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In recent years, the incidence of female infertility has risen sharply, which is affected by many factors. It was recognized that female reproductive tract microbes play a role in the process of female conception. If the reproductive tract microbes could solve a certain proportion of infertility, it would certainly reduce the pain and economic burden of many patients. The objective of this study was to investigate the microbial community composition of follicular fluid in infertile patients and its potential impact on infertility.Follicular fluid from 49 primary infertility and 52 secondary infertility patients was collected by a negative pressure needle, and the microbiota was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing.It was found that Lactobacillus, especially L. crispatus, might have a positive effect on female pregnancy. Considering the presence or absence of male factors and different body mass indices, L. iners might inhibit female pregnancy. However, L. iners seemed to play a positive role in egg maturation, while Gardnerella and Cutibacterium acnes might have a negative effect on female pregnancy.This study suggested the potential role of Lactobacillus in follicular fluid in improving female infertility and provided a theoretical basis for the future microbiological treatment of female infertility.

In this work, the influence of varying mixing ratios of O-2 on positive streamer initiation in supercritical (SC) CO2 at different applied voltages was investigated using a 3-D particle model. Zener's model was included in the 3-D particle model to calculate the field ionization rate during streamer formation and propagation. The evolution of positive streamer was classified into three main stages namely inception cloud, primary streamer channels, and successive streamer branching. The effect of O-2 with different mixing ratios (2%, 10%, and 20%) on the morphology, average electron density, electric field distribution, streamer length, and electron energy distribution function (EEDF) for positive streamer in SC-CO2 at four different voltages (12, 12.5, 13, and 13.5 kV) is then investigated. The 2-D cross sections of the initial stage of the streamer and the electric field distribution are presented in detail. At the same applied voltage, the size of inception cloud, average electron density, electric field, and streamer length with the maximum electric field decreased with increasing oxygen concentration in SC-CO2. With increasing applied voltage, the apparent size of inception cloud, primary streamer channels, successive streamer branching, average electron density, electric field, and streamer length increased. The simulation results showed that adding O-2 to SC-CO2 can significantly affect the streamer initiation and propagation.

Gastric cancer is a common malignancy worldwide. The occurrence of multidrug resistance (MDR) is the major obstacle for effective gastric cancer chemotherapy. In this study, the in-depth molecular mechanism of the DJ-1-induced MDR in SGC7901 gastric cancer cells was investigated. The results showed that DJ-1 expression level was higher in MDR variant SGC7901/VCR cells than that in its parental SGC7901 cells. Moreover, DJ-1 overexpression conferred the MDR phenotype to SGC7901 cells, while DJ-1 knockdown in SGC7901/VCR cells induced re-sensitization to adriamycin, vincristine, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil. These results suggested that DJ-1 mediated the development of MDR in SGC7901 gastric cancer cells. Importantly, further data revealed that the activation of PI3k/Akt and Nrf2 signaling pathway were required for the DJ-1-induced MDR phenotype in SGC7901 gastric cancer cells. Meanwhile, we found that PI3k/Akt pathway was activated probably through DJ-1 directly binding to and negatively regulating PTEN, consequently resulting in Nrf2 phosphorylation and activation, and thereby inducing Nrf2-dependent P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and Bcl-2 expressions in the DJ-1-mediated MDR of SGC7901 gastric cancer cells. Overall, these results revealed that activating PTEN/PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 pathway and subsequently upregulating P-gp and Bcl-2 expression could be a critical mechanism by which DJ-1 mediates the development of MDR in SGC7901 gastric cancer cells. The new findings may be helpful for understanding the mechanisms of MDR in gastric cancer cells, prompting its further investigation as a molecular target to overcome MDR.

Traditional fermented soybean contains a variety of microflora. To obtain a comprehensive and accurate understanding of the microbial community structure and metabolic potential of fermented soybean, comparative metagenomics and metatranscriptomics were performed on a sample of fermented soybean in Yunnan Province. Metagenomic DNA and metatranscriptomic RNA were sequenced using Illumina HiseqTM2500, which yielded a total of 92,192,276 reads, with an average read length of 150 bp and 38,798,262 paired-end sequences, with an average length of 151 bp. The results show that Providencia stuartii was the most abundant species and the genes of carbohydrates (2296, 13.30%), protein metabolism (1530, 8.86%), and amino acids and amino acid derivatives (1423, 8.24%) were dominant. The expression levels of the genes belonging to amino acid transport and metabolism processes were the highest according to the reads per length of transcript in kilo-bases per million mapped reads (RPKM) values, followed by energy production and conversion and carbohydrate transport and metabolism. The metabolic pathways were primarily associated with carbohydrates, proteins and amino acids, which might be in accordance with the high levels of proteins and other nutrients in soybeans. Overall, these findings provide insights into the community structure and metabolic potential of the fermented soybean microbiome.

