Covalent organic framework aerogel for high-performance solid-phase extraction of tetracycline antibiotics: Experiment and simulated calculation on adsorption behavior.

Three-dimensional sponge-architecture covalent organic frameworks (COFs)-aerogel was successfully designed and synthesized via a freeze-drying template approach, and utilized as an efficient sorbent in solid-phase extraction (SPE). A method for selective enrichment of pharmaceutical contaminants including tetracycline, chlortetracycline, methacycline and oxytetracycline in the environment and food samples was proposed by combining with high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). To understand the adsorption mechanism, selectivity test and molecular dynamics (MD) simulated calculation were both carried out. The experimental and in-silico results demonstrated that the COFs-aerogel possessed high selectivity for contaminants with H bond acceptors/donors and good efficiency with maximum adsorption capacity up to 294.1 mg/g. The SPE-based HPLC method worked well in the range of 8-1000 ng/mL, with the need of little dose of adsorbent and sample volume while no need of spectrometer, outgoing the reported adsorbents. Under the optimized conditions, the intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations (RSD) of repeatability were within 2.78-6.29 % and 2.44-8.42 % (n = 5). The results meet the current detection requirement for practical applications, and could be extended for further design of promising adsorbents.

Left Ventricular Remodelling Associated with the Transient Elevated [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor Activity in the Remote Myocardium Following Acute Myocardial Infarction.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have initially reported accompanying elevated 2-deoxy-2[18F]fluoro-D-glucose ([18F]F-FDG) inflammatory activity in the remote area and its prognostic value after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Non-invasive characterization of the accompanying inflammation in the remote myocardium may be of potency in guiding future targeted theranostics. [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor targeting chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) on the surface of inflammatory cells is currently one of the promising inflammatory imaging agents. In this study, we sought to focus on the longitudinal evolution of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor activities in the remote myocardium following AMI and its association with cardiac function. METHODS: Twelve AMI rats and six Sham rats serially underwent [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor imaging at pre-operation, and 5, 7, 14 days post-operation. Maximum and mean standard uptake value (SUV) and target-to-background ratio (TBR) were assessed to indicate the uptake intensity. Gated [18F]F-FDG imaging and immunofluorescent staining were performed to obtain cardiac function and responses of pro-inflammatory and reparative macrophages, respectively. RESULTS: The uptake of [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor in the infarcted myocardium peaked at day 5 (all P = 0.003), retained at day 7 (all P = 0.011), and recovered at day 14 after AMI (P > 0.05), paralleling with the rise-fall pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages (P < 0.05). Correlated with the peak activity in the infarct territory, [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor uptake in the remote myocardium on day 5 early after AMI significantly increased (AMI vs. Sham: SUVmean, SUVmax, and TBRmean: all P < 0.05), and strongly correlated with contemporaneous EDV and/or ESV (SUVmean and TBRmean: both P < 0.05). The transitory remote activity recovered as of day 7 post-AMI (AMI vs. Sham: P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Corresponding with the peaked [68Ga]Ga-Pentixafor activity in the infarcted myocardium, the activity in the remote region elevated accordingly and led to contemporaneous left ventricular remodelling early after AMI. Further studies are warranted to clarify its clinical application potential.

Dual-channel mechano-phosphorescence: a combined locking effect with twisted molecular structures and robust interactions.

Organic mechanoluminescence materials, featuring dual emission and ultralong phosphorescence characteristics, exhibit significant potential for applications in real-time stress sensing, pressure-sensitive lighting, advanced security marking techniques, and material breakage monitoring. However, due to immature molecular design strategies and unclear luminescence mechanisms, these materials remain rarely reported. In this study, we propose a valuable molecular design strategy to achieve dual-channel mechano-phosphorescence. By introducing the arylphosphine oxide group into a highly twisted molecular framework, enhanced intra- and intermolecular interactions could be achieved within rigid structures, leading to dual-channel mechanoluminescence with greatly promoted ultralong phosphorescence. Further investigations reveal the substantial boosting effect of intra- and intermolecular interactions on mechanoluminescence and ultralong phosphorescence properties by locking the highly twisted molecular skeleton. This work provides a concise and guiding route to develop novel smart responsive luminescence materials for widespread applications in material science.

