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The root economics spectrum (RES), a common hypothesis postulating a tradeoff between resource acquisition and conservation traits, is being challenged by conflicting relationships between root diameter, tissue density (RTD) and root nitrogen concentration (RN). Here, we analyze a global trait dataset of absorptive roots for over 800 plant species. For woody species (but not for non-woody species), we find nonlinear relationships between root diameter and RTD and RN, which stem from the allometric relationship between stele and cortical tissues. These nonlinear relationships explain how sampling bias from different ends of the nonlinear curves can result in conflicting trait relationships. Further, the shape of the relationships varies depending on evolutionary context and mycorrhizal affiliation. Importantly, the observed nonlinear trait relationships do not support the RES predictions. Allometry-based nonlinearity of root trait relationships improves our understanding of the ecology, physiology and evolution of absorptive roots., Kong et al. use a global trait dataset of 800 plant species to examine the root economics spectrum in relation to root diameter, tissue density and root nitrogen concentration. Nonlinear trait relationships were observed, suggesting allometry-based nonlinearity in root trait relationships.

ZnO and ZnO-Cu2O were grown on aluminum foam using hydrothermal method. Due to the positively charged sites on the surface, both ZnO and ZnO-Cu2O show higher adsorption capability towards anionic dyes, but poorer adsorption capability towards cationic dyes. The adsorption ability of ZnO-Cu2O is smaller than that of ZnO since there is a depletion layer at the interface. In order to decolorize cationic dyes, ZnO and ZnO-Cu2O are used as sono-catalyst with ultrasonic irradiation. The ZnO-Cu2O is better than ZnO in sono-catalysis decoloration of cationic dyes. This may be due to the enhanced piezoelectricity and electrochemical activity, as the free electrons in ZnO are reduced in the depletion layer.

Two new sesquiterpene pyridine alkaloids, Chinese bittersweet alkaloid A (

Oxidative glutamate toxicity plays a vital role in the neurodegeneration diseases, including Alzheimer's diseases (AD). This study set out with the aim to investigate the beneficial effects of fangchinoline (FAN), a natural alkaloid, against glutamate-induced oxidative damage, and to clarify the underlying cellular and biochemical mechanisms. FAN prevented HT22 cells death from oxidative glutamate cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner, and significantly attenuated the overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reversed the reduction of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity induced by glutamate. Further investigations on the underlying mechanisms demonstrated that FAN potently up-regulated the protein level of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1), in glutamate-exposed HT22 cells. The protective effects of FAN were almost completely antagonized by inhibitor of Nrf2. Subsequent studies revealed that FAN could down-regulate Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) in both mRNA level and protein level. To sum up, our result demonstrated the protective effects of FAN against glutamate-induced oxidative neuronal damage, and for the first time clarified the anti-oxidative mechanisms of FAN involve activating endogenous antioxidant defense system including enhancing SOD activity and regulating Keap1/Nrf-2 antioxidation signaling through modulation of Keap1 expression. Above results shed more light on the molecular mechanisms of FAN's neuroprotective effects, and may provide important clues for the drug development in preventing oxidative stress-associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Six undescribed Lycopodium alkaloids (LAs) comprising four lycodine-type (lycofargesiines A–D), one lycopodine-type (lycofargesiine E), and a phlegmarine-type (lycofargesiine F), together with 16 known ones were isolated from the club moss Huperzia fargesii. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) analysis, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. (7S,8R,12R,13R)-Lycofargesiine A is a rare naturally occurring LA possessing an exocyclic double bond between C-15 and C-16, with ring A being a rare 2,3-dihyropyridone motif. Lycofargesiine D is an uncommon lycodine-type alkaloid featuring a unique N-acetylated tetrahydropyridinyl segment (ring A), whereas lycofargesiine F is the first phlegmarane-type LA bearing two nitrone moieties. In addition to the isolated huperzine A in this study, another two isolates (lycofargesiine C and 16-hydroxyhuperzine A) were also found to show inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), with IC50 values of 8.63 and 5.18 μM, respectively.

High-fidelity mapping of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques is critical for the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. However, in vivo probing of Aβ plaques by commercially available thioflavin derivatives (ThT or ThS) has proven to be extremely limited, as evident by the restriction of enrichment quenching effect, low signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio, and poor blood–brain barrier (BBB) penetrability. Herein, we demonstrate a rational design strategy of near-infrared (NIR) aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active probes for Aβ plaques, through introducing a lipophilic π-conjugated thiophene-bridge for extension to NIR wavelength range with enhancement of BBB penetrability, and tuning the substituted position of the sulfonate group for guaranteeing specific hydrophilicity to maintain the fluorescence-off state before binding to Aβ deposition. Probe QM-FN-SO3 has settled well the AIE dilemma between the lipophilic requirement for longer emission and aggregation behavior from water to protein fibrillogenesis, thus making ...

Six new cembrane-type diterpenoids, namely ximaoglaucumins A-F (1-6), along with fifteen known related ones (7-10 and 14-24), have been isolated from the soft coral Sarcophyton glaucum collected off the Ximao Island in the South China Sea. Their structures, including absolute stereochemistry, were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, quantum mechanical nuclear magnetic resonance (QM-NMR) methods, X-ray diffraction analysis, chemical methods, as well as comparison with the reported data in the literature. Further, detailed analysis of spectroscopic data of 7 not only clarified the confusions regarding 7, 11 (sarcophytolol) and 12/13 (sarcotrocheliol) in the literature, but also led to revise the structure of 11, which was mis-assigned due to careless/erroneous interpretation of the 2D NMR spectra, and to correct the structures of 12/13, which were both wrongly depicted. In in vitro bioassay, compounds 8 and 20 exhibited potent inhibitory effects on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells.

A new coordination polymeric chains modified polyoxometalate, H3K2[Ag5(DTB)5][SiW12O40]2·Cl2·8H2O (1) {DTB ​= ​1,4-di(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzene}, has been successfully synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the Keggin POM cluster is modified by {Ag(DTB)}n chains in an unusually [2 ​+ ​4] asymmetrical mode resulting in a 2D double layer structure. By connection of K cations and π···π interactions between adjacent {Ag(DTB)}n coordination polymeric chains, the 2D structure extends to a 3D structure. In addition, crystal 1 can be used as a packing material for the highly selective adsorption and separation cationic dyes such as methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) against with methyl orange (MO) anionic dyes. The adsorption of a series of cationic organic dyes experiment demonstrated that this process is highly related to the sizes of organic dyes.

