A review: analysis of technical challenges in cultured meat production and its commercialization.

The cultured meat technology has developed rapidly in recent years, but there are still many technical challenges that hinder the large-scale production and commercialization of cultured meat. Firstly, it is necessary to lay the foundation for cultured meat production by obtaining seed cells and maintaining stable cell functions. Next, technologies such as bioreactors are used to expand the scale of cell culture, and three-dimensional culture technologies such as scaffold culture or 3D printing are used to construct the three-dimensional structure of cultured meat. At the same time, it can reduce production costs by developing serum-free medium suitable for cultured meat. Finally, the edible quality of cultured meat is improved by evaluating food safety and sensory flavor, and combining ethical and consumer acceptability issues. Therefore, this review fully demonstrates the current development status and existing technical challenges of the cultured meat production technology with regard to the key points described above, in order to provide research ideas for the industrial production of cultured meat.

Chemokine CCL2 promotes cardiac regeneration and repair in myocardial infarction mice via activation of the JNK/STAT3 axis.

Stimulation of adult cardiomyocyte proliferation is a promising strategy for treating myocardial infarction (MI). Earlier studies have shown increased CCL2 levels in plasma and cardiac tissue both in MI patients and mouse models. In present study we investigated the role of CCL2 in cardiac regeneration and the underlying mechanisms. MI was induced in adult mice by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending artery, we showed that the serum and cardiac CCL2 levels were significantly increased in MI mice. Intramyocardial injection of recombinant CCL2 (rCCL2, 1 µg) immediately after the surgery significantly promoted cardiomyocyte proliferation, improved survival rate and cardiac function, and diminished scar sizes in post-MI mice. Alongside these beneficial effects, we observed an increased angiogenesis and decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis in post-MI mice. Conversely, treatment with a selective CCL2 synthesis inhibitor Bindarit (30 µM) suppressed both CCL2 expression and cardiomyocyte proliferation in P1 neonatal rat ventricle myocytes (NRVMs). We demonstrated in NRVMs that the CCL2 stimulated cardiomyocyte proliferation through STAT3 signaling: treatment with rCCL2 (100 ng/mL) significantly increased the phosphorylation levels of STAT3, whereas a STAT3 phosphorylation inhibitor Stattic (30 µM) suppressed rCCL2-induced cardiomyocyte proliferation. In conclusion, this study suggests that CCL2 promotes cardiac regeneration via activation of STAT3 signaling, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent for managing MI and associated heart failure.

Associations between healthy lifestyle score and health-related quality of life among Chinese rural adults: variations in age, sex, education level, and income.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the associations between overall lifestyles and HRQoL, as well as the variations in age, sex, education level, and income. METHODS: A total of 23,402 participants from the Henan rural cohort were included. The healthy lifestyle score (HLS) consists of five lifestyle factors: smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, diet, and body mass index. HRQoL was assessed by the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. The general linear model and Tobit regression model were utilized to assess the associations of HLS with visual analogue score (VAS) and utility index. RESULTS: Compared with participants with an HLS of 0-2, the corresponding regression coefficients (ß) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of participants with an HLS of 3, 4, and 5 for VAS score were 1.09 (0.59, 1.59), 1.92 (1.38, 2.46), and 2.60 (1.83, 3.37); the corresponding ß and 95% CI for utility index were 0.02 (0.01, 0.03), 0.05 (0.03, 0.06), and 0.06 (0.04, 0.07). Notably, these positive associations were greater among the elderly, female, and those with lower education level and average monthly income (p for interaction < 0.05). For instance, the corresponding ß and 95% CI of individuals with an HLS of 5 for utility index in average monthly income < 500 RMB, 500-999 RMB, and ≥ 1000 RMB groups were 0.08 (0.05, 0.11), 0.06 (0.03, 0.09), and 0.02 (- 0.00, 0.05). CONCLUSION: Engaging in healthier lifestyle habits was associated with a higher level of HRQoL, especially in the elderly, females, and those with low education level and average monthly income.

