From Antagonism to Enhancement: Triton X-100 Surfactant Affects Phenanthrene Interfacial Biodegradation by Mycobacteria through a Shift in Uptake Mechanisms.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as persistent environmental pollutants, often reside in nonaqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs). Mycobacterium sp. WY10, boasting highly hydrophobic surfaces, can adsorb to the oil-water interface, stabilizing the Pickering emulsion and directly accessing PAHs for biodegradation. We investigated the impact of Triton X-100 (TX100) on this interfacial uptake of phenanthrene (PHE) by Mycobacteria, using n-tetradecane (TET) and bis-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as NAPLs. Interfacial tension, phase behavior, and emulsion stability studies, alongside confocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscope observations, unveiled the intricate interplay. In surfactant-free systems, Mycobacteria formed stable W/O Pickering emulsions, directly degrading PHE within the NAPLs because of their intimate contact. Introducing low-dose TX100 disrupted this relationship. Preferentially binding to the cells, the surfactant drastically increased the cell hydrophobicity, triggering desorption from the interface and phase separation. Consequently, PAH degradation plummeted due to hindered NAPL access. Higher TX100 concentrations flipped the script, creating surfactant-stabilized O/W emulsions devoid of interfacial cells. Surprisingly, PAH degradation remained efficient. This paradox can be attributed to NAPL emulsification, driven by the surfactant, which enhanced mass transfer and brought the substrate closer to the cells, despite their absence at the interface. This study sheds light on the complex effect of surfactants on Mycobacteria and PAH uptake, revealing an antagonistic effect at low concentrations that ultimately leads to enhanced degradation through emulsification at higher doses. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing bioremediation strategies in PAH-contaminated environments.

WO3/Pt/PEG/SiO2 porous film for hydrogen sensing by the sol-gel method.

Tungsten oxide (W O 3) has been widely used in hydrogen sensing due to its stable chemical properties and high oxygen vacancy diffusion coefficient. However, the response of pure W O 3 to hydrogen is slow, and doping is an effective way to improve the hydrogen sensing performance of W O 3 materials. In this paper, W O 3/P t/P E G/S i O 2 porous film was prepared by the sol-gel method using tungsten powder, H 2 O 2 and C 2 H 5 O H as precursors, polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the pore-forming agent, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as the S i O 2 source material. The sensing properties of the W O 3 composite for hydrogen were characterized by a transmission optical fiber hydrogen sensing system made at home. The process parameters such as water bath time, aging time, W:PEG ratio, and W:TEOS ratio were optimized to improve the sensitivity and response time of the sensing film. The experimental results indicate that the sensitivity is 15.68%, the average response time is 45 s, and the repeatability is up to 98.74% in 16 consecutive tests. The linearity index R 2 is 0.9946 within the hydrogen concentration range of 5000 ppm to 50,000 ppm. The film responds only to H 2 when the concentration of interfering gases (C H 4, CO, C O 2) is 2000 ppm. The hydrogen sensing performance of the optimized film is significantly improved compared with that of the undoped film.

Influence of Five Drying Methods on Active Compound Contents and Bioactivities of Fresh Flowers from Syringa pubescens Turcz.

