Strain-boosted hyperoxic graphene oxide efficiently loading and improving performances of microcystinase.

Harmful Microcystis blooms (HMBs) and microcystins (MCs) that are produced by Microcystis seriously threaten water ecosystems and human health. This study demonstrates an eco-friendly strategy for simultaneous removal of MCs and HMBs by adopting unique hyperoxic graphene oxides (HGOs) as carrier and pure microcystinase A (PMlrA) as connecting bridge to form stable HGOs@MlrA composite. After oxidation, HGOs yield inherent structural strain effects for boosting the immobilization of MlrA by material characterization and density functional theory calculations. HGO5 exhibits higher loading capacities for crude MlrA (1,559 mg·g-1) and pure MlrA (1,659 mg·g-1). Moreover, the performances of HGO5@MlrA composite, including the capability of removing MCs and HMBs, the ecological and human safety compared to MlrA or HGO5 treatment alone, have been studied. These results indicate that HGO5 can be used as a promising candidate material to effectively improve the application potential of MlrA in the simultaneous removal of MCs and HMBs.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics disturb the defense system, gut microbiome, and antibiotic resistance genes of Enchytraeus crypticus.

Antibiotic residues from animal manure cause soil pollution and can pose a threat to soil animals. In this study, the toxicological effects of fluoroquinolone antibiotics on Enchytraeus crypticus, including defence response, gut microbiome, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), were studied. The cytochrome P450 enzyme activity and reactive oxygen species levels increased, activating the defense response. The superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase activity, and the expression of immune defense molecules such as coelomic cytolytic factor, lysozyme, bactericidal protein fetidins and lysenin changed. Furthermore, the diversity of the gut microbiome decreased, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes decreased significantly at the phylum level but increased in pathogenic and antibiotic-secreting bacteria (Rhodococcus and Streptomyces) at the genus level. However, the soil microbiome was not significantly different from that of the control group. The relative abundance of ARGs in the gut and soil microbiome significantly increased with enrofloxacin concentration, and the fluoroquinolone ARGs were significantly increased in both the soil (20.85-fold, p < 0.001) and gut (11.72-fold, p < 0.001) microbiomes. Subtypes of ARGs showed a positive correlation with Rhodococcus, which might increase the risk of disease transmission and the probability of drug-resistant pathogens. Furthermore, mobile genetic elements significantly promote the spread of ARGs.

Investigation the molecular degradation, starch-lipid complexes formation and pasting properties of wheat starch in instant noodles during deep-frying treatment.

The effects of frying temperature and time on the amylose content, thermodynamic properties, crystalline properties, and pasting properties of starch in wheat-flour based noodles were investigated. The amylose content increased when the frying temperature increased or the frying time extended. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the formation of starch-lipid complexes. ΔH of the complexes increased sharply from 0.91 to 1.40 J/g with increased frying temperature, while it initially increased from 1.01 to 1.40 J/g and then decreased rapidly to 1.17 J/g with prolonged frying time. These observations were consistent with the results of relative crystallinity. Rapid viscosity analysis showed that the viscosities decreased by the increasing frying temperature or the prolonging frying time. The results showed that the deep-frying process destroyed the starch structure and led to the formation of starch-lipid complexes.

Visible Light-Mediated Photocatalytic Metal-Free Cross-Coupling Reaction of Alkenyl Carboxylic Acids with Diarylphosphine Oxides Leading to ß-Ketophosphine Oxides.

A new visible light-mediated photocatalytic decarboxylative oxyphosphorylation of cinnamic acids with diarylphosphine oxides is described. This reaction is performed under mild conditions to afford the corresponding ß-ketophosphine oxides.

[Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging Permeability Parameters Monitor the Early Response to Bevacizumab Plus Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer Patients with Liver Metastases].

Objective To investigate the value of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) permeability parameters in monitoring the early response to bevacizumab plus chemotherapy in colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. Methods Magnetic resonance examinations including plain and DCE-MRI were performed in 28 colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. The permeability parameters including the volume transfer constant (Ktrans),extravascular extracellular volume fraction (Ve),reverse volume transfer constant (Kep),and percentage of plasma volume (Vp) were measured before chemotherapy and at the first chemotherapy cycle. All the target lesions were grouped into the hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity groups,and t test was used to calculate the statistical significance between these two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also performed for evaluating the diagnostic efficacy in monitoring the early response to chemotherapy. Results Totally 64 target lesions,including 29 lesions in the hypersensitivity group and 35 lesions in the hyposensitivity group,were confirmed. The Ktrans0 and Kep0 values of the hypersensitivity group were significantly higher than those of the hyposensitivity group before chemotherapy (P=0.040,P=0.049),whereas the Ve0and Vp0 values showed no significant change between these two groups (P>0.05). When the Ktrans0 value was 1.129 min-1,the area under curve was 0.726,the sensitivity was 65.5%,and the specificity was 71.4%. Conclusion The DCE-MRI permeability parameters is useful for monitoring the early response to chemotherapy,and the Ktrans value can be a quantitative indicator to predict early response.

Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. Leaves' polysaccharide alleviates hepatic gluconeogenesis via the downregulation of miR-137.

Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb.(VBT) is a traditional Chinese herb that recorded has an effect of hypoglycemic. We previous discovered a dose-dependent anti-diabetic function of VBT. leaves' polysaccharide (VBTLP), but little is known about its underlying molecular mechanism. Therefore, we hypothesized that VBTLP would decrease hepatic gluconeogenesis to improve glucose metabolism in mice. To test this hypothesis, glucose tolerance test was performed to evaluate the effect of VBTLP on mice hepatic gluconeogenesis. Western blot and RT-PCR were performed to measure both in vivo and in vitro gene regulation under VBTLP treatment. Online bioinformatic analysis was performed to discover a target candidate, miR-137 of LKB1 and AMPK under VBTLP treatment, and the luciferase assay was conducted to validate it. Here we found that VBT. leaves' polysaccharide (VBTLP) decreased hepatic gluconeogenesis via activation of LKB1/AMPK axis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistic studies reveal that miR-137 regulates hepatic glucose homeostasis by directly targeting AMPK and LKB1. Furthermore, we shown that VBTLP decreased hepatic miR-137 level, which might contribute to activation of LKB1/AMPK and downregulation of gluconeogenesis. Taken together, our study shown that the mechanisms might involve in VBTLP hypoglycemic effect, alleviates hepatic gluconeogenesis via the downregulation of miR-137. Our findings provide guidance in developing novel, safe and effective therapies for T2DM.

[Clinical application value of MRI on malignant fibrous histiocytoma in soft tissue].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate imaging manifestation and clinical application of MRI on malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) in soft tissue. METHODS: Imaging and pathological data of 16 patients with malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) in soft tissue confirmed by surgery and pathology were retrospectively analyzed from January 2009 to August 2016. There were 9 males and 7 females, aged from 34 to 67 years old with an average of 52 years. The courses of disease ranged from 5 to 48 months with an average of 27 months.The main clinical manifestations were soft tissue mass and local pain. All patients were underwent plain and enhanced MRI before operation. Pathogenic sites, MRI manifestation and pathology results were observed after operation. RESULTS: MRI in 16 cases of T1WI showde slightly lower signal or equal signals, of which 6 cases of tumor see mixed signal; in T2WI were high signal, of which 7 cases of internal tumor can be seen low signal separation, 5 cases of turor can be seen flase envelope, 11 cases of tumor with the surrounding boundaries unclear with edema. All lesions showed significantly uneven enhancement. Immunohistochemical examination showed that Vim, CD68 was positive. CONCLUSIONS: Although MRI features of MFH has certain characteristics, the qualitative was more difficult, and ultimately need to determine the pathological and immunohistochemical. But MRI examination has obvious advantages in clarifying range of tumor, invading peripheral blood vessels and nerves, and has important clinical application value for clinical operation plan and postoperative tumor residual and recurrence, and provid reference for clinical curative effect.

[Diagnostic Value of Combining Permeability with T1 Perfusion Parameters in Quantitative Dynamic Contrast-enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Glioma Grading].

UNLABELLED: OBJECTIVE To investigate the diagnostic value of combining permeability with T1 perfusion parameters in quantitative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in glioma grading. METHODS: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed in 16 patients with high grade gliomas (HGG) and 12 patients with low grade gliomas(LGG) confirmed by pathology. The permeability was quantitatively analyzed and the T1 perfusion parameters of the tumor were calculated by the pharmacokinetic model,including volume transfer constant (K(trans)),volume fraction of extravascular extracellular space (ve),reflux constant (kep),fractional plasma volume (vp),cerebral blood flow (CBF),cerebral blood volume (CBV),and mean transit time (MTT). A t-test was used to calculate the statistical significance of quantitative analysis parameters between HGG and LGG. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was also performed for evaluating the sensitivity,specificity,and area under curve (AUC) of the permeability parameters and perfusion parameters and the combination of these parameters. RESULTS: The differences of the K(trans),ve,CBF,and CBV values [(0.276<0.164)/min vs. (0.084<0.044)/min;0.486<0.191 vs. 0.274<0.132;(1.755<1.164)ml/(g·min) vs. (0.761<0.625) ml/(g·min);(0.204<0.101) ml/g vs. (0.115<0.097)ml/g] were statistically significant (t=3.934,3.293,2.672,2.338,P<0.05) between HGG and LGG. The differences of the kep,vp, and MTT value [(1.632<1.204)/min vs. (1.537<1.194)/min;0.114<0.107 vs. 0.055<0.039;(0.128<0.070)min vs. (0.145<0.066)min] were not statistically significant (t=0.208,1.823,0.688,P>0.05). When the K(trans) value was 0.105/min,the AUC was the largest (0.919) by the single parameter in glioma grading,and meanwhile the sensitivity and specificity were 87.5% and 83.3%,respectively. When the ve-CBF value was 0.631,the AUC was the largest (0.974) by the multiple parameter,and meanwhile the sensitivity and specificity were 93.7% and 100.0%,respectively. CONCLUSION: Combining permeability with perfusion parameters in quantitative DCE-MRI can improve the accuracy of the glioma grading.