Association between snoring, daytime sleepiness and cardiovascular disease in Chinese rural adults.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIMS: Evidence on the association between habitual snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remains uncertain and limited. The study aimed to explore the independent and joint association between habitual snoring, EDS, and CVDs in rural Chinese adults. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 28,140 participants from the Henan rural cohort study were included. Sleep status information was obtained by self-reported. Based on their sleep status, the participants were classified into four groups: "no snoring and no EDS (NSNS) (reference group)", "snoring and no EDS (SNS)", "no snoring and EDS (NSS)", "snoring and EDS (SS)." The logistic regression models were used to calculate independent and joint odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between the snoring, EDS status and stroke, CHD, and CVD. Of the 28,140 participants, 740 subjects reported snoring and sleepiness. The ORs and (95% CIs) for CVDs in the adjusted model were 1.31 (1.20-1.43) for participants who snored frequently and 2.44 (1.76-3.39) for frequent sleepiness compared with no snoring and no sleepiness. Individuals with both snoring and sleepiness had higher odds of CVDs compared with no snoring and no sleepiness (OR: 2.18, 95%CI: 1.80-2.62). CONCLUSION: Habitual snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness were independently and jointly associated with CVDs in the Chinese rural population. More studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of the relationship. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). Date of registration: 2015-52 07-06. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.

[Metabolomics study of Berberidis Radix in intervening ulcerative colitis based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS].

The effect of Tujia medicine Berberidis Radix on endogenous metabolites in the serum and feces of mice with ulcerative colitis(UC) induced by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) was analyzed by metabolomics technology to explore the metabolic pathway and underlying mechanism of Berberidis Radix in the intervention of UC. The UC model was induced in mice by DSS. Body weight, disease activity index(DAI), and colon length were recorded. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-10(IL-10) in colon tissues were determined by ELISA. The levels of endogenous metabolites in the serum and feces were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). Principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) were employed to characterize and screen differential metabolites. The potential metabolic pathways were analyzed by MetaboAnalyst 5.0. The results showed that Berberidis Radix could significantly improve the symptoms of UC mice and increase the level of the anti-inflammatory factor IL-10. A total of 56 and 43 differential metabolites were identified in the serum and feces, respectively, belonging to lipids, amino acids, fatty acids, etc. After the intervention by Berberidis Radix, the metabolic disorder gradually recovered. The involved metabolic pathways included biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, linoleic acid metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Berberidis Radix can alleviate the symptoms of mice with DSS-induced UC, and the mechanism may be closely related to the re-gulation of lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism.

PKCα/ZFP64/CSF1 axis resets the tumor microenvironment and fuels anti-PD1 resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite remarkable advances in treatment, most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) respond poorly to anti-programmed cell death 1 (anti-PD1) therapy. A deeper insight into the tolerance mechanism of HCC against this therapy is urgently needed. METHODS: We performed next-generation sequencing, multiplex immunofluorescence, and dual-color immunohistochemistry and constructed an orthotopic HCC xenograft tumor model to identify the key gene associated with anti-PD1 tolerance. A spontaneously tumorigenic transgenic mouse model, an in vitro coculture system, mass cytometry, and multiplex immunofluorescence were used to explore the biological function of zinc finger protein 64 (ZFP64) on tumor progression and immune escape. Molecular and biochemical strategies like RNA-sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing and mass spectrometry were used to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of ZFP64. RESULTS: We showed that ZFP64 is frequently upregulated in tumor tissues from patients with anti-PD1-resistant HCC. Elevated ZFP64 drives anti-PD1 resistance by shifting macrophage polarization toward an alternative activation phenotype (M2) and fostering an inhibitory tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, we primarily demonstrated that protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) directly phosphorylates ZFP64 at S226, leading to its nuclear translocation and the transcriptional activation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF1). HCC-derived CSF1 transforms macrophages to the M2 phenotype to drive immune escape and anti-PD1 tolerance. Notably, Gö6976, a protein kinase inhibitor, and lenvatinib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, reset the tumor microenvironment and restore sensitivity to anti-PD1 by blocking the PKCα/ZFP64/CSF1 axis. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that the PKCα/ZFP64/CSF1 axis is critical for triggering immune evasion and anti-PD1 tolerance. Inhibiting this axis with Gö6976 or lenvatinib overcomes anti-PD1 resistance in HCC. LAY SUMMARY: Despite remarkable treatment progress, most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma respond poorly to anti-PD1 therapy (a type of immunotherapy). A deeper insight into the tolerance mechanisms to this therapy is urgently needed. Herein, we unravel a previously unexplored mechanism linking tumor progression, macrophage polarization, and anti-PD1 resistance, and offer an attractive novel target for anti-PD1 combination therapy, which may benefit patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Iron Catalyzed Cascade Construction of Molybdenum Carbide Heterointerfaces for Understanding Hydrogen Evolution.