The flower of Syringa pubescens Turcz. is used in Chinese folk medicine and also as a flower tea for healthcare. The effects of five drying methods on the active compound contents, the antioxidant abilities, anti-inflammatory properties and enzyme inhibitory activities were evaluated. The plant materials were treated using shade-drying, microwave-drying, sun-drying, infrared-drying and oven-drying. The seven active compounds were simultaneously determined using an HPLC method. Furthermore, the chemical profile was assessed using scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The antioxidant capacities and protective effects on L02 cells induced with hydrogen peroxide were measured. The anti-inflammatory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells were investigated. The enzyme inhibitory activities were determined against α-amylase, α-glucosidase cholinesterases and tyrosinase. The results indicated that drying methods had significant influences on the active compound contents and biological properties. Compared with other samples, the OD samples possessed low IC50 values with 0.118 ± 0.004 mg/mL for DPPH radical, 1.538 ± 0.0972 for hydroxyl radical and 0.886 ± 0.199 mg/mL for superoxide radical, while the SHD samples had stronger reducing power compared with other samples. The SHD samples could be effective against H2O2-induced injury on L02 cells by the promoting of T-AOC, GSH-PX, SOD and CAT activities and the reducing of MDA content compared with other samples. Furthermore, SPF samples, especially the SHD sample, could evidently ameliorate inflammation through the inhibition of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α expression. All the studied SPF samples exhibited evidently inhibitory effects on the four enzymes. The IC50 values of inhibitory activity on α-glucosidase and α-amylase from SHD sample were 2.516 ± 0.024 and 0.734 ± 0.034 mg/mL, respectively. SD samples had potential inhibitory effects on cholinesterases and tyrosinase with IC50 values of 3.443 ± 0.060 and 1.732 ± 0.058 mg/mL. In consideration of active compound contents and biological activities, it was recommended that SHD and SD be applied for drying SPF at an industrial scale.

Interfacial biodegradation of phenanthrene in bacteria-carboxymethyl cellulose-stabilized Pickering emulsions.

The limited bioavailability of PAHs in non-aqueous phase liquid (NAPL) limits their degradation. The biodegradation of phenanthrene in n-tetradecane by hydrophilic bacterium Moraxella sp. CFP312 was studied with the assistance of two polymers, chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Both chitosan and CMC improved the cell hydrophobicity of CFP312 and increased the contact angle of CFP312 cells from 30.4 to 78.5 and 88.5, respectively. However, CMC increased the degradation ratio of phenanthrene from 45 to nearly 100%, while chitosan did not cause any improvement. We found that CMC was more effective than chitosan in promoting CFP312 to stabilize Pickering emulsion. In the bacteria-CMC complex system, oil was dispersed into small droplets to obtain a high emulsification index and large specific surface area. Moreover, according to the microscopic image of the bacteria-CMC emulsion droplet, we observed that the droplet surface was tightly covered by the CFP312 cells. Therefore, CFP312 cells joined with CMC can utilize phenanthrene in oil phase at the oil-water interface. This study will offer a new strategy for effective microbial degradation of hydrophobic compounds in NAPLs by hydrophilic bacteria. KEY POINTS: • Biodegradation of phenanthrene in Pickering emulsions • Pickering emulsions stabilized by hydrophilic CFP312 joined with CMC. • Phenanthrene was degraded by CFP312 at oil-water interface.

Ring finger protein 19A is overexpressed in non-small cell lung cancer and mediates p53 ubiquitin-degradation to promote cancer growth.

The expression pattern, biological functions and the related mechanisms of the ring finger protein 19A (RNF19A) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the role of RNF19A, as well as the underlying potential mechanism, in the development of NSCLC. Here, we found that RNF19A was overexpressed in NSCLC tissues, and RNF19A expression in NSCLC tissue samples was associated with NSCLC carcinogenesis and poor outcome. RNF19A promoted the proliferation of NSCLC cells and inhibited apoptosis. RNF19A reduced p53, p21 and BAX expression and induced Cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6 and BCL2 expression. The inhibitory effect of RNF19A knockdown on proliferation was partially rescued by p53 silencing. RNF19A interacted with p53, shortened p53 half-life and mediated p53 ubiquitin-degradation. Collectively, we suggest that RNF19A plays a critical oncogenic role in lung carcinogenesis by disrupting the function of p53. RNF19A may serve as a new biomarker and/or target for NSCLC management.

MZT2A promotes NSCLC viability and invasion by increasing Akt phosphorylation via the MOZART2 domain.