The goal of this study was to explore the regulatory mechanisms of phenyllactic acid (PLA) overaccumulation in Lactobacillus plantarum. The dynamics of PLA production revealed that 24 h was a suitable fermentation time, at which one of the largest differences in PLA content between strains S1 and YM-4-3 was 22.42 mg/L. Additionally, an optimization experiment showed that PLA production under the optimal condition (sample YM-4-3y) was up to 400.74 mg/L, 7.61-13.26 times as those of YM-4-3 and S1. Subsequently, an integrated analysis of genomic, transcriptomic and metabolomic data revealed that, YM-4-3 and YM-4-3y, compared with S1, although lacking a complete de novo biosynthetic pathway, increased PLA production by strengthening the core pathway and central carbon metabolism, and weakening the biosynthesis pathway of amino acids and their derivatives. These changes can provide sufficient precursors and compensate for or balance the energy consumed by the reinforced core pathway.

Background: Mothers are the primary source of bacteria for newborns, but it is unclear whether mother-to-newborn transmission occurs prior to, during or after birth. Similarly, the effect of the delivery mode on neonatal microorganisms has been the focus of controversy. Methods: Healthy maternal and neonatal pairs that underwent vaginal birth and caesarean section were enrolled in this study. Meconium, placenta, membrane and amniotic fluid samples for newborns and vaginal, rectal and oral samples for mothers were collected. All samples were amplified and sequenced by a 16S rRNA gene primer set targeting bacteria and archaea. Findings: A total of 550 samples from 36 mother-neonate pairs with vaginal births and 42 mother-neonate pairs with caesarean sections were included in this study. The negative controls showed that the data analysis in this study was not affected by contamination. There was a high diversity of microbial communities in the pregnancy environment of the foetus. Meconium samples could be divided into three distinct types that were not influenced by the delivery method. Interpretation: The distribution patterns of bacterial communities in the meconium, placenta, and foetal membranes were highly similar and had nothing to do with the mode of delivery. For approximately half of the placental microorganisms, the same sequence could be found in the vaginal, rectal, and oral samples of the mother. Keywords: Meconium, Microbiota, Delivery mode, Archaea

We compare simulations and experiments of single positive streamer discharges in air at 100 mbar, aiming toward model validation. Experimentally, streamers are generated in a plate-plate geometry with a protruding needle. We are able to capture the complete time evolution of reproducible single-filament streamers with a ns gate-time camera. A 2D axisymmetric drift-diffusion-reaction fluid model is used to simulate streamers under conditions closely matching those of the experiments. Streamer velocities, radii and light emission profiles are compared between model and experiment. Good qualitative agreement is observed between the experimental and simulated optical emission profiles, and for the streamer velocity and radius during the entire evolution. Quantitatively, the simulated streamer velocity is about 20% to 30% lower at the same streamer length, and the simulated radius is about 1 mm (20% to 30%) smaller. The effect of various parameters on the agreement between model and experiment is studied, such as the used transport data, the background ionization level, the photoionization rate, the gas temperature, the voltage rise time and the voltage boundary conditions. An increase in gas temperature due to the 50 Hz experimental repetition frequency could probably account for some of the observed discrepancies.

Solid insulators applying functionally graded material (d-FGM) have spatially non-uniform dielectric properties. The d-FGM insulator is effective on insulation performance improvement without complicating the structure; however, the fabrication of such insulators remains a challenge. To investigate the feasibility of 3D printing technology on d-FGM, we designed and fabricated a conductivity non-uniform insulator and tested its surface flashover characteristics. First, a modified genetic algorithm is employed to design the conductivity distribution in the non-uniform insulator. The designed insulator is then fabricated using a 3D printing process named fused deposition modeling (FDM), in which we verified the applicability of 3D printing materials on electrical insulation. Finally, compared to the uniform insulator, the surface flashover voltages of non-uniform insulators were improved by 23% in SF6 and 20% in vacuum. From above, we envision potential application feasibility for 3D printing of d-FGM in practical insulation design.

A novel method using ultraviolet (UV) cured fluoralkene to realize surface fluorination of acrylate polymer is proposed to enhance its insulation performance. Doping small amount of dofluoroheptyl methacrylate C11H8F12O2 (DFHMA) in UV acrylate resin formulation as modifier can assemble a fluorinated monomolecular layer on the surface whenas bringing little change to its morphology. The influences of the modifier on molecular structure, surface free energy, elemental composition and electric properties of acrylate polymer are investigated by attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR), water contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrical performance characterizations, respectively. Experimental results indicate that DFHMA is segregated to the surface of acrylate polymer, leading to an increase of its surface hydrophobicity. Surface flashover tests reveal that fluorinated samples have a higher degradation or tracking resistance in comparison with virgin samples. In addition, strong C F bonds also can enhance bulk breakdown characteristics by increasing charge injection barrier.