Four new lathyrane-type diterpenoids (1-4) and a novel macrocyclic diterpenoid (5) featuring a 5/7/7/4-fused ring system, together with seventeen known ones (6-22), were isolated from the seeds of Euphorbia lathyris. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analyses and single crystal X-ray crystallography. These isolates were evaluated for their inhibition against nitric oxide (NO) production induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in BV-2 microglial cells. As a result, the inhibitory rates of compounds 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9-11, 13-15, 20, and 21 on NO production were more than 40% with the cell viability more than 80% at their effective concentrations. In addition, compounds 6 and 11 markedly reduced the mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells.

The use of traditional two-part geopolymers is limited to small scale engineering applications, due to difficulties with the transportation, storage and prefabrication of alkaline activator solutions. In this study, “just adding water” or one-part geopolymers were developed using solid activators. Flow tests, flexural and compressive strength tests were carried out on a number of one-part and two-part geopolymer mortar specimens to evaluate the effect of concentration, modulus and type of activators on the workability and mechanical properties of geopolymer mortar. The reaction heat during the first 7 curing days and the degree of reaction of one-part and its two-part geopolymer counterparts were measured to compare their reaction mechanism. The test results showed that the flexural and compressive strengths of one-part geopolymer mortar specimens were 88%-94% and 65%-95% respectively, of the corresponding strengths of the two-part counterparts. The results also revealed that anhydrous sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) is a more effective solid activator than the combination of hydrous Na2SiO3 and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for metakaolin and fly ash blending precursor. Due to a higher degree of geopolymerization reaction, the highest compressive strength of one-part geopolymer mortar using anhydrous Na2SiO3 with modulus of 1.4, reached 49.2 MPa after 7-day ambient temperature curing. When using a combination of solid hydrous Na2SiO3 and NaOH as an activator, the strength difference between one-part and its corresponding two-part geopolymer mortar specimens decreased with an increase in the modulus of the activator.

BACKGROUND Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) causes joint pain and limited mobility, which affects the quality of life. The use of Chinese herbal medicine to treat KOA has achieved certain effects, and Wutou decoction (WTD) is one of them. But there is no high-level evidence to support this result. The purpose of this work is to evaluate WTD's efficacy and safety in the management of KOA. METHODS We will search articles in 7 electronic databases including Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data (WF), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Chinese databases SinoMed (CBM), PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. All the publications, with no time restrictions, will be searched without any restriction of language and status, the time from the establishment of the database to September 2020. Two reviewers will independently assess the quality of the selected studies, NoteExpress and Excel software will be used to extract data, and the content will be stored in an electronic chart. Different researchers will separately screen the titles and abstracts of records acquired potential eligibility which comes from the electronic databases. Full-text screening and data extraction will be conducted afterward independently. Statistical analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS This study will evaluate the current efficacy and safety of WTD in the treatment of KOA, to provide high-quality, evidence-based clinical recommendations. CONCLUSION This study will provide reliable evidence on whether WTD is safe and effective in treating KOA. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER INPLASY202090022.

Real-time, nondestructive monitoring of crop nitrogen (N) status is a critical factor for precision N management during wheat production. Over a 3-year period, we analyzed different wheat cultivars grown under different experimental conditions in China and Canada and studied the effects of viewing angle on the relationships between various vegetation indices (VIs) and leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) using hyperspectral data from 11 field experiments. The objective was to improve the prediction accuracy by minimizing the effects of viewing angle on LNC estimation to construct a novel vegetation index (VI) for use under different experimental conditions. We examined the stability of previously reported optimum VIs obtained from 13 traditional indices for estimating LNC at 13 viewing zenith angles (VZAs) in the solar principal plane (SPP). Backscattering direction showed better index performance than forward scattering direction. Red-edge VIs including modified normalized difference vegetation index (mND705), ratio index within the red edge region (RI-1dB) and normalized difference red edge index (NDRE) were highly correlated with LNC, as confirmed by high R 2 determination coefficients. However, these common VIs tended to saturation, as the relationships strongly depended on experimental conditions. To overcome the influence of VZA on VIs, the chlorophyll- and LNC-sensitive NDRE index was divided by the floating-position water band index (FWBI) to generate the integrated narrow-band vegetation index. The highest correlation between the novel NDRE/FWBI parameter and LNC ( R 2 = 0.852) occurred at −10°, while the lowest correlation ( R 2 = 0.745) occurred at 60°. NDRE/FWBI was more highly correlated with LNC than existing commonly used VIs at an identical viewing zenith angle. Upon further analysis of angle combinations, our novel VI exhibited the best performance, with the best prediction accuracy at 0° to −20° ( R 2 = 0.838, RMSE = 0.360) and relatively good accuracy at 0° to −30° ( R 2 = 0.835, RMSE = 0.366). As it is possible to monitor plant N status over a wide range of angles using portable spectrometers, viewing angles of as much as 0° to −30° are common. Consequently, we developed a united model across angles of 0° to −30° to reduce the effects of viewing angle on LNC prediction in wheat. The proposed combined NDRE/FWBI parameter, designated the wide-angle-adaptability nitrogen index (WANI), is superior for estimating LNC in wheat on a regional scale in China and Canada.

Four fawcettimine-type (palhicerines A-D, resp.) and two lycopodine-type (palhicerines E and F) Lycopodium alkaloids together with twenty known ones were isolated from the whole plant of Palhinhaea cernua. The structures and absolute configurations of the palhicerines A-F were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods, single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, chemical transformation, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations or induced electronic circular dichroism (IECD) spectra. Among the isolates, the new C/D-ring of the palhicerines A-C (trans-fused fawcettimine-type alkaloids) are rare, and each possesses a β-oriented C-16 methyl group and a distinctive tertiary methoxy group at C-13. Chemotaxonomy for differentiating species in the genus Palhinhaea is briefly discussed.