The intercrystalline interfaces have been proven vital in heterostructure catalysts. However, it is still challenging to generate specified heterointerfaces and to make clear the mechanism of a reaction on the interface. Herein, this work proposes a strategy of Fe-catalyzed cascade formation of heterointerfaces for comprehending the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In the pure solid-phase reaction system, Fe catalyzes the in situ conversion of MoO2 to MoC and then Mo2 C, and the consecutive formation leaves lavish intercrystalline interfaces of MoO2 -MoC (in Fe-MoO2 /MoC@NC) or MoC-Mo2 C (in Fe-MoC/ß-Mo2 C@NC), which contribute to HER activity. The improved HER activity on the interface leads to further checking of the mechanism with density functional theory calculation. The computation results reveal that the electroreduction (Volmer step) produced H* prefers to be adsorbed on Mo2 C; then two pathways are proposed for the HER on the interface of MoC-Mo2 C, including the single-molecular adsorption pathway (Rideal mechanism) and the bimolecular adsorption pathway (Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism). The calculation results further show that the former is favorable, and the reaction on the MoC-Mo2 C heterointerface significantly lowers the energy barriers of the rate-determining steps.

Singlet Oxygen Generation from a Water-Soluble Hypervalent Iodine(V) Reagent AIBX and H2O2: An Access to Artemisinin.

Herein, we report an efficient method for the chemical generation of 1O2 by treatment of H2O2 with AIBX, a highly water-soluble, bench-stable, recyclable hypervalent iodine(V) reagent developed by our group. The generation of 1O2 was confirmed by the following results: (1) capture of 1O2 with the sodium salt of anthracene-9,10-bis(ethanesulfonate) produced the corresponding endoperoxide and (2) TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxy) produced by the oxidation of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine with 1O2 generated using the AIBX/H2O2 system was detected by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. To illustrate the potential utility of this method for organic synthesis, we used the AIBX/H2O2 system to perform typical reactions of 1O2: [2 + 2]/[4 + 2] cycloadditions, Schenck ene reactions, and heteroatom oxidation reactions, which afforded the corresponding products in high yields. Moreover, we used the method to synthesize the antimalarial drug artemisinin. Finally, we demonstrated that AIBX could be regenerated after the reaction by means of a workup involving extraction and removal of water to obtain a precursor of AIBX, which could then be re-oxidized.

Prognostic value of infarct-related-lead Tpeak-Tend/QT ratio in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

Tpeak-Tend/QT ratio (Tp-e/QT) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is reportedly associated with major adverse cardiac events (MACEs). However, Tp-e/QT measurement methods are controversial, and few studies have clarified the effect of different Tp-e/QT measures on prognosis. Our study is the first to investigate the advantages of the Tp-e/QT measured by infarct-related-lead method in predicting MACEs during hospitalization and long-term mortality in patients with STEMI. A total of 427 STEMI patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included in this study. The Tp-e/QT before PCI was measured by traditional 12-lead method and infarct-related-lead method. Outcomes were tested using comparative statistics, logistic regression, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. There were 62 (14.5%) patients who had MACEs in-hospital. Logistic regression showed that the Tp-e/QT in infarct-related-lead was an independent predictor (p < 0.001). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the Tp-e/QT in infarct-related-lead was larger than that in the Tp-e/QT in traditional 12-lead (0.889 vs 0.741), and the optimal cutoff value was 0.32. The three-year survival rate of patients in the infarct-related-lead Tp-e/QT < 0.32 group was better than Tp-e/QT ≥ 0.32 group in Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (93.9 vs 87.0%). When stratified according to infarct-related arteries, the results showed that the common odds ratio of patients in Tp-e/QT ≥ 0.32 group occurred MACEs was 1.562, P = 0.038. The infarct-related-lead Tp-e/QT performed better than the traditional 12-lead Tp-e/QT in predicting poor prognosis.