Dielectrics with functionally graded material (d-FGM), which have spatially nonuniform dielectric properties, is effective to improve the insulation performance without complicating the structure. In the application of d-FGM, searching the optimal distribution of dielectric properties (permittivity or conductivity) is the most important goal, which however is difficult for conventional insulation design approaches. In this paper, the topology optimization technique is introduced to design a truncated cone insulator with permittivity FGM, which is to relieve local electric field (E-field) enhancement at the triple junctions. Firstly, a multi-objective topology optimization model is proposed using the variable density method. Secondly, the optimal values of several model parameters are determined based on the analysis of E-field uniformity. Finally, finite elements calculation demonstrates that the E-field uniformity is significantly improved for the topology-optimized permittivity FGM, and the E-field enhancement at triple junctions is strongly inhibited. It is thus expected that by applying the topology-optimized permittivity FGM insulator, the breakdown strength in gas or vacuum would be effectively improved.

β-Arrestins are a small family of proteins important for signal transduction at G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). β-Arrestins are involved in the desensitization of GPCRs. Recently, biased ligands possessing different efficacies in activating the G protein- versus the β-arrestin-dependent signals downstream of a single GPCR have emerged, which can be used to selectively modulate GPCR signal transduction in such a way that desirable signals are enhanced to produce therapeutic effects while undesirable signals of the same GPCR are suppressed to avoid side effects. In the present study, we evaluated agonist bias for compounds developed along a drug discovery project of β(2)-adrenoceptor agonists. About 150 compounds, including derivatives of fenoterol, 2-amino-1-phenylethanol and 2-amino-2-phenylethanol, were obtained or synthesized, and initially screened for their β-adrenoceptor-mediated activities in the guinea pig tracheal smooth muscle relaxation assay or the cardiomyocyte contractility assay. Nineteen bioactive compounds were further assessed using both the HTRF cAMP assay and the PathHunter β-arrestin assay. Their concentration-response data in stimulating cAMP synthesis and β-arrestin recruitment were applied to the Black–Leff operational model for ligand bias quantitation. As a result, three compounds (L-2, L-4, and L-12) with the core structure of 5-(1-amino-2-hydroxyethyl)-8-hydroxyquinolin-2(1H)-one were identified as a new series of β-arrestin-biased β(2)-adrenoceptor agonists, whereas salmeterol was found to be G(s)-biased. These findings would facilitate the development of novel drugs for the treatment of both heart failure and asthma.

Lactobacillus (Lb.) plantarum is typically used as a starter culture in salt-fermented foods. Here we report 3-4% NaCl reducing the antimicrobial activity of Lb. plantarum strain YM-4-3, owing to the decrease of bacterial growth, plantaricin activity and expression levels of plantaricin biosynthesis-related genes (PBGs). Meanwhile, 1% NaCl promoted slightly the growth of YM-4-3 and up-regulated the expression of PBGs to the greatest level. The results from a spoilage experiment of fermented soybean products revealed that the 1% NaCl and YM-4-3 treatment group had the longest shelf life representing the minimum number of pathogenic bacteria and the lowest degree of mildew. Therefore, a combination of Lb. plantarum with a low concentration of salt, such as 1% NaCl, is a recommended condition for preparing fermented foods.

Intestinal bacteria are symbiotic microbiota within the human gut and are implicated in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer (CRC). The current study investigated the changes in bacterial composition prior to and following surgery, as well as the differences in the bacterial community structure between cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue. The diversity of the bacterial community and the composition of the bacteria were assessed. In addition, phylogenetic analysis and principle component analysis (PCA) were performed. The results revealed that cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue exhibited similar bacterial compositions. However, a significant difference was identified in the composition of intestinal bacteria in stool samples collected from patients following surgery compared with stool samples collected prior to surgery. Each patient had their own unique intestinal bacterial community, likely due to a number of factors, including diet, genetic factors and health status. In addition, phylogenetic trees revealed that the most abundant operational taxonomic unit, 0001, was associated with Escherichia coli in all samples. Finally, PCA suggested that the bacterial community structure in all patient stools was similar following surgery. The current study provides information regarding the diversity of the intestinal bacterial community of patients with CRC and provides a basis for postoperative intestinal assessments.

We present recent progress in pulsed discharge modeling in Amsterdam that is motivated by high voltage and plasma engineering and by lightning.We perform streamer simulations with adaptive mesh refinement in 2D and 3D using PIC particle models and fluid models, where we now can include complex electrode shapes and dielectric boundaries. For the longer time evolution, we also have added Ohmic heating, gas expansion, and the relevant ­­­plasma chemistry for air and methane-air mixtures.Results relevant for lightning physics includeValidation and verification of streamer propagation models (with S. Dijcks and S. Nijdam for the experimental counterpart) Simulations of streamer branching and comparison with experiments Parameter studies for long non-branching streamers that can accelerate or decelerate, and vary largely in velocity, radius and inner electron density, depending on the electric field Different stagnation behavior of positive and negative streamers in low electric fields Positive streamers in air that can continue to propagate as isolated patches of positive charge, without a conducting channel behind the streamer head Repetitive discharges, heating, and plasma-chemistry

