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To understand the long-term and local variations of bacteria under the influence of annually re-occurred water bloom, bacterial community composition (BCC) was investigated monthly for 3 years (2009-2011) at four different sites located across Lake Taihu. The bacterial community composition was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene clone libraries and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism. Co-occurrence patterns among bacterial taxa and environmental variables were determined through network analysis. Overall, strong seasonal variation patterns of BCC were observed whilst the spatial variations of BCC were slight in the long-term observation. However, core species bacteria persisted throughout the annual variations. Network analysis showed that the highly connected operational taxonomic units in bacteria-environment network included both the numerically dominant taxa and some functional groups with low abundance, such as Methylophilaceae and Nitrospira. Co-occurrence networks further revealed that the correlations of bacteria-bacteria could be more critical than those between environment and bacteria in structuring microbial communities, and would be a crucial driving factor of BCC in Lake Taihu. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • AnpeNPV-IAP1 mainly localizes to the nuclear ring zone and exhibits dynamic distribution in the cytoplasm and the VS. • AnpeNPV-IAP1 is not essential for viral DNA replication or BV infection. • AnpeNPV-IAP1 is involved in regulating viral gene expression and required for normal OB formation and production. Inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (IAP1) of Antheraea pernyi multinucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV) belongs to the baculovirus IAP1 type. The function of AnpeNPV-IAP1 in viral replication and occlusion body (OB) production remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that AnpeNPV- iap1 is a late gene. AnpeNPV-IAP1 mainly localizes to the nuclear ring zone and exhibits dynamic distribution in the cytoplasm and the virogenic stroma during AnpeNPV infection. AnpeNPV-IAP1 impacted the expression of a variety of viral genes at the very late phase of infection in Tn-Hi5 cells. The deletion of AnpeNPV- iap1 caused decreased expression levels of polyhedrin, morphological changes to OBs and reduced OB production in A. pernyi pupae, along with a lengthening of the lethal time of A. pernyi larvae. These results suggest that AnpeNPV- iap1 is involved in regulating viral gene expression, OB production and morphogenesis in A. pernyi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the proteomic and physiological responses of the bloom-forming cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa, to nitrogen (N) starvation, phosphorus (P) starvation, and the simultaneous starvation of N and P. Our results suggested that M. aeruginosa could maintain nearly normal growth under P starvation for at least 7 days, whereas N deficiency significantly decreased M. aeruginosa growth. Orange carotenoid-binding proteins, metallothionein, and several conserved exported hypothetical proteins were found differentially regulated with a similar manner responding to N starvation and P starvation, indicating general stress response roles for these proteins. Upon N starvation, the expression of several proteins involved in cellular carbon metabolism and carbon fixation was enhanced, which may enable their effective reuse of cellular substrates and accumulate glycogen for long-term survival. Upon P starvation, several proteins relating to protein synthesis and the assimilation of carbon and N were downregulated, suggesting a general reduction in the cell's metabolic rate, which could save energy and reducing power to maintain the basal growth. Though M. aeruginosa growth was significantly reduced when both N and P were unavailable, very limited significant changes in the proteomic composition were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake Taihu, a large eutrophic freshwater lake in China, has suffered severe Microcystis blooms since the mid-1980s. In situ nutrient enrichment experiments were conducted to investigate the spatial and seasonal patterns of size-fractionated phytoplankton growth in Lake Taihu. Growth rates were significantly higher in western Taihu than in Meiliang Bay, except in May and September. In western Taihu, phytoplankton growth was only slightly limited by phosphorus. In Meiliang Bay, phytoplankton growth was phosphorus limited during May–July, whereas it was nitrogen limited during August–September. Switching between phosphorus and nitrogen limitation closely followed the seasonal fluctuations in levels of these nutrients. Phytoplankton in the large-size fraction tended to dominate the phytoplankton communities during the Microcystis blooms, although the growth rate of the small-size fraction was significantly higher than that of the large-size fraction. Our results demonstrate that nitrogen and phosphorus levels control the phytoplankton growth patterns in Lake Taihu, and that colonial Microcystis may be critical to maintain blooms under nutrient-limited conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to identify anti‐tumor agents in Quercus mongolica Fisch (QMF). Bioactive compounds in QMF leaves, which were extracted using ethanol as a co‐solvent. Five point zero six grams of flavonoids were obtained from 100 g of QMF leaves. Catechin (18.4%), rutin (6.3%), ellagic acid (34.9%), quercetin (5.1%) and kaempferol (20.6%) are the main ingredients of the extracts and were further purified by HPLC. CCK‐8 cell proliferation assay showed that catechin and ellagic acid exerted strong inhibitory effects on the proliferation of all cancer cells with lower IC50 values against MCF‐7 human breast cancer cell lines, SMMC‐7721 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, HeLa human cervical carcinoma cell lines and SKOV3 human ovarian carcinoma cell lines (p <.05). Catechin, rutin and quercetin induced a higher rate of apoptosis and inhibited all cancer cell