Metal-Organic Framework-Encapsulated CoCu Nanoparticles for the Selective Transfer Hydrogenation of Nitrobenzaldehydes: Engineering Active Armor by the Half-Way Injection Method.

A novel armor-type composite of metal-organic framework (MOF)-encapsulated CoCu nanoparticles with a Fe3 O4 core (Fe3 O4 @SiO2 -NH2 -CoCu@UiO-66) has been designed and synthesized by the half-way injection method, which successfully serves as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the selective transfer hydrogenation. In this half-way injection approach, the pre-synthetic Fe3 O4 @SiO2 -NH2 -CoCu was injected into the UiO-66 precursor solution halfway through the MOF budding period. The formed MOF armor could play a role of providing significant additional catalytic sites besides CoCu nanoparticles, protecting CoCu nanoparticles, and improving the catalyst stability, thus facilitating the selective transfer hydrogenation of nitrobenzaldehydes into corresponding nitrobenzyl alcohols in high selectivity (99 %) and conversion (99 %) rather than nitro group reduction products. Notably, this method achieves the precise assembly of a MOF-encapsulated composite, and the ingenious combination of MOF and nanoparticles exhibits excellent catalytic performance in the selective hydrogen transfer reaction, implementing a "1+1>2" strategy in catalysis.

The influencing factors of health-related quality of life among rural hypertensive individuals: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports regarding health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of hypertensive individuals commonly concentrated on urban population. This study focused on rural population and aimed to explore the influencing factors of HRQoL. METHODS: Date were derived from Henan Rural Cohort study. The HRQoL of participants were assessed via European Quality of Life Five Dimension Five Level Scale (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. Tobit regression model and generalized linear model were employed to explore the influencing factors of HRQoL. Another binary logistic regression was utilized to examine the robustness of our results. RESULTS: Among 23,485 rural population, 8128 participants were identified with hypertension. The mean (SD) utility index and VAS score of non-hypertension group were 0.96 (0.09) and 79.66 (14.20), respectively, while in hypertension group were 0.94 (0.14) and 75.88 (15.50), respectively. Pain/discomfort was the most common self-reported problem (23.05%) for patients. Aging and suffering with other diseases were negatively associated with HRQoL among rural patients, while high socioeconomic status and healthy lifestyles corresponded with high HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension did push considerable pressures on patients' HRQoL. Maintaining healthy lifestyles and improving the socioeconomic status of patients were advisable ways to reduce this burden. Trial registration The Henan Rural Cohort Study has been registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Register (Registration number: ChiCTR-OOC-15006699). http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=11375.

Four New Triterpenoid Saponins from the Root of Ilex centrochinensis.

One new siaresinolic acid saponin (1) and three new rotundic acid saponins (2-4) were isolated from the roots of Ilex centrochinensis. Their structures were confirmed by detailed analysis of standard spectroscopic data (IR, MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Compounds 1-4 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide production in a lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model. However, they showed no significant lipid-lowering activity against the production of triglycerides in the lipid-accumulation model of HepG2 cells induced by oleic acid.

Ring Expansion Fluorination of Unactivated Cyclopropanes Mediated by a New Monofluoroiodane(III) Reagent.

Herein, we report a new strategy for carbon-carbon bond scission and intramolecular ring expansion fluorination of unactivated cyclopropanes, which was accomplished with a new hypervalent fluoroiodane(III) reagent 1. This novel method delivers medicinally relevant 4-fully substituted fluoropiperidines in moderate to high yields with excellent regio- and diastereoselectivity. Reagent 1, which has an N-acetylbenziodazole framework, was readily synthesized via three steps in 76 % overall yield and was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Owing to the presence of a secondary I⋅⋅⋅O bonding interaction between the λ3 -iodane atom and the carbonyl oxygen of the acetyl group of the N-acetylbenziodazole framework, 1 has excellent stability and can be stored at ambient temperature for 6 months without any detectable decomposition. Density functional theory calculations and experimental studies showed that the reaction proceeds via a carbocation intermediate that readily combines with a fluoride ion to generate the product.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis-induced activation of the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system is involved in kidney injuries in rat diabetic nephropathy.

