Search

The effect of adding protein on the decomposition behavior of lignin in Japanese cedar under supercritical methanol conditions (270 °C/27 MPa) was studied. The Klason method was used to detect the lignin content in the insoluble residue following to a 30 min treatment. Adding either an animal (bovine serum albumin) or plant (soy) protein enhanced delignification from 50 to 65% of the lignin-based wt %. This result was attributed to enhanced lignin depolymerization owing to inhibited lignin recondensation and/or the suppressed formation of polysaccharide-derived char via reactions between the protein and polysaccharides. Although the solubilization of lignin was promoted and the yield of lignin-derived low-molecular-weight compounds increased, the selectivity of major monomers such as coniferyl alcohol (CA) and γ-methylated CA decreased. The addition of proteins has a substantial impact on the decomposition behavior of cell wall components under supercritical methanol conditions. This information provides insights into the use of protein-rich lignocelluloses.

In order to fundamentally suppress the shuttle effect, N

To investigate the changes of T helper cell (Th)1/Th2-related cytokine expression in the saliva of minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) patients before and after treatment with systemic prednisone.A total of 101 patients with RAS and 15 participants with normal oral mucosa as controls were enrolled in this study. The levels of cytokine expression in the whole unstimulated saliva were examined using a multiplex bead-based cytometric bead array before and after prednisone treatment at a starting dose of 15 mg/day.The levels of salivary interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, interferon (IFN)-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in RAS patients were significantly higher than those of the normal controls (all P 0.001). Importantly, the levels of salivary IL-6, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in RAS patients were significantly decreased following prednisone treatment (all P 0.001). Moreover, the IFN-γ to IL-4 ratio (mean: 26.9) was significantly (P 0.001) decreased after treatment, which almost returned to normal (mean: 24.4; P 0.05).This preliminary study demonstrates for the first time that prednisone exerts a significant therapeutic role against RAS through decreasing salivary cytokine levels and promoting a Th1/Th2 balance.Salivary cytokine profiles may provide a noninvasive, convenient, and effective approach to monitoring the course of RAS and may even be helpful to identify key pathogenic factors and potential mechanisms.

Although dysregulation and dysfunction of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in malignant behavior of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), whether aberrant lncRNAs play a role in the carcinogenesis of oral leukoplakia (OL) as the best-known precursor of OSCC remains undetermined. Differentially expressed lncRNAs in the occurrence and progression of OL were studied by microarray and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We found a novel key lncRNA n386251 that we named LOLA1 (lncRNA oral leukoplakia progressed associated 1) in the OL progression. The results of qRT-PCR revealed that LOLA1 aberrant expression was validated in tissue samples and cell lines from the normal oral mucosa, OL to OSCC. Fluorescent in situ hybridization showed that LOLA1 expression localized predominately at the cytoplasm of Leuk1 cells. Cell function assays showed that LOLA1 significantly influenced cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) protein expression. Potential mechanism experiments revealed that AKT/GSK-3β signaling was involved in the regulatory mechanism of LOLA1 in OL progression. Remarkably, Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that LOLA1 overexpression could predict malignant events of OL progression to OSCC. In conclusion, the current study for the first time profiled and validated the key lncRNAs related to OL progression. Importantly, we demonstrated that a novel lncRNA LOLA1 upregulation was associated with OL malignant progression, suggesting LOLA1 may be a predictive biomarker. Moreover, LOLA1 may promote migration, invasion, and EMT process in OL malignant progression via AKT/GSK-3β pathway.

Phenanthrene (PHE) as a typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) is prevalent and harmful to organisms in petroleum-polluted sites. The effects of PHE concentration levels on performance, microbial community and functions in methanogenic system were comprehensively investigated by an operation of UASB reactor (198 days) and a series of batch tests. The results found that PHE was prone to accumulate in reactor by sludge adsorption (Final concentration = 12.53 mg/g TS Sludge), which posed significant influences on methanogenic system. The removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH

BACKGROUND: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm of the mouth. Some studies have found that multiple microRNAs (miRs) participate in OSCC physiological and pathological processes. METHODS: We explored the mechanism of action of miR-134 in OSCC involving the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Different bioinformatics methods were used to analyze the potential genes and their related miRs in OSCC. Tumor stem cells were separated from OSCCs through magnetic cell sorting. Regulatory pattern between miR-134 and LAMC2 in OSCC was evaluated by ectopic expression, knockdown and reporter assay experiments. The expression of miR-134, LAMC2, genes in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and apoptosis-related genes was detected. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay, cell invasion by scratch test, cell migration by Transwell assay, cell cycle and apoptosis by flow cytometry, and cell growth and migration by xenograft tumor in nude mice. LAMC2 was predicted as the crucial factor related to OSCC using different chip data, and miR-134 was predicted to specifically bind LAMC2 in all five databases. RESULTS: Overexpressed miR-134 or silenced LAMC2 was observed to inhibit cell proliferation, migration, invasion of OSCC cells, growth of subcutaneous xenograft in nude mice, as well as promote OSCC cell apoptosis. LAMC2, a target gene of miR-134, decreased following miR-134 promotion, while the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway was inactivated following LAMC2 knockdown. Furthermore, we also observed that the effect of overexpressed miR-134 was enhanced when LAMC2 was knocked down. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-134-mediated direct downregulation of LAMC2 inhibits migration and invasion of tumor stem cells in OSCC by suppressing the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

The expanded granular sludge blanket reactor (EGSB) was operated for 198 days to study the long-term effects of phenanthrene (PHE) enrichment on system performance and microbial community. The results showed that the PHE was significantly enriched in the reactor. The final PHE concentration in effluent and sludge reached to 1.764±0.05 mg/L and 12.52±0.42 mg/gTS, respectively. While the average daily methane production was decreased by 5.0%-9.8% under long-term PHE exposure. The 3D-EEM of effluent indicated that PHE stimulated the microbial metabolism with the higher intensity of soluble microbial byproduct-like materials (SMP) and proteins. Moreover, the removal efficiency of soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) and NH4+-N gradually diminished with the enrichment of PHE. PHE shaped the microbial community, and the predominant fermentative bacteria (Mesotoga) was severely inhibited. Contrarily, the bacteria (Syntrophorhabdus, Acinetobacter, Desulfovibrio, Desulfomicrobium) involved in PHE-degradation was enriched at end of Phase V. In addition, the relative abundance (RA) of hydrotrophic methanogens (Methanofastidiosum, Methanolinea, Methanobacterium, Methanomassiliicoccus) increased by 0.96-fold with the long-term enrichment of PHE, while the RA of acetoclastic Methanosaeta obviously decreased.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widely distributed in the sludge environment due to activities such as oil extraction and pose a serious threat to deep-seated anaerobic microorganisms. Thus, in this study, we discussed the dose–response efficiency of naphthalene (Nap, a typical PAH) on anaerobic digestion (AD) through co-metabolic degradation via batch experiments. The batch results showed that 30 mg/L Nap promoted the AD with the accumulation of CH4 18.54% higher than the control (without Nap) by increasing the efficiency of hydrolysis and acetogenesis 99.49% and 61.95%, respectively. However, adverse effects were observed with an excessive dosage of Nap (higher than 100 mg/L) with a decrease of methane production (37.16) with 2000 mg/L Nap. Interestingly, the concentrations of the polysaccharide and protein reached the highest at 138.76 mg/L and 400.41 mg/L, respectively, in 1000 mg/L Nap. Furthermore, the high activities of hydrolase and transmembrane ATPase were acquired in 30 mg/L Nap. In addition, Nap significantly affected the methanogenic microbial abundance and diversity, especially diminishing Methanolinea and Syntrophobacter. Furthermore, the enrichment of Bacteroides in 30 mg/L Nap showed moderate Nap could facilitate hydrolysis. The genes relevant to cellular processes were activated by Nap. This research provided a reliable basis for the anaerobic microbial response under Nap stress.

Octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) regulates the pluripotency of stem cells and also plays important roles in granulosa cells growth, which is regulated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Thyroid hormone (TH) is important for the development and maturation of follicles and the maintenance of various endocrine functions. Although 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T3) enhances the effects of FSH on the regulation of the growth of granulosa cells and development of follicles, it is unclear whether and, if so, how TH combines with FSH to regulate OCT4 expression in granulosa cells during the preantral to early antral transition stage. Our results showed that T3 enhanced FSH-induced OCT4 expression. However, T3/FSH-induced cellular growth was reduced by OCT4 small interfering RNA. OCT4 knockdown significantly increased the number of apoptotic cell. Moreover, T3 combined with FSH to increase estrogen receptor β (ERβ) expression but did not significantly affect estrogen receptor α expression. ERβ knockdown dramatically decreased T3/FSH-induced OCT4 expression and cell development and increased cell apoptosis. The phosphoinositide 3-kinases/protein kinase B pathway was involved in hormones inducing OCT4 and ERβ expressions. Furthermore, the hormones regulating OCT4 and ERβ expressions were regulated by cytochrome P450 lanosterol 14a-demethylase (CYP51), a key enzyme in sterol and steroid biosynthesis. T3 and FSH cotreatment potentiated cellular development by upregulating OCT4 expression, which is mediated by CYP51 and ERβ. These regulatory processes are mediated by the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway. These findings suggest that OCT4 mediates the T3 and FSH-induced development of follicles.