proliferation by inducing the G0/G1 phase and G2/M phase arrest (p <.05). However, ellagic acid induced tumor cell death, not through apoptosis and there may be other molecular mechanisms. High levels of catechin and ellagic acid in QMF can be developed as potential drugs to treat different types of cancer cells. Practical applications: Quercus species have been widely studied because of their antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti‐tumor properties. Bioactive compounds in the leaves of Quercus mongolica Fisch have high levels of catechin and ellagic acid, which exert significant inhibitory properties on the proliferation of various types of cancer cells. Therefore, the bioactive compounds may be potential natural drugs in the prevention of cancer development and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separation and purification of biomacromolecules such as nucleic acid is a perpetual topic in separation processes and bioengineering (fine chemicals, biopharmaceutical engineering, diagnostics, and biological characterization). In principle, the solid‐phase extraction for nucleic acid exhibits efficient phase separation, low pollution risk, and small sample demand, compared to the conventional liquid‐phase extraction. Herein, solid‐phase extraction methods are systematically reviewed to outline research progress and explore additional solid‐phase sorbents and devices for novel, flexible, and high‐efficiency nucleic acid separation processes. The functional materials capture nucleic acid, magnetic and magnetic‐free solid‐phase extraction methods, separation device design and optimization, and high‐throughput automatable applications based on high‐performance solid‐phase extraction are summarized. Finally, the current challenges and promising topics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common chronic lung disease in premature babies, especially affecting those with very low or extremely low birth weights. Survivors experience adverse lung and neurological defects including cognitive dysfunction. This impacts the prognosis of children with BPD and may result in developmental delays. The currently available options for the treatment of BPD are limited owing to low efficacy or several side effects; therefore, there is a lack of effective treatments for BPD. The treatment for BPD must help in the repair of damaged lung tissue and promote further growth of the lung tissue. In recent years, the emergence of stem cell therapy, especially mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, has improved the treatment of BPD to a great extent. This article briefly reviews the advantages, research progress, and challenges faced with the use of MSCs in the treatment of BPD. Stem cell therapy is beneficial as it repairs damaged tissues by reducing inflammation, fibrosis, and by acting against oxidative stress damage. Experimental trials have also proven that MSCs provide a promising avenue for BPD treatment. However, there are challenges such as the possibility of MSCs contributing to tumorous growths, the presence of heterogeneous cell populations resulting in variable efficacy, and the ethical considerations regarding the use of this treatment in humans. Therefore, more research must be conducted to determine whether MSC therapy can be approved as a treatment option for BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fangcang shelter hospitals have played an important role in the battle against the COVID-19 epidemic in China. Patients' verbal and physical attacks on medical workforce are prone to occur in such hospitals. This study explored the impacts of patient mistreatment on healthcare workers' role behaviors (service performance and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior). Methods: We examined the influence of patient mistreatment on service performance and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior, as well as the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion and the moderating effect of displaced aggression by patients, using hierarchical linear regression and conditional process analysis. Results: Patient mistreatment was positively associated with emotional exhaustion among healthcare workers, while emotional exhaustion was negatively associated with service performance and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior. Mediation analysis revealed that emotional exhaustion mediated the association between patient mistreatment and both types of role behaviors. Moderated mediation analysis found that the mediation effect was weaker when the displaced aggression by patients was high. Conclusions: The findings clarified the relationship among patient mistreatment, emotional exhaustion, service performance, and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior. Additional assistance should be provided to healthcare workers dealing with patient mistreatment. Displaced aggression by patients attenuates the positive effects of patient mistreatment on the emotional exhaustion of healthcare workers. Our findings reveal the mechanism and boundary conditions of patient mistreatment affecting healthcare workers' service performance and patient-oriented organizational citizenship behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we established the Antheraea pernyi multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV) bacmid system for the construction of a Bac-to-Bac expression system and the generation of virus mutants. The CopyRight pSMART BAC cloning vector harboring the chloramphenicol resistance gene was introduced into the AnpeNPV genome to produce the AnpeNPV bacmid that could be propagated in Escherichia coli with stable replication. The enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was successfully expressed in both Tn-Hi5 cells and A. pernyi pupae using the AnpeNPV Bac-to-Bac expression system. To generate the AnpeNPV mutants, we developed the AnpeNPV bacmid/λ Red recombination system that facilitated the deletion of viral genes from the AnpeNPV genome. The genes cathepsin and chitinase were deleted and a derivative AnpeNPV Bac-to-Bac expression system was constructed. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the novel expression system could be used to express human epidermal growth factor in A. pernyi pupae. Taken together, the AnpeNPV bacmid system provides a powerful tool to create the AnpeNPV Bac-to-Bac expression system for protein expression in A. pernyi pupae. Further, it helps to knock-out genes from the AnpeNPV genome with λ Red recombination system for identification of the role of viral genes involved in regulating gene expression, DNA replication, virion structure, and infectivity during the AnpeNPV infection process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a newly discovered noncoding RNA that regulates gene transcription, binds to RNA-related proteins, and encodes protein microRNAs (miRNAs). The development of molecular biomarkers such as circRNAs holds great promise in the diagnosis and prognosis of clinical disorders. Importantly, circRNA-mediated maternal-fetus risk factors including environmental (high altitude), maternal (preeclampsia, smoking, and chorioamnionitis), placental, and fetal (preterm birth and low birth weight) factors are the early origins and likely to contribute to the occurrence and progression of developmental and pediatric cardiopulmonary disorders. Although studies of circRNAs in normal cardiopulmonary development and developmental diseases have just begun, some studies have revealed their expression patterns. Here, we provide an overview of circRNAs' biogenesis and biological functions. Furthermore, this review aims to emphasize the importance of circRNAs in maternal-fetus risk factors. Likewise, the potential biomarker and therapeutic target of circRNAs in developmental and pediatric lung diseases are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) possess nephrotoxicity to animals and widely co-exist in food and feedstuffs. FB1 rarely, while OTA often, causes toxicosis in animals. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) resists lung injury induced by pneumolysin, but whether Hsp70 could remission mycotoxins-induced renal injury is still unknown. The present study aims to explore the impacts of nontoxic doses of FB1 on OTA-induced nephrotoxicity and the protective roles of Hsp70. In the mycotoxins-challenge experiment, ICR mice were co-exposed to nontoxic doses of FB1 (0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 mg/kg bw, IP) and toxic dose of OTA (0.4 mg/kg bw, IP) for 16 d. The results showed that the levels of BUN, Cr, MDA in serum, the Cyto C in renal tubes or glomerulus, pro-apoptosis genes and p-JNK protein expression in kidney were significantly increased. Histopathological results revealed the glomerular swelling. The above all indexes were dose-dependent. In the protection experiment, the mice were pretreated with the eukaryotic plasmid of pEGFP-C3- Hsp70 , these increasing parameters in the mycotoxins-challenge experiment were reversed. In vitro, after pK-15 cells were treated with 8 μM FB1 and 5 μM OTA for 48 h, the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly reduced, mitochondrial ROS was remarkably increased, more Cyto C was leaked from mitochondria into cytoplasm, and pro-apoptosis genes were significantly up-regulated. After the Hsp70 level was up-regulated by pEGFP-C3- Hsp70 or ML346 in pK-15 cells, these above indexes were reversed. However, activation of JNK by anisomycin significantly suppressed the protective effects of Hsp70. Our results demonstrate that the nontoxic doses of FB1 exacerbate the toxic dose of OTA-induced renal injury, while Hsp70 alleviates renal injury by inhibiting the JNK/MAPK signaling pathway. Hsp70 up-regulation may be an efficient strategy for protecting against tissue damage and bio-function impairment induced by co-exposure to FB1 and OTA. [Display omitted] • Nontoxic doses of FB1 exacerbate toxic dose of OTA-induced renal injury and cell apoptosis in mice and pK-15 cells. • Overexpression of Hsp70 gene-level relieves renal injury and cell apoptosis induced by co-exposure to FB1 and OTA in vivo and in vitro. • Hsp70 alleviates renal injury and cell apoptosis by inhibiting the JNK/MAPK signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is one of the most dominant and economically important aquaculture species in China. Saponin, which possesses notable biological and pharmacological properties, is a key determinant of the nutritional and health value of A. japonicus. In the present study, we amplified the full-length cDNA of a phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK) gene (named AjPMK) using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). Subsequently, we engineered a recombinant AjPMK (rAjPMK) protein and assessed its enzymatic activity by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Proteins that interact with rAjPMK were screened and identified via pull-down assay combined with liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). We found that the full-length cDNA of AjPMK contained 1354 bp and an open reading frame (ORF) of 612 bp. The AjPMK protein was predicted not to contain a signal peptide but to contain a phosphonolate kinase domain seen in higher eukaryotes and a P-loop with a relatively conserved nucleoside triphosphate hydrolase domain. The molecular weight of the AjPMK protein was estimated to be 23.81 kDa, and its isoelectric point was predicted to be 8.72. Phylogenetic analysis showed that AjPMK had a closer evolutionary relationship with genes from starfish than with those of other selected species. Besides, we found that rAjPMK synthesized mevalonate-5-diphosphate, interacted either directly or indirectly with crucial pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and was regulated by immune-related processes, including antioxidative reactions, stress resistance responses and enzyme hydrolysis. Moreover, AjPMK also interacted with farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase, an enzyme reported to be involved in saponin biosynthesis. Together, our findings implied that AjPMK may be directly involved in saponin biosynthesis and the regulation of various innate immune processes. • A