Mitotic spindle organizing protein 2A (MZT2A) is localized at the centrosome and regulates microtubule nucleation activity in cells. This study assessed the role of MZT2A in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Differential MZT2A expression was bioinformatically assessed using TCGA database, the GEPIA database, and Kaplan-Meier survival data to determine the association between MZT2A expression and NSCLC prognosis. Furthermore, NSCLC tissue specimens were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. MZT2A was overexpressed or knocked down in NSCLC cells using cDNA and siRNA, respectively. The cells were subjected to various assays and treated with the selective Akt inhibitor LY294002 or co-transfected with galectin-3-binding protein (LGALS3BP) siRNA. MZT2A mRNA and protein levels were upregulated in NSCLC lesions and MTZ2A expression was associated with poor NSCLC prognosis. MZT2A protein was also highly expressed in NSCLC cells compared with the expression in normal bronchial cells. MZT2A expression promoted NSCLC cell viability and invasion, whereas MTZ2A siRNA had the opposite effect on NSCLC cells in vitro. At the protein level, MZT2A induced Akt phosphorylation, promoting NSCLC proliferation and invasion (but the selective Akt inhibitor blocked these effects) through upregulation of LGALS3BP via the MTZ2A MOZART2 domain, whereas LGALS3BP siRNA suppressed MTZ2A activity in NSCLC cells. The limited in vivo experiments confirmed the in vitro data. In conclusion, MZT2A exhibits oncogenic activity by activating LGALS3BP and Akt in NSCLC. Future studies will assess MTZ2A as a biomarker to predict NSCLC prognosis or as a target in the control of NSCLC progression.

Rapid identification of pathogens by using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and multi-scale convolutional neural network.

Salmonella is a prevalent pathogen causing serious morbidity and mortality worldwide. There are over 2600 serovars of Salmonella. Among them, Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Salmonella Paratyphi were reported to be the most common foodborne pathogenic serovars in the EU and China. In order to provide a more efficient approach to detect and distinguish these serovars, a new analytical method was developed by combining surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with multi-scale convolutional neural network (CNN). We prepared 34-nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) as the label-free Raman substrate, measured 1854 SERS spectra of these three Salmonella serovars, and then proposed a multi-scale CNN model with three parallel CNNs to achieve multi-dimensional extraction of SERS spectral features. We observed the impact of the number of iterations and training samples on the recognition accuracy by changing the ratio of the number of the training and testing sets. By comparing the calculated data with experimental one, it was shown that our model could reach recognition accuracy more than 97%. These results indicate that it was not only feasible to combine SERS spectroscopy with multi-scale CNN for Salmonella serotype identification, but also for other pathogen species and serovar identifications.

Preparation of hemoglobin (Hb)-imprinted poly(ionic liquid)s via Hb-catalyzed eATRP on gold nanodendrites.

Hemoglobin (Hb)-imprinted poly(ionic liquid)s (HIPILs) were prepared on the surface of Au electrode modified with gold nanodendrites (Au/ND/HIPILs). HIPILs were synthesized with 1-vinyl-3-propyl imidazole sulfonate ionic liquids as functional monomers via electrochemically mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (eATRP) catalyzed by Hb. The Au/ND/HIPILs electrode was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The Au/ND/HIPILs electrode was also used as an electrochemical sensor to determine Hb by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under the optimal conditions, the detection range of Hb was from 1.0 × 10-14 to 1.0 × 10-4 mg/mL with a limit of detection of 5.22 × 10-15 mg/mL (S/N = 3). Compared with other methods, the sensor based on poly(ionic liquid)s had the broader linear range and lower detection limit. Graphical Abstract.

Clustering and Bellerophon state in Kuramoto model with second-order coupling.

In this paper, clustering in the Kuramoto model with second-order coupling is investigated under the bimodal Lorentzian frequency distribution. By linear stability analysis and the Ott-Antonsen ansatz treatment, the critical coupling strength for the synchronization transition is obtained. The theoretical results are further verified by numerical simulations. It has been revealed that various synchronization paths, including the first- and second-order transitions as well as the multiple bifurcations, exist in this system with different parameters of frequency distribution. In certain parameter regimes, the Bellerophon states are observed and their dynamical features are fully characterized.