[Bmim]FeCl

Ablative fractional laser-assisted photodynamic therapy (AFL-PDT) is explored as an effective method in some premalignant diseases, whereas the effect of AFL-PDT on oral leukoplakia (OL), the best-known precursor of oral squamous cell carcinoma, remains undetermined.Forty-eight patients, histologically diagnosed with OL, were randomized (1:1) to receive either AFL-PDT or ablative fractional laser (AFL) treatment. All patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The primary endpoints of efficacy and clinical recurrence and the secondary endpoint of side effects were assessed.Forty-four patients completed the study. The 100% effective cure rate in the AFL-PDT group was higher than that in AFL group (80.9%, P0.05) with 19.1% difference (95%CI: 0.7-40.0%). Compared to AFL group, recurrence observed at 6 and 12 months post-treatment tended to occur in fewer patients in the AFL-PDT group (P0.05). No severe adverse events or systemic side effects were observed in either group.AFL-PDT may effectively reduce recurrence of OL with high clinical efficacy and good tolerability, suggesting it may be a promising treatment for OL.

Hybridizing nanostructured metal oxides with grapheme oxide (GO) is highly desirable for the improvement of gas sensing performance of gas sensors. Herein, we develop an in situ fluorine directed solution process combined with heat treatment to grow highly ordered, porous α-Fe2O3 nanorods arrays (NRAs) onto graphene oxide (GO) sheets, resulting in flexible three-dimensional nanostructures. The α-Fe2O3 NRAs have heights of ∼50 nm and widths of 10–20 nm, which are densely and vertically attached to both sides of GO sheets, thereby generating an interesting “blanket-like” geometry. When tested as sensing materials for gas sensors, the nanocomposite displays a high sensitivity of 19.14 toward 50 ppm acetone at a work temperature of 220 °C, which was 5.4 times of that of α-Fe2O3. Even after 50 days, a stable sensitivity as high as 18.9 toward 50 ppm acetone could be maintained. The improved high sensitivity, fast response and recovery, and extraordinary stability of GO/α-Fe2O3 can be attributed to the highly ordered, porous structure and the synergistic effect between α-Fe2O3 and GO.

This study evaluated the inhibitory effect and mitigation strategy of dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) suppression on anaerobic digestion. With the 12 h-suppression, only 16.64% of anaerobes were alive, and acetotrophic methanogens were significantly inhibited. As for batch test, DDBAC suppression significantly prolonged the start-up of systems and decreased the biogas production. In cellulose semi-continuous digestion process, the DDBAC suppression induced volatile fatty acids accumulation and pH decrease. However, the biochar amended reactor effectively mitigated the DDBAC suppression and achieved 370.5 mL/d·g-chemical-oxygen-demand biogas production. Moreover, 17.8% more protein in extracellular polymeric substances was secreted as the bio-barrier to defense the DDBAC suppression. Furthermore, microbial analysis showed that biochar addition selectively enriched directed interspecies electron transfer (DIET) participant bacteria (Anaerolineaceae and Syntrophomonas) and methanogens (Methanosaeta and Methanobacterium). Meanwhile, the potential metabolic pathway analysis showed that the abundance of amino acids and energy metabolism were increased 28% and 8%, respectively. The abundance of encoding enzyme related to hydrogenotrophic and acetotrophic methanogenesis enriched 1.88 times and 1.48 times, respectively. These results showed the performance and mechanisms involved in DIET establishment with ethanol stimulation biochar addition.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is typically preceded by oral leukoplakia (OL), is a common malignancy with poor prognosis. However, the signaling molecules governing this progression remain to be defined. Based on microarray analysis of genes expressed in OL and OSCC samples, we discovered that the long non-coding RNA IFITM4P was highly expressed in OSCC, and ectopic expression or knockdown of IFITM4P resulted in increased or decreased cell proliferation in vitro and in xenografted tumors, respectively. Mechanistically, in the cytoplasm IFITM4P acted as a scaffold to facilitate recruiting SASH1 to bind and phosphorylate TAK1 (Thr187), and in turn to increase the phosphorylation of nuclear factor κB (Ser536) and concomitant induction of PD-L1 expression, resulting in activation of an immunosuppressive program that allows OL cells to escape anti-cancer immunity in cytoplasm. In nucleus, IFITM4P reduced Pten transcription by enhancing the binding of KDM5A to the Pten promoter, thereby upregulating PD-L1 in OL cells. Moreover, mice bearing tumors with high IFITM4P expression had notable therapeutic sensitivity to PD-1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment. Collectively, these data demonstrate that IFITM4P may serve as a new therapeutic target in blockage of oral carcinogenesis, and PD-1 mAb can be an effective reagent to treat OSCC.