Non-destructive monitoring of wheat nitrogen (N) status is essential for precision N management during wheat production. In this study, the quantitative correlation between leaf N concentration (LNC) and ground-based canopy hyperspectral reflectance in winter wheat was investigated. Field experiments were conducted for four years at different locations (Xinyang, Zhengzhou, and Shangshui) in China. Different N application rates, planting density, growth stages, and wheat cultivars were used. We developed a novel index (water resistance N index [WRNI]) that integrated the advantages of an index that minimizes water effects and an index sensitive to LNC. Data showed that the proposed combined index (WRNI), the ratio of the normalized difference red-edge index (NDRE) and floating-position water band index (FWBI) was both sensitive to LNC and resistant to variations in leaf water. Then, we optimized the bands of NDRE/FWBI to create an integrated narrow-band vegetable index ( ( R 735 - R 720 ) × R 900 R min ( 930 - 980 ) × ( R 735 + R 720 ) ) to trace the dynamic changes in LNC in winter wheat. Our novel index and 15 selected common indices were tested for stability across growth stages, locations, years, treatments, cultivars, and plant types in estimating LNC in winter wheat. Six of the 16 previously determined indices performed well, and R705/(R717 + R491) and mND705 both showed the highest coefficients of determination (R2 = 0.832 and 0.818, respectively) and the lowest root mean square error (RMSE = 0.401 and 0.417, respectively). When compared with the optimized common indices, the novel index WRNI was most closely correlated with LNC, and the corresponding linear equation yielded R2 = 0.843 and RMSE = 0.382 across the whole 16 datasets; this further indicated a superior trace for LNC changes under heterogeneous field conditions. These models can accurately estimate LNC in winter wheat, and the novel index WRNI is promising for detecting LNC on a regional scale in heterogeneous fields under variable climatic conditions.

Purpose Angiopoietin-1 (Ang1) is a critical factor for vascular stabilization and endothelial survival via inhibition of endothelial permeability and leukocyte- endothelium interactions. Hence, we hypothesized that treatment with umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) carrying the Ang1 gene (UCMSCs-Ang1) might be a potential approach for acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Materials and methods UCMSCs with or without transfection with the human Ang1 gene were delivered intravenously into rats one hour after intra-abdominal instillation of LPS to induce ALI. After the rats were sacrificed at 6 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, 8 days, and 15 days post-injection of LPS, the serum, the lung tissues, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were harvested for analysis, respectively. Results Administration of fluorescence microscope confirmed the increased presence of UCMSCs in the injured lungs. The evaluation of UCMSCs and UCMSCs-Ang1 actions revealed that Ang1 overexpression further decreased the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, TGF-β₁, and IL-6 and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the injured lungs. This synergy caused a substantial decrease in lung airspace inflammation and vascular leakage, characterized by significant reductions in wet/dry ratio, differential neutrophil counts, myeloperoxidase activity, and BALF. The rats treated by UCMSCs-Ang1 showed improved survival and lower ALI scores. Conclusion UCMSCs-Ang1 could improve both systemic inflammation and alveolar permeability in ALI. UC-derived MSCs-based Ang1 gene therapy may be developed as a potential novel strategy for the treatment of ALI.

Starting from a screening-hit compound, via structure modifications and optimizations, a series of nonfused and nonassembly pyrimidinylthiourea derivatives (2-5) was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as novel multifunctional agents against Alzheimer's disease. Biological activity results demonstrated that compounds 5r and 5t exhibited potent inhibition and excellent selectivity toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE, 5r, IC50 = 0.204 μM, SI196; 5t, IC50 = 0.067 μM, SI597), specific metal-chelating ability, significant antioxidant effects, modulation of metal-induced Aβ aggregation, inhibition of ROS production by copper redox cycle, low cytotoxicity, and moderate neuroprotection to human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Moreover, compound 5r displayed appropriate blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability both in vitro and in vivo and could improve memory and cognitive function of scopolamine-induced amnesia mice. The multifunctional profiles of 5r and its effectivity in AD mice highlight these structurally distinct pyrimidinylthiourea derivatives as prospective prototypes in the research of innovative multifunctional drugs for Alzheimer's disease.

Background Self-report pain assessment scales may be inappropriate when critically ill patients are incapable of adequate communication because of sedation or mechanical ventilation. The Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS, for intubated patients) and the BPS-non intubated (BPS-NI, for non-intubated patients) measure objective behavioral indicators of pain in non-communicating critically ill patients. Objectives To develop a Chinese version of the BPS combining the original version of the BPS and BPS-NI suitable for pain assessment among critically ill patients and to determine its reliability and validity. Design Two cross-sectional studies. Settings A 15-bed surgical intensive care unit (ICU) in a teaching hospital in Beijing, China. Participants In the first study, 129 patients (53 intubated and 76 non-intubated) were recruited; in the second study, 83 (43 intubated and 40 non-intubated) were recruited. Methods The Chinese version of the BPS (BPS-C) was developed via rigorous translation methods, including double back-translation and content validation involving 13 clinical experts. Internal consistency, discriminative validity, and criterion-related validity were established using the BPS-C and the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The BPS-C and NRS were used to assess pain in 53 intubated and 76 non-intubated post-abdominal surgery patients during low pain exposure and increased pain exposure in the first study. To establish interrater reliability, a researcher and a bedside nurse independently performed 172 paired assessments in 43 intubated patients and 160 paired assessments in 40 non-intubated patients with the BPS-C under the same conditions in the second study. Results The BPS-C achieved conceptual and semantic equivalence with the original tool. Internal consistency was established through Cronbach's alpha ( α =0.724–0.743 in intubated patients, α =0.701–0.762 in non-intubated patients). Interrater reliability was confirmed through the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), which ranged from 0.962 to 1.000 in both intubated and non-intubated patients with high agreement percentages (95.3–100.0% in intubated and 95.0–100.0% in non-intubated patients). BPS-C scores during increased exposure to pain were significantly higher than those obtained during low exposure to pain, indicating discriminative validity. Criterion-related validity was confirmed by strong positive correlations between BPS-C and NRS scores ( Pearson's correlations r =0.815–0.937 for intubated patients, Pearson's correlations r =0.755–0.899 for non-intubated patients). Conclusions The Chinese version of the BPS (BPS-C) is appropriate for pain assessment among intubated and non-intubated ICU patients.