The Clinical Importance of Changes in Diabetic Retinopathy Severity Score.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical importance of changes in diabetic retinopathy severity score (DRSS) in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of the phase III RIDE and RISE studies of ranibizumab for treatment of DME. PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred sixty-eight eyes treated with ranibizumab from randomization with gradable DRSS on baseline fundus photographs. METHODS: Visual and anatomic outcomes were examined in eyes grouped according to DRSS change from baseline to month 24. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) letter score change, proportion of patients with 15 or more Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letter score change, mean contrast sensitivity change, proportion of patients with resolved macular edema, and leakage on fluorescein angiography. RESULTS: Most (56.8%) patients treated with ranibizumab experienced 1-step or more improvement in DRSS from baseline to month 24; 40.0% had no change, and 3.2% experienced DRSS worsening. Patients with DRSS stability or improvement had greater mean BCVA letter score changes (+15.1, +14.2, +11.3, and +11.2 letters for ≥3-step improvement, ≥2-step improvement, 1-step improvement, and no DRSS change, respectively) compared with +5.0 letters in patients who had any DRSS worsening. Best-corrected visual acuity letter score gain of 15 letters or more was more common in patients with 2-step or 3-step or more DRSS improvement (51.9% and 44.6%, respectively) compared with those with a 1-step DRSS improvement, no change, or worsening (37.9%, 39.6%, and 26.7%, respectively). A loss of 15 letters or more in BCVA was more common in patients with any DRSS worsening (13.3%) compared with patients who had stable or improved DRSS (0%-2.8%). Resolution of macular edema was more common in patients with DRSS improvement: 84.2%, 87.7%, and 92.3% of patients with 1-step, 2-step or more, and 3-step or more improvement in DRSS achieved central foveal thickness of 250 µm or less, compared with 65.2% and 53.3% of patients who had no DRSS change or any DRSS worsening. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide further support that improvement in DRSS is a clinically important outcome that should be evaluated as a measure of treatment effectiveness in future studies of diabetic eye disease.

The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity effect of ethyl acetate extract from the flowers of Syringa pubescens Turcz.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Syringa Pubescens Turcz. (SP), a member of the Oleaceae family, is a species of plant known as Syringa. Flowers, as the medicinal part, are commonly used in the treatment of hepatitis and tonsillitis. AIM OF THE STUDY: The research was the first to assess the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of different parts of SP flowers (SPF) in vitro. The most promising fraction was ethyl acetate fraction of SP flower (SPFEA). The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of SPFEA were further studied, and the chemical components were identified. METHODS: HPLC was used to identify the major components in various fraction of SPF. DPPH and ABTS + radical scavenging assays as well as FRAP test and ß-carotene bleaching test were employed to assess the antioxidant potential of SPF fraction in vitro. The inhibitory effect on NO production in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells and heat-induced protein denaturation test were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of SPF fraction. Further analysis of the biological activity of SPFEA was performed. Acute toxicity test was conducted to assess the toxicity of SPFEA. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed by utilizing xylene induced ear edema model, carrageenan-induced foot edema model and peritonitis model in vivo. The analgesic effect of SPFEA was evaluated using hot plate test, tail immersion test, formaldehyde test as well as acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing pain experiment in vivo. In carrageenan induced foot edema model, ELISA kits were employed to measure levels of inflammation factors (NO, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, IL-1ß) in foot tissue as well as MDA, CAT, SOD, GSH-PX levels in liver tissue. RESULTS: HPLC results showed that there were significant differences in bioactive substances among different fractions of SPF, and SPFEA was rich in bioacitve components. Compared with other fractions of SPF, SPFEA exhibited better antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities. The 3000 mg/kg SPFEA group in mice had no obvious side effects. The xylene-induced ear edema model, carrageenan-induced foot edema and peritonitis models demonstrated that the SPFEA had significant anti-inflammatory effect. Moreover, inflammation factors including NO, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, IL-1ß were significantly reduced in SPFEA groups in foot tissue induced by carrageenan. Additionally, SPFEA effectively decreased liver tissue oxidative stress levels (MDA, SOD, GSH-PX and CAT). The bioactivities of SPFEA demonstrated a clear dose-dependent relationship. The results of the hot plate test, tail immersion test, formaldehyde test and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing pain experiments indicated the SPFEA possessed an excellent analgesic effect, and this effect was in dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The study provides a scientific foundation for understanding the pharmacological action of SPFEA. It has been indicated that SPFEA has excellent antioxidant, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Biological Functions of Macromolecular Protein Hydrogels in Constructing Osteogenic Microenvironment.