Insulator is a very typical weak point of inner insulation in gas-insulated power equipment, which is commonly made of alumina-filled epoxy resin. When a corona discharge is caused by tip defect near the insulator, it may lead to the corona develop into a surface discharge, resulting in insulation degradation. In this paper, we investigate the effect of epoxy resin spacers on corona characteristics in SF 6 /N 2 (5:95) mixtures under positive DC voltages. A three-electrode arrangement corona discharge experimental platform was built. For a constant electrode gap spacing, the influence of tip defect location on corona characteristics is analyzed by using the same size epoxy resin spacers. Characteristics of corona were studied including the corona onset voltage, breakdown voltage, current pulse, and changes in corona pattern. The experimental results have shown that the corona onset voltage and breakdown voltage increase first and then saturate with increasing distance between the needle electrode and the dielectric surface. The corona pulse characteristics are not affected by dielectric solid. If the needle electrode is located at the surface of the epoxy resin spacer, the corona will be attracted to the dielectric surface, forming so called surface discharge. If the needle electrode is set away from the surface, corona discharge will also be attracted by the surface and form a “towards dielectric” component. But the surface effect decreases with increasing distance, in our case, the dielectric effect can be neglected if the distance is larger than 12 mm.

We investigate the dynamics of negative surface discharges in air through numerical simulations with a 2D fluid model. A geometry consisting of a flat dielectric embedded between parallel-plate electrodes is used. Compared to negative streamers in bulk gas, negative surface streamers are observed to have a higher electron density, a higher electric field and higher propagation velocity. On the other hand, their maximum electric field and velocity are lower than for positive surface streamers. In our simulations, negative surface streamers are slower for larger relative permittivity. Negative charge accumulates on a dielectric surface when a negative streamer propagates along it, which can lead to a high electric field inside the dielectric. If we initially put negative surface charge on the dielectric, the growth of negative surface discharges is delayed or inhibited. Positive surface charge has the opposite effect., Comment: 8 pages

To explore the role of radiomics in integrating primary tumor and peritumoral areas based on PET-CT scans for predicting E-cadherin (E-cad) expression in early-stage cervical cancer (ESCC) and its correlation with pelvic lymph node metastasis (PLNM).Ninety-seven ESCC patients who had undergone PET-CT scans were retrospectively analyzed. The ROI of primary tumors, peritumoral areas, and plus tumors were semi-automatically segmented on PET-CT images. A total of 1188 radiomics features were extracted, selected, and eventually integrated into radiomics score (rad-score). The rad-score difference between patients with E-cad expression of high and low was analyzed using Mann-Whitney tests. Characteristic correlation was tested using a Spearman analysis. Four models were established using logistic regression algorithms and evaluated using ROC and calibration curves. A DeLong test was used to perform pairwise comparisons of AUCs.The rad-score of patients with low E-cad expression was higher than that of patients with high E-cad expression in both training and testing cohorts (p0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). A significant correlation was observed between the rad-score and E-cad (p0.001). PLNM correlated slightly with rad-score and E-cad values (p = 0.01 and p0.001, respectively). The ROC curve and calibration curve of the rad-score model performed best in both training and testing cohorts (AUC = 0.915, 0.844, p0.001, respectively).The radiomics of integrating primary tumor and peritumoral areas based on PET-CT showed correlations with PLNM. It was also able to predict E-cad expression in ESCC patients, allowing for evaluation of those patients' prognosis and more individualized medical treatment.• By integrating the primary tumor and peritumoral area based on PET-CT, radiomics was feasible. • The rad-score was associated with E-cad expression and PLNM in patients with ESCC. • Radiomics that integrated the primary tumor and peritumoral areas based on PET-CT could predict E-cad expression in patients with ESCC.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a three-strain yogurt formulation in slow-transit constipation (STC) patients. Each individual in both treatment groups consumed 250 mL of the formulated yogurt daily for a week (7 days), and fecal samples were collected for gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analyses. A significant increase in the defection frequency (p<0.001) and bacterial diversity (p=0.027) at the 100% sequence homology level and a decrease in the concentrations of acetic acid (p=0.014), propionic acid (p=0.019), and butanoic acid (p=0.005) were observed after the STC patients consumed three-strain yogurt formulation. In addition, the consumption of the three-strain yogurt formulation significantly altered the composition of the intestinal bacteria in the STC patients. The relative abundances of 23 genera in the top dominating genera were altered significantly after the STC patients consumed the yogurt. In summary, the consumption of 250 mL day− the three-strain yogurt formulation described in this study can play a role in improving the symptoms of STC.