phosphomevalonate kinase (PMK) gene was identified in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. • AjPMK is involved in sea cucumber saponin biosynthesis. • AjPMK might be regulated by multiple immune processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heavy metal distribution, bioavailability, and ecological risk in the surface sediment of Taihu Lake were evaluated. Samples were collected from eight representative sites in September 2011 and February 2012. In the surface sediment, average metal contents were in the order of Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu. Spatially, Zhushan Bay maintained higher Cu, Ni, and Zn contents and Xiaomeikou maintained higher Cr and Pb contents than other sites. Spatial and temporal variation were observed in the bioavailable metals determined by acid-soluble fraction of BCR extraction. The labile metals in Zhushan Bay and Xiaomeikou were quantified by diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) and DGT-labile concentrations of Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb, and Cd were in descending order, indicating the inconsistence of labile concentrations of different heavy metals with the total metal contents and that the toxic effect of Cd in sediment should be given attention. The ecological risk assessed by Hakanson potential ecological risk index showed that Zhushan Bay suffered the most serious pollution and should be given special attention. Bioavailability of metals should be taken into account during risk assessment for more accurate estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, the synthesis of body temperature triggering shape memory polymers usually requires elaborate structural design, which limits their wide application. Herein, starting from bio‐based Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG), a series of EUG/silica hybrids (ESHs) are prepared through a facile one‐pot process, in which EUG is epoxied and then self‐crosslinked with SiO2 by epoxy ring‐open reaction. Varying the amount of H2O2, the shape memory transition temperature (Ttrans) of ESHs is adjusted to 47.4–36.6 ℃, which is close to human body temperature (37 ℃). Among them, ESH‐17 exhibited the best body temperature triggering shape memory ability (Ttrans = 36.6 ℃), which can restore the permanent shape within 60 s at 37 ℃ with a shape fixity ratio of 99% and shape recovery ratio near 100%. In addition, the shape memory mechanism is discussed and shows some application scenarios of ESHs. The as‐produced materials can be used as smart biomaterials such as self‐tightening sutures, self‐sealing root canal filling materials, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nano-starch particles were prepared with soluble starch by reversed-phase micro emulsion polymerization. It was found that the sorts and the content of via-surfactant, the volume ratio of Water/Oil phase and the concentration of starch were important factors in designing the size and the dispersion of starch particles. Moreover, it was found that the recycle of the oil phase was feasible as extra surfactant added, which provided industry a promising way for reducing cost. Finally, dispersion of nano-starch particles in rubber was preliminarily studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous catalyst has been widely used in hydrogenation process. However, the heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR) usually requires high temperature and thus remains a significant challenge. Herein, an efficient MIL-100(Fe)-supported palladium (Pd) catalyst was successfully synthesized via a solution impregnation method without stabilizing and reducing agents and applied in selective hydrogenation of NBR with an in situ reduction process. Specifically, Pd2+ could be directly reduced to Pd0 during hydrogenation process, which would further get involved in the hydrogenation of NBR rapidly. As-obtained Pd(II)/MIL-100(Fe) composite exhibited highly catalytic activity toward NBR at room temperature due to the well-dispersed and small-sized Pd nanoparticles and the high external surface area of MIL-100(Fe). Furthermore, the hydrogenation degree of hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR) could reach to 93% even at 10 °C. More importantly, the MIL-100/HNBR composites with improved mechanical properties could be also prepared by the one-step method through using the remained catalysts in HNBR substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an amino-rich graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were efficiently prepared. Hydrogenated carboxylated nitrile latex (HXNBR) was prepared by hydrogenation of carboxylated nitrile latex (XNBR) by residual hydrazine hydrate during the preparation of GQDs, and a large amount of amino groups on the GQDs were reacted with carboxyl groups on the XNBR. Hence, a novel-interpenetrating network HXNBR film containing GQDs was successfully prepared. The physical properties and aging resistance of the films were investigated. The composite films have ultraviolet-visible excited fluorescence. By comparing the fluorescence of the films, it was confirmed that HXNBR grafting of GQDs to form an interpenetrating network enables GQDs to be well dispersed in the matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Antheraea pernyi multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV)-based expression vector system, the frequency of homologous recombination events between wild-type AnpeNPV DNA and the transfer vector is low, resulting in a small amount of recombinant virus. Previous reports have indicated that linearized baculovirus DNA can increase the proportion of recombinant virus relative to the total progeny. To improve the recombination efficiency, we constructed a linearized derivative of AnpeNPV, referred to as AnpeNPVPhEGFP -Avr II, in which egfp flanked by Avr II restriction sites was located at the polyhedrin locus and driven by the polyhedrin promoter. Linear AnpeNPV DNA was obtained by the treatment of AnpeNPVPhEGFP -Avr II genomic DNA with Avr II endonuclease. The infectivity and recombinogenic activity between the linearized