Some studies have shown that gut microbiota along with its metabolites is closely associated with diabetic mellitus (DM). In this study we explored the relationship between gut microbiota and kidney injuries of early diabetic nephropathy (DN) and its underlying mechanisms. Male SD rats were intraperitoneally injected with streptozotocin to induce DM. DM rats were orally administered compound broad-spectrum antibiotics for 8 weeks. After the rats were sacrificed, their blood, urine, feces, and renal tissues were harvested for analyses. We found that compared with the control rats, DM rats had abnormal intestinal microflora, increased plasma acetate levels, increased proteinuria, thickened glomerular basement membrane, and podocyte foot process effacement in the kidneys. Furthermore, the protein levels of angiotensin II, angiotensin-converting enzyme, and angiotensin II type 1 receptor in the kidneys of DM rats were significantly increased. Administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics in DM rats not only completely killed most intestinal microflora, but also significantly lowered the plasma acetate levels, inhibited intrarenal RAS activation, and attenuated kidney damage. Finally, we showed that plasma acetate levels were positively correlated with intrarenal angiotensin II protein expression (r = 0.969, P < 0.001). In conclusion, excessive acetate produced by disturbed gut microbiota might be involved in the kidney injuries of early DN through activating intrarenal RAS.

Preoperative evaluation and prediction of clinical scores for hepatocellular carcinoma microvascular invasion: a single-center retrospective analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Microvascular invasion (MVI) of is generally considered to be an important prognostic factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after operation, An accurate prediction of MVI before operation is helpful for clinical decision-making before operation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 227 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma patients after hepatectomy has been confirmed the pathological result whether there was MVI, and has been determined the independent risk factors of MVI. Based on these independent risk factors, we constructed a clinical scoring risk model for predicting MVI. RESULTS: Among the 227 patients with HCC, 74 (34.6%) were MVI positive. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and logistic regression model, we found that alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)≥158 ng/mL(odds ratio[OR] = 4.152,95% confidence interval [95%CI]:1.602∼10.760,p = 0.003), Des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP)≥178mAU/mL(OR = 9.730,95%CI:3.392∼27.910,p < 0.001), circulating tumor cells (CTCs)≥3/3.2 ml(OR = 7.747,95%CI:3.019∼19.881,P < 0.001), maximum tumor diameter≥59 mm(OR = 3.467,95%CI:1.368∼8.669,p = 0.008) and tumor margin unsmoothness(OR = 0.235,95%CI:0.096∼0.573,p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for MVI, they predicted that the area under the curve of MVI was 0.752, 0.777, 0.857, 0.743 and 0.333, respectively. Based on these five independent risk factors, we constructed a clinical scoring risk model for predicting MVI. The model predicts that the area under the curve of MVI is 0.922, and its prevalence rate from 0 to 5 are 3.1%(1/32), 5.3%(4/76), 12.2%(5/41), 66.7%(20/30), 87.9%(29/33), 100%(15/15), respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Based on AFP, DCP, CTC, maximum tumor diameter and tumor margin unsmoothness, we constructed a model to predict the risk of MVI clinical score, so as to make a more accurate individualized treatment plan before operation, which has important clinical significance and application prospect to improve the curative effect of HCC.

Study on a New Electromagnetic Flow Measurement Technology Based on Differential Correlation Detection.

Under the conditions of low flow rate and strong noise, the current electromagnetic flowmeter (EMF) cannot satisfy the requirement for measurement or separate the actual flow signal and interference signal accurately. Correlation detection technology can reduce the bandwidth and suppress noise effectively using the periodic transmission of signal and noise randomness. As for the problem that the current anti-interference technology cannot suppress noise effectively, the noise and interference of the electromagnetic flowmeter were analyzed in this paper, and a design of the electromagnetic flowmeter based on differential correlation detection was proposed. Then, in order to verify the feasibility of the electromagnetic flow measurement system based on differential correlation, an experimental platform for the comparison between standard flow and measured flow was established and a verification experiment was carried out under special conditions and with flow calibration measurements. Finally, the data obtained in the experiment were analyzed. The research result showed that an electromagnetic flowmeter based on differential correlation detection satisfies the need for measurement completely. The lower limit of the flow rate of the electromagnetic flowmeter based on the differential correlation principle could reach 0.084 m/s. Under strong external interferences, the electromagnetic flowmeter based on differential correlation had a fluctuation range in output value of only 10 mV. This shows that the electromagnetic flowmeter based on the differential correlation principle has unique advantages in measurements taken under the conditions of strong noise, slurry flow, and low flow rate.