DJ-1 was recently reported to mediate the cardioprotection of delayed hypoxic preconditioning (DHP) by suppressing hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced oxidative stress, but its mechanism against H/R-induced oxidative stress during DHP is not fully elucidated. Here, using the well-established cellular model of DHP, we again found that DHP significantly improved cell viability and reduced lactate dehydrogenase release with concurrently up-regulated DJ-1 protein expression in H9c2 cells subjected to H/R. Importantly, DHP efficiently improved mitochondrial complex I activity following H/R and attenuated H/R-induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and subsequent oxidative stress, as demonstrated by a much smaller decrease in reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio and a much smaller increase in intracellular ROS and malondialdehyde contents than that observed for the H/R group. However, the aforementioned effects of DHP were antagonized by DJ-1 knockdown with short hairpin RNA but mimicked by DJ-1 overexpression. Intriguingly, pharmacological inhibition of mitochondria complex I with Rotenone attenuated all the protective effects caused by DHP and DJ-1 overexpression, including maintenance of mitochondria complex I and suppression of mitochondrial ROS generation and subsequent oxidative stress. Taken together, this work revealed that preserving mitochondrial complex I activity and subsequently inhibiting mitochondrial ROS generation could be a novel mechanism by which DJ-1 mediates the cardioprotection of DHP against H/R-induced oxidative stress damage.

The isotonic substitution of extracellular chloride by gluconate (extracellular Cl--free) has been demonstrated to elicit cardioprotection by attenuating ischaemia/reperfusion-induced elevation of intracellular chloride ion concentration ([Cl-]i). However, the downstream mechanism underlying the cardioprotective effect of extracellular Cl--free is not fully established. Here, it was investigated whether extracellular Cl--free attenuates mitochondrial dysfunction after hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and whether mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) plays a key role in the extracellular Cl--free cardioprotection. H9c2 cells were incubated with or without Cl--free solution, in which Cl- was replaced with equimolar gluconate, during H/R. The involvement of mPTP was determined with atractyloside (Atr), a specific mPTP opener. The results showed that extracellular Cl--free attenuated H/R-induced the elevation of [Cl-]i, accompanied by increase of cell viability and reduction of lactate dehydrogenase release. Moreover, extracellular Cl--free inhibited mPTP opening, and improved mitochondria function, as indicated by preserved mitochondrial membrane potential and respiratory chain complex activities, decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species generation, and increased ATP content. Intriguingly, pharmacologically opening of the mPTP with Atr attenuated all the protective effects caused by extracellular Cl--free, including suppression of mPTP opening, maintenance of mitochondrial membrane potential, and subsequent improvement of mitochondrial function. These results indicated that extracellular Cl--free protects mitochondria from H/R injury in H9c2 cells and inhibition of mPTP opening is a crucial step in mediating the cardioprotection of extracellular Cl--free.

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most malignant tumors with high incidence and mortality worldwide, and the multidrug resistance (MDR) often results in chemotherapy failure in GC. DJ-1 has been well indicated to be associated with drug resistance in multiple cancers. However, the role of DJ-1 in the MDR of gastric cancer cells and its possible mechanism remain to be elucidated. Therefore, the current study was investigated whether DJ-1 expression is differential in parental gastric cancer cell SGC7901 and vincristine (VCR)-induced gastric cancer MDR cell SGC7901/VCR, and whether DJ-1 plays a significant role in development of MDR in gastric cancer. The results showed that DJ-1 expression in SGC7901/VCR cells was significantly higher than its sensitive parental SGC7901 cells. Furthermore, DJ-1 overexpressed gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/LV-DJ-1 led to the increase of cell survival rate, the IC50 of chemotherapeutic drugs and number of cell clones as well as decrease of cell cycle G0/G1 phase ratio compared with its parental cells under the treatment of VCR, adriamycin (ADR), 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (DDP). However, the DJ-1 knockdown stable cell line SGC7901/VCR/shDJ-1 reversed the above mentioned series of MDR. Moreover, it was found that upregulation of DJ-1 protein expression promoted the pumping rate of GC cells to ADR and reduced the apoptotic index of GC cells treated with chemotherapeutic drugs by upregulating P-gp and Bcl-2. Similarly, knocking down DJ-1, P-gp or Bcl-2 displayed a converse effect. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that DJ-1 overexpression confers the MDR phenotype to SGC7901 cells and this process is related to DJ-1 promoting active efflux of drugs and enhancing the anti-apoptotic ability of MDR GC cells by upregulating P-gp and Bcl-2.