CircNUP54 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via facilitating HuR cytoplasmic export and stabilizing BIRC3 mRNA.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been implicated in tumorigenesis and progression of various cancers. However, the underlying mechanisms of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been fully elucidated. Herein, a new oncogenic circRNA, hsa_circ_0070039 (circNUP54), was identified to be significantly upregulated in HCC through circRNA sequencing. As verified in 68 HCC samples, circNUP54 overexpression was correlated with aggressive cancerous behaviors and poor outcomes. Moreover, the function experiments showed that knockdown of circNUP54 inhibited the malignant progression of HCC in vitro and in vivo, whereas overexpression of circNUP54 had the opposite role. Mechanistic investigations carried out by RNA pull-down, RNA immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence revealed that circNUP54 interacted with the RNA-binding protein Hu-antigen R (HuR) and promoted its cytoplasmic export. The cytoplasmic accumulation of HuR stabilized the downstream BIRC3 mRNA through its binding to the 3' UTR region. Consequently, the encoded protein of BIRC3, cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (cIAP2), proceeded to activate the NF-κB signal pathway and ultimately contributed to HCC progression. In addition, depletion of BIRC3 rescued the pro-tumorigenic effect of circNUP54 on HCC cells. Overall, this study demonstrated that circNUP54 facilitates HCC progression via regulating the HuR/BIRC3/NF-κB axis, which may serve as a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

Spherization indices measured by resting SPECT improve risk stratification in patients with ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA).

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of ischemia with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA) is substantial, but its risk stratification has been suboptimal. Resting SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) could provide useful heart information including spherical indices. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of spherical indices in individuals with INOCA. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 47.2 ± 20.8 months, 49 (17.2%) patients experienced major adverse cardiac events (MACE). Compared to those without MACE, those with MACE had a higher shape index (SI) (0.60 ± 0.07 vs. 0.58 ± 0.06; P = 0.028) and a lower E2 (eccentricity index calculated by the QPS) (0.81 ± 0.05 vs. 0.83 ± 0.04; P = 0.019). MACE event-free survival analysis revealed significant differences in the SI and E2 among all patients (all log-rank P < 0.01). Multivariate Cox analysis showed abnormal SI (HR: 2.73, 95% CI 1.44-5.18, P = 0.002) and E2 (HR: 1.94, 95% CI 1.08-3.48, P = 0.026) were both independent predictors for MACE when they were put into the same model, respectively. The incorporation of the SI into the baseline model demonstrated a significant improvement in the predictive accuracy for MACEs (P = 0.026), whereas E2 did not exhibit a similar improvement (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: For patients with INOCA, spherical indices (especially the SI) were associated with long-term MACE, which could be a preferable indicator for risk stratification and prognostic prediction.

Tunable afterglow for mechanical self-monitoring 3D printing structures.

Self-monitoring materials have promising applications in structural health monitoring. However, developing organic afterglow materials for self-monitoring is a highly intriguing yet challenging task. Herein, we design two organic molecules with a twisted donor-acceptor-acceptor' configuration and achieve dual-emissive afterglow with tunable lifetimes (86.1-287.7 ms) by doping into various matrices. Based on a photosensitive resin, a series of complex structures are prepared using 3D printing technology. They exhibit tunable afterglow lifetime and Young's Modulus by manipulating the photocuring time and humidity level. With sufficient photocuring or in dry conditions, a long-lived bright green afterglow without apparent deformation under external loading is realized. We demonstrate that the mechanical properties of complex 3D printing structures can be well monitored by controlling the photocuring time and humidity, and quantitively manifested by afterglow lifetimes. This work casts opportunities for constructing flexible 3D printing devices that can achieve sensing and real-time mechanical detection.

Report of Citrus tristeza virus in Diaphorina citri (Hemiotera: Liviidae) insects of different sexes, color morphs, and developmental stages.

