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The hierarchical porous metal-organic framework (HP-MOF) has emerged as a hot topic in porous materials in consideration of their advantages in storage capacity and catalysis performance. Herein, we report the construction and property investigation of a series of HP-MOFs. A series of isoreticular microporous MOFs featuring the

A released exopolysaccharide (rEPS)-producing strain (LM187) with good acid resistance, bile salt resistance, and cholesterol-lowering properties was isolated from Sichuan paocai and identified as Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides. The purified rEPS, designated as rEPS414, had a uniform molecular weight of 7.757 × 105 Da. Analysis of the monosaccharide composition revealed that the molecule was mainly composed of glucose. The Fourier transform-infrared spectrum showed that rEPS414 contained both α-type and β-type glycosidic bonds. 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra analysis showed that the purified rEPS contained arabinose, galactose, and rhamnose, but less uronic acid. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that the exopolysaccharide displayed a large number of scattered, fluffy, porous cellular network flake structures. In addition, rEPS414 exhibited strong in vitro antioxidant activity. These results showed that strain LM187 and its rEPS are promising probiotics with broad prospects in industry.

Development of specific serum biomarkers is essential to improve diagnosis and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we show that serum and tissue levels of miR-519d are significantly decreased in NSCLC patients. The low expression of miR-519d is associated with lymph node metastases, clinical stage, and a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. In addition, ROC analysis demonstrated that the serum miR-519d levels can distinguish NSCLC patients from healthy controls. MiR-519d inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion by lung cancer cells, indicating that it may function as a tumor suppressor in lung cancer. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that HER3 is a target gene of miR-519d in lung cancer cells, and show that by targeting HER3, miR-519d inhibits the PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings demonstrate that the miR-519d levels are decreased in serum and tumor tissues of NSCLC patients, and indicate that miR-519d regulates NSCLC progression by targeting HER3. MiR-519d could potentially serve as a novel serum biomarker for NSCLC.

Geomagnetically induced currents (GICs) flowing through transformers affect their normal operation and can lead to accidents in power grids. The reactive power loss caused by GICs is called GIC-Q. At present, geomagnetic data are usually used to calculate GICs in research. These methods do not have real-time characteristics and cannot be used for real-time research on GICs. Response mechanisms for GICs in 1000 kV ultra-high voltage (UHV) transformers and for the effect of GIC-Q on large power grids are urgently required to prevent damage. Based on the principle of Kalman filter, this paper presents a model and method of calculating and analyzing GIC disturbance using the reactive power measured by wide area measurement systems (WAMS). The proposed method exhibits superior characteristics for real-time analysis and solves the problem of real-time shortage in GIC research. The model provides a theoretical calculation of GIC-Q disturbance in a 1000 kV autotransformer. Further, this method was verified according to the measured reactive power in three 1000 kV substations in Shandong Province and the measured geoelectric field at the Anqiu geomagnetic observatory station on September 8, 2017. The calculation results show that the reactive power measured by phasor measurement units (PMUs) can be effectively used to calculate and analyze GIC-Q in the transformers, which is significant to prevent disasters in the power grid caused by magnetic storms through dispatch and operation.

The geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) caused by geomagnetic storms can inflict the anomalous operation of power systems, damaging electrical equipment, or even resulting in a large-area blackout of power systems. Therefore, to reduce the impact of GIC and avoid severe disasters has been a major challenge for the development of large-scale power grids. Considering the fact that geoelectric field may have random orientation in mid-low-latitude areas, this paper employs GIC-Benchmark model, to calculate the GIC of East-China 1000kV ultra-high voltage (UHV) and 500kV extra-high voltage (EHV) power grids under a uniform geoelectric-field of 1V/km. We further analyze the characteristics and the pattern of GIC in UHV power grid and identify high-risk nodes which can be vulnerable to GIC encroachment. Then we propose installing additional resistors in the transformer neutral points of high-risk nodes to even the GIC distribution in whole networks, and make the theoretical calculation of GIC in East-China 1000kV power grid after installation. The results show that the principle of GIC-even distribution can reduce edge effect remarkably, which works well in mid-to-low- latitude areas at least, thus we expect to avoid space weather disaster in power grids with power operation scheduling and other mitigation methods.