Resveratrol, a multi-functional phytoalexin, has been well indicated to exert cardioprotective effects by weakening ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and cell apoptosis is a vital way in I/R injury. SIRT1-p53 pathway has strong significance in regulating cell apoptosis. DJ-1 can directly bind to SIRT1 and stimulate the activity of SIRT1-p53. Therefore, the current study was determined whether Resveratrol attenuates hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced cell apoptosis, and whether DJ-1-mediated SIRT1 activation involves in the cardioprotective effects of Resveratrol. The results showed that remarkable decrease in the number of apoptotic cells along with reduction of lactate dehydrogenase release and restoration of cell viability emerged when Resveratrol was applied in the H9c2 cells exposed to H/R. Moreover, Resveratrol increased DJ-1 expression and promoted the interaction of DJ-1 with SIRT1, which further contributed to subsequent restoration of SIRT1 activity and decrease of acetylation level of p53. However, above cardioprotective effects of Resveratrol were abrogated by DJ-1 siRNA and SIRT1 specific inhibitor Sirtinol. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that Resveratrol suppressed H/R-induced cell apoptosis, which may be conducted by up-regulating DJ-1, and later activating SIRT1 activity and subsequently inhibiting p53 acetylation level in the H9c2 cells.

Folate is an important intermediate in cellular metabolism. However, because of a lack of key enzymes in the folate biosynthetic pathway, humans require supplementation with dietary folate. Some Lactobacillus plantarum strains have the ability to produce folate. To gain a better understanding of the folate biosynthetic pathway in the L. plantarum strain 4_3, which generates high folate yields, L. plantarum strain 4_3 was grown in folic acid casei medium (FACM) and fermented soybean, after obtaining a draft genome sequence. The pH values and folate yields were monitored during culturing, as were the transcriptomic profiles of cultured bacteria. The folate content increased for 12 h and then decreased before increasing again. All the genes involved in the de novo biosynthesis of folate were detected in both the genomic and transcriptomic data. The upregulation of the para-aminobenzoate biosynthesis pathway could explain the folate production in fermented soybean. Soybeans are a good substrate for the production of functional foods because of their well-suited cultivation and nutritional quality. The results of this study provide a good explanation for the high folate production observed during the fermentation of soybeans.

Background: Mothers are the primary source of bacteria for newborns, but it is unclear whether the structuring of the infant microbiome is the result of mother-to-newborn transmission prior, during or after birth. Similarly, the effect of delivery mode on neonatal microorganisms has been the focus of controversy. Methods: Approximately the same number of healthy maternal and neonatal pairs of vaginal birth and caesarean section were enrolled in this study. Meconium, placenta, membranes and amniotic fluid samples of newborns and vaginal, rectal and oral samples of mothers were collected. All samples were amplified and sequenced by a 16S rRNA gene primer set targeting bacteria and archaea. Findings: A total of 550 samples from 36 mother-neonate pairs with vaginal births and 42 mother-neonate pairs with caesarean sections were included in this study. A negative control showed that all data analysis in this study was not affected by contamination. Indeed, there was a high diversity of microbial communities in the pregnant environment of the foetus. The microbial community composition of neonatal samples was not affected by the mode of delivery. Approximately half of all meconium microorganisms were found in the vaginal, rectal and oral samples of the mother. Interpretation: The origin and influencing factors of pioneer microorganisms in neonates were studied. How these microorganisms enter the breeding environment and their roles need further study. Funding Statement: the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81860437) and Yunnan Province Innovation Team of Intestinal Microecology Related Disease Research and Technological Transformation (China). Declaration of Interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This project was approved by the Ethics Committee of Yan’an affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University (2019-077-01). Mothers were made aware of the nature of the study, specifically consented to give their personal information, and gave written informed consent for their and their child’s participation.

Lactobacillus plantarum is an important probiotic and is mostly isolated from fermented foods. We sequenced the genome of L. plantarum strain 5-2, which was derived from fermented soybean isolated from Yunnan province, China. The strain was determined to contain 3114 genes. Fourteen complete insertion sequence (IS) elements were found in 5-2 chromosome. There were 24 DNA replication proteins and 76 DNA repair proteins in the 5-2 genome. Consistent with the classification of L. plantarum as a facultative heterofermentative lactobacillus, the 5-2 genome encodes key enzymes required for the EMP (Embden-Meyerhof-Parnas) and phosphoketolase (PK) pathways. Several components of the secretion machinery are found in the 5-2 genome, which was compared with L. plantarum ST-III, JDM1 and WCFS1. Most of the specific proteins in the four genomes appeared to be related to their prophage elements.

We use numerical simulations to study the dynamics of surface discharges, which are common in high-voltage engineering. We simulate positive streamer discharges that propagate towards a dielectric surface, attach to it, and then propagate over the surface. The simulations are performed in air with a two-dimensional plasma fluid model, in which a flat dielectric is placed between two plate electrodes. Electrostatic attraction is the main mechanism that causes streamers to grow towards the dielectric. Due to the net charge in the streamer head, the dielectric gets polarized, and the electric field between the streamer and the dielectric is increased. Compared to streamers in bulk gas, surface streamers have a smaller radius, a higher electric field, a higher electron density, and higher propagation velocity. A higher applied voltage leads to faster inception and faster propagation of the surface discharge. A higher dielectric permittivity leads to more rapid attachment of the streamer to the surface and a thinner surface streamer. Secondary emission coefficients are shown to play a modest role, which is due to relatively strong photoionization in air. In the simulations, a high electric field is present between the positive streamers and the dielectric surface. We show that the magnitude and decay of this field are affected by the positive ion mobility., Comment: 13 pages, 18 figures, 47 references