Caspase 3/ROCK1 pathway mediates high glucose-induced platelet microparticles shedding.

BACKGROUND: Platelet microparticles (PMPs) are closely associated with diabetic macrovascular complications. This study aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms of high glucose-induced PMPs generation. METHODS: Washed platelets, obtained from the plasma of healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, were incubated with high glucose. PMPs were isolated using gradient centrifugation and counted by flow cytometry. Expression and activity of ROCK1 and caspase3 were evaluated by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and activity assay kit. RESULTS: High glucose enhanced PMPs shedding in the presence of collagen. The mRNA and protein levels of ROCK1, but not ROCK2, were increased in platelets incubated with high glucose. Y-27632, an inhibitor of ROCK, blocked the increased PMPs shedding induced by high glucose. Expression and activity of caspase3 were elevated in platelets under the high glucose conditions. Z-DVED-FMK, a caspase3 inhibitor, inhibited ROCK1 activity and decreased the PMPs generation under high glucose. CONCLUSION: High glucose increased PMPs shedding via caspase3-ROCK1 signal pathway.

Host defense peptide LEAP-2 contributes to monocyte/macrophage polarization in barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo).

The liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2) plays a vital role in host immunity against pathogenic organisms. In the present study, cDNA of the LEAP-2 gene was cloned and sequenced from the barbel steed (Hemibarbus labeo). The predicted amino acid sequence of the barbel steed LEAP-2 comprises a signal peptide and a prodomain, which is followed by the mature peptide. Sequence analysis revealed that barbel steed LEAP-2 belongs to the fish LEAP-2A cluster and that it is closely related to zebrafish LEAP-2A. We found that barbel steed LEAP-2 transcripts were expressed in a wide range of tissues, with the highest mRNA levels detected in the liver. In response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, LEAP-2 was significantly upregulated in the liver, head kidney, spleen, gill, and mid intestine. A chemically synthesized LEAP-2 mature peptide exhibited selective antimicrobial activity against several bacteria in vitro. Moreover, LEAP-2, alone or in combination with LPS or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, strongly induced a pro-inflammatory reaction in barbel steed monocytes/macrophages (MO/MФ), involving the induction of iNOS activity, respiratory burst, and the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1ß. Collectively, the results of this study indicate the importance of fish LEAP-2 in the M1-type polarization of MO/MΦ.

Cobalt-promoted fabrication of 3D carbon with a nanotube-sheet mutual support structure: scalable preparation of a high-performance anode material for Li-ion batteries.

Currently, the design of carbon-based composite as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) presents challenges for commercial application. Herein, we developed a three-dimensional carbon-based material with a nanotube-sheet mutual support structure (MS-CNTS) engineered by the catalytic effect of Co species. The present work highlights a concise 'solvent-free' synthetic method allowing for large-scale output, which is potentially available for low cost commercial use. With the readily available acetylacetonate and cobalt (II) acetylacetonate as starting chemicals, this nanostructured carbonaceous material is fabricated with aldol condensation to construct a Co-contained carbon-link network polymer precursor followed by annealing under argon. It is composed of brim-curled graphene-like carbon nanosheets and carbon nanotubes, which support each other's structures to effectively avoid agglomeration. Therefore, it enables high performance in LIBs. In spite of the trace amount of cobalt, the carbon-based MS-CNTS anode delivers a high charge capacity of 1028 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1, high rate capacity of 495 mAh g-1 at 2 A g-1, and ultra-long cycling life with a very low capacity decay of 0.008% per cycle over 1000 cycles at 0.5 A g-1, accompanied by 100% Coulombic efficiency. From full cell measurements, we further confirm the considerable promise of MS-CNTS as anodes with a long cycling life.

Publisher Correction: Inflammation-activated CXCL16 pathway contributes to tubulointerstitial injury in mouse diabetic nephropathy.

The REFERENCES 1-35 are wrong because of the error in the process of typesetting.