Three novel 7,8-seco-lycopodane-derived 8,5-lactones (annotinolides A-C, 1-3) were isolated from Lycopodium annotinum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 possesses an unusual cyclopropane ring constructed through a hitherto unknown C-6/C-12 bond. Compound 2 represents the first 7,8-seco-lycopodane-derived alkaloid with a rare cyclobutane ring formed by a new C-12/C-15 linkage, while the C-8/C-15 bond remains. Compound 3 contains an unprecedented 12-spiro-9,12-γ-lactone moiety. Their plausible biosynthetic pathways and antiaggregation effects on amyloid-β1-42 are also presented.

Iron dyshomeostasis is one of the primary causes of neuronal death in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Huperzine A (HupA), a natural inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), is a licensed anti-AD drug in China and a nutraceutical in the United Sates. Here, we investigated the protective effects of HupA against iron overload-induced injury in neurons. Rat cortical neurons were treated with ferric ammonium citrate (FAC), and cell viability was assessed with MTT assays. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assays were performed to assess mitochondrial function. The labile iron pool (LIP) level, cytosolic-aconitase (c-aconitase) activity and iron uptake protein expression were measured to determine iron metabolism changes. The modified Ellman's method was used to evaluate AChE activity. HupA significantly attenuated the iron overload-induced decrease in neuronal cell viability. This neuroprotective effect of HupA occurred concurrently with a decrease in ROS and an increase in ATP. Moreover, HupA treatment significantly blocked the upregulation of the LIP level and other aberrant iron metabolism changes induced by iron overload. Additionally, another specific AChE inhibitor, donepezil (Don), at a concentration that caused AChE inhibition equivalent to that of HupA negatively, influenced the aberrant changes in ROS, ATP or LIP that were induced by excessive iron. We provide the first demonstration of the protective effects of HupA against iron overload-induced neuronal damage. This beneficial role of HupA may be attributed to its attenuation of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction and elevation of LIP, and these effects are not associated with its AChE-inhibiting effect.

Objective: To explore the effects of 532 nm continuous laser combined with photodynamic therapy (PDT) versus 595 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL) on a chicken comb model of vascular malformation. Study design: Ninety adult male chickens were divided into three groups (A, B and C). One comb side of the chickens was taken randomly as the treatment side, and the other side as the self-control side. Group A was irradiated once with a 532 nm continuous laser after a single intravenous injection of hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME). In group B treatment side of combs was irradiated once with a 595 nm pulsed dye laser (PDL). In the control group C, the combs were treated neither with photosensitizer nor with irradiation. Results: Compared with the self-control sides, part of the treated combs were blanched after HMME-PDT while the histopathology showed an absence of erythrocytes and the vessel lumina were obliterated, leaving the normal overlying epidermis completely intact. At the same time selective destruction of the capillaries in the target area and obvious reduction of vascular vessel number were seen (ppp>0.05). Conclusion: In the chicken comb model it was shown that both 532 nm HMME-PDT and 595 nm PDL treatment could damage capillaries in the superficial dermis of combs. The 532 nm HMME-PDT had fewer side effects compared with 595 nm PDL, but the inefficiency rate of 532 nm HMME-PDT group was higher than the 595 nm PDL group. No significant difference was observed in the macroscopic and histopathological results of both groups (p>0.05).

A novel C16N2 Lycopodium alkaloid, phlefargesiine A (1), was isolated from the whole plant of the club moss Phlegmariurus fargesii. The structure and absolute configuration were determined by extensive spectroscopic and computational methods. Compound 1 possesses an unprecedented [6/7/6/6]-tetracyclic framework, of which the seven-membered ring (ring B) is constructed through a hitherto unknown C-4–C-14 linkage.

Wave-absorbing coating samples are fabricated with ZnO whisker, the absorbent and silicon resin coating as the binder.The influences of the content of ZnO whisker in the absorbing coating and the thickness of the coating on millimeter wave absorbing property are analyzed.With the increasing of the thickness, the absorbing performance of the sample is enhanced significantly , the results show that with a ZnO whisker mass of 50% and coating thickness of 2 mm, excellent absorption (R

This paper presents results from experimental studies on mechanical properties and thermal behavior of geopolymer mortar, prepared by alkaline solution activating metakaolin and fly ash blend. Bending, compressive, tensile and bond strength tests were conducted on large sets of geopolymer mortar, Portland cement mortar, and commercially used repair mortar specimens at ambient temperature and after exposure to elevated temperatures. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry analysis, and dilatometric tests were also carried out on geopolymer paste and mortar. Results from these tests show that geopolymer mortar exhibits higher temperature-induced degradation in bending and tensile strength, but lower degradation in compressive and bond strength than ordinary Portland cement mortar and commercially used repair mortar. Specifically, the bond strength of geopolymer mortar on cement mortar or concrete substrate is close to or even higher than that of commercially used repair mortar throughout 25–700 °C range. The microstructural damage due to temperature-induced dehydration and dehydroxylation, and thermal incompatibility between geopolymer paste and aggregates is the main reason for the strength degradation of geopolymer mortar at high temperatures.

With accumulating evidence suggesting that amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition is a good diagnostic biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the discovery of active Aβ probes has become an active area of research. Among the existing imaging methods, optical imaging targeting Aβ aggregates (fibrils or oligomers), especially using near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes, is increasingly recognized as a promising approach for the early diagnosis of AD due to its real time detection, low cost, lack of radioactive exposure and high-resolution. In the past decade, a variety of fluorescent probes have been developed and tested for efficiency in vitro, and several probes have shown efficacy in AD transgenic mice. This review classifies these representative probes based on their chemical structures and functional modes (dominant solvent-dependent mode and a novel solvent-independent mode). Moreover, the pharmaceutical characteristics of these representative probes are summarized and discussed. This review provides important perspectives for the future development of novel NIR Aβ diagnostic probes.