To investigate the influence of surface molecular structure on the electrical performance of fluorinated copolymers, ultraviolet (UV) curable resin containing different types of fluorinated monomers (ethers and alkyls) were prepared by photopolymerization. The X-ray photoelectron spectra indicated the presence of fluorinated monomers on the surface after UV radiation. Furthermore, the surface morphology measurement revealed that these monomers cause a slight change to the surface roughness. Subsequently, the electrical properties were examined through a pulsed flashover test in vacuum. The results showed an improvement in the electrical strength of the specimen doped with dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (alkyls). In contrast, the sample doped with perfluoropolyether chains (ethers) exhibited no alleviation in flashover performance, despite the fact that its surface F 1s/C 1s atomic ratio is 10 times higher than that of the former. A coarse-grained model based on quantum chemical calculations reveals that electron traps are introduced at the surface because of the grafted fluorinated chains. Further explanation based on the free volume theory indicates that the higher gas absorption arising from the amorphous structure during the electron-induced degassing process accounts for the deterioration of the insulation system, which was verified by surface charge behavior before and after the flashover.

In this study, UV curable polymer composites are investigated to explore their applicability in building the dielectrics with functionally graded material (d-FGM) using stereolithographic 3D printing technology. On the prepared test samples, several dielectric properties, i.e., permittivity, dielectric loss and breakdown strength, are characterized. 3D printing feasibility of the polymer composites are also investigated by measuring the viscosity and curing depth. Finally, influences of the ceramic filler’s type, volume fraction and particle morphology on the dielectric properties and 3D printing feasibility are discussed.

Resveratrol has been demonstrated to have cardioprotective effects by attenuating ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced oxidative stress injury, but its in-depth molecular mechanisms against I/R-induced oxidative stress is not fully elaborated. DJ-1 plays a role in maintenance of mitochondrial complex I activity and is closely associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, this study sought to determine the contribution of DJ-1-mediated maintenance of mitochondrial complex I activity to the anti-oxidative stress effect of Resveratrol in the H9c2 cardiomyocytes subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). The results showed that Resveratrol significantly attenuated the H/R-induced viability loss and lactate dehydrogenase leakage, accompanied by decreases in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde contents and increases in the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio. Furthermore, Resveratrol increased the expression and mitochondrial translocation of DJ-1 and promoted the direct binding of DJ-1 with complex I subunits ND1 and NDUFS4, which in turn improved mitochondrial complex I activity and inhibited mitochondria-derived ROS production after H/R. Intriguingly, the anti-oxidative stress effect of Resveratrol could be partially blocked by DJ-1 siRNA and Complex I inhibitor Rotenone, respectively. Conclusively, these results indicated that DJ-1 is necessary for Resveratrol-mediated cardioprotective effects against H/R-induced oxidative stress damage, at least in part, through preserving mitochondrial complex I activity, and subsequently decreasing mitochondrial ROS generation.

Yond bap is a traditional fermented milk product from the Yunnan province in China. Yond baps are mostly produced with goat’s milk and occasionally with cow’s milk. As a traditional dairy product produced by fermentation, yond bap contains an abundant microflora. The microbes that play a role in the fermentation of goat milk form a specific community structure. In this work, 11 types of yond bap were characterized from four different regions in the Yunnan province. We employed bar-coded pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA to analyze the bacterial community structure in the yond baps. The results indicated that the bacterial community structures of the 11 yond baps were different. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were detected in all the samples. Pseudomonas, a proteobacterium, was the predominant bacterial genus. Pseudomonas sequences were detected often and in most of the samples. Next, Streptococcaceae, Lactobacillaceae, and Lactococcus belonging to Streptococcaceae family played important roles in the fermentation of yond baps as the numbers of sequences belonging to these species were higher. The results demonstrate the presence of different bacterial community structures of yond baps from different regions in the Yunnan Province of China. This study provides information about the diversity of the microbial community of fermented food and a reliable theoretical foundation for improving the quality and flavor of yond baps.