Lithium-sulfur battery (LSB) is considered a kind of potential energy storage systems on account of its high theoretical capacity (1675 mAh·g-1) and energy density (2500 Wh·Kg-1). However, poor ionic/electronic conductivity and annoying shuttle effects still need to be resolved. Here a highly flexible and highly conductive MXene (Ti3C2Tx) interlayer with a sandwich structure is reported, the surface of which is a TiS2/TiO2 heterostructure formed by vulcanized. In this framework, the role of TiO2 nanoparticles is adsorbent to combine the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs), and the TiS2 nanoparticles function as catalysts to further facilitate the conversion of long-chain LiPSs to short-chain Li2S2/Li2S under the high conductivity of Ti3C2Tx. Furthermore, the interlayer can protect the Lithium metal anode by preventing polysulfide from depositing on the anode surface. Accordingly, the TOS/MX/TOS interlayer exhibits excellent performance with stable long-term cycling (≈76.1% capacity retention with a decay rate of 0.048% per cycle after 500 cycles at 1C). This sandwiched interlayer with high discharge capacity and steady cycling performances is conducive to the practical application of lithium-sulfur batteries.

This study investigated the dosage-effect of biochar on the suppressed mesophilic digestion of oily sludge (OS) containing naphthalene (recalcitrant compound) and starch (easily bioavailable substrate). Methanogenesis was inhibited in control with OS, where biomethane yield (63.33 mL/gVS) was obviously lower than theoretical yield (260.55 mL/gVS). With adding optimal dose of biochar (0.60 g/gVS OS), the highest CH4 yield (138.41 mL/gVS) was 2.19 times of control. Meanwhile, the efficiencies of hydrolysis, acidogenesis and acetogenesis were significantly enhanced. However, excessive biochar (4.80 g/gVS OS) caused negative effects with methanogenic efficiency diminished by 32.5% and lag phase prolonged by 5.72 h. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) analysis showed that humic acid-like and fulvic acid-like components percentages of fluorescence regional integration were decreased because of the adsorption of biochar. In addition, biochar mediating interspecies electron transfer selectively enriched electroactive fermentation bacteria (Clostridium and Bacteroides) and acetoclastic Methanosaeta, which was responsible for promoting mesophilic digestion performance. The functional genes related to metabolism and environmental information processing were potentially activated by biochar. Above results indicate that moderate biochar application may mitigate the bio-toxicity suppression of OS, which help to provide a promising pathway for reinforcing oily wastes bio-treatment.

A loading-controlled Ag/C foam catalyst prepared by facile electrochemical growth in an environmentally friendly electrolyte with 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH) and niacin (NA) as complexing agents is reported. By controlling the cathodic current density and the growth time, the loading amount of silver on carbon support can be easily controlled. Ag/C foam catalyst with small size, ideal distribution, and controllable loading amount of Ag particles can be obtained on foam carbon support.

FCC-structured Al0.25CoCrFeNi high entropy alloy (Al0.25 alloy for short) was melted and cryo-rolled. The influences of annealing temperature (800 °C, 1000 °C, 1200 °C) on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties were investigated. The results suggested the synchronous enhancements in strength and ductility were obtained in the cryo-rolled Al0.25 alloy annealed at 1000 °C with fully recrystallization and B2 phase precipitation. TEM studying on the deformation behavior of this sample revealed that a laminated HCP phase was transformed from FCC phase during the tensile deformation at ambient temperature, which served as the media of twinning. The outstanding improvements in mechanical properties benefited from the contributions of twin-induced plasticity (TWIP) and phase transformation plasticity (TRIP). In addition, the order of recrystallization and the precipitation/dissolution of B2 phase for the cryo-rolled Al0.25 alloy during annealing process was tried to be clarified, which provided the guideline to tailor the mechanical properties of this alloy.