Dan Peng, Zi-Liang Hou, Hong-Xia Zhang, Shuai Zhang, Shu-Ming Zhang, Rui-Yan Lin, Zhen-Chuan Xing, Yuan Yuan, Kai-Yuan Yang, Jin-Xiang Wang Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Jin-Xiang WangDepartment of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Xinhuananlu No. 82, Tongzhou District, Beijing, 101100, People’s Republic of ChinaEmail jinxiangwang@ccmu.edu.cnBackground: Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a common disease which may be a serious condition and has high mortality. Recently, it has been shown that circRNAs play an important role in the development of various diseases, including thromboembolic disease. However, circRNAs expression profiling is not clear in PTE, this study aims to identify the circRNAs expressed in PTE and to elucidate their possible role in pathophysiology of PTE.Methods: A total of 5 patients with CTPA-confirmed PTE and 5 healthy controls were recruited for the present study. The circRNAs expression profile was analyzed by microarray.Results: In total, 256 differentially expressed circRNAs (up 142, down114) and 1162 mRNA (up 446, down 716) were summarized by analyzing the circRNAs microarray data. The top 3 up-regulated and 3 down-regulated circRNAs were validated by Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Two differentially expressed circRNAs (hsa_circ_0000891, hsa_circ_0043506) were selected for further analysis. Finally, we construct a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network with a bioinformatic prediction tool. Pathway analysis shows that the enriched mRNAs targets take part in Protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Endocytosis, Spliceosome, HTLV-I infection and Ubiquitin mediated proteolysis.Conclusion: Our findings indicated that aberrantly expressed circRNAs (hsa_circ_0000891, hsa_circ_0043506) may be involved in the development of PTE.Keywords: circRNA, gene, pulmonary thromboembolism, circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, functional enrichment

H-polarization, along with E-polarization, indicates the lateral variations of the Earth conductivity, which influence the induced electric field distribution. The coast effect is a typical H-polarization phenomenon that causes local geoelectric field enhancement in coastal areas and significantly affects the geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) distributions in power grids. The influences of H-polarization on geoelectric fields and GIC form the basis for further research on power grid disasters resulting from magnetic storms. In this paper, block and thin-shell models of the coast effect are established, and the electric field distribution in the case of H-polarization is calculated using the finite element method. The results demonstrate the effects of the conductivity, frequency, and distance from the interface of a different conductivity on electric field distortion. Additionally, the relationship between H-polarization and GIC in power grids is investigated, demonstrating that the GIC can be influenced within 100 km in the H-polarization case. The methods and results provide a theoretical basis for GIC risk assessment and development of a control strategy for the power grid.

A released exopolysaccharide (rEPS)-producing strain (LM187) with good acid resistance, bile salt resistance, and cholesterol-lowering properties was isolated from Sichuan paocai and identified as

The construction and modulation of hierarchical pore structure in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has become a hot topic owing to the advantages of hierarchical pore MOFs (HP-MOFs) in matter storage and mass transfer related applications. Herein, we report the engineering of crystalline defect in a bimetallic MOF for the construction and tuning of HP-MOF. A microporous MOF system showing metal-center-dependent water stability, namely, {[M3F(bdc)3 tpt] (solvents)}n (M = Zn2+ and Ni2+, H2bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, tpt = 2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)triazine), was utilized as a platform for the construction of HP-MOF. By tuning the Zn2+/Ni2+ ratio in the reactant, a bimetallic MOF with a highly tunable Zn2+/Ni2+ ratio could be obtained. The relatively labile Zn2+-based coordination bonding in the bimetallic MOF could be readily and targeted broken through water treatment for the engineering of crystalline defects-based hierarchical pore structure. The resultant HP-MOF reveals a dramatically increased pore volume with the presence of mesopore and macropore. In addition, the anionic framework of HP-MOF could be utilized for the selective adsorption of a cationic dye methylene blue, and a relatively high capacity (250 mg·g-1, five times compared with the pristine microporous MOF) could be achieved.

The supermolecular recognition properties of a 2D coordination polymer, namely, [Cd2(3-tpt)(bpta)(H2O)3] (1) (3-tpt = 2,4,6-tris(3-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine and H4bpta = 1,1′-biphenyl-2,2′,6,6′-tetracarboxylic acid), are reported herein. Complex 1 shows a porous supermolecular framework with strong inter-layer π–π interaction from the triazine moieties of 3-tpt ligands. By utilizing its porous nature and triazine induced π–π interaction, complex 1 reveals specific supramolecular recognition and structure transformation toward benzene homologues, which is proved straightforwardly by structure investigations. Furthermore, the altered inter-layer π–π interaction of 1 in response to the molecule recognition also affects its emission properties, which indicates its potential in sensing applications.