Two new Lycopodium alkaloids, strictumines A (1) and B (2), along with 18 related known compounds were isolated from the whole plant of Lycopodium obscurum L. f. strictum. The structures of the new compounds were established by spectroscopic methods and chemical transformation. This is the first report on chemical constituents of the title plant. All the isolates were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and only a few were found to show slight bioactivity.

Real-time, nondestructive estimation of crop nitrogen (N) status is highly important for precision N management in winter wheat production. Developing a new N indicator based on the direct link between spectral index and chlorophyll content is important for crop N diagnosis. In this study, we investigated the quantitative relationships between leaf N concentration (LNC) and ground-based multi-angular remote sensing hyperspectral reflectance in winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.). Field experiments were conducted from 2011 to 2014 across different sites, cultivars, growth stages, N rates, and planting densities, and a novel Multi-angular vegetation index (MAVI SR ) was developed to improve the prediction accuracy and stability of LNC measurement. The optimum vegetation indices (VIs) obtained from 40 traditional indices reported in the literature, as well as normalized difference spectral indices (ND) and Simple Ratio Indices (SR), were tested for their stability in estimating LNC at 13 viewing zenith angles (VZAs). Overall, the coefficient of determination ( r 2 ) of spectral reflectance and traditional VIs with LNC decreased with increasing VZA in both the forward and backward scattering directions and reached maximum values at a viewing angle of −20°. Ratio index (RI-1 dB) exhibited the best linear relationship to LNC ( r 2 of 0.837) at the −20° viewing angle, but Enhanced vegetation index (EVI-1) showed the highest r 2 (0.819) with LNC at the nadir direction. The relationships between the LNC and two-band combinations indicate that there are three sensitive regions with high r 2 , which vary with VZA, usually comprising combinations of blue–red wavelengths, green–red edge wavelengths, and between-red edge wavelengths. To further analyze the relationship between the combination of the three sensitive regions and the sensitive VZAs with LNC, the MAVI SR index in the form of MAVI SR = ( R 538/ R 768) −20 − ( R 478/ R 634) +10 was calculated and found to be highly correlated with LNC ( r 2 = 0.897). When independent data were fit to the derived equations, the average relative error (RE) values were 15.5%, 14.3%, and 12.6% between measured and estimated LNC using EVI-1 0° , RI-1 dB −20° , and MAVI SR , respectively. These results suggest that the models can accurately estimate LNC in wheat, and the novel MAVI SR is more effective for estimating LNC than previously reported VIs, independent of years, sites, and growth periods. The results also indicate the importance of taking into account angle effects when analyzing VIs.

Twenty plain concrete cylinders, including unconfined cylinders and confined cylinders with 1, 2 and 3 layers of carbon fiber sheets using geopolymer as adhesive, were tested in axial compression at ambient temperature and after exposure to elevated temperatures, to investigate the strengthening effect of carbon fiber sheet-geopolymer system. The failure modes, load-displacement curves, axial and hoop strains of confined cylinders were compared with that of unconfined cylinders. The failure modes of confined cylinders after exposure high temperature are similar with those of ones at room temperature. When temperature is up to 300°C, the compressive strength of confined cylinders is a little more than that of ones at room temperature, and the ratio of increase on compressive strength which is 106.4% is double as that of at room temperature. However, the ductility of confined cylinders decreases significantly after exposure elevated temperatures. From stress-strain curves, it can be found that there is no obvious degradation on mechanical property after exposure to high temperatures. It shows that carbon fiber sheet-geopolymer system has an excellent resistance to high temperatures.

Nineteen compounds mainly including pyrrole-containing alkaloids and phytosterols were isolated from the EtOH extract of the fermented mycelia of Xylaria nigripes, a precious medicinal fungus known as Wuling Shen in Chinese. On the basis of spectroscopic methods, the structures of the new naturally occurring compounds were determined to be (4S)-3,4-dihydro-4-(4-hydroxybenzyl)-3-oxo-1H-pyrrolo[2,1-c][1,4]oxazine-6-carbaldehyde (1), methyl (2S)-2-[2-formyl-5-(hydroxymethyl)-1H-pyrrol-1-yl]-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)propanoate (2), and 3-{4-[(2R)-(2,3-dihydroxy-3-methylbutoxy]phenyl}-7-hydroxy-4H-chromen-4-one (3), respectively. The absolute configurations of 1 and 2 were deduced by the observed Cotton effects in their circular dichroism (CD) spectra, whereas that of the 1,2-diol moiety in 3 was determined using the Snatzke's method. Their biological activities such as neuroprotective, anti-neuroinflammatory, and cytotoxic properties were also reported.

Background Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare and potentially fatal condition that can be primary or secondary. Secondary HLH due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is uncommon. We report a case of tuberculosis-associated HLH in an umbilical cord blood transplant (UCBT) recipient and discuss its clinical characteristics and challenges. Methods Hematologic investigations, bone marrow aspirates, Xpert MTB/RIF test of TB with peripheral blood were performed. Immune modulation with anti-TB therapy was initiated. Results Subsequent treatment with anti-TB treatment resulted rapid clinical response and disease remission. Conclusion It is important to consider TB as one of the underlying cause of HLH in high-risk patients, particularly those in immunodeficient states. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the survival rates of patients with tuberculosis-associated HLH.