and circular viral DNA were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. We demonstrated that the linearized AnpeNPV DNA produced only small numbers of infectious budded viruses, accounting for approximately 4.5% of the budded virus production of wild-type AnpeNPV DNA in A. pernyi pupae. However, the linearized AnpeNPV DNA substantially increased recombinant virus production after cotransfection with an appropriate transfer vector; relative abundance of the recombinant virus was approximately 5.5-fold higher than that of the wild-type AnpeNPV DNA in A. pernyi pupae. The linearization of AnpeNPV DNA will facilitate the purification of recombinant viruses using the AnpeNPV-based expression vector system and the construction of an AnpeNPV-based bacmid system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucommia ulmoides gum (EUG) is an essential bio-based material with a similar chemical structure to natural rubber, but it is rigid plastic at room temperature due to crystallization, which limits its wide application. Herein, we report a new method for synthesis of functional Eucommia ulmoides ester (EUET) elastomer by chemical modification of EUG. First, EUG was epoxidized by performic acid formed from hydrogen peroxide and formic acid in situ in toluene solution and then subjected to ring-opening reaction with acetic acid. It was found that EUET contained both α-hydroxyl ester and β-hydroxyl ester in the molecular chain. Unlike EUG, EUET was no longer crystallized due to the reduction of regularity, and it has been successfully converted into elastomer, which was confirmed by the elastic strain recovery experiment. Furthermore, because of the presence of polar groups and the hydrogen bond between them, EUET could self-heal under the condition of 50 °C, and their vulcanizates possessed excellent mechanical properties, resilience, oil resistance and damping properties. This study may promote the application of EUG in the field of bio-based functional elastomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Baculovirus infection impacts global gene expression in the host cell, including the expression of housekeeping genes. Evaluation of candidate reference genes during a viral infection will inform the selection of appropriate reference gene(s) for the normalization of expression data generated by Reverse Transcription Quantitative Real-timePolymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). Antheraea pernyi multicapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus (AnpeNPV) is able to infect the High Five cells (Tn-Hi5). In the present study, 10 candidate reference genes were evaluated in AnpeNPV-infected Tn-Hi5 cells. Gene expression data were analyzed using geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. The candidate genes were further validated as reliable reference genes for RT-qPCR by analyzing the expression of three target genes. The results of data analysis using four statistical methods showed that RPS18 was the least stable among the candidate reference genes tested. 18S rRNA and 28S rRNA were not suitable as reference genes for RT-qPCR analysis in AnpeNPV-infected Tn-Hi5 cells. Comprehensive ranking of the 10 candidate reference genes by RefFinder analysis indicated that Ann B, c45128_g1, and ACT were the top three genes. Normalization of the expression of three target genes using the candidate reference genes indicated the same expression pattern when Ann B and c45128_g1 were used as reference genes, with slight differences in the relative expression at each infection time point. Overall, Ann B and c45128_g1 were recommended to be more suitable than the most commonly used reference genes, such as ACT, GAPDH, and TUB, for RT-qPCR data normalization in AnpeNPV-infected Tn-Hi5 cells up to 48 hpi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-throughput ALMS-qPCR method enhanced Nosema spp. detection. • DNA preparation of ALMS-qPCR is fast, automatable, and cost-effective. • Common PCR inhibitory factors were overcome in ALMS-qPCR. • The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.045 parasites/μL. • ALMS-qPCR is promising for routine pébrine screening and epidemiological studies. Accurate diagnosis of pathogenic Nosema spp. in Antheraea pernyi samples is considered especially useful for reducing economic losses in sericulture and improving food safety by maintaining pathogen-free pupae. However, microscopy and immunologic methods have poor diagnostic sensitivity, while the more sensitive PCR methods remain costly and time-consuming for template preparation. To address this issue, we introduce a sensitive ALMS-qPCR method that combines fast, simple DNA extraction using A lkali L ysis followed by M agnetic bead S eparation (ALMS) and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). This approach is especially fit for large-scale pathogen molecular screening, because the DNA preparation procedure is fast (<0.94 min per sample) and is high-throughput (performs on a 96-well plate). It is cost-effective, since the most expensive materials can be made in the lab and can be recycled, while the automated procedure can help to minimize labor cost. Though the DNA preparation procedure was substantially simplified, common PCR inhibitory factors were not observed. The sensitivity of ALMS-qPCR is high and the limit of detection is 0.045 parasites/μL. Large-scale screening of Nosema spp. in 3000 Antheraea pernyi samples confirmed the efficacy of the ALMS-qPCR method. Sensitivity is much higher than clinical microscopy, especially for host groups with low infection prevalence and levels. High-throughput ALMS-qPCR, combining automated DNA preparation and sensitive qPCR, provides an enhanced approach for pébrine screening and epidemiological studies. The application of ALMS-qPCR in the sericulture industry will help to strengthen pébrine control and breed pathogen-free species, which means much safer food provision and better genetic resource conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang formula (YFB) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription composed of Coix seed, Radix Aconiti