The construction of Moringa oleifera seed protein emulsion: in vitro digestibility and delivery of ß-carotene.

BACKGROUND: ß-Carotene (BC) is difficult to apply effectively in the food industry due to its low solubility and bioavailability. This work aimed to fabricate Moringa oleifera seed protein (MOSP) stabilized emulsions as delivery vehicles for BC and investigate the effect of aqueous phase conditions including pH and ionic strength on this system. RESULTS: All MOSP samples were positively charged and the particle size of MOSP increased with the increase of pH. At pH 5.0 and 0.2 mol L-1 sodium chloride (NaCl), the MOSP emulsion demonstrated the highest stability coefficient and minimal creaming index, while exhibiting a lower release rate in vitro digestion. The rheological behavior of all MOSP emulsions within the frequency range of 0.1-10 Hz was dominated by viscoelasticity, forming an elastic network structure through dispersed droplets. Additionally, the MOSP emulsion loaded with BC prepared at pH 5.0 and 0.2 mol L-1 NaCl displayed enhanced ultraviolet light stability (52.31 ± 0.03% and 51.86 ± 0.05%) as well as thermal stability (72.39 ± 8.67% and 86.78 ± 10.69%). Furthermore, the BC in the emulsion at pH 7.0 exhibited favorable stability (65.14 ± 0.02%) and optimal bioaccessibility (40.30 ± 0.04%) in vitro digestion. CONCLUSION: The results provided reference data for utilizing MOSP as a novel emulsifier and broadening the application of BC in the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pentacyclic triterpene-amino acid derivatives induced apoptosis and autophagy in tumor cells, affected the JNK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

A series of pentacyclic triterpene-amino acid derivatives were synthesized and tested for anti-proliferative activity. The results showed that most of the target compounds had good anti-proliferative activity. 2c did not contain protecting groups and hydrochloride, had excellent cytotoxicity, so it had been selected for further study in the mechanism of action in T24 cells. The data from transcriptome sequencing indicated that 2c was found to be closely related to apoptosis and autophagy. Observation of fluorescence staining and analysis from flow cytometry demonstrated that 2c induced apoptosis and cause cell cycle arrest in S/G2 phase in T24 cells. Molecular mechanism studies exhibited that 2c induced apoptosis in the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. 2c also induced cellular autophagy in T24 cells. Results from Western Blotting showed that 2c could activate JNK pathway and inhibit PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. In conclusion, 2c was deserved further investigation in the field of anti-tumor.

Diosgenin promotes cisplatin-induced apoptosis through oxidative DNA damage in A549 non-small cell lung cells.

The efficacy of cisplatin-based chemotherapy in malignancy is limited by the occurrence of innate and acquired drug resistance. Clinical observations suggest that targeting phytopharmaceuticals is the right choice to enhance the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy. We aimed to evaluate the effects of diosgenin (DG) combined with cisplatin on apoptosis and its underlying mechanisms in the A549 non-small cell lung cells. Cell viability was measured using an MTT assay. Western blot was used for the measurement of γ-H2AX and 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine expression level. DCFH-DA fluorescence dye was used to detect reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase were also assessed. For evaluation of apoptosis, TUNEL assay was used. DG significantly increases the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin. Besides, DG considerably increased the expression levels of Î³-H2AX in cells. Upon melatonin treatment, ROS levels were increased, and antioxidant enzymes expression levels were significantly decreased. Co-treatment of DG and cisplatin resulted in increased cellular cytotoxicity through increasing ROS levels, inducing oxidative DNA damage, and decreasing cellular antioxidant defense, hence led to potent induction of apoptosis in tumor cells.