Diaphorina citri, also known as the Asian citrus psyllid, is the main vector of 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (CLas) associated with citrus Huanglongbing. It has been reported that D. citri could also be infected by Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a virus that has been previously reported to be vectored by certain aphid species. In this study, the CTV and CLas profiles in different organs, color variants, developmental stages, or sexes of D. citri insects were analyzed. Although no significant differences were found between nymphs and adults in CTV titers, we found that the third instar nymph of D. citri was more efficient in CTV and CLas acquisition compared to the fourth and fifth instars and adults. With the instars of D. citri development, the relationship between the acquiring of CTV and CLas by D. citri seemed to follow an inverse trend, with the titer of CLas increased and the titer of CTV decreased. No significant differences were observed between the 2 sexes of D. citri in acquiring either CTV or CLas titers in the field. However, no differences were drawn among the 3 color morph variants for CTV titers. CTV titers in the midguts of adult D. citri were significantly higher than those in the salivary glands. Both CTV-positive incidence and CTV titers in the midguts of adult D. citri increased with increasing exposure periods. This study provides new data to deepen our understanding of the CTV-involved interaction between D. citri and CLas.

Wide-Range Color-Tunable Organic Scintillators for X-Ray Imaging Through Host-Guest Doping.

With the increasing demands of X-ray detection and medical diagnosis, organic scintillators with intense and tunable X-ray excited emission have been becoming important. To guarantee the X-ray absorption, heavy atoms were widely added in reported organic scintillators, which led to emission quenching. In this work, we propose a new strategy to realize organic scintillators through the host-guest doping strategy. Then the X-ray absorption centers (host) and emission centers (guest) are separated. Under X-ray excitation, these materials displayed intense and readily tunable emissions ranging from green (520 nm) to near infrared (NIR) regions (682 nm). Besides, the relationship between the X-ray absorption and spatial arrangement of the heavy atoms in the host matrix was also revealed. The potential application of these wide-range color tunable organic host-guest scintillators in X-ray imaging were demonstrated. This work provides a new feasible strategy for constructing high-performance organic scintillators with tunable luminescence properties.

Recent Developments of Photodeformable Polymers: From Materials to Applications.

Photodeformable polymer materials have a far influence in the fields of flexibility and intelligence. The stimulation energy is converted into mechanical energy through molecular synergy. Among kinds of photodeformable polymer materials, liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) photodeformable materials have been a hot topic in recent years. Chromophores such as azobenzene, α-cyanostilbene, and 9,10-dithiopheneanthracene have been widely used in LCP, which are helpful for designing functional molecules to increase the penetration depth of light to change physical properties. Due to the various applications of photodeformable polymer materials, there are many excellent reports in intelligent field. In this review, we have systematized LCP containing azobenzene into 3 categories depending on the degree of crosslinking liquid crystalline elastomers, liquid crystalline networks, and linear LCPs. Other structural, typical polymer materials and their applications are discussed. Current issues faced and future directions to be developed for photodeformable polymer materials are also summarized.

Constant ratio between the genomic components of bipartite begomoviruses during infection and transmission.

The genomic components of multipartite viruses are encapsidated in separate virus particles, and the frequencies of genomic components represent one of the key genetic features. Many begomoviruses of economic significance are bipartite, and the details of the association between their genomic components remain largely unexplored. We first analyzed the temporal dynamics of the quantities of DNA-A and DNA-B and the B/A ratio of the squash leaf curl China virus (SLCCNV) in plants and found that while the quantities of DNA-A and DNA-B varied significantly during infection, the B/A ratio remained constant. We then found that changes in the B/A ratio in agrobacteria inoculum may significantly alter the B/A ratio in plants at 6 days post inoculation, but the differences disappeared shortly thereafter. We next showed that while the quantities of DNA-A and DNA-B among plants infected by agrobacteria, sap transmission and whitefly-mediated transmission differed significantly, the B/A ratios were similar. Further analysis of gene expression revealed that the ratio of the expression of genes encoded by DNA-A and DNA-B varied significantly during infection. Finally, we monitored the temporal dynamics of the quantities of DNA-A and DNA-B and the B/A ratio of another bipartite begomovirus, and a constant B/A ratio was similarly observed. Our findings highlight the maintenance of a constant ratio between the two genomic components of bipartite begomoviruses during infection and transmission, and provide new insights into the biology of begomoviruses.

Highly Twisted Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) Molecules and Their Applications in Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs).

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials have attracted great potential in the field of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Among thousands of TADF materials, highly twisted TADF emitters have become a hotspot in recent years. Compared with traditional TADF materials, highly twisted TADF emitters tend to show multi-channel charge-transfer characters and form rigid molecular structures. This is advantageous for TADF materials, as non-radiative decay processes can be suppressed to facilitate efficient exciton utilization. Accordingly, OLEDs with excellent device performances have also been reported. In this Review, we have summarized recent progress in highly twisted TADF materials and related devices, and give an overview of the molecular design strategies, photophysical studies, and the performances of OLED devices. In addition, the challenges and perspectives of highly twisted TADF molecules and the related OLEDs are also discussed.