Recently, increasing evidence has suggested the association between gut dysbiosis and Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression, yet the role of gut microbiota in AD pathogenesis remains obscure. Herein, we provide a potential mechanistic link between gut microbiota dysbiosis and neuroinflammation in AD progression. Using AD mouse models, we discovered that, during AD progression, the alteration of gut microbiota composition leads to the peripheral accumulation of phenylalanine and isoleucine, which stimulates the differentiation and proliferation of pro-inflammatory T helper 1 (Th1) cells. The brain-infiltrated peripheral Th1 immune cells are associated with the M1 microglia activation, contributing to AD-associated neuroinflammation. Importantly, the elevation of phenylalanine and isoleucine concentrations and the increase of Th1 cell frequency in the blood were also observed in two small independent cohorts of patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to AD. Furthermore, GV-971, a sodium oligomannate that has demonstrated solid and consistent cognition improvement in a phase 3 clinical trial in China, suppresses gut dysbiosis and the associated phenylalanine/isoleucine accumulation, harnesses neuroinflammation and reverses the cognition impairment. Together, our findings highlight the role of gut dysbiosis-promoted neuroinflammation in AD progression and suggest a novel strategy for AD therapy by remodelling the gut microbiota.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Many bioactive constituents of Chinese herbal medicines have poor oral bioavailability. Besides oral administration, herbal medicines in China are also prepared for parenteral administration. Unlike for intravenous route, little is known about the intramuscular pharmacokinetics of herbal compounds. To facilitate rational use of herbal medicine, it is important to better understand such intramuscular pharmacokinetics. Aim of the study Bioactive constituents of XueShuanTong (a lyophilized extract of Panax notoginseng roots, extensively used in treatment of ischemic heart and cerebrovascular diseases) predominantly comprise ginsenosides Rb1 and Rd of 20(S)-protopanaxadiol-type and ginsenosides Rg1, and Re, and notoginsenoside R1 of 20(S)-protopanaxatriol-type; these saponins are poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to compare intramuscular and intravenous pharmacokinetics of these ginsenosides after dosing XueShuanTong. Methods Pharmacokinetics of ginsenosides was assessed in human volunteers receiving an intramuscular injection or 1.5-h intravenous infusion of XueShuanTong, both at 150 mg/person, and the plasma and urine samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Results Like after intravenous administration, the unchanged saponins were the major circulating forms after intramuscular administration, while their metabolites were poorly detected. These ginsenosides exhibited intramuscular bioavailability of 100%–112%, relative to the respective intravenous data. Similar to that after intravenous infusion, the 20(S)-protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides after the intramuscular injection exhibited notably longer terminal half-lives (46–106 h) than the 20(S)-protopanaxatriol-type ginsenosides (1.1–1.4 h). Conclusions Intramuscular route might be an effective alternative to intravenous route for XueShuanTong, from the pharmacokinetic perspective.

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) mitigation is essential for supporting the science output of Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) due to its high sensitivity. In order to protect FAST from RFI, an Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) study has been carried out and the operation of a Radio Quiet Zone (RQZ) is ongoing. RFI measurements of the telescope instruments and monitoring of the active radio services outside the site have revealed the radiation properties of the RFI sources. Based on the measurement results and theoretical analysis, various EMC methods have been implemented for the telescope to decrease the RFIs. Meanwhile, the main RFI sources in the FAST RQZ, such as mobile stations, broadcast stations and navigation instruments, have been identified, and the technical measures have been adopted to protect the quiet radio environment around the site. The early science outputs of FAST have demonstrated the efficiency of RFI mitigation methods.

The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) is the largest single-dish radio telescope in the world, and is now being commissioned after the first light in September 2016. Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) is among the key science topics according to the original design. The FAST VLBI system has been established, and the first VLBI fringe has been successfully obtained. FAST will significantly improve the sensitivity of the existing VLBI networks in the future, and some science projects in need of high sensitivity will benefit from its participation.

Modifications in soil fertility and microbiota structure driven by invasive plants can initiate a self-promoting mechanism that facilitates their invasion process. This study aimed to resolve how the progression of invasion affects the chemical, biochemical and microbial properties of soil using Conyza canadensis, a widespread and noxious invasive farmland weed, as a model. Different stages of the invasion process were simulated by growing C. canadensis and a non-invasive crop, Lactuca sativa, at different relative densities. Increasing invasion levels (i.e. increasing invader relative densities) resulted in altered properties of the soil, with an overall increase in nutrient supply and enzymatic activities as invasion intensified. Threshold changes in available nitrogen, organic matter and catalase activity in the soil were identified at invasion levels of 69%, 50% and 47%, respectively. Increasing invasion levels also affected the structure of the soil microbiota, with substantial changes occurring in the relative abundance for a number of bacterial and fungal taxa, including some that are relevant to nutrient cycling. Such changes in soil abiotic and biotic composition driven by C. canadensis might lead to positive plant-soil feedbacks that could promote the establishment and spread of the invasive weed.

Highlights • The vent fluids discharged from the Lutao hydrothermal field experienced low-degree subcritical phase separation. • The temperature and chemical compositions of the vent fluids were modulated by tides. • The time delay between tides and the response of hydrothermal system was about 3 h. • The typhoon “Fung-wong” cooled the reaction zone and decreased the degree of phase separation. • The hydrothermal system began to recover after the typhoon passed by. Abstract The Lutao hydrothermal field is an intertidal arc-volcanic system located offshore southeast Taiwan, hosting a Zhudanqu (ZDQ) vent and a Huwaichi (HWC) spring with strongly contrasting fluid chemistry. Low Mg, moderately enriched Cl, and H+ with respect to seawater indicate that the ZDQ endmember was derived from the brine phase that was formed during low-degree subcritical phase separation. In contrast, the endmember for the HWC vent fluids is related to the vapor phase. Temperature and pressure of the phase separation were estimated as ~150 °C and ~7 bar, respectively. The water/rock ratio was roughly calculated as about 2. The Lutao hydrothermal system was slightly affected by semi-diurnal tides, by some combination of tidal loading and tidal currents. The time delay between tides and the response of the hydrothermal system was about 3 h. While freshwater was almost absent in the HWC vent fluids at normal conditions, the typhoon “Fung-wong” on Sep 21st, 2014, led to intrusions of freshwater into the vent fluids with a percentage of ~16%. Both the ZDQ and the HWC endmember compositions showed some changes after the typhoon event, suggesting a cooling of the reaction zone. After the typhoon passed by, the hydrothermal system began to recover, evidenced by increasing percentages of the HWC endmember and decreasing freshwater contributions. The flux of the HWC endmember was estimated as 460–560 L h−1 based on these observations. This study, for the first time, reports a shallow-depth tidal-influenced hydrothermal system that was temporarily cooled by a tropical storm.