High-flow nasal cannula versus conventional oxygen therapy in acute COPD exacerbation with mild hypercapnia: a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) can improve ventilatory function in patients with acute COPD exacerbation. However, its effect on clinical outcomes remains uncertain. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted from July 2017 to December 2020 in 16 tertiary hospitals in China. Patients with acute COPD exacerbation with mild hypercapnia (pH ≥ 7.35 and arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide > 45 mmHg) were randomly assigned to either HFNC or conventional oxygen therapy. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who met the criteria for intubation during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included treatment failure (intolerance and need for non-invasive or invasive ventilation), length of hospital stay, hospital cost, mortality, and readmission at day 90. RESULTS: Among 337 randomized patients (median age, 70.0 years; 280 men [83.1%]; median pH 7.399; arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide 51 mmHg), 330 completed the trial. 4/158 patients on HFNC and 1/172 patient on conventional oxygen therapy met the criteria for intubation (P = 0.198). Patients progressed to NPPV in both groups were comparable (15 [9.5%] in the HFNC group vs. 22 [12.8%] in the conventional oxygen therapy group; P = 0.343). Compared with conventional oxygen therapy, HFNC yielded a significantly longer median length of hospital stay (9.0 [interquartile range, 7.0-13.0] vs. 8.0 [interquartile range, 7.0-11.0] days) and a higher median hospital cost (approximately $2298 [interquartile range, $1613-$3782] vs. $2005 [interquartile range, $1439-$2968]). There were no significant differences in other secondary outcomes between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this multi-center randomized controlled study, HFNC compared to conventional oxygen therapy did not reduce need for intubation among acute COPD exacerbation patients with mild hypercapnia. The future studies should focus on patients with acute COPD exacerbation with respiratory acidosis (pH < 7.35). However, because the primary outcome rate was well below expected, the study was underpowered to show a meaningful difference between the two treatment groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03003559 . Registered on December 28, 2016.

Synthesis and in vitro/in vivo anticancer evaluation of pentacyclic triterpenoid derivatives linked with l-phenylalanine or l-proline.

Extensive research effort has been put in pentacyclic triterpenoids due to their numerous biological activities. However, their poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability limit their antitumor effects in vivo. To address these issues, 37 triterpenoid acid derivatives linked to l-phenylalanine or l-proline were designed and synthesized in this study. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies found two promising glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives 11 and 16. Compound 11 was obtained by C3-OH esterification and C30-COOH modification with l-phenylalanine while 16 was obtained by attaching C3-OH with l-phenylalanine. Compounds 11 and 16 exhibit up to 48- and 120-fold improvement respectively compared with the IC50 values of naturally occurring GA in the cellular assay. Fluorescence microscope and flow cytometric analysis suggested that both compounds 11 and 16 increased the content of ROS and Ca2+ in cancer cells, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (JC-1), and activated the regulator caspase-3/8/9 to trigger cell apoptosis. RNA-seq analysis and western blot analysis indicated that compounds 11 and 16 may promote apoptosis by upregulating the functions of pro-apoptotic factors while inhibiting the proteasome activity.

Combined Radiomics Model for Prediction of Hematoma Progression and Clinical Outcome of Cerebral Contusions in Traumatic Brain Injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury is a common and devastating injury that is the leading cause of neurological disability and death worldwide. Patients with cerebral lobe contusion received conservative treatment because of their mild manifestations, but delayed intracranial hematoma may increase and even become life-threatening. We explored the noninvasive method to predict the prognosis of progression and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) by using a quantitative radiomics approach and statistical analysis. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients who were pathologically diagnosed were retrospectively studied. The radiomics method developed in this work included image segmentation, feature extraction, and feature selection. The nomograms were established based on statistical analysis and a radiomics method. We conducted a comparative study of hematoma progression and GOS between the clinical factor alone and fusion radiomics features. RESULTS: Nineteen clinical factors, 513 radiomics features, and 116 locational features were considered. Among clinical factors, international normalized ratio, prothrombin time, and fibrinogen were enrolled for hematoma progression. As for GOS, treatment strategy, age, Glasgow Coma Scale score, and blood platelet were associated factors. Eight features for GOS and five features for hematoma progression were filtered by using sparse representation and locality preserving projection-combined method. Four nomograms were constructed. After fusion radiomics features, area under the curve of hematoma progression prediction increased from 0.832 to 0.899, whereas GOS prediction went from 0.794 to 0.844. CONCLUSIONS: A radiomic-based model that merges radiomics and clinical features is a noninvasive approach to predict hematoma progression and clinical outcomes of cerebral contusions in traumatic brain injury.

