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The utilization of antiferroelectric (AFE) materials is thought to be an effective approach to enhance the energy density of dielectric capacitors. However, the high energy dissipation and inferior reliability that are associated with the antiferroelectric-ferroelectric phase transition are the main issues that restrict the applications of antiferroelectric ceramics. Here, simultaneously achieving high energy density and efficiency in a dielectric ceramic is proposed by combining antiferroelectric and relaxor features. Based on this concept, a lead-free dielectric (Na 0.5 Bi 0.5 )TiO 3 -x(Sr 0.7 Bi 0.2 )TiO 3 (NBT-xSBT) system is investigated and the corresponding multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) are fabricated. A record-high energy density of 9.5 J cm -3 , together with a high energy efficiency of 92%, is achieved in NBT-0.45SBT multilayer ceramic capacitors, which consist of ten dielectric layers with the single-layer thickness of 20 µm and the internal electrode area of 6.25 mm 2 . Furthermore, the newly developed capacitor exhibits a wide temperature usage range of -60 to 120 °C, with an energy-density variation of less than 10%, and satisfactory cycling reliability, with degradation of less than 8% over 10 6 cycles. These characteristics demonstrate that the NBT-0.45SBT multilayer ceramic is a promising candidate for high-power energy storage applications., (© 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Objectives: To assess the frequency and anatomy of retro-oesophageal aortopulmonary collateral arteries (REMs) in patients with pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect and major aortopulmonary collateral arteries (PA-VSD-MAPCAs)., Methods: A total of 130 consecutive PA-VSD-MAPCA patients with preoperative CT angiography (CTA) data who underwent cardiac surgery were included. A detailed analysis of MAPCA anatomy was performed using CTA., Results: A REM was identified in 82/130 included patients (63 %). A total of 277 MAPCAs were observed in these 82 patients and were divided into groups based on REM status: REM (n=94) and non-REM (n=183). Compared with non-REMs, REMs originated at a lower level and tended to originate from the lateral side of the aorta (all p<0.01). REMs had a higher probability of suffering stenosis (χ 2 =9.79, p<0.01), particularly midsegment stenosis (χ 2 =6.27, p=0.01). REMs were more posterior to the bronchus at the pulmonary hilum than non-REMs (91 % vs. 51 %) (χ 2 =50.81, p<0.01)., Conclusions: REMs are associated with a lower level, more lateral origin, stenosis and more posterior location with respect to the bronchus at the pulmonary hilum. The unique CTA data obtained in this study showing the anatomy of REMs will be highly useful for surgeons in identifying REMs., Key Points: • Unifocalization is a very important surgical approach for PA-VSD-MAPCA patients. • The anatomical variability of REMs becomes clinically relevant in unifocalization. • CTA provides a non-invasive way to observe the anatomy of REMs. • REMs are associated with lower level, more lateral origin, more midsegment stenosis. • REMs tend to be posterior to the bronchus at the pulmonary hilum.

Exopolysaccharide of Lachnum YM130 (LEP) was purified by diethylaminoethyl cellulose 52 and Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography. LEP-2a was identified to be a homogeneous component with an average molecular weight of 1.31 × 10 6  Da, which was consisted of mannose and galactose in a molar ratio of 3.8:1.0. The structure of LEP-2a was characterized by methylation analysis, FT-IR analysis, and NMR analysis. Results indicated that LEP-2a was a galactomannan with a backbone, composed of 1,2-linked-α-D-Manp, 1,2,6-linked-α-D-Manp, 1,3,4-linked-α-D-Manp, and 1,3-linked-β-D-Galp, which was substituted at O-2, O-3, O-4, and O-6 by branches. In vitro antitumor activity assay proved that LEP-2a could significantly enhance the inhibitory effectiveness of 5-FU on Hela cells at the concentrations of 100, 200, 300, and 400 μg/mL. The above results suggested that LEP-2a could be seen as a potential source for developing novel antineoplastic agents.

Bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (BM-EPCs) are exposed to acidotic environments in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions, including in tumors. However, the effect of acidosis on the function of BM-EPCs is still not fully understood. In the present study, BM-EPCs were isolated and cultured at an extracellular pH (pHe) of 6.5 or pHe 7.4 in vitro prior to various experiments being performed. Cellular proliferation, migration and tube formation ability were detected by DNA content quantification, Transwell assay and Matrigel-based angiogenesis assay. ELISA and western blot analysis measured protein secretion and expression, respectively. The results demonstrated that BM-EPCs cultured at pHe 6.5 compared with at pHe 7.4 demonstrated: Induced apoptosis; inhibited cellular proliferation, migration and adhesion; markedly reduced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression; and the capacity to incorporate into vascular networks. Acidic pHe 6.5 induced ratio expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)/Bcl2 associated X-protein (Bax), which in turn induced apoptosis, and inhibited cellular proliferation and other functional activities, with involvement of activation of VEGF receptor 2, protein kinase B and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase. These observations raise the possibility that the acidic extracellular environment may perform an important role in the vasculogenesis of BM-EPCs in tumor microenvironments. Therefore, culturing cancer cells at a lower pH that simulates endogenous tumor conditions may improve retention of the cellular heterogeneity identified in tumors.

The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-fatigue activity of an exopolysaccharide LEP-1b and its carboxymethylated derivative CLEP-1b from a Lachnum sp. Carboxymethylation was confirmed through FT-IR and 13 C NMR spectroscopies, which showed that the (-CH 2 COOH) group was attached to an oxygen (O) atom of the hydroxyl group on (C-3) of LEP-1b. Each treatment group LEP-1b and CLEP-1b at doses (50, 100, 200mg/kg, respectively) ameliorated physical fatigue and extended exhaustive swimming time in mice. Results of the fatigue related biochemical markers showed that LEP-1b and CLEP-1b at doses (50, 100, 200mg/kg, respectively) increased the content of hepatic glycogen and decreased the level of serum urea nitrogen and lactic acid. Additionally, LEP-1b and CLEP-1b enhanced the antioxidant enzymes' activities and reduced the lipid peroxidation. Moreover, results revealed that CLEP-1b had higher anti-fatigue activity than LEP-1b at same doses but without statistical significance, especially CLEP-1b (200mg/kg) had strong anti-fatigue effects. Therefore, LEP-1b and CLEP-1b can potentially be exploited as a kind of healthcare compound to combat fatigue and to boost physical strength., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Polysaccharides from Trichosanthes peel (TPP) were obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction. TPP-1 was separated from the TPP by Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Phosphorylation of TPP-1 was carried out and phosphorylated TPP-1 was named as PTTP-1. The results of infrared spectra, 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra and 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectra showed that the main structure of PTPP-1 was similar to that of TPP-1 and -H 2 PO 3 groups which were conjugated to C-6 of →4)-α-D-Manp-(1→, C-4 of →6)-α-D-Galp-(1→, C-2 and C-3 of →1)-α-L-Araf, C-2 of →1)-α-L-Araf-(3→, and C-6 and C-3 of →1)-α-D-Glcp. In vivo antiaging activity results proved that TTP-1 and PTTP-1 could both significantly improve the body weight, spleen index, and thymus index of the D-galactose-induced aging mice, increase the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and reduce malondialdehyde contents in the liver, brain, and serum of aging mice. These results indicated that both TPP-1 and PTTP-1 presented significant antiaging activity. Moreover, PTTP-1 showed stronger antiaging effects in aging mice, indicating that phosphorylation improved antiaging effect., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