Searching for photocatalysts with wide absorption range and high efficiency to solve the growing pollution issues such as organic pollutant degradation is vitally necessary for the upcoming clean and renewable energy systems. In this work, we employed one-step hydrothermal reaction to prepare bismuth sulfide (Bi2S3) incorporated with N-doped, red-light-emissive carbon dots (r-CDs) which manifest effective interface contact and excellent photocatalytic performance. The introducing of the r-CDs, which could be excited by long wavelength lights, efficiently widens the range of light absorption of the hybrid material and improves the ability of electron transfer, accounting for the remarkably higher photocatalytic efficiency of the hybrid material toward the degradation of methylene blue. A possible mechanism behind the efficient photocatalytic activity of the r-CDs/Bi2S3 is proposed where electrons transfer from Bi2S3 to the r-CDs for accelerating the separation of photo-generated electron/hole pairs. During the photocatalytic reaction, h+, •OH and •O2− simultaneously participated, as demonstrated by active species trapping experiments. This work provides a pace for designing high-performance photocatalysts based on the introducing of r-CDs with long wavelength emission, which is promising for catalytic and new energy applications.

One elite γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) producing strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC125 was isolated and identified from Chinese traditional paocai. S. cerevisiae SC125 and Lactobacillus plantarum BC114 were used as cooperative species to ferment mulberry (Morus alba L.) and produce a novel beverage enriched with GABA. The GABA, organic acids and volatile compounds in different fermentation stages were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and headspace solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). It was noted that coculture changed the profiles of flavor compounds in mulberry beverage. The tartaric and succinic acid contents increased to 1.34 g/L and 0.39 g/L, respectively. Lactic, malic, citric, and oxalic acid levels ranged between 0.92 and 2.56 g/L, and ethanol and glycerol were produced at 2.66 g/L and 1.81 g/L, respectively. More volatile compounds were detected in the coculture with significantly enhanced concentrations of fruity esters including ethyl caproate, ethyl propionate, butyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl caprylate and ethyl caprate, and alcohols of phenylethyl alcohol, 1-pentanol and 2-amino-1,3-propanediol. Also, a yield of 2.42 g/L GABA was achieved in the coculture. In conclusion, S. cerevisiae SC125 and L. plantarum BC114 coculture promotes the production of flavor compounds and GABA in mulberry beverage brewing.

The synergy of a stretchy ligand and highly variable π-π interaction has been proposed as a rational strategy for the construction of breathing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Based on this strategy, a breathing MOF, {[Cd

By rational combining the photochromic nature of azo moiety and pyridine radicals, two photochromic MOFs, namely [M(H2O) (azpy)0.5 (mal)]·0.25azpy (M ​= ​Zn for 1 and Mn for 2, azpy ​= ​azopyridine, H2mal ​= ​malonic acid) have been constructed. MOFs 1 and 2 exhibit 3D porous frameworks with ins topology. Both of the compounds features trans-cis isomerization of the azpy molecule as well as the formation of pyridine based radicals with irradiation triggered electron transfer, which is proved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, UV–vis spectra, XPS and EPR characterizations. Furthermore, Magnetic measurements shows that there is antiferromagnetic interaction in MOFs 2.

To investigate the effects of serum containing Qinbai Qingfei concentrated pellets on expressions of NLRP3 inflammasome in RAW264. 7 cells infected with Mycoplasma pneumoniae( MP) IL-1β.RAW264. 7 cells were randomly divided into normal group, MP model group and serum containing Qinbai Qinfei concentrated pellets group. RAW264. 7 cells and MP strain were cultured utilizing normal methods, preparation of serum containing Qinbai,with 1∶ 10 multiplicity of infection( MOI) of MP stimulation on RAW264. 7 cells; cells of each group were collected at 8,16,24 h respectively. The expressions of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 mRNA were detected by the method of FQ-PCR. The expressions of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 p20 protein were detected by Westernblot. The content of IL-1β in the supernatant was measured by ELISA.Compared with the normal group, he levels of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 mRNA were significantly increased in the model group at 8,16,24 h respectively( P0. 05 or P0. 01); while the levels of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 p20 protein were increased significantly( P0. 05 or P0. 01) at 16,24 h, and the levels of IL-1β were increased at significantly( P0. 01) 24 h. Compared with the model group, the levels of NLRP3,ASC and Caspase-1 mRNA were significantly reduced in serum containing Qinbai Qinfei concentrated pellets group at 16,24 h( P0. 05 or P0. 01); the expressions of NLRP3,ASC,Caspase-1 p20 protein and the content of IL-1β were all decreased at 24 h.Conclusion: The mechanism of antiMycoplasma pneumoniae action of Qinbai may be related to the down-regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome expressions.

