C18 : 1 ω9c, C18 : 0 10-methyl (TBSA) and summed feature 3 as major cellular fatty acids and MK-8 (H4ω-cycl) as the major respiratory quinone. The polar lipid profile included phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside and unknown phospholipids. The cell wall contained meso-diaminopimelic acid, and the whole-cell hydrolysates were arabinose, galactose, glucose, fructose, ribose and mannose. The genome of strain CFH S0054T was 7.9 Mbp with a G+C content of 68.4 mol%, the average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain CFH S0054T and N. concava IFM0354T were low (ANIm

The surface modification of metal oxides using organic modifiers is a potential strategy for enhancing their catalytic performances. In this study, a hydrophobic surface amine-modified CoO catalyst with a water contact angle of 143° was fabricated. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, TGA, FT-IR, HR-TEM, and XPS. The results showed that the fabricated catalyst performed better than the hydrophilic commercial CoO nanoparticle in the process of aromatic hydrocarbon oxidation. After the amines modification, commercial CoO also became hydrophobic and improved conversion of ethylbenzene was achieved. The surface modification of CoO with amines induced the hydrophobicity property, which could serve as a reference for the design of other hydrophobic catalysts.

The potential synergistic effects of Flavan-3-ols to inhibit the formation of acrylamide have attracted wide attention. This study aims to investigate the synergistic inhibitory effects of the B-type procyanidin and flavan-3-ols monomer on acrylamide production in food matrix. By comparing the inhibitory effects of different compounds in food matrix, procyanidin B2 and catechin were screened out for examining their synergistic inhibitory effects on acrylamide by Isobologram analysis. When the interaction index (γ) was lower than 1, the interaction was synergistic reaction. The results showed the procyanidin B2/catechin ratio of 1:3 (γ = 0.57) had similar synergistic effect to that of 1:9 (γ = 0.53), both of which showed better effects than the ratio of 1:1 (γ = 0.71). The optimal synergistic inhibitory effect (70.11 ± 2.07%) was achieved when the procyanidin B2 and catechin concentrations were 0.6 µg/mL and 5.4 µg/mL, respectively. Compared with single use, the combined use of B2 and catechin could decrease the dosage of B2 to 1/10 and that of catechin to 1/3.

In order to well understand the physicochemical characteristics and biological activities of polysaccharides (OPPs) from different cultivars of okra collected in China, the chemical characteristics, rheological properties, antioxidant activities, in vitro binding properties, and in vitro inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase of polysaccharides from five representative okra cultivars, including ‘Lvjian’, ‘Kalong8’, ‘Shuiguo’, ‘Taiwanwufu’, and ‘Kalong3’, were investigated and compared. Results showed that the constituent monosaccharides of OPPs were similar, which composed of rhamnose, galacturonic acid, galactose, and arabinose. However, their weight-average molecular weights varied from 2.76 × 103 to 4.20 × 103 kDa, and from 0.11 × 103 to 0.90 × 103 kDa, respectively. The uronic acids and degrees of esterification of OPPs ranged from 39.32% to 61.68%, and from 21.66% to 30.02%, respectively. OPPs exhibited typical shear-thinning behavior and viscoelastic properties. Furthermore, OPPs exhibited remarkable antioxidant activities, in vitro binding capacities, and inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, which might be attributed to their relatively high content of uronic acids, high degrees of esterification, and high molecular weights. Results are helpful for better understanding of the physicochemical structures and bioactivities of OPPs, and OPPs had good application prospects as functional food ingredients for industrial applications.

Chidamide has demonstrated significant clinical benefits for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) PTCL in previous studies. This multi-center observational study was aimed to evaluate the objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and safety of chidamide. From February 2015 to December 2017, 548 patients with R/R PTCL from 186 research centers in China were included in the study. Among the 261 patients treated with chidamide monotherapy, ORR was 58.6% and 55 patients (21.1%) achieved complete response (CR). Among the 287 patients receiving chidamide-containing combination therapies, ORR was 73.2% and 73 patients (25.4%) achieved CR. The median OS of all patients was 15.1 months. The median OS of patients receiving chidamide monotherapy and combination therapies was 433 and 463 days, respectively. These results demonstrate a significant survival advantage of chidamide treatments as compared with international historical records. Common adverse effects (AEs) were hematological toxicities. Most AEs in both monotherapy and combined treatments were grade 1–2. No unanticipated AEs occurred. In conclusion, chidamide-based therapy led to a favorable efficacy and survival benefit for R/R PTCL. Future studies should explore the potential advantage of chidamide treatment combined with chemotherapy.

Increasing evidence has indicated that oxidative stress is associated with the health of infants. Bifidobacterium, especially B. longum subsp. longum strains, are abundant in the gut microbiota of infants, which may have the potential to ameliorate oxidative damage. Thus, this study aimed to isolate and screen B. longum subsp. longum strains with probiotic characters and antioxidant properties as infants’ dietary supplements. In this study, 24 B. longum subsp. longum strains were isolated from 15 healthy infants identified via 16S rRNA and heat shock protein 60 (hsp60) sequences. B. longum subsp. longum B13, F2, K4, K5, K10, K13, and K15 strains were selected based on high values obtained from autoaggregation, hydrophobicity, and adhesion assays to HT-29 cells. Among these seven strains, B. longum subsp. longum F2, K5, K10, and K15 were selected according to the high tolerance of gastrointestinal tract conditions compared to Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12. Among these four strains, B. longum subsp. longum K5 was susceptible to common antibiotics and showed the highest intestinal epithelial cell proliferation of CCD 841 CoN. Additionally, B. longum subsp. longum K5 showed a strong antioxidant capacity, and its supernatant exhibited better activity of reducing power, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and DPPH radical scavenging than that of the intact cells with cell-free extracts. The findings indicated that B. longum subsp. longum K5 could be used as a probiotic candidate in infant nutrition.