In this study, polyphenols (LSP) were obtained from the fermentation broth of Lachnum singerianum. Two fractions were isolated by Sephadex LH-20 chromatographic column, and the primary fraction (LSP-1) was collected. The comprehensive physicochemical properties of phenolic acids and polyhydroxy phenolic compounds of LSP-1 were determined by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results of anticoagulant activity assay in vitro showed that LSP-1 could lengthen prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and thrombin time of mouse plasma. In addition, anticoagulant activity results in vivo showed that high dose of LSP-1 could significantly prolong bleeding time, coagulation time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and thrombin time of hypercoagulable mice induced by adrenaline, reduce the content of fibrinogen and enhance antithrombin III activity. All results indicated that the LSP-1 could serve well as an anticoagulant, and might be used as a potential natural drug candidate for thrombosis., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Hyperlipidemia is one of the major health problem people suffering throughout the world, which is also a major risk factor for chronic heart disease that can lead to death. The current study was designed to investigate antihyperlipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of selenium modified exopolysaccharide of Lachnum sp. (SeLEP-1b) on high-fat induced mice model. Nitric acid-sodium selenite (HNO 3 -Na 2 SeO 3 ) method was used to selenize pure LEP-1b. FT-IR and 13 C NMR results confirmed the modification of LEP-1b into SeLEP-1b. The main structure of SeLEP-1b was similar to the original structure of native LEP-1b and Se(O)OH group was attached to the O-6 position of C-6 in LEP-1b. Oral administration of LEP-1b and SeLEP-1b (200mg/kg) notably reduced the serum and liver lipids, atherogenic index, and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes of hyperlipidemic mice, aswell improved the histopathological status of hepatic tissues. Hence, SeLEP-1b showed better effects than LEP-1b at the same doses. SeLEP-1b demonstrated promising lipid-lowering and liver protecting activities, which may be considered as a novel compound to treat hyperlipidemia and also act as a hepatoprotective agent., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

In the present study, an intracellular melanin, named LIM205, was separated from Lachnum YM205 mycelia and was purified on a Sephadex G-15 column. The molecular weight of LIM205 was determined as 522 Da, and its molecular formula was speculated as C 28 H 14 N 2 O 7 S. The possible chemical structure of LIM205 was determined according to the results of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, and pyrolysis/GC-MS analysis. With the aim to increase its water solubility, its carboxymethylated derivative, named CLIM205, was formed by the substitution of hydrogen atoms in LIM205 with one, two, and three carboxymethylate groups. FT-IR, UV, and ESI-MS analysis demonstrated that the carboxymethylate groups were conjugated onto LIM205. The lead detoxification activities of LIM205 and CLIM205 had also been investigated. In vivo test showed that both LIM205 and CLIM205 reduced the tissue lead concentration, enhanced lead excretion, and reversed lead-induced alterations in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in mice, with CLIM205 showed better efficacy. The study indicates that LIM205 and CLIM205 have significant lead detoxification effect which will contribute to solve related problems.

A novel melanin with low molecular weight (LIM205, 522Da) was isolated from the fermentation broth of Lachnum sp. and its carboxymethyl derivative (CLIM205) was prepared. The immunoregulatory effects of LIM205 and CLIM205 in immuno-compromised mice induced by cyclophosphamide were investigated. The results demonstrated that both LIM205 and CLIM205 could significantly increase the thymus and spleen indices, specific and nonspecific (including carbon clearance ability) immunity, humoral and cellular immunity of mice. Treatment with LIM205 and CLIM205 could increase activities of SOD, GSH-PX, CAT and decrease content of MDA in the mice. Furthermore, for all animal tests, the immunoregulatory activities of CLIM205 were more prominent than that of LIM205. In conclusion, our findings suggested that the natural products LIM205, as well as its carboxymethyl derivative CLIM205, had significant immunoregulatory activities, which might be a promising source of immunoregulator in healthcare field., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Carboxymethylated and sulfated polysaccharides (CLEP and SLEP) were prepared from an exopolysaccharide previously obtained from Lachnum YM240 (LEP) by chemical modifications. Two doses (50 mg kg -1 and 200 mg kg -1 b. w.) of LEP, CLEP and SLEP were orally administered to normal mice and type 2 diabetic mice (T2DM) that were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) and a high fat diet, respectively. The hypoglycemic effect was evaluated by testing the oral glucose tolerance, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, fasting serum insulin (FINS), glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and the hypolipidemic effect was evaluated by the body, spleen, pancreas, liver and kidney weights, as well as serum triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (TC) and free fatty acids (FFA). After four weeks of administration, LEP, CLEP and SLEP showed a marked FBG fall rate of 11.2%, 44.0% and 42.5% for the high-dose and 7.43%, 38.5% and 33.1% for the low-dose, respectively, as compared to the DC group. Moreover, compared with DC mice, TC concentrations in the high-dose groups of LEP, CLEP and SLEP were significantly decreased by 29.6%, 38.7% ( P < 0.05), 33.0% ( P < 0.05), and TG concentrations decreased by 18.9%, 43.9% ( P < 0.01), 29.0% ( P < 0.05), respectively. In addition, LEP and the derivatives significantly upregulated the expression of glucokinase (GK) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the liver, AMPK and glucose transporter 4 (Glut4) in skeletal muscle and peroxysome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-γ) in adipose tissue, whereas downregulated the expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) in the liver; these were examined using ELISA detection kits. These results for FBG and serum lipids indicate that LEP and its derivatives possess significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects and carboxymethylation improved the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects more effectively than sulfation. Therefore, the carboxymethylated and sulfated modifications were effective ways to enhance the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities of polysaccharides.