With different pyridine-analogs as auxiliary ligands, three novel Zn(II) complexes ( 1 – 3 ) based on 5-(1 H -tetrazol-1-yl) isophthalic acid (H 2 L) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of complexes 1 – 3 show the presence of tetrazolyl group, as well as the coordination behavior of the auxiliary ligands as critical factors determining the structures of such Zn(II)-carboxylate coordination architectures. In addition, the resulting complexes all exhibit luminescence properties in the solid state at room temperature.

A new flavonol glycoside, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-(2-O-E-p-coumaroyl)-glucopyranosyl-7-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (1), along with eleven known compounds including five flavonol glycosides (2-6), one phenolic glycoside (7), two megastigmane glycosides (8 and 9), two triterpenoids (10 and 11) and one alditol (12), was isolated from the aerial parts of Euonymus fortunei. Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis and chemical evidence. Compounds 2-4, 7, 8, and 10-12 were evaluated their antimicrobial activities against Ureaplasma urealyticumin vitro, but all tested compounds have no useful activities against Ureaplasma urealyticum.

The distance calculation between two photovoltaic arrays is important in the design of grid-connected and grid-off power generation. It is easy to calculate the distance between two photovoltaic arrays on horizontal ground, but on the sloping ground existed in practical projects, it is more complicated. This paper introduces a kind of analytical geometry method to solve the problem of distance calculation between two photovoltaic arrays fixed on sloping ground.

Using same reactants with different mol ratio, two novel azido-copper(II) compounds [Cu(L)(N3)]n (1) and {[Cu3(L)2(N3)4](CH3OH)3}n (2) {HL=4-(1H-tetrazol-1-yl) benzoic acid} have been synthesized by the method of liquid diffusion at room temperature and structurally characterized. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses show that complex 1 has a two dimensional (2D) coordination structure with carboxylate/EO (end on)-azido mixed-bridged copper(II) chains, while 2 possesses different Cu − N 3 − / COO − one dimensional (1D) chains from that of 1, with double EE (end to end) azido bridge and carboxylate/EO-azido mixed-bridge coexisting, forming a 2D supramolecular framework by interchain H-bonds. The structural difference between 1 and 2 suggests that the tetrazolyl motif also has important influence on the construction of these complexes. Magnetic study indicates that domain ferromagnetic coupling interactions exist in both 1 and 2.

Among patients with primary lung cancer, 75-80% present with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there is a lack of studies into the potential preventive effects of curcumin against the activation of autophagy in NSCLC. Therefore, the present study primarily focused on the protective role of curcumin in NSCLC. It was demonstrated that curcumin decreased the viability of the human lung cancer cells lines, A549 and H1299, in a time-and dose-dependent manner (P

Elemental sulfur (S0) is always produced during bio-denitrification and desulfurization process, but the S0 yield and purification quality are too low. Till now, no feasible approach has been carried out to efficiently recover S0. In this study, we report the S0 generation and recovery by a newly designed, compact, biofilm formed membrane filtration reactor (BfMFR), where S0 was generated within a Thauera sp. strain HDD-formed biofilm on membrane surface, and then timely separated from the biofilm through membrane filtration. The high S0 generation efficiency (98% in average) was stably maintained under the operation conditions with the influent acetate, nitrate and sulfide concentration of 115, 120 and 100 mg/L, respectively, an initial inoculum volume of approximate 2.4 × 108 cells, and a membrane pore size of 0.45 μm. Under this condition, the sulfide loading approached 62.5 kg/m3·d, one of the highest compared with the previous reports, demonstrating an efficient sulfide removal and S0 generation capacity. Particular important, a solid analysis of the effluent revealed that the recovered S0 was adulterated with barely microorganisms, extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), or inorganic chemicals, indicating a fairly high S0 recovery purity. Membrane biofilm analysis revealed that 80.7% of the generated S0 was accomplished within 45–80 μm of biofilm from the membrane surface and while, the complete membrane fouling due to bacteria and EPSs was generally observed after 14–16 days. The in situ generation and timely separation of S0 from the bacterial group by BfMFR, effectively avoids the sulfur circulation (S2− to S0, S0 to SO42−, SO42− to HS−) and guarantees the high S0 recovery efficiency and purity, is considered as a feasible approach for S0 recovery from sulfide- and nitrate-contaminated wastewater.