Martensitic and intermartensitic transformation induced by changing temperature and/or applying mechanical stress was investigated systematically in Ni50Mn30Ga20 and Ni46Mn24Ga22Co4Cu4 polycrystalline shape memory microwire. In particular, intermartensitic transformation induced by stress can be obtained in single crystal but difficult in polycrystalline materials that are usually intrinsically brittle due to the weak grain boundary cohesion. In this paper, two kinds of oligocrystalline microwires, containing free surface and bamboo-like grains, with austenite and martensite at room temperature exhibit multistep superelastic behavior with larger than 10% fully reversible strain from intermartensitic transformation. The two alloys undergo four kinds of phase transition sequence under the condition of stress-temperature coupling, and the later has smaller stress hysteresis and exhibits excellent high temperature mechanical properties during loading-unloading loops. Meanwhile, the transformation critical stress as a function of temperature phase diagram for the two kinds of alloys has been established. Utilizing the elements of Co and Cu replacing Ni and Mn in Ni50Mn30Ga20 alloys, phase transformation temperature is broadened and increased. For Ni-Mn-Ga microwire, continuous martensitic transformation process from 228 to 298 K is investigated by in-situ TEM observation, and the structure is confirmed to be five-layered modulated martensite at low temperature. Multiple martensites coexistence, including five-layered and seven layered modulated martensite, is explored in Ni-Mn-Ga-Co-Cu microwire at room temperature. Those multistep superelastic behavior and mechanical properties can be comparable but different from single crystal. This is an effective method to obtain small size, high performance shape memory alloys, which are of great significance for device miniaturization and intelligence.

The electrochemical reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) into valuable products represents a step towards alleviating global warming and the energy crisis. However, the sluggish kinetics of the CO2RR and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) still limit the application of CO2RR. In order to solve these problems, catalysts that can reduce CO2 with high activity, selectivity and stability are required. Recently, electrospun nanofibers have attracted particular interest as CO2RR catalysts due to their high conductivity, large surface area, superior stability, etc. In this review, we briefly introduce electrospinning technology and the fundamentals of the CO2RR. Then, the recent progress of CO2RR catalysts prepared through electrospinning, including heteroatom-doped and metal-decorated carbon materials and metal fiber materials are systematically discussed. Finally, the future perspectives and challenges of electrospun materials for CO2RR are presented. This mini review is anticipated to inspire better understanding and further development of electrospun materials for promoting CO2 electrolysis.

Oral leukoplakia (OL), a predominantly white change to the oral mucosa, is the most common potentially malignant lesion. Elimination of this condition, especially high risk OL, is advisable, even necessary as an attempt to avoid malignant transformation. Here we present three cases of OL successfully treated by ALA photodynamic therapy (PDT) following pretreatment with CO2 laser. After a series of one to three sessions the patients were monitored for 12 months. All lesions showed remission, but one recurred during follow-up. Side effects included mild edema, erosion and burning sensation. No severe side effects were observed. In summary, the combination of PDT and CO2 laser is safe and effective in the treatment of OL.

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is a rare clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by susceptibility to chronic or recurrent superficial Candida infection of the skin, nails and mucous membranes. We report a 14-year-old boy presented with recurrent oral Candida infection and oral ulcers complicated by recurrent keratitis, which were first noted shortly after birth. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) revealed a c.821G>A (p.R274Q) heterozygous mutation in the STAT1 gene. Further analysis by Sanger sequencing of STAT1 in his parents demonstrated that this variation was a spontaneous mutation. Dentists should consider primary immune deficiencies when patient presented with persistent, recurrent unresponsive candidiasis.

A linear relationship was observed between particle water uptake and relative humidity for aerosol samples collected on Teflon coated glass fiber filters. Gasoline soot and wood smoke sample weight increases were three to five times greater than diesel soot weight increases at comparable relative humidities. Lower limit estimates of wood smoke water content at 90% relative humidity were in the 5–10% range. Based on these results polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon photodegradation was investigated in liquid mixtures of actual wood smoke components with water content varied from 0 to 15%. Reaction rates of benz[a]anthracene and benzo[k]fluroanthene were significantly greater in methoxyphenol mixtures with 10% water content than in mixtures which did not contain water. Benzo[a]pyrene photodegradation was not significantly different. The results indicate that combustion particle water content increases with increasing relative humidity and that PAH photodegradation rates are likely to increase with increasing particle water content. This provides an explanation for previously described smog chamber studies in which a correlation between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) decay in sunlight and water vapor concentration was reported.