The short-term safety and effectiveness of a new distal perforating stent graft in Type B aortic dissection: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Spinal artery ischemia (SCI) events can result from over coverage of the descending thoracic aorta with a coated stent during Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR). The aim of this study was to determine whether a new distal perforating stent could reduce the incidence of spinal cord ischemia while remodeling the true lumen. METHODS: TBAD patients treated with Talos stent in the vascular surgery Department of Yan 'an Hospital affiliated to Kunming Medical University between December 2017 and October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed to investigate the short-term safety and effectiveness of Talos stent. RESULTS: A total of the 20 patients, including 14 males and 6 females, with an average age of 52.65 ± 8.98 years (range 37-68 years), were included in the analysis. Stent-grafts were successfully implanted in all patients under local anesthesia, with a technical success rate of 100%. The average operation time was 50.75 ± 13.01 min. A total of 2 cases (10%) presented chest pain associated with intercostal artery ischemia that was relieved on the 3rd and 5th postoperative day, respectively. Postoperative mean follow-up was 16.15 ± 3.99 months. No paraplegia or other complications occurred. And stenting did not induce new tears. No migration, deformation, or fracture of the stents occurred. There was a significant difference in the remolding of the true lumen preoperatively and at 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Talos stent has achieved satisfactory clinical treatment results in short term.

LncRNA RP11-400K9.4 Aggravates Cardiomyocytes Apoptosis After Hypoxia/Reperfusion Injury by Targeting miR-423.

Our study was aimed at exploring the roles of lncRNA RP11-400K9.4 (RP11-400K9.4) on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) -induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis. H/R model was constructed in rat primary cardiomyocytes (PC) and H9c2 cells. In this study, the results showed that H/R significantly induced the apoptosis of PC and H9c2 cells. The expression of RP11-400K9.4 was upregulated in H/R-induced PC and H9c2 cells, but miR-423 expression was downregulated. Silencing RP11-400K9.4 could attenuate H/R-induced apoptosis in PC and H9c2 cells. We also found that miR-423 was a potential target of RP11-400K9.4. The effect of silencing RP11-400K9.4 on H/R-induced apoptosis of PC and H9c2 cells was significantly reversed by miR-423 inhibitor transfection. Furthermore, our data confirmed that silencing RP11-400K9.4 promoted the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) and mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) /extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways and these phenomena can be reversed by miR-423 inhibitor transfection. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that silencing RP11-400K9.4 could alleviate H/R-induced cardiomyocytes damages via suppressing apoptosis by targeting miR-423 with the activation of PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling pathways.

MicroRNA-141-3p inhibits retinal neovascularization and retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in glaucoma mice through the inactivation of Docking protein 5-dependent mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway.

Retinal neovascularization occurs in various ocular disorders including proliferative diabetic retinopathy and secondary neovascular glaucoma, resulting in blindness. This paper aims to investigate the effect of microRNA-141-3p (miR-141-3p) on retinal neovascularization and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in glaucoma mice through the Docking protein 5 (DOK5)-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Chip retrieval and difference analysis were used for the potential mechanism of miR-141-3p on glaucoma. All modeled mice were transfected with different expression of mimic or inhibitor. The expressions of miR-141-3p, DOK5, and related genes and proteins of the MAPK signaling pathway were detected by Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. Cell proliferation, lumen formation, and apoptosis in the retinal vascular epithelial cells and RGCs were detected using Matrigel angiogenesis and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick-end labeling assays. Moreover, a total of 63 and 294 differentially expressed genes were obtained in GSE2378 and GSE9944 chips, and 4 genes were within the intersection of the chips. In addition, the results showed that miR-141-3p was found to inhibit the DOK5 gene and activate the MAPK pathway. The number of RGCs, the expression of p38, extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), IGF-1, VEGF, HIF1-α, Bax, caspase-3, and the extent of p38, ERK, and JNK phosphorylated were decreased with miR-141-3p upregulation. Lastly, the results obtained showed that miR-141-3p inhibited the proliferation of retinal vascular epithelial cells and inhibited angiogenesis, as well as promoted apoptosis of RGCs. The study suggests that miR-141-3p inhibits retinal neovascularization in glaucoma mice by impeding the activation of the DOK5-mediated MAPK signaling pathway.

Role of microRNA-29a in the development of diabetic retinopathy by targeting AGT gene in a rat model.