One Fe6 wheel and two Fe10 clusters based on multidentate triethanolamine have been prepared with step-by-step strategy and structurally characterized. Magnetic analyses indicate that the Fe6 wheel exhibits strong antiferromagnetic behavior with S = 0 ground state.

Human botulism is commonly associated with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) serotypes A, B, E and F. This suggests that the greatest need is for a tetravalent vaccine that provides protection against all four of these serotypes. In current study, we investigated the feasibility of generating several tetravalent vaccines that protected mice against the four serotypes. Firstly, monovalent replicon vaccine against BoNT induced better antibody response and protection than that of corresponding conventional DNA vaccine. Secondly, dual-expression DNA replicon pSCARSE/FHc or replicon particle VRP-E/FHc vaccine was well resistant to the challenge of BoNT/E and BoNT/F mixture as a combination vaccine composed of two monovalent replicon vaccines. Finally, the dual-expression DNA replicon or replicon particle tetravalent vaccine could simultaneously and effectively neutralize and protect the four BoNT serotypes. Protection correlated directly with serum ELISA titers and neutralization antibody levels to BoNTs. Therefore, replicon-based DNA or particle might be effective vector to develop BoNT vaccines, which might be more desirable for use in clinical application than the conventional DNA vaccines. Our studies demonstrate the utility of combining dual-expression DNA replicon or replicon particle vaccines into multi-agent formulations as potent tetravalent vaccines for eliciting protective responses to four serotypes of BoNTs.

To produce a vaccine suitable for human use, a recombinant non His-tagged isoform of the Hc domain of botulinum neurotoxin serotype F (rFHc) was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified by sequential chromatography. The rFHc was evaluated as a subunit vaccine candidate in mouse model of botulism. A dose–response was observed in both antibody titer and protective efficacy with increasing dosage of rFHc and number of vaccinations. These findings suggest that the rFHc is an effective botulism vaccine candidate. Further, we developed a new antitoxin against botulinum neurotoxin serotype F (BoNT/F) by purifying F(ab′)2 fragments from pepsin digested serum IgGs of horses inoculated with rFHc. The protective effect of the F(ab′)2 antitoxin against BoNT/F was determined both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the F(ab′)2 antitoxin could prevent botulism in mice challenged with BoNT/F and effectively delayed progression of paralysis from botulism in the therapeutic setting. Thus, our results provide valuable experimental data for this new antitoxin as a potential candidate for treatment of botulism caused by BoNT/F.

Concern about the malicious applications of botulinum neurotoxin has highlighted the need for a new generation of safe and highly potent antitoxins. In this study, we developed and evaluated the preclinical pharmacology and safety of a new F(ab′)2 antitoxin against botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A). As an alternative to formalin-inactivated toxoid, the recombinant Hc domain of botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (rAHc) was used to immunize horses, and the IgGs from the hyperimmune sera were digested to obtain F(ab′)2 antitoxin. The protective effect of the new F(ab′)2 antitoxin against BoNT/A was determined both in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the F(ab′)2 antitoxin could prevent botulism in mice challenged with BoNT/A and effectively delayed progression of paralysis from botulism in the therapeutic setting. The preclinical safety of the new F(ab′)2 antitoxin was also evaluated, and it showed neither harmful effects on vital functions nor adverse effects such as acute toxicity, or immunological reactions in mice and dogs. Thus, our results provide valuable experimental data for this new antitoxin as a potential candidate for treatment of botulism caused by BoNT/A, and our findings support the safety of the new F(ab′)2 antitoxin for clinical use. Our study further demonstrates the proof of concept for development of a similar strategy for obtaining potent antitoxin against other BoNT serotypes.