Lateralis and Patrinia villosa , which has been used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) for thousands of years. Aim of the study : To investigate the therapeutic effect and metabolic analysis of YFB formula on UC in rats induced by 2,4,6-trinitro-benzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Six main alkaloids in the YFB formula were determined by UPLC‒MS/MS. The rat UC model was induced by TNBS, and the therapeutic effect of YFB formula on UC was evaluated by disease activity index (DAI) score and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. UPLC-QTRAP-MS metabolomics technology was used to screen potential biomarkers for YFB treatment of UC in combination with multivariate data statistics and further analyze related metabolic pathways. Western blotting was used to detect the protein levels of NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, ASC, pro-caspase1 and Caspase-1 in rat liver tissues. ELISA and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the contents of interleukin (IL)-17A, IL-21, IL-22, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18 in rat serum and liver tissues. The DAI scores of the YFB groups were significantly reduced, and colon tissue injury was significantly improved (p < 0.01). The results of metabolomics analysis revealed 29 potential biomarkers in serum and 27 potential biomarkers in liver. YFB formula can treat UC by affecting glycerophospholipid metabolism, primary bile acid biosynthesis, glyoxylic acid and dicarboxylic acid metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. Compared with the model group, the contents of IL-17A, IL-21, IL-22, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18 in the YFB groups were decreased in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the protein levels of NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, ASC, pro-caspase1 and Caspase-1 in the YFB groups were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). The therapeutic effect of YFB formula on UC rats was dose dependent, and the effect of the YFB (2.046 g/kg) group was close to that of the positive group. YFB formula has an anti-inflammatory effect on UC by regulating the balance of Th17/Treg cells in rats. [Display omitted] • The first metabolomics analysis of the mechanism of YFB in treating UC. • YFB can regulate the balance of Th17/Treg cells in UC rats. • YFB significantly recalled multiple metabolites of UC rats. • YFB may treat UC by regulating multiple metabolic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodium (Rh) nanoparticles have been widely used as potent hydrogenation catalysts. Herein, a new convenient method has been developed to synthesize rhodium nanoparticles, in which carbon dots (CDs) were used both as stabilizing and reducing agents. The fluorescent CDs were prepared by microwave-assisted heating method using chitosan as raw material and the presences of hydroxyl and carbonyl on the surface of CDs were supported by FTIR spectra. Subsequently, CDs could directly reduce Rh 3+ to Rh 0 without additional reducing and stabilizing agents by heating Rh 3+ with CDs for 1 h at 120 °C. The resulting Rh nanoparticles have an average size of about 2.8 nm and the Rh/CDs nanoparticles also retain the fluorescent property of CDs. The hydrogenation activities of Rh/CDs nanoparticles were investigated. The results demonstrated that the nanoparticles had highly catalytic activity in the hydrogenation reaction of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) and hydroxy-terminated butadiene-acrylonitrile (HTBN). Also, the presence of CDs could improve the fluorescent properties of rubbers after hydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-nanotubes (CNTs)-supported rhodium (Rh) nanoparticle catalysts were prepared by sequential sonication-assisted liquid phase exfoliation of multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), followed by microwave-assisted hydrothermal reduction of the supported Rh. The as-prepared Rh-PVP-MWCNT catalysts were applied in the selective hydrogenation of nitrile butadiene rubber. The catalyst had excellent activity even at room temperature and can be easily separated from the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, novel 1-methylpropargyl alcohol derivatives containing leucine side groups on their side chains were successfully synthesized and polymerized using (nbd)Rh + [η 6 -C 6 H 5 B − (C 6 H 5 ) 3 ] as catalyst. Circular dichroism (CD) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectra revealed that the polymers took predominantly one-handed helical structures that were stable under heat. Deprotection of the t-butyloxycarboryl (Boc) groups in the homopolymers under acidic conditions produced polymers with primary amine moieties on the side chains. The polymers were soluble in aqueous medium, and turbidity test revealed that they were pH-responsive. Amino acid-based polymers were further used in the enantionselective crystallization of alanine enantiomers and l -alanine was preferably induced to crystallize with the l -leucine-based polymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone rubber composites reinforced by multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were prepared. The effect of surface modification methods and MWCNT contents on the properties of the RTV silicone rubber composites was investigated. The properties of the composites were improved when the treated MWCNTs were used. After treated by polyester-modified polydimethylsiloxane solution (BKY-310), the MWCNTs were uniformly dispersed in the silicone rubber matrix. When 5 phr of MWCNTs was added, the composite achieved good comprehensive performance. Its tensile strength, tear strength, elongation and onset decomposition temperature reach 2.0 MPa, 11.7 kN/m, 238% and 510 °C, respectively. But the above said values for the composite with untreated MWCNTs are only 1.1 MPa, 7.0 kN/m, 83% and 484 °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An Rh-based complex, T-Rh-PPh3, was developed through a facile one-step process. The T-Rh-PPh3 exhibited high activity and air stability in the