OBJECTIVES: This study intends to explore the role of microRNA-29a (miRNA-29a) in the development of diabetic retinopathy by targeting AGT gene in a rat model. METHODS: Fifty-six DR rat models were established and divided into 7 groups (with 8 rats in each group): the model group, the miRNA-29a group, the miRNA-29a knockdown group, the negative control (NC) group, the AGT group, the miRNA-29a+AGT group, and the miRNA-29a knockdown+AGT group respectively, while 8 normal rats were selected as the normal group. The qRT-PCR was used to detect the expression of miRNA-29a and AGT mRNA. The AGT protein expression was measured using Western blotting. The ADPase histochemical staining was applied to detect retinal neo-vascular morphology. The number of retinal vascular endothelial cells was counted by H&E staining. RESULTS: MiRNA-29a and AGT mRNA expressions were negatively correlated. Compared with rats in the normal group, the miRNA-29a expression in DR rats of each group decreased, but the AGT mRNA and protein expression increased; the vascular distribution was in disorder, and the new retinal vessels, vascular density, and endothelial nuclei all increased. Compared with the model group, miRNA-29a increased, and the AGT mRNA and protein expression decreased in the miRNA-29a group; additionally, the vascular density, tortuosity, and endothelial cell nuclei significantly decreased. The opposite trend was found in the miRNA-29a knockdown group, the miRNA-29a knockdown+AGT group, and the AGT group, particularly in the miRNA-29a knockdown+AGT group. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of miRNA-29a could down-regulate AGT expression, thereby preventing the development of DR in a rat model.

Prediction of Bronchial Mucus Plugs Formation in Patients with Refractory Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia.

Background: We aimed to find the relationship between the clinical characteristics and mucus plug formation and developed models to predict mucus plug formation in refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) infection. Methods: RMPP patients treated with bronchoscopy were retrospectively enrolled in the study between November 2011 and November 2015. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of mucus plug formation. Results: Of the 173 RMPP patients enrolled, the mucus plug group accounted for 82 (47.4%) cases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified age, fever duration, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) as independent risk factors for mucus plug. We assigned one point for age, length of fever and CRP and two points for LDH. Using this predicted score, we identified patients with mucus plug with 71.8% sensitivity and 78.9% specificity. Conclusions: Our predictive models based on demographic and laboratory variables accurately predicted mucus plug formation in initial treatment of patients with RMPP.

[Prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Shuangcheng City of Heilongjiang Province: the China Nine-Province Survey].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment among adults aged 50 years or above in Shuangcheng City of Heilongjiang Province, China. METHODS: It was a population-based cross-section study. Geographically defined cluster sampling was used in randomly selecting 5 841 individuals aged 50 years or above in 28 basic sample units in Shuangcheng City from September to December 2006. The survey was preceded by a pilot study where operational methods were refined and quality assurance evaluation was carried out. All participants were enumerated through village registers followed door-to-door visits.Eligible individuals were invited to receive visual acuity measurement and eye examination. Statistical analyses were performed using Stata/SE Statistical Software, release 9.0. Chi-square test was used to investigate the association of age, gender and education with presenting and best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Five thousands four hundreds and eighty-one individuals were enumerated and 5 047 persons were examined, the response rate was 92.08%. Based on the criteria of World Health Organization visual impairment classification in 1973, the prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as best corrected visual acuity was 1.72% (87/5 047) and 4.69% (237/5 047) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment defined as presenting visual acuity was 1.90% (96/5 047) and 7.23% (365/5 047) respectively. The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment was higher in aged (trend χ(2)=674.44, P < 0.01), female (χ(2)=39.61, P < 0.01) and illiterate (trend χ(2)=142.82, P < 0.01) persons. Cataract (52.70%) was still the first leading cause of blindness and visual impairment. The percentage of the retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, high myopic retinopathy and diabetic retinopathy was 11.31% among the eyes with blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment. Un-corrected refractive error(13.38%) also was the main cause of visual impairment. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment in Shuangcheng City is relatively higher in China Nine Province Survey. Cataract, retinal diseases and un-corrected refractive error are the main causes of the blindness and moderate and severe visual impairment.

Characteristics of mesoscale eddies in the Mozambique Channel.

The mesoscale eddy characteristics of the Mozambique Warm Current were investigated by detecting and tracking satellite altimetry data from 2010 to 2019. A total of 1,086 eddies were identified in the Mozambique Channel, comprising 509 cyclonic eddies and 577 anticyclonic eddies. The results revealed that the bay area on the northwest coast of Madagascar was the main hotspot of eddy generation, and the mean amplitude and radius of the anticyclonic eddies in the Mozambique Channel were 24.23 cm and 82.7 km, respectively, which are larger than those of the cyclonic eddies. Local wind forcing had a significant impact on the formation of mesoscale eddies in the Mozambique Channel. In winter, the wind stress in the northern and southern areas of the Mozambique Channel exhibited a strong correlation with the distribution of eddy kinetic energy (EKE), where both monsoonal winds in the north and trade winds in the south could facilitate mesoscale anticyclonic eddy formation. In addition, the variability in the number of anticyclonic and cyclonic eddies in the Mozambique Channel may have exerted a significant influence on the seasonal anomalous fluctuations in local sea surface temperatures (SSTs). This study presented a novel analysis of the mesoscale eddy characteristics in the Mozambique Channel.