This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of oral administration of intracellular melanin from Lachnum YM156 (LIM) on chronic renal failure (CRF) in mice. The cytotoxicity of LIM was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. CRF was induced in mice by chronic dietary adenine intake. We have used this intervention to explore the effects of oral treatment with LIM (100 and 200 mg kg -1 ) in CRF mice. The treatment with LIM alone and a combination of Haikunshenxi capsule (HC) add LIM increased the concentration levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and glutathione reductase (GSH), reduced malonaldehyde (MDA) in the nephridial tissues and also reduced the nephridial levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin (IL)-6, and the activities of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Interestingly, the HC and LIM combination produced a higher therapeutic effect than HC alone. The mechanism of the reported salutary effects of LIM in adenine-induced CRF is associated with amelioration of the adenine induced inflammation and oxidative stress. The present findings recommend that LIM is a useful natural product which can be used to enhance the protection function of HC in CRF mice.

The aim of this study was to develop a simple and rapid method based on colorimetric sensor array (CSA) for evaluation of warmed-over flavour (WOF) in cooked chicken. All samples were classified according to storage time by CSA coupled with principle component analysis (PCA) or hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The CSA data were used to establish prediction models with thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), pentanal, hexanal, or heptanal associated with WOF by partial least square regression (PLSR). For the TBARS model, the coefficient of determination (rp(2)) was 0.9997 in the prediction range of 0.28-0.69mg/kg. In each of the models for pentanal, hexanal, and heptanal, all rp(2) were higher than 0.960 in the range of 0.58-2.10mg/kg, 5.50-11.69mg/kg, and 0.09-0.16mg/kg, respectively. These results demonstrate that the CSA was able to predict WOF development and to distinguish between each storage time., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To investigate whether intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) can be used to quantitatively analyze the cellular injury and microcirculation alterations in hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI)., Materials and Methods: Thirty-two New Zealand white rabbits were randomly and equally assigned to the sham group, 1-hour, 4-hour, and 12-hour groups according to the reperfusion time after 1 hour of ischemia using a 70% liver ischemia-reperfusion injury model. All the animals underwent IVIM-DWI with 12 b values at 1.5T. The imaging parameters (IVIM parameters and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADC]) among different groups were compared. The correlations between imaging parameters and histological scores, and the ratio of serum aspartate aminotransferase to serum alanine aminotransferase (serum AST/ALT) were analyzed., Results: During the first hour of HIRI, true diffusion coefficient (D) and ADC significantly decreased (P < 0.05), while there was no significant decrease in perfusion fraction (f) (P = 0.708). There was fair to good correlation between histological scores and f (rs  = -0.493 with the sham cases excluded, and -0.682 with all cases, both P < 0.05) and ADC (rs  = -0.479 with the sham cases excluded, and -0.766 with all cases, both P < 0.05). There was no correlation between imaging parameters and serum AST/ALT with the sham cases excluded (P = 0.673 for f, 0.568 for D, 0.403 for ADC), and good correlation between D, ADC, and serum AST/ALT (r = 0.747 and 0.748, both P < 0.001) with all cases., Conclusion: IVIM-DWI can quantitatively characterize an animal model of HIRI, with D and ADC sensitive in early detection of cellular injury, as well as fair to good correlation between f, ADC, and microcirculation alteration. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1327-1336., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Purpose: To characterize intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters in different regions of interest (ROIs) of rabbit VX2 liver tumors during a follow-up of 4 weeks., Materials and Methods: This study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. In 18 VX2 liver tumor-bearing rabbits, IVIM DW imaging was serially performed at the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th week separately after tumor implantation at 1.5T by using 12 b values. Three ROIs were drawn on the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps, including the whole lesion, the visibly most restricted diffusion area (MRDA), and peripheral area of tumor. For each ROI of tumors, serial changes in ADC and D, D*, and f at three timepoints were calculated. The differences of IVIM parameters in different ROIs of tumors at each timepoint were compared., Results: Serial measurements of f in all three ROIs (P = 0.000, P = 0.002, and P = 0.000), ADC for the whole lesion, MRDA (P = 0.000 and P = 0.024), and D for MRDA (P = 0.001) from the 2nd to 4th week illustrated a statistical difference. The overall comparison of ADC (P = 0.000, P = 0.014, and P = 0.000), D (P = 0.000, P = 0.001, and P = 0.000), and f (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.000) for three tumor regions at weeks 2, 3, and 4 showed significant differences. D* in all three ROIs at each timepoint showed no significant differences (P = 0.612, P = 0.723, and P = 0.699; 95% confidence interval: 0.184-0.950)., Conclusion: The peripheral area of tumor could be used as an alternative to the whole lesion as ROIs to assess the VX2 liver tumor with IVIM DW imaging, and in the period between weeks 2 and 3., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Using a simple solution mixing method, curcumin was dispersed in the matrix of Eudragit® E PO polymer. Water solubility of curcumin in curcumin-Eudragit® E PO solid dispersion (Cur@EPO) was greatly increased. Based on the results of several tests, curcumin was demonstrated to exist in the polymer matrix in amorphous state. The interaction between curcumin and the polymer was investigated through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and (1)H NMR which implied that OH group of curcumin and carbonyl group of the polymer involved in the H bonding formation. Cur@EPO also provided protection function for curcumin as verified by the pH challenge and UV irradiation test. The pH value influenced curcumin release profile in which sustained release pattern was revealed. Additionally, in vitro transdermal test was conducted to assess the potential of Cur@EPO as a vehicle to deliver curcumin through this alternative administration route., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare the performance of small intestinal submucosa (SIS)-covered endografts (SCEs) to bare nitinol stents (BSs) in injured swine iliac arteries., Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight nitinol stents were used: 14 externally SCEs and 14 BSs. Devices were implanted in each side of balloon-injured external iliac arteries of 14 swine via carotid approach. Arteriograms were obtained before and after implantation and before animal sacrifice at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Histopathological and electron microscopy studies of explanted specimens were performed., Results: Implantation of all SCEs and BSs was technically successful, but one SCE and one BS were obstructed at 8 weeks after implantation. At sacrifice, the other 26 stents were patent, with angiogram showing no significant different luminal narrowing between SCEs and BSs. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunohistochemistry examination revealed that the percentage of PCNA(+) cells were lower in SCEs (p<0.05). Additionally, histomorphological analysis indicated that the neointima area and percentage of narrowing area were greater in SCEs, but there was no statistical significance. Greater endothelial cell count in SCEs than in BSs per visual field at 4000 times magnification by scanning electron microscope (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Compared to BSs, no definite decrease of neointima and restenosis was found in SCEs in the present study. However, it is effective in promoting endothelial regeneration and strengthening endothelial function., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

A nanowire array of metal-organic complex copper-tetracyanoquinodimethane (CuTCNQ) was obtained by depositing a layer of copper in the bottom of anodic alumina template channels during a vapor-induced reaction method. SEM observation showed that the channel diameters of anodic alumina membranes prepared under 40 V and 200 V are about 60 nm and 200 nm, respectively, and CuTCNQ nanowire arrays were synthesized in these channels. Nanodevice prototypes with electrical switching characteristics based on a CuTCNQ nanowire array were fabricated, whose reproducible electrical switching and memory effects were observed. The on-off ratio for switching reaches 10(4). The potential applications in information storage devices are also discussed.