hydrogenation of acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber. The enhanced air stability can be ascribed to the phenolic hydroxyl structures in tannin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel bio-adsorbent was successfully synthesized by pyrolyzing Alternanthera philoxeroides (AP), one of the most widely used hydrophytes for eutrophic lake ecological restoration under O 2 -limited condition at 600 °C. Compared with commercially active carbon (AC), the initial solution pH had a weak effect on the adsorption of Pb(II) by AP biochar (APB). The maximum adsorption capacity of APB for Pb(II) was 257.12 mg/g, which was 5.3 times of that of the AC. The adsorption process was fast, with only 2.5 h to reach adsorption equilibrium. The adsorption mechanism of Pb(II) by APB involves the precipitation and complexation of Pb(II) with free carboxyl/hydroxyl functional groups and mineral carbonates of APB as well as ion replacement between Pb(II) and alkaline earth cations. These results suggest that using a low-cost APB adsorbent for heavy metals contaminated water treatment may have great ecological and environmental significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new type of self-cross-linking hydrogenated carboxylated nitrile-butadiene rubber (HXNBR)/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) composite film was prepared from their mixed emulsions. HXNBR latex was obtained by diimide hydrogenation. The HXNBR/PVC composite film can be self-cross-linked without any additional cross-linking agent. The properties of composite films, including film-forming property, morphology, physical properties, swelling behavior, and ageing properties were investigated. When PVC content was lower than 30%, the composite film showed no crack in the surface, especially at 20% of PVC content, the composite film showed excellent mechanical properties. The addition of 20% PVC improved thermal stability of HXNBR film. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

ABSTRACT Novel acetylenic monomers containing Schiff-base and amino groups, ( S)- N-(4-ethynylbenzylidene)-1-phenylethanamine ( 1a), ( R)- N-(4-ethynylbenzylidene)-1-phenylethanamine ( 1b), N-(4-ethynylbenzylidene)-1-phenylethanamine ( 1c), ( R)- N-(4-ethynylbenzyl)-1-phenylethanamine ( 1d), and ( R)- N-(4-ethynylbenzyl)-1-phenylethanamine ( 1e) were synthesized and polymerized with [(nbd)RhCl]2/Et3N catalyst to afford the corresponding polymers 2a- e with moderate molecular weights ( Mn = 9000-60,000) in high yields (85-97%). All the polymers were soluble in common organic solvents including toluene, CHCl3, CH2Cl2, THF, and DMF. Large optical rotations and strong CD signals demonstrated that 2a, 2b, 2d, and 2e take helical structures with a predominantly one-handed screw sense. The effects of solvents and temperature revealed that these polymers took dynamic helical structure based on the steric effect of side groups. The CD patterns of 2d and 2e containing free amino moieties were completely inverted by the addition of benzoic acid. Upon further addition of NaOH, the CD pattern returned to the original one, indicating the reversible conformational change of these polymers according to pH. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 5248-5256 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR) is widely used in aerospace, petroleum exploration and other fields because of its excellent performances. However, there remains a challenge of balancing the oil resistance and the low temperature resistance for HNBR. In this work, a series of grafted carboxyl nitrile rubber (XNBR) was prepared by the esterification reaction between active functional groups (–COOH) of XNBR and alkanols of different molecular chain lengths (C8H17OH, C12H25OH, C16H33OH, C18H37OH) or Methoxypolyethylene glycols (MPEG) of different molecular weights (Mn = 350, 750, 1000). The structure and low temperature resistance of as-obtained grafted polymers were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), 1H-NMR and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of grafted XNBR were significantly decreased. MPEG grafted polymers with better low temperature resistance were then selected for hydrogenation. As-prepared hydrogenated XNBR grafted with MPEG-1000 (HXNBR-g-1000) showed the lowest Tg of −29.8 °C and the best low temperature resistance. This work provides a novel and simple preparation method for low temperature resistant HNBR, which might be used potentially in extremely cold environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D-printed integrated separator for nucleic acid (NA) extraction was fabricated. • The separator has ideal printing accuracy and stable structures, and can be reused. • Hybrid micro-structures enhanced NA extraction efficiency of 3D-printed separator. • Developed magnetic-free NA extraction method is fast, simple and high-throughput. • Developed NA extraction method is promising in routine PCR diagnosis of pathogens. Nucleic acid (NA) amplification is a powerful molecular biological tool. While, the high-efficient NA amplification can be only used in modern laboratory owing to the relatively time-consuming and multistep labor-intensive NA separation. Herein, an integrated polyacrylic acid (PAA) comb-like separator with hybrid micro-structures was fabricated via 3D printing technology for high throughput and convenient (magnetic-free) NA separation. It realizes the high-effective and fast NA separation from organism samples by simply transferring of the separator from different tubes containing lysate, washing solution and elution buffer, with enhanced throughput due to the feature of convenient operation on 8-tube strip or 96-well plate. Results showed the 3D printing PAA integrated separator has ideal printing accuracy and stability in the thread and groove structures, and can be reused with robust separation performance. The NA separation yield enhanced by the hybrid micro-structures on the interface of the integrated separator is comparable to that of classic magnetic nanoparticle (MNP) based NA separation method under optimized condition. The developed