Realizing Photoswitchable Mechanoluminescence in Organic Crystals Based on Photochromism.

Organic mechanoluminescent (ML) materials possessing photophysical properties that are sensitive to multiple external stimuli have shown great potential in many fields, including optic and sensing. Particularly, the photoswitchable ML property for these materials is fundamental to their applications but remains a formidable challenge. Herein, photoswitchable ML is successfully realized by endowing reversible photochromic properties to an ML molecule, namely 2-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl) fluoropyridine (o-TPF). o-TPF shows both high-contrast photochromism with a distinct color change from white to purplish red, as well as bright blue ML (λML  = 453 nm). The ML property can be repeatedly switched between ON and OFF states under alternate UV and visible light irradiation. Impressively, the photoswitchable ML is of high stability and repeatability. The ML can be reversibly switched on and off by conducting alternate UV and visible light irradiation in cycles under ambient conditions. Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that the change of dipole moment of o-TPF during the photochromic process is responsible for the photoswitchable ML. These results outline a fundamental strategy to achieve for the control of organic ML and pave the way to the development of expanded smart luminescent materials and their applications.

Whole-genome sequencing-based analyses of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis from Taiwan.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) posed challenges to global TB control. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is recommended for predicting drug resistance to guide DR-TB treatment and management. Nevertheless, data are lacking in Taiwan. Phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) of 12 anti-TB drugs was performed for 200 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. WGS was performed using the Illumina platform. Drug resistance profiles and lineages were predicted in silico using the Total Genotyping Solution for TB (TGS-TB). Using the phenotypic DST results as a reference, WGS-based prediction demonstrated high concordance rates of isoniazid (95.0%), rifampicin (RIF) (98.0%), pyrazinamide (98.5%) and fluoroquinolones (FQs) (99.5%) and 96.0% to 99.5% for second-line injectable drugs (SLIDs); whereas, lower concordance rates of ethambutol (87.5%), streptomycin (88.0%) and ethionamide (84.0%). Furthermore, minimum inhibitory concentrations confirmed that RIF rpoB S450L, FQs gyrA D94G and SLIDs rrs a1401g conferred high resistance levels. Besides, we identified lineage-associated mutations in lineage 1 (rpoB H445Y and fabG1 c-15t) and predominant lineage 2 (rpoB S450L and rpsL K43R). The WGS-based prediction of drug resistance is highly concordant with phenotypic DST results and can provide comprehensive genetic information to guide DR-TB precision therapies in Taiwan.

Circulating tumour cell combined with DNA methylation for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: The inadequate early detection strategies makes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with poor prognisis. Therefore, more effective detection methods are urgently needed for early detection and early intervention of HCC. Methods: 17 cases of suspected HCC patients and 11 cases of HBV-related decompensated cirrhosis (HBV-DeCi) patients were enrolled. For each patient, 5 ml blood sample was separated into circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and plasma, CTCs were stained with Diff staining for counting. Plasma was used for extracting cell free DNA (cfDNA) and then analyzed by qMSP assay. Ct values were recorded for GNB4 and Riplet as target genes and ß-actin as an endogenous reference gene. Finally, clinical efficacy of CTC count combined with GNB4/Riplet methylation detection for early diagnosis of HCC was analyzed. Results: The CTC of HCC patients has pleomorphic characteristics, but it is difficult to distinguish from other blood cells with non-obviously pleomorphic of CTC. Although a small number of CTCs can also be detected in HBV-DeCi patients (control group), the number is significantly lower than that in HCC patients, the sensitivity and specificity of CTC for HCC detection were 70.6% and 90.9% (AUC = 0.81). The Ct values of GNB4 and Riplet methylation were significantly different between HCC patients and control group patients. When CTC combined with two genes, the AUC value was significantly increased to 0.98, the sensitivity was 88.2%, and the specificity was 100%. Conclusion: Our study has developed a novel test that CTC count combined with GNB4/Riplet methylation detection and showed its high performance for early diagnosis of HCC.