The gut microbiota is known to have a considerable impact on health; some types of organisms, including bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, are considered to be ‘good’ colonizing bacteria, while other species are potentially pathogenic. The initial colonization of a newborn infant affects his/her health in the future. Recently, research has indicated that the fetus may actually be colonized with bacteria during gestation. Accordingly, this study was conducted to assess the similarities in the bacterial species detected in the infant’s first feces with samples obtained from the mother’s placenta and vagina., BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota plays an important role in human health. It is essential to understand how the composition of the gut microbiota in neonates is established. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the nature of the microbial community in the first feces of newborn infants compared with the mothers’ placentae and vaginas. METHODS: One infant who was delivered via Cesarean section was compared with an infant who was delivered vaginally. Bar-coded pyro-sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA genes was used to investigate the bacterial community composition and structure of each site. RESULTS: Neonatal feces of both infants had similar bacterial communities, and they were similar to the mother’s placenta regardless of the method of delivery. The vaginal bacterial community differed between the two mothers, but not different sites within the vagina. The bacteria in the neonatal feces and the mothers’ placentae demonstrated considerably higher diversity compared with the vaginas. The family Lactobacillaceae dominated in the vaginal samples, while the most abundant family in the fecal and placental samples was Micrococcineae. CONCLUSIONS: These results may provide new directions for the study of infant gut microbial formation.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a means of cell-to-cell communication that regulates, via small signalling molecules, expression of a series of genes and controls multicellular behaviour in many bacterial species. The enzyme S-ribosylhomocysteine lyase (LuxS) transforms S-ribosylhomocysteine (SRH) into 4, 5-dihydroxy-2, 3-pentanedione (DPD), the precursor of the interspecies QS signalling molecule autoinducer-2 (AI-2). In this study, two LuxS-coding genes, luxS1 and luxS2, with 70% sequence identity were isolated from Lactobacillus plantarum YM-4-3, and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and the protein products were purified successfully. After incubation of LuxS1 or LuxS2 with SRH, the reaction products were able to induce Vibrio harveyi BB170 bioluminescence, clearly demonstrating that both LuxS1 and LuxS2 synthesize AI-2 from SRH in vitro. Ellman's assay results revealed optimal temperatures for LuxS1 and LuxS2 of 45 and 37 °C, respectively, and their activities were stimulated or inhibited by several metal ions and chemical reagents. In addition, enzyme kinetics data showed that Km, Vmax and Kcat value of LuxS1 for the substrate (SRH) were higher than that of LuxS2. These results suggest that LuxS1 and LuxS2 mediate QS in a temperature-dependent manner and may play conserved roles in AI-2 synthesis but exhibit different activities in response to external environmental stress. To our knowledge, this paper is the first report of two luxS genes present in one bacterial genome and the subsequent comparative elucidation of their functions in AI-2 production. Collectively, our study provides a solid basis for future research concerning the AI-2/LuxS QS system in L. plantarum YM-4-3.

In this paper, a novel +45° insulator is proposed. The insulator has a conductivity graded structure in which the high conductivity part performs as a shield to reduce the electric field concentration at anode triple point and along surface. Hence, the surface electrical withstanding strength would be enhanced. Computer aided simulation is performed to investigate the electric field distribution with different shape parameters of high-conductivity area and an electric field optimized insulator design is thus obtained. A Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printing technique is adopted to fabricate the conductivity graded insulator. The wide application of 3D printing in insulator fabrication is expected for its ability to fabricate special functional structure and high fabricating efficiency. Flashover tests are to be conducted to investigate the electrical withstanding performance of such insulators.

Camellia oleifera C. Abel has been widely cultivated in China, and a group of bioactive constituents such as triterpeniod saponin have been isolated from C. oleifera C. Abel. In the current study, a new triterpeniod saponin was isolated from the EtOH extract of the roots of C. oleifera C. Abel, named as oleiferoside W, and the cytotoxic properties of oleiferoside W were evaluated in non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. At the same time the inducing apoptosis, the depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ), the up-regulation of related pro-apoptotic proteins, such as cleaved-PARP, cleaved-caspase-3, and the down-regulation of anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2/Bax were measured on oleiferoside W. Furthermore, the function, inducing the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, of oleiferoside W could be reversed by N-acetylcysteine (NAC). In conclusion, our findings showed that oleiferoside W induced apoptosis involving mitochondrial pathway and increasing intracellular ROS production in the A549 cells, suggesting that oleiferoside W may have the possibility to be a useful anticancer agent for therapy in lung cancer.

To avoid the biases associated with PCR amplification in analysis of microbial communities, a new method has been tested for direct sequencing of the cDNA of full-length Small-subunit Ribosomal RNA withOut specific PCR amplification (SROP). In silico analysis of the SROP method demonstrated that more than 99 % of the SROP sequences could be correctly annotated. Two environmental samples (activated sludge and anaerobic sludge) with complex microbial communities were used for comparison in this study. The SROP results demonstrated that the families Rhodocyclaceae and Nitrosomonadaceae in activated sludge and the phyla Synergistetes and Spirochaetes in anaerobic sludge were underestimated by PCR-based detection. One third of the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences obtained by the SROP method covered the V3 amplicon region, and they are suitable for phylogenetic and diversity index analyses. The microbial diversity index calculated from the rRNA sequences by the SROP was much higher than that calculated by conventional PCR, particularly for the anaerobic sludge. The metatranscriptome-based SROP method will contribute to our better understanding of the diversity of complex microbial communities.