[Comparison of enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the value of liver acquisition with volume acceleration (LAVA) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in diagnosing benign and malignant intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the pancreas. METHODS: The MR findings of 35 IPMN patients confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospectively, and the sequences included T1WI, T2WI, LAVA, and MRCP. All patients were divided into two groups: the group of MRI enhancement (including T1WI, T2WI, and MRI enhancement) and the group of MRCP (including T1WI, T2WI, and MRCP). Two groups were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Totally 23 cases of intraductal papillary mucinous tumors and 12 cases of intraductal papillary mucinous carcinomas were diagnosed. Finally, 29 cases (29/35) of IPMN were diagnosed correctly in the group of MR enhancement, and 25 cases (25/35) diagnosed correctly in the group of MRCP. The differential diagnostic accuracy of the group of MRI enhancement (82.9%) was higher than that of the group of MRCP (71.4%), although the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.068). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the group of MRI enhancement were 83.3%, 82.6%, 71.4%, and 0.850, and those of the group of MRCP were 75.0%, 69.6%, 52.3%, and 0.723. The AUC of the group of MRI enhancement was significantly larger than that of the group of MRCP (P=0.0465). CONCLUSION: MRI enhancement is more valuable than MRCP in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant IPMN.

Formation of heat-induced cottonseed congossypin(7S) fibrils at pH 2.0.

BACKGROUND: Heat-induced protein aggregation is important for the texture of various food products. Many types of food proteins have been found to assemble into fibrillar structures under certain conditions. We studied fibril formation of cottonseed 7S storage protein upon heating (for 0-720 min) at 90°C and pH 2.0, investigated the conversion rate, and determined the extent of thermal aggregation. RESULTS: Thioflavin-T fluorescence and Congo-red analysis indicated the formation of amyloid-like fibrils upon heating. Centrifugal filtration indicated that the conversion was very low (<10%) until congossypin concentration up to 2 mg mL(-1), and the conversion increases with increasing heating time, but levels off after longer heating times. Dynamic light scattering and atomic force microscopy showed that the extent of thermal aggregation at pH 2.0, or contour length of the worm-like and fine-stranded aggregates, progressively increased with increasing heating time. Furthermore, reducing electrophoresis analyses indicated that progressive polypeptide hydrolysis occurred upon heating. Experiments indicate that congossypin can form heat-induced amyloid-like aggregates and the conversion of congossypin monomers into fibrils increased with heating time and protein concentration. CONCLUSION: The results would be of vital importance for the utilisation of cottonseed proteins to produce thermally induced fibrillar gels with excellent properties.

[Comparison of enhanced magnetic resonance and diffusion-weighted imaging for detection of hepatic metastases].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the roles of Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the liver acquisition with volume acceleration(LAVA) sequence and diffusion-weighted imaging(DWI) in the detection of hepatic metastases sized ≤3 cm. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the MRI data of 16 patients with hepatic metastases. All the sequences used included T1WI, T2WI,3D-LAVA, and DWI (b value=500 s/mm(2)). All patients were divided into two groups based on the sequences: group A (T1WI, T2WI, and 3D-LAVA enhanced MR) and group B(T1WI,T2WI and DWI). The hepatic metastases were evaluated by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: A total of 39 hepatic metastatic lesions were identified. The sensitivity, specificity, Youden index and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were 97.4%, 88.2%, 0.856, and 0.944 in group A and 82.1%, 91.2%, 0.733, and 0.834 in group B. The ROC curves (p=0.040) and Youden index(p=0.043) in group A were significantly larger than in group B. CONCLUSION: Gadolinium-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI has higher accuracy than DWI in the detection of small metastases.

[Microbial diversity analysis in rotating drum biofilter for nitric oxide denitrifying removal].

PCR-DGGE was applied to analyze the microbial communities in rotating drum biofilter (RDB) for nitric oxide denitrifying removal under anaerobic conditions. The 16S rRNA genes (V3 region) were amplified with two universal primers (338F-GC and 518R). These amplified DNA fragments were separated by parallel DGGE. The DGGE profiles of biofilm samples from different sections of RDB are similar and about sixteen types of microorganisms are identified in the biofilm samples. These results show that microbial diversity of RDB firstly increases but then decreases with the addition of Cu II (EDTA) and the increase of NO removal efficiency. However, the change of microbial community is not significant during the process. Eight major bands of 16S rRNA genes fragments from DGGE profiles of biofilm samples were further eluted from gel, re-amplified, cloned and sequenced. The sequences of these fragments were compared with the database in GeneBank (NCBI). The gene analysis of 16S rRNA showed that the major populations are Cytopahga-Flexibacteria-Bacteroides (CFB) group Bacteroides, beta -Proteobacterium, gamma-Proteobacterium and Clostridium sp.. In addition, denitrification is related with band G-5, G-6 and G-8. G-5 is affiliated with gamma-Proteobacterium. Both G-6 and G-8 are affiliated with beta-Proteobacterium.