Five new complexes [Cu2(L1)I2]∞ (1), [Cu(L2)I]2 (2), {[Cu2(L2)I2](CH3CN)3}∞ (3), [Cu2(L3)I2]∞ (4) and {[Cu(L3)I](CH3CN)}2 (5) have been obtained by reacting three structurally related ligands, 2,3-bis(n-propylthiomethyl)quinoxaline (L1), 2,3-bis(tert-butylthiomethyl)quinoxaline (L2) and 2,3-bis[(o-aminophenyl)thiomethyl]quinoxaline (L3) with CuI, respectively, at different temperatures. Single crystal X-ray analyses show that 1, 3, 4 possess 1D chain structures, while 2 and 5 are discrete dinuclear molecules. It is interesting that the reactions of CuI with L1 at room temperature and 0 °C, respectively, only afforded same structure of 1 (1a and 1b), while using L2 (or L3) instead, two different frameworks 2 and 3 (or 4 and 5) have been obtained. The structural changes mainly resulted from the different conformations that L2 or L3 adopted at different temperatures. Our research indicates that terminal groups of ligands take an essential role in the framework formation, and the reaction temperature also has important effect on the construction of such Cu(I) coordination architectures. Furthermore, the influence of hydrogen bonds on the conformation of ligands and the supramolecular structures of these complexes have also been explored. The luminescence properties of complexes 1, 2, and 4 have been studied in solid state at room temperature.

Abstract Oxidative stress of intestinal epithelium is involved in inflammatory bowel disease. To investigate protective effects of glutathione (GSH) on xanthine/xanthine oxidase (X/XO)-induced oxidative injury in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). We employed in vitro cell culture supplemented with X/XO. IECs were cultured for 72 h, and then divided into seven groups with various concentrations of X/XO and GSH supplementation in the medium. Agarose gel electrophoresis lanes indicated that X/XO induced DNA injury by the high concentration of XO (40, 70 U/L)-treated groups. The X/XO supplementation significantly increased the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in a dose-dependent manner. There was a slight increase in total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) value by the low concentration of XO (10U/L) alone-treated group (P > 0.05) while supplementation of a high concentration of XO (40, 70 U/L) significantly decreased TRAP value compared with XO (10 U/L) and the control group (P < 0.05). Addition of GSH decreased the production of MDA and DNA fragmentations (P < 0.05), but enhanced TRAP value (P < 0.05). These results suggest that IECs of piglet have the ability of enduring mild oxidative stress induced by a low concentration of XO. Although high concentrations of XO resulted in oxidation injury and lipid peroxidation in the IECs, additions of GSH to the medium showed significant protection against the X/XO-induced oxidative stress.

A series of complexes, [ZnLCl2]2 (1), [ZnL2(NO3)2]∞ (2), [MnL2(NO3)2]∞ (3), {[ZnL2(H2O)2](ClO4)2(CH3COCH3)2}∞ (4), {[MnL2(H2O)2](ClO4)2(CH3COCH3)2}∞ (5), {[CdL2(H2O)2]-(ClO4)2(H2O)6}∞ (6), and {[AgL](ClO4)(H2O)1.5}∞ (7), based on the flexible ligand 2,3-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)quinoxaline (L) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a dinuclear macrocyclic molecular, which is further linked into a 1D supramolecular chain by intermolecular C–H···Cl weak interactions. The metal centers in 2 and 3 coordinate two NO3– anions, and the flexible ligand bridges M(NO3)2 [M = ZnII or MnII] units to form 1D chain structures. Complexes 4, 5, and 6 show a 2D network structure with (4,4) topology. As expected, complex 7 has a 1D strand chain structure that is different than other MII complexes (4, 5, and 6) with the same ligand. These chains are further extended into a 2D supramolecular network by O···Ag···O weak interactions. In all these complexes, the ligand bridges in a similar mode; however, the complexes have different structures ranging from a dinuclear structure to a 2D network mainly due to the differences in the coordination geometries of the metal centers and counterions. These results reveal that the coordination geometry of metal ions and the coordinating abilities of the counterions play important roles in defining the overall structure of metal–organic frameworks. In addition, the fluorescent properties of complexes 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and ligand L and the EPR spectra of complex 5 were also investigated. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)