Irreversible bone defects resulting from trauma, infection, and degenerative illnesses have emerged as a significant health concern. Structurally and functionally controllable hydrogels made by bone tissue engineering (BTE) have become promising biomaterials. Natural proteins are able to establish connections with autologous proteins through unique biologically active regions. Hydrogels based on proteins can simulate the bone microenvironment and regulate the biological behavior of stem cells in the tissue niche, making them candidates for research related to bone regeneration. This article reviews the biological functions of various natural macromolecular proteins (such as collagen, gelatin, fibrin, and silk fibroin) and highlights their special advantages as hydrogels. Then the latest research trends on cross-linking modified macromolecular protein hydrogels with improved mechanical properties and composite hydrogels loaded with exogenous micromolecular proteins have been discussed. Finally, the applications of protein hydrogels, such as 3D printed hydrogels, microspheres, and injectable hydrogels, were introduced, aiming to provide a reference for the repair of clinical bone defects.

Short-chain fatty acids reverses gut microbiota dysbiosis-promoted progression of glioblastoma by up-regulating M1 polarization in the tumor microenvironment.

Glioblastoma (GBM), known as the most malignant and common primary brain tumor of the central nervous system, has finite therapeutic options and a poor prognosis. Studies have shown that host intestinal microorganisms play a role in the immune regulation of parenteral tumors in a number of different ways, either directly or indirectly. However, the potential impact of gut microbiota on tumor microenvironment, particularly glioma immunological milieu, has not been clarified exactly. In this study, by using an orthotopic GBM model, we found gut microbiota dysbiosis caused by antibiotic cocktail treatment boosted the tumor process in vivo. An obvious change that followed gut microbiota dysbiosis was the enhanced percentage of M2-like macrophages in the TME, in parallel with a decrease in the levels of gut microbial metabolite, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the blood and tumor tissues. Oral supplementation with SCFAs can increase the proportion of M1-like macrophages in the TME, which improves the outcomes of glioma. In terms of mechanism, SCFAs-activated glycolysis in the tumor-associated macrophages may be responsible for the elevated M1 polarization in the TME. This study will enable us to better comprehend the "gut-brain" axis and be meaningful for the development of TAM-targeting immunotherapeutic strategies for GBM patients.

KIFC3 promotes the proliferation, migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer through the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

KIFC3 is a member of the Kinesin superfamily proteins (KIFs). The role of KIFC3 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the function of KIFC3 in NSCLC and the underlying mechanism. Immunohistochemistry indicated that KIFC3 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and correlated with the degree of differentiation, tumor size, lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. MTT, colony formation and Transwell assays demonstrated that KIFC3 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in vitro, while KIFC3 knockdown led to the opposite results. The protein expression levels of PI3Kp85α and p-Akt were increased after KIFC3 overexpression, meanwhile the downstream protein expression levels such as cyclin D1, CDK4, CDK6, RhoA, RhoC and MMP2 were increased. This promotion effect could be inhibited by a specific inhibitor of the PI3K/Akt pathway, LY294002. Co-immunoprecipitation assays confirmed the interaction between endogenous/exogenous KIFC3 and PI3Kp85α. Tumor formation experiments in nude mice confirmed that KIFC3 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells in vivo and performed its biological function through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.In conclusion, KIFC3 promotes the malignant behavior of NSCLC cells through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Long-term outcomes of ranibizumab therapy for diabetic macular edema: the 36-month results from two phase III trials: RISE and RIDE.