Fire-induced spalling is a serious risk to concrete structures, especially for high strength concrete structures. This paper presents results from high temperature spalling tests on geopolymer concrete. The effect of moisture content, concrete strength, heating rate and temperature level on the spalling behavior of geopolymer concrete is studied. The temperature-induced spalling mechanism in geopolymer concrete is investigated through the measurement of residual compressive and splitting tensile strength, variation in permeability (by sorptivity test) and chemical composition (by X-ray diffraction test) of geopolymer concrete after elevated temperature exposure up to 700 °C. The test results indicate that geopolymer concrete exhibit a good spalling resistance as compared to that of OPC concrete. The lower spalling risk in geopolymer concrete under high temperature exposure is facilitated from the highly connected pore structures and lower strength degradation with temperatures. Further results indicate that the pore structure (permeability) of geopolymer concrete gets a significant evolution with the exposure temperature, especially above 500 °C range. This is related to the sintering reaction in geopolymer binders at high temperatures.

This paper describes an imaging method for near-field defect detection in aluminum plates based on Green&rsquo, s function recovery and application of instantaneous phase coherence weighting factors. The directly acquired acoustic information of near-field defects is usually obscured by the nonlinear effects due to the physical limitation of the acquisition system. Using the diffuse field to recover the Green&rsquo, s function can effectively retrieve the early time information. However, averaging operations of finite number in this process produces an imperfect imaging result. In order to improve the image quality, two kinds of instantaneous phased coherence weighting factors are used to weight the Green&rsquo, s function to reduce the background noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio: the instantaneous phase coherence factor (IPCF), and the instantaneous phase weighting factor (IPWF). Experiments are conducted on two aluminum plates with two and four near-field defects, respectively. As a result, the background noise of amplitude images weighted by IPCF and IPWF is less than that of the conventional total focusing method (TFM). In addition, the IPCF image achieves a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) than that of IPWF, and the phase discontinuity in an IPWF image is suppressed through the IPCF.

Antarctic Krill, rich in many nutrients, is supposed to be one of the strategic food sources. However, it is not acceptable for direct consumption as traditional food, as its high content of fluoride is harmful to adults and children. Therefore, the safety of fluoride residue in Antarctic krill for food production should be investigated. In this research, the fluoride toxicity in Antarctic Krill was evaluated through mice feeding experiment. Their body weight was found not to be influenced by fluoride. However, dental fluorosis was observed in the krill group and the NaF group. Fluoride content in liver, kidney, urine, and bones are significantly different (P

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is well-known as a severe neurodegeneration disease involving complicated etiologies, and cholinesterase inhibition remain the prevailing mode of clinical intervention in AD management. Although most clinically applied cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs) achieve limited clinical outcomes, research on the central cholinergic system is still thriving. Recently, an impressive amount of knowledge regarding novel acetylcholinesterase functions, as well as the close association between the central cholinergic system and other key elements for AD pathogenesis, has accumulated, highlighting that this field still has great potential for future drug development. In contrast to the overwhelmingly disappointing clinical therapeutic effects of various disease-modifying drug candidates, interesting evidence has continued to emerge over the past 20 years from the wealth of preclinical and clinical data on the usage of ChEIs, indicating underestimated clinical benefits due to physician ambivalence, a lack of persistent treatment, and inappropriate medication times or doses. Here we pinpoint several topics fit for future attention, focusing on the updated cholinergic hypothesis, especially the pleiotropic relationships with key pathogenetic signaling pathways and functions in AD, as well as possible novel therapeutic strategies, including novel ChEIs and cholinesterase inhibition-based innovative multifunctional therapeutic candidates. We intend to strengthen the future value of the precise application of cholinergic drugs, especially novel ChEIs, as a cornerstone pharmacological approach to AD treatment, either alone or in combination with other targets, to relieve symptoms and to modify disease progression.

Let S l * denote the class of analytic functions f in the open unit disk D = { z : | z | &lt, 1 } normalized by f ( 0 ) = f ′ ( 0 ) − 1 = 0 , which is subordinate to exponential function, z f ′ ( z ) f ( z ) ≺ e z ( z ∈ D ) . In this paper, we aim to investigate the third-order Hankel determinant H 3 ( 1 ) for this function class S l * associated with exponential function and obtain the upper bound of the determinant H 3 ( 1 ) . Meanwhile, we give two examples to illustrate the results obtained.

The sensitive imaging of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is important for the timely detection of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although clinically the diagnosis of AD relies on the use of radiolabeled imaging reagents, herein we report the simple construction of a "flat ensemble" formed between a quinoline-malononitrile AIEgen (EDS) and thin-layer molybdenum disulfide (2D MoS2 ) for the sensitive detection of Aβ by means of fluorescence-based techniques. Self-assembly between EDS and 2D MoS2 in aqueous buffer solution produces the flat ensemble, and the subsequent interaction of the material ensemble with oligomeric and aggregated Aβ peptides leads to up to 19-fold enhanced fluorescence of EDS. The ensemble is also applicable for staining Aβ aggregates in vivo.

Background Neonatal hypoglycemia is tightly related to adverse neurodevelopmental and brain injury outcomes. Methods A total of 195 infants who were born from diabetic mothers with a low blood glucose level ( 24 h after birth). A total of 144 infants whose mothers had no high risk for gestational diabetes mellitus were followed up as the control group during the same period. The neurodevelopment of the infants was evaluated by the Gesell scoring method. Results The adaptability in the A2 and A3 subgroups was significantly lower than that in the control group (73.9 ± 6.6 vs. 87.9 ± 11.2; 71.5 ± 8.9 vs. 87.9 ± 11.2, respectively). There were significantly more mothers who used insulin during the perinatal period in A3 than in A1 and A2 (31% vs. 2%; 31% vs. 7.9%, respectively). The mothers of babies in subgroups A2 and A3 gained more weight than those of the control group (15.3 ± 1.9 kg vs. 11.1 ± 2.2 kg; 14.8 ± 2.6 kg vs. 11.1 ± 2.2 kg, respectively). Conclusions Long and repeated neonatal hypoglycemia caused poor adaptability. The babies of mothers who used insulin or had a high weight gain during pregnancy were associated with severe or persistent neonatal hypoglycemia.