Development and Assessment of a Novel Whole-Gene-Based Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Detecting the Susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to 14 Drugs.

Targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) has emerged as an alternative method for detecting drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). To provide comprehensive drug susceptibility information and to address mutations missed by available commercial molecular diagnostics, we developed and evaluated a tNGS panel with 22 whole-gene targets using the Ion Torrent platform to predict drug resistance to 14 drugs, namely, rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH), ethambutol (EMB), pyrazinamide (PZA), moxifloxacin (MFX), levofloxacin (LFX), amikacin (AMK), capreomycin (CM), kanamycin (KM), streptomycin (SM), bedaquiline (BDQ), clofazimine (CFZ), linezolid (LZD), and delamanid (DLM). We selected 50 and 35 Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates with various DR profiles as the training set and the challenge set, respectively. Comparative variant analyses of the DR genes were performed using Sanger sequencing and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) results were used as gold standards. Regarding the limit of detection, the tNGS assay detected 2.9 to 3.8% minority variants in 4% mutant mixtures. The sensitivity and specificity of tNGS were 97.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 93.1 to 98.7%) and 99.1% (95% CI = 97.7 to 99.7%), respectively. The concordance of tNGS with pDST was 98.5% (95% CI = 97.2 to 99.2%), which was comparable to that of WGS (98.7%, 95% CI = 97.4 to 99.3%) and better than that of Sanger sequencing (96.9%, 95% CI = 95.3 to 98.0%). The agreement between tNGS and pDST was almost perfect for RIF, INH, EMB, MFX, LFX, AMK, CM, KM, SM, BDQ, and LZD (kappa value = 0.807 to 1.000) and substantial for PZA (kappa value = 0.791). Our customized novel whole-gene-based tNGS panel is highly consistent with pDST and WGS for comprehensive and accurate prediction of drug resistance in a strengthened and streamlined DR-TB laboratory program. IMPORTANCE We developed and validated a tNGS assay that was the first to target 22 whole genes instead of regions of drug resistance genes and comprehensively detected susceptibility to 14 anti-TB drugs, with great flexibility to include new or repurposed drugs. Notably, we demonstrated that our custom-designed Ion AmpliSeq TB research panel platform had high concordance with pDST and could significantly reduce turnaround time (by approximately 70%) to meet a clinically actionable time frame. Our tNGS assay is a promising DST solution for providing needed clinical information for precision medicine-guided therapies for DR-TB and allows the rollout of active pharmacovigilance.

A novel absorbent, HOF-3@PU: Preparation and application for sustainable and efficient purification of catalpol and ajugol from Rehmannia glutinosa leaves.

This study introduced the preparation of a novel HOF-loaded PU sponge (HOF-3@PU) composite for the sustainable and efficient purification of catalpol and ajugol from Rehmannia glutinosa leaves for the first time. HOF-3 was selected as the best adsorbent from the five synthesised HOFs. HOF-3@PU was prepared by ultrasonication, and the loading conditions were optimised. The results showed that the optimum adsorption conditions are as follows: adsorption liquid volume: 160 mL, flow rate: 3.0 mL/min, pH: 6.0, concentration: 1.62 mg/mL for catalpol and 2.18 mg/mL for ajugol. The optimum desorption conditions are as follows: desorption agent: ethanol, volume fraction: 60%, flow rate: 2.0 mL/min, volume: 300 mL and pH: 6.0. Under the optimal process conditions, the adsorption capacities of catalpol and ajugol were 75.62 and 68.41 mg/g, the desorption rates were 78.5 and 86.4% and the purities were 38.7 and 36.5%, respectively.

NIR TADF emitters and OLEDs: challenges, progress, and perspectives.

Near-infrared (NIR) light-emitting materials show excellent potential applications in the fields of military technology, bioimaging, optical communication, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), etc. Recently, thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have made historic developments in the field of OLEDs. These metal-free materials are more attractive because of efficient reverse intersystem crossing processes which result in promising high efficiencies in OLEDs. However, the development of NIR TADF emitters has progressed at a relatively slower pace which could be ascribed to the difficult promotion of external quantum efficiencies. Thus, increasing attention has been paid to NIR TADF emitters. In this review, the recent progress of NIR TADF emitters has been summarized along with their molecular design strategies and photophysical properties, as well as electroluminescence performance data of their OLEDs, respectively.