Construction of a ceRNA network and screening of potential biomarkers and molecular targets in male smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play an important role in the occurrence and development of diseases. However, the role of circRNAs in male smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains unclear. Methods: Stable COPD patients and healthy controls were recruited. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted. After high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of PBMCs, a bioinformatics method was used to analyse differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs (DEcircRNAs) and mRNAs (DEmRNAs). Results: Total of 114 DEcircRNAs and 58 DEmRNAs were identified. Functional enrichment analysis showed that processes related to COPD include the regulation of interleukin (IL)-18, IL-5 and the NLRP3 inflammasome; differentiation of T helper type 1 (Th1), Th2, and Th17 cells, and the AMPK, Wnt, JAK-STAT, and PI3K-Akt signalling pathways. In the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, the core genes were MYO16, MYL4, SCN4A, NRCAM, HMCN1, MYOM2, and IQSEC3. Small-molecule prediction results revealed potential drugs for the COPD treatment. Additionally, the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed. Conclusion: This study identified a set of dysregulated circRNAs and mRNAs and revealed potentially important genes, pathways, new small-molecule drugs and ceRNA regulatory networks in male smokers with COPD. These circRNAs might be prospective biomarkers or potential molecular targets of the ceRNA mechanism for COPD.

Preventive effect of danshensu on selenite-induced cataractogenesis in cultured rat lens.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the preventive effect of danshensu on the selenite-induced opacification of cultured rat lenses. METHODS: Isolated lens were divided into three groups with eight lenses in each group. Group I: lenses were incubated with M199 medium alone; Group II: incubated in M199 containing 200 µmol/L sodium selenite; Group III: incubated in M199 containing 200 µmol/L sodium selenite and 500 µmol/L danshensu. Selenite was administered on the third day, and danshensu treatment was from the second to the fifth day. Cataracts development was observed using an inverted microscope, and the lenses were analysed for total anti-oxidative capabilities, mean activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase; levels of reduced glutathione; malondialdehyde; and total sulfhydryl content. RESULTS: All lenses in Group I were clear, whereas all lenses in Group II developed dense vacuolization and opacification. In Group III, 25% lenses revealed minimal vacuolization, and 75% showed no opacification or vacuolization. Total anti-oxidative capabilities and the mean activities of anti-oxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase; levels of glutathione; and total sulfhydryl content were elevated, and the level of malondialdehyde was decreased following treatment with danshensu compared with Group II. CONCLUSION: The anti-oxidative properties of danshensu may play a major role in its contribution to the anticataract effect.

[Drug dynamics research of salvia miltiorrhiza in rabbit plasma and aqueous humor after intravenous injection].

OBJECTIVES: To assess the permeability of Danshensu at blood-ocular barrier and its characteristics of pharmacokinetics by respectively measuring the concentrations of Danshensu in blood plasma and aqueous humor of the rabbit with the high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC). METHODS: It was an experimental study. Seventy-two white rabbits were split into three groups: control group (6 rabbits), plasma group (6 rabbits) and aqueous humor group (60 rabbits). After 0.85% salt water (control group)or salvia miltiorrhiza (1.0 g/kg) (plasma and aqueous group) was injected into the vein of auris-edge. Samples of blood and aqueous humor were obtained for analysis . The analytical column was a BDS C18 stainless steed column(5 µm, 4.6 mm× 250 mm); Precolumn:YWGC18; the mobile phase consists of acetonitrile and 0.01 mol/L KH2PO4 (8:92, adjusted to pH = 2.8 with phosphoric acid). The UV detector was set at 279 nm; the flow rate was 1.0 ml/min;and the column temperature was ordinary temperature. RESULTS: The plasma concentration-time curves of Salvia miltiorrhiza fitted three-compartment model. t1/2 ß (elimination half time): 5.661 min; Cmax (peak concentration): 727.29 mg/L; Tmax(peak time ): 0 min. The aqueous humor concentration-time curves fitted two-compartment model. t1/2 ß: 147.663 min; Cmax: 38.62 mg/L; Tmax: 25 min. CONCLUSIONS: HPLC is a sensitive, specific and accurate method that can be used in pharmacokinetics research on ocular tissue of rabbit for Danshensu, Salvia miltiorrhiza that is dissolvable in water can pass through the blood-ocular barrier after intravenous injection with a relatively stable concentration of danshensu in aqueous humor resulting from a slow rate of removal.