Multifunctional agents aiming at cholinesterases (ChEs) and monoamine oxidases (MAOs) are promising therapy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, a series of novel propargylamine-modified pyrimidinylthiourea derivatives (1–4) were designed and synthesized as dual inhibitors of ChEs and MAOs with other functions against AD. Most of these derivatives inhibited ChEs and MAOs with IC50 values in the micro- or nanomolar ranges. Compound 1c displayed the dual functional profile of targeting the AChE (IC50 = 0.032 ± 0.007 μM) and MAO-B (IC50 = 2.117 ± 0.061 μM), along with the improved blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, antioxidant ability, and good copper chelating property in vitro. Animal studies showed that compound 1c·HCl could inhibit the cerebral AChE/MAO-B activities and alleviate scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice. Combined with good oral bioavailability (F = 45.55%), these findings demonstrated that compound 1c may be a potent brain permeable multifunctional candidate for the treatme...

To investigate the effects of drought stress on the growth of sweet potato, photosynthesis, yield, and water consumption characteristics were investigated in field-grown sweet potato plants (Jishu 21, a drought-tolerant cultivar) at different growth stages in 2014-2015. There were five drought treatments, including the whole growth period (DS), the early stage of growth (rooting and branching period, DS在2014—2015年遮雨棚下种植甘薯品种‘济薯21’,以全生育期正常灌水(WW)为对照,研究了全生育期(DS)、发根分枝期(DS

Iron dyshomeostasis and mitochondrial impairments are both vitally important for the progression of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, how these two pathological phenomena are linked with one another remains unclear, especially in neurons. To address the question, a model of iron overload was established with exposure of rat primary cortical neurons to excessive iron. We first verified that iron overload resulted in a decrease in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in neurons. Meanwhile, the release of mitochondrial cytochrome c was significantly increased after iron overload and consequently triggered an apoptosis signal, as revealed by Caspase 3 cleavage. To explore the potential underlying molecular mechanisms, an unlabeled quantitative proteomics approach was applied to primary neurons. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that 58 mitochondria-associated proteins were significantly altered, including three subunits of mitochondrial complex I and optic atrophy 1(OPA1). Increased NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase 75 kDa subunit and decreased NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit A10 levels were further validated by a western blot, and more importantly, complex I activity markedly declined. Iron-induced down-regulation on the OPA1 level was also validated by a western blot, which was not reversed by the anti-oxidant but was reversed by the iron chelator. Moreover, an OPA1-associated key downstream effect, mitochondrial fragmentation, was found to be aggravated in neurons exposed to excessive iron, which is consistent with the down-regulation of OPA1. Furthermore, the protein level of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1, an important protein closely related to complex I activity and mitochondrial fragmentation, also significantly declined in neurons by iron overload. Thus, our findings may shed new light on the linkage between iron toxicity and mitochondrial impairments, such as energy supply deficiency and mitochondrial fragmentation, and further expand the toxic repertoire of iron in the central nerve system. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14205.

Diabetic mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction (DMED) represents a significant complication associated with diabetes mellitus (DM) that greatly affects human life quality. Various reports have highlighted the involvement of mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2) in the regulation of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation, which has also been linked with DM. Through bioinformatics analysis, HMGCS2 was determined to be a novel target among DM patients suffering from erectile dysfunction (ED), and enriched in the Ras/ERK/PPAR signaling axis. Owing to the fact that the key mechanism HMGCS2 involved in DM remains largely unknown, we set out to investigate the role of the Ras/MAPK/PPARγ signaling axis and HMGCS2 in the corpus cavernosal endothelial cells (CCECs) of rats with DMED.Firstly, bioinformatics analysis was used to screen out differentially expressed genes in DMED. Then, to investigate the influence of the Ras/MAPK/PPARγ signaling axis and HMGCS2 on DMED, a rat model of DMED was established and injected with Simvastatin and si-Hmgcs2. The individual expression patterns of Ras, MAPK, PPARγ and HMGCS2 were determined by RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis methods. Afterwards, to investigate the mechanism of Ras/MAPK/PPARγ signaling axis and HMGCS2, CCECs were isolated from DMED rats and transfected with agonists and inhibitors of the Ras/MAPK/PPARγ signaling axis and siRNA of HMGCS2, with their respective functions in apoptosis and impairment of CCECs evaluated using TUNEL staining and flow cytometry.Microarray analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that Ras/ERK/PPAR signaling axis mediated HMGCS2 in DMED. Among the DMED rats, the Ras/MAPK/PPAR signaling axis was also activated while the expression of HMGCS2 was upregulated. The activation of Ras was determined to be capable of upregulating ERK expression which resulted in the inhibition of the transcription of PPARγ and subsequent upregulation of HMGCS2 expression. The inhibited activation of the Ras/ERK/PPAR signaling axis and silencing HMGCS2 were observed to provide an alleviatory effect on the injury of DMED while acting to inhibit the apoptosis of CCECs.Collectively, the key findings suggested that suppression of the Ras/MAPK/PPARγ signaling axis could downregulate expression of HMGCS2, so as to alleviate DMED. This study defines the potential treatment for DMED through inhibition of the Ras/MAPK/PPARγ signaling axis and silencing HMGCS2.

Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), including lncRNA metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), are involved in various cardiac diseases. We evaluated the effects of tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag-SNPs) on MALAT1 gene in a Chinese population of children with congenital heart disease (CHD). In the present study, 713 CHD patients and 730 gender- and age-matched children without CHD were genotyped for MALAT1 tag-SNPs rs11227209, rs619586, and rs3200401. Further investigation of SNP’s function was performed by luciferase assay. Statistical analyses, including uni- and multivariate logistic regression were performed to quantitate the association between these tag SNPs and CHD. We discovered that MALAT1 rs619586 GG allele was significantly associated with lower risk of CHD (odds ratio (OR) = 0.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.59–0.92, P=0.014) in additive model. Functional investigation indicated that G allele of rs619586 could trigger higher expression of MALAT1. We demonstrated that the functional MALAT1 polymorphism rs619586 A>G was significantly associated with CHD susceptibility in Chinese population, potentially via regulating MALAT1 expression.