A paper-based lateral flow sensor for the detection of thrombin and its inhibitors.

Thrombin is a biomarker of blood-related diseases. Its detection and inhibitor screening are of great significance in the fields of medical and biological research. Herein, a novel paper-based lateral flow sensor for thrombin detection and inhibitors screening is developed. The formation of cross-links of fibrin from fibrinogen during the blood clotting process can efficiently capture water molecules. Based on the principle, in the presence of thrombin, the water of the plasma solution cannot flow along with the test paper as the water molecules are trapped in the fibrin. Upon the inactivation of thrombin by the inhibitors, water can flow along the test paper. The detection limit of thrombin reaches about 16.1 mU/mL and the sensing platform also exhibits excellent selectivity, reproducibility, and stability. Furthermore, the inhibition efficiency of argatroban, a clinical drug used as a thrombin inhibitor, is also successfully investigated using the assay. Overall, this strategy exhibits the advantages of the specific enzymatic reaction, low-cost, and label-free detection of thrombin with high sensitivity and remarkable specificity. This method is also competent to facilitate the screening of thrombin inhibitors, which is promising in the discovery of therapeutic drugs for thrombus-related diseases.

Ellagic Acid Alleviates Oxidative Stress by Mediating Nrf2 Signaling Pathways and Protects against Paraquat-Induced Intestinal Injury in Piglets.

The gastrointestinal tract is a key source of superoxide so as to be one of the most vulnerable to oxidative stress damage. Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenol displays widely biological activities owing to its strong antioxidant properties. Here, we investigated the protective benefits of EA on oxidative stress and intestinal barrier injury in paraquet (PQ)-challenged piglets. A total of 40 weaned piglets were randomly divided into five groups: Control, PQ, 0.005% EA-PQ, 0.01% EA-PQ, and 0.02% EA-PQ. Piglets were intraperitoneally injected with 4 mg/kg (BW) PQ or saline on d-18, and sacrificed on d-21 of experiment. EA treatments eliminated growth-check induced by PQ and increased serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity but decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level as compared to PQ group. EA supplementation promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and enhanced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) protein abundances of small intestinal mucosa. Additionally, EA improved PQ-induced crypt deepening, goblet cells loss, and villi morphological damage. Consistently, EA increased tight junction protein expression as was evident from the decreased serum diamine oxidase (DAO) levels. EA could ameliorate the PQ-induced oxidative stress and intestinal damage through mediating Nrf2 signaling pathway. Intake of EA-rich food might prevent oxidative stress-mediated gut diseases.

Heterogeneous Network Representation Learning: A Unified Framework with Survey and Benchmark.

Since real-world objects and their interactions are often multi-modal and multi-typed, heterogeneous networks have been widely used as a more powerful, realistic, and generic superclass of traditional homogeneous networks (graphs). Meanwhile, representation learning (a.k.a. embedding) has recently been intensively studied and shown effective for various network mining and analytical tasks. In this work, we aim to provide a unified framework to deeply summarize and evaluate existing research on heterogeneous network embedding (HNE), which includes but goes beyond a normal survey. Since there has already been a broad body of HNE algorithms, as the first contribution of this work, we provide a generic paradigm for the systematic categorization and analysis over the merits of various existing HNE algorithms. Moreover, existing HNE algorithms, though mostly claimed generic, are often evaluated on different datasets. Understandable due to the application favor of HNE, such indirect comparisons largely hinder the proper attribution of improved task performance towards effective data preprocessing and novel technical design, especially considering the various ways possible to construct a heterogeneous network from real-world application data. Therefore, as the second contribution, we create four benchmark datasets with various properties regarding scale, structure, attribute/label availability, and etc. from different sources, towards handy and fair evaluations of HNE algorithms. As the third contribution, we carefully refactor and amend the implementations and create friendly interfaces for 13 popular HNE algorithms, and provide all-around comparisons among them over multiple tasks and experimental settings. By putting all existing HNE algorithms under a unified framework, we aim to provide a universal reference and guideline for the understanding and development of HNE algorithms. Meanwhile, by open-sourcing all data and code, we envision to serve the community with an ready-to-use benchmark platform to test and compare the performance of existing and future HNE algorithms (https://github.com/yangji9181/HNE).