PURPOSE: To report 36-month outcomes of RIDE (NCT00473382) and RISE (NCT00473330), trials of ranibizumab in diabetic macular edema (DME). DESIGN: Phase III, randomized, multicenter, double-masked, 3-year trials, sham injection-controlled for 2 years. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with DME (n=759), baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 20/40 to 20/320 Snellen equivalent, and central foveal thickness (CFT) ≥ 275 µm on optical coherence tomography. METHODS: Patients were randomized equally (1 eye per patient) to monthly 0.5 mg or 0.3 mg ranibizumab or sham injection. In the third year, sham patients, while still masked, were eligible to cross over to monthly 0.5 mg ranibizumab. Macular laser was available to all patients starting at month 3; panretinal laser was available as necessary. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The proportion of patients gaining ≥15 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters in BCVA from baseline at month 24. RESULTS: Visual acuity (VA) outcomes seen at month 24 in ranibizumab groups were consistent through month 36; the proportions of patients who gained ≥15 letters from baseline at month 36 in the sham/0.5 mg, 0.3 mg, and 0.5 mg ranibizumab groups were 19.2%, 36.8%, and 40.2%, respectively, in RIDE and 22.0%, 51.2%, and 41.6%, respectively, in RISE. In the ranibizumab arms, reductions in CFT seen at 24 months were, on average, sustained through month 36. After crossover to 1 year of treatment with ranibizumab, average VA gains in the sham/0.5 mg group were lower compared with gains seen in the ranibizumab patients after 1 year of treatment (2.8 vs. 10.6 and 11.1 letters). Per-injection rates of endophthalmitis remained low over time (∼0.06% per injection). The incidence of serious adverse events potentially related to systemic vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition was 19.7% in patients who received 0.5 mg ranibizumab compared with 16.8% in the 0.3 mg group. CONCLUSIONS: The strong VA gains and improvement in retinal anatomy achieved with ranibizumab at month 24 were sustained through month 36. Delayed treatment in patients receiving sham treatment did not seem to result in the same extent of VA improvement observed in patients originally randomized to ranibizumab. Ocular and systemic safety was generally consistent with the results seen at month 24. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

EDSS variability before randomization may limit treatment discovery in primary progressive MS.

BACKGROUND: Baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) is usually based on a single measurement. Here we evaluated whether using a baseline EDSS derived from two pre-treatment measurements improves the detection of progression events and the ability to demonstrate a therapeutic effect in delaying MS disability progression. METHODS: Real data from OLYMPUS, a phase II/III randomized, placebo-controlled trial of rituximab in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), as well as simulated data were analyzed. Several definitions of baseline EDSS were used to capture sustained disability progression (SDP) events. Variations in the EDSS were estimated by linear mixed-effect models. RESULTS: Selecting the higher of two baseline EDSS scores lowered the number of SDP events in both treatment groups, so decreasing sensitivity, and reduced the number of false SDP events, so increasing specificity. Conversely, selecting the lower of two baseline scores increased sensitivity but decreased specificity. Increased power (~7% based on the simulation study) was observed when the average of screening and Week 0 EDSS scores was used for baseline. CONCLUSION: Baseline EDSS derived from two pre-treatment EDSS measurements may enhance the ability of detecting a therapeutic effect in slowing disability progression in PPMS. This strategy could be implemented in future clinical trials of patients with MS.

Recent progress on health effects and biosynthesis of two key sialylated human milk oligosaccharides, 3'-sialyllactose and 6'-sialyllactose.

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), the third major solid component in breast milk, are recognized as the first prebiotics for health benefits in infants. Sialylated HMOs are an important type of HMOs, accounting for approximately 13% of total HMOs. 3'-Sialyllactose (3'-SL) and 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL) are two simplest sialylated HMOs. Both SLs display promising prebiotic effects, especially in promoting the proliferation of bifidobacteria and shaping the gut microbiota. SLs exhibit several health effects, including antiadhesive antimicrobial ability, antiviral activity, prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis, immunomodulatory activity, regulation of intestinal epithelial cell response, promotion of brain development, and cognition improvement. Both SLs have been approved as "Generally Recognized as Safe" by the American Food and Drug Administration and are commercially added to infant formula. The biosynthesis of SLs using enzymatic or microbial approaches has been widely studied. The enzymatic synthesis of SLs can be realized by two types of enzymes, sialidases with trans-sialidase activity and sialyltransferases. Microbial synthesis can be achieved by the multiple recombinant bacteria in one-pot reaction, which express the enzymes involved in SL synthesis pathways separately or in combination, or by metabolically engineered strains in a fermentation process. In this article, the physiological properties of 3'-SL and 6'-SL are summarized in detail and the biosynthesis of these SLs via enzymatic and microbial synthesis is comprehensively reviewed.