NA separation and purification process has the advantages of very short operation time (separation duration minimized to 1 min), no requirement of additional technical equipment (magnetic-free) and no intensive labors (no pipetting and centrifugation). The NA amplification results illustrated that NA isolated via the developed separator could meet the requirements for further biological applications, especially in the field of high-throughput molecular detection of pathogens. This novel separator can provide a promising pave for NA separation to satisfy the high-throughput and automation requirements of the related biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A nucleic acids (NA) separation method with high-throughput and low contamination risk was developed. • Different functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have diverse affinity features with NA. • Molecular dynamics simulations verified the diverse affinity of different MNPs for NA separation. High efficiency nucleic acid (NA) separation via magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) is a promising technology for bioengineering, healthcare, etc. Aimed to enhance the selection of MNPs and illustrate the separation mechanism for effective isolation of NAs from complex animal samples, this study fabricated hydroxy-, amino- and carboxyl-functionalized MNPs (MNPs-OH, MNPs-NH 2 and MNPs-COOH) with different particle sizes to investigate the hybrid NA separation performance from animal tissue samples. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was introduced to predict the affinity action of MNPs with NA and typical impurities. The details of the kinetic separation behavior and the NA separation performance were then illustrated. MD simulation results showed MNPs-NH 2 had a stronger affinity with NA, and in most experimental separation systems, NA separation yield via three kinds of MNPs showed a following order of MNPs-NH 2 > MNPs-OH > MNPs-COOH. MNPs of different sizes had significantly different sedimentation and dispersion features, leading to diverse separation results. Combining with the proper lysis system, an optimized NA separation method at room temperature with high-throughput and low contamination risk was developed as a promising approach for large-scale samples extracted NA simultaneously. This work could provide a theoretical guidance for the fabrication strategy of advanced MNPs and the enhancement of NA separation from complex samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular chain orientation and strain-induced crystallization (SIC) behaviors of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) with acrylonitrile content of 19%, 33%, 41%, 44%, i.e., HNBR-19 to HNBR-44, were characterized by using polarized FTIR spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation WAXD. Results demonstrated that the hydrogenated butadiene and acrylonitrile segments showed different orientation behaviors in these HNBRs. Orientation decreased with increasing acrylonitrile content, except for HNBR-44. HNBR-19 had the highest SIC ability and the crystals were composed of only hydrogenated butadiene homopolymer segments. HNBR-33 could not crystallize. As for HNBR-41 and HNBR-44 with high acrylonitrile content, HNBR-44 showed the better SIC ability and hydrogenated butadiene-acrylonitrile alternating copolymer segments were proved to participate in the crystallization. Relationship between microstructure and stress-strain characteristics was also discussed and results revealed that the relatively homogeneous crystal structure, higher crystal orientation and rapidly increasing molecular chain orientation were attributed to the highest stress value of HNBR-44 after SIC occurred. [Display omitted] • Acrylonitrile content determines the different molecular chain orientation of HNBR. • HNBRs with different acrylonitrile content have various crystallization behaviors. • Relationship between microstructure and stress-strain characteristics are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A new cost-effective strategy of using carbon nanodots as efficient compatibilizers for immiscible polymer blend was proposed for the first time. • Carbon nanodots had highly compatibilizing efficiency in promoting the compatibilization of TPU/MVQ blends with improved tensile strength, thermal stability and tunable fluorescent property. • A systematic study referred to the effect of size, silane grafting density and loading of carbon nanodots was discussed. • The thickness of interface layer was quantitatively identified by Atomic Force Microscope. Herein, silane-functionalized carbon nanodots (Si-CDs) with different sizes and surface grafting density were successfully fabricated by a facile and cost-effective one-pot solvothermal treatment and incorporated for the first time as novel compatibilizers into the thermoplastic polyurethane/methyl vinyl silicone rubber (TPU/MVQ) blends. As obtained fluorescent Si-CDs with a size of 2 nm and functionalized with maximum amido and silane chains, called Si-CDs-High, displayed better compatibilizing efficiency than other Si-CDs with large size and low grafting density. The average diameter of MVQ domain in the blend reduced sharply from 2.51 ± 1.03 μm to 0.91 ± 0.28 μm at a small content of 1 wt% of Si-CDs-High. As effective compatibilizers, Si-CDs-High were located at the interface and formed a stable interface layer between TPU and MVQ phases and the thickness of interface was quantitatively identified by using Atomic Force Microscope. The superior compatibilizing efficiency of Si-CDs-High can be attributed that such Si-CDs with sufficient chains and groups can not only prevent coalescence of polymer domains by rigid nanoparticle core but also enhance interfacial adhesion due to the molecular entanglements and hydrogen bonding. Furthermore, the polymer blends with Si-CDs-High exhibited enhanced mechanical property, thermal stability and tunable fluorescent properties. This strategy compatibilized by fluorescent Si-CDs paves a new possibility for advanced blend nanocomposites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]