Biomass-Derived Carbon Electrodes for High-Performance Supercapacitors.

Supercapacitors with the performance advantages of high-power density are emerging materials for energy storage/conversion systems that can combat climate change caused by CO2 emissions and are of importance with the development of electronic products and artificial intelligence. But rationally preparing high-performance electrode with high mass-loading quantity remains challenge. Herein, we have opted for chitosan as well-structured binding agent to combine with active carbon (SSP-900), a 3D hierarchical micro-meso-macro porous biochar previously obtained, to synthesize high mass-loading freestanding electrode. Especially, the freestanding material (C1000 G0.2 ), owning 0.2 g SSP-900 and suffering carbonization at 1000 °C exhibits high specific surface area of 389.3 cm2 g-1 , and self-doped N, O (2.75 %, 5.64 %). That awards C1000 G0.2 outstanding electrochemical properties, including high specific mass capacitance of 199.2 F g-1 , splendid specific area capacitance of 4.37 F cm-2 in 21.93 g cm-2 , which is more competitive than conventional freestanding materials. Symmetrical supercapacitor with mass loading of 12 mg is assembled and exhibits large specific capacitance of 65 F g-1 , high energy density of 32.5 Wh kg-1 under the power density of 90.4 W kg-1 , and capacitance stability of 98 % after 10,000 cycles. The distinguished electrochemical performance of freestanding electrodes supplies prospective application for storing/converting electrical energy from intermittent solar and wind.

Development of chitosan/rice protein hydrolysates/ZnO nanoparticles films reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals.

In the present work, the composite films were obtained by the solution casting method from chitosan and rice protein hydrolysates, reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) of different contents (0 %, 3 %, 6 % and 9 %). The influence of different CNC loadings on the mechanical, barrier and thermal properties was discussed. SEM showed the formation of intramolecular interactions between the CNC and film matrices, leading to more compact and homogeneous films. These interactions had a positive influence on the mechanical strength properties, which was reflected in higher breaking force of 4.27 MPa. The elongation dwindled from 132.42 % to 79.37 % with increasing CNC levels. The linkages formed between the CNC and film matrices reduced the water affinity, leading to a reduction in their moisture content, water solubility and water vapor transmission. Thermal stability of the composite films was also improved in the presence of CNC, by increasing maximum degradation temperature from 311.21 to 325.67 °C with increasing CNC contents. The strongest DPPH inhibition of the film was 45.42 %. The composite films exhibited the highest inhibition zone diameter against E. coli (12.05 mm) and S. aureus (12.48 mm), and the hybrid of CNC and ZnO nanoparticles exhibited stronger antibacterial activity than their single existent forms. The present work shows the possibility of obtaining CNC-reinforced films with improved mechanical, thermal and barrier properties.

(4-Picolylamino)-17ß-Estradiol derivative and analogues induce apoptosis with death receptor trail R2/DR5 in MCF-7.

In order to discover more effective and less toxic drugs in the field of anti-tumor, the backbone structure of 17ß-estradiol was modified, and 11 target compounds were synthesized. Compounds 5 and 10, which exhibited better anti-tumor activity and higher selectivity (more than 10-fold), were chosen for further biological investigation. Flow cytometry results indicated that 5 and 10 could arrest MCF-7 cells in the G2 phase and induce apoptosis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that 5 and 10 could bind to the estradiol receptor alpha in MCF-7 cells. Western blotting and real-time PCR assays were performed to detect the effects of compounds on apoptosis-related targets at the protein and gene levels. These results showed that both 5 and 10 could dosed-dependently increase the expression of Apaf-1, Bax, caspase-3,8,9 and reduce the expression levels of the anti-apoptotic factors Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Besides, the Human apoptosis array assay demonstrated the expression level of death receptor Trail R2/DR5 was upregulated obviously while the expression of TNF R1, IAPs and Hsp27/60/70 were downregulated. On the whole, 5 induced MCF-7 cell death through the endogenous pathway in mitochondria and the exogenous pathway with death receptor Trail R2/DR5.