Effect of branched polyethyleneimine and citric acid on the structural, physical and antibacterial properties of corn starch/chitosan films.

To improve the antibacterial and physical properties of corn starch/chitosan films effectively, starch/chitosan/polyethyleneimine (PEI) blend films crosslinked by citric acid (labeled SCPC) with different contents (2.5 %, 5.0 %, 7.5 % and 10.0 %) were prepared by the solution casting method. The films were characterized in detail. The results showed that the addition of 3.75 % PEI improved the tensile strength and elongation at break of the starch/chitosan film simultaneously, but the thermal stability decreased. After CA was incorporated, the tensile strength and thermal stability of the films were enhanced significantly. FTIR, XRD, and 1H NMR analyses revealed strong interactions among CA, PEI and starch-chitosan. All films showed smooth and homogenous fragile cross-sections. The water vapor permeability of the film decreased overall after PEI and CA addition. Moisture uptake (MU) accelerated after PEI addition, but the balanced MU was reduced by CA cross-linking. All films showed an inhibitory effect on E. coli and S. aureus, and CA incorporation significantly improved the inhibition ability of the film. The SCPC film with 3.75 % PEI and 5.0 % CA addition has the best comprehensive properties, which endowed its application in the bioactive packaging field.

Efficient Production of N-Acetylneuraminic Acid in Escherichia coli Based on the UDP-N-Acetylglucosamine Biosynthetic Pathway.

N-Acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc) is the predominant sialic acid found in human cells and a human-identical milk monosaccharide. Due to its numerous health benefits, it has great commercial potential in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Microbial synthesis via metabolic engineering strategies is an important approach to its large-scale production. In this study, a NeuAc synthetic pathway was constructed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) by deleting the competitive pathway genes and introducing two genes encoding UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) 2-epimerase (NeuC) and NeuAc synthase (NeuB). UDP-GlcNAc pathway genes, glmS, glmM, and glmU, were overexpressed to strengthen precursor supply for enhancement of NeuAc synthesis. The microbial source of neuC and neuB was optimized, and their expression was fine-tuned. In addition, glycerol as the carbon source showed a much better effect on NeuAc synthesis than glucose. The final engineered strain produced 7.02 g/L NeuAc by shake-flask cultivation. The titer was enhanced to 46.92 g/L by fed-batch cultivation, with the productivity of 0.82 g/L/h and 1.05 g/g DCW.

Simultaneous Determination of Phenylethanoid Glycosides and Antioxidant Activity of Syringa pubescens Turcz. from Different Geographical Origin in China.

A high-performance liquid chromatograph with diode array detector was established for the simultaneous determination of five phenylethanoid glycosides in Syringa pubescens Turcz. The optimal chromatographic conditions were achieved on a Zorbax C18 column using gradient elution with 0.5% aqueous acetic acid and acetonitrile as the mobile phase at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was developed as follows: 0-10 min, 276 nm; 10-45 min, 332 nm. The validation of the method including linearity, precision, stability, accuracy, repeatability and recovery was tested. The chemometric analysis including hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis was employed to investigate the similarity and difference of samples from different geographical origin. The results revealed that S. pubescens samples were divided into four clusters based on the phenylethanoid glycosides contents. Antioxidant activity of extract was measured using three different methods including α,α-diphenyl-ß-picrylhydrazyl and 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging assays, and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay. Furthermore, different phenylethanoid glycosides exhibited different contribution to antioxidant capacities. This study provides a foundation for the quality evaluation and offers scientific data for the utilization of S. pubescens resources.