In current study, the immunogenicity of a plasmid DNA replicon vaccine (pSCARSHc) encoding the Hc domain of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (AHc) was investigated and compared with a conventional plasmid DNA vaccine (pcDNASHc) encoding the same antigen. In vitro, pSCARSHc incorporating Semliki Forest virus (SFV) replicon could express AHc protein and induce apoptosis of transfected cells. Comparison with the conventional plasmid DNA vaccine (pcDNASHc) yielded several interesting results. First, our self-designed pSCARSHc could induce relatively higher AHc-specific antibodies and lymphocyte proliferative responses in immunized Balb/c mice, especially at low doses. Second, while both pSCARSHc and pcDNASHc induced Th2-type immune responses, the ratio of IgG1 to IgG2a was lower in pSCARSHc groups and the Th2- and Th1-type humoral immune responses induced by pSCARSHc were also stronger than that of the pcDNASHc vaccine. Third, it was shown that the sera from pSCARSHc-vaccinated mice conferred more efficient protection than those from pcDNASHc-vaccinated mice by BoNT/A neutralization assay. Finally, mice immunized with pSCARSHc could also elicit more efficient protection against BoNT/A than pcDNASHc. These results indicate that our plasmid DNA replicon vaccine can provide strong immunogenicity and should be a potential alternative strategy to conventional DNA vaccines in developing an efficacious vaccine against C. botulinum neurotoxin serotype A.

From the aerial parts of Hypericum japonicum , two novel chromone glycosides, 5, 7-dihydroxy-2-(1-methylpropyl) chromone-8- β - d -glucoside and 5, 7-dihydroxy-2-isopropylchromone-8- β - d -glucoside, and two new flavonoids, 7, 8-(2″, 2″-dimethylpyrano)-5, 3′, 4′-trihydroxy-3-mehoxyflavone and (2R, 3R) dihydroquercetin-3, 7-O- α - l -dirhamnoside were isolated together with nine known flavonoids. Their structures were deduced from spectroscopic and chemical evidence. Some of the compounds were found to exert an interesting coagulant activity in an in vitro test.

Most of endovascular stent-graft modifications to preserve side branch must be customized according to extensive pre-operative assessment, which may not be possible in many hospitals and emergency settings. The study was to develop a novel stent-grafts system that would allow in situ "fenestration", with less reliance on preoperative imaging.The magnitude of pressure difference (PD) between left subclavian artery (LSA) and aortic arch were measured in 12 experimental pigs. Changes of PD before and after LSA was covered were analyzed respectively. The novel stent graft was made by multi-dimensional and multiple textiles forming technology. According to the PD measurement in pigs, we evaluated the feasibility of the stent-graft in a mock circulation system.In pigs, the blood pressure of aortic arch was significantly higher than that of LSA after it was covered (P0.001) and PD was (42.78 ± 5.17) mmHg. After target vessel was covered and when PD between the LSA and aorta reached the magnitude measured in pigs, contrast media oozed from the cranny of graft to the LSA, which was generated by sliding and deformation of yarns of novel stent-graft.The study proposes the design of pressure difference-induced perforation aortic stent-grafts system and verifies that the PD between LSA and aortic arch is high enough to allow in situ "fenestration" by stent graft made by multi-dimensional and multiple textiles forming technology.

To evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic surgery in inflammatory hip arthritis.A retrospective clinical study was conducted inspecting 40 hips in 36 patients of inflammatory arthritis. There were 17 cases of ankylosing spondylitis, 11 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, and 8 cases of psoriatic arthritis. The joints were irrigated and the inflamed tissues were debrided with anthroscopy. The patients were followed up with Harris hip score, Oxford hip score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Statistical analysis was performed using Student t test.All of the 36 cases were followed up for 46-103 months, averaging 67.2±8.4 months. Harris and Oxford scores increased from 66.9±12.1 and 69.4±16.4 before operation to 78.4±19.3 and 80.2±18.8 after operation, respectively (P0.05). VAS score decreased from pre-operative 8.5±2.5 to post-operative 7.2±2.5 (P0.05). All the patients showed improved joint range of motion. MRI revealed alleviation of hip synovitis. The results were classified as excellent in 8 patients, good in 17 patients, fair in 8 patient, and poor in 3 according to Harris hip score. Twenty-seven patients were satisfied with the operative outcomes as they regained normal daily activities.Arthroscopy-assisted joint debridement and synovium resection is an effective procedure for hip lesion in inflammatory arthritis. The inflammatory lesion might be thereby controlled and the symptoms be relieved.