Search Our Scientific Publications & Authors

J Exp Bot 2020 Jun 3. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Key Laboratory of Plant Hormones and Development Regulation of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.

Tomato is a model for studying the climate for fruit development and ripening. Down-regulation of a tomato bell-like homeodomain 4 (SlBL4) resulted in a slightly darker green fruit phenotype and increased accumulation of starch, fructose and glucose. Chlorophyll content analysis and TEM observation confirmed these phenotypes, indicating that SlBL4 was involved in the chlorophyll accumulation and chloroplast formation in tomato. Read More

Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020 May 31;65:197-204. Epub 2020 May 31.

State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China. Electronic address:

Recombinant protein polymers that mimic the structures and functions of natural proteins and those tailor-designed with new properties provide a family of uniquely tunable and functional materials. However, the diversity of genetically engineered protein polymers is still limited. As a powerful engine for the creation of new biological devices and systems, synthetic biology is promising to tackle the challenges that exist in conventional studies on protein polymers. Read More

Nanoscale 2020 Jun 3. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

Department of Chemistry, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-8602, Japan.

Atomically thin one-dimensional (1D) van der Waals wires of transition metal monochalocogenides (TMMs) have been anticipated as promising building blocks for integrated nanoelectronics. While reliable production of TMM nanowires has eluded scientists over the past few decades, we finally demonstrated a bottom-up fabrication of MoTe nanowires inside carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Still, the current synthesis method is based on vacuum annealing of reactive MoTe2, and limits access to a variety of TMMs. Read More

Phys Chem Chem Phys 2020 Jun 3. Epub 2020 Jun 3.

State Key Laboratory of Superhard Materials, College of Physics, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China.

The structural stability of Ti3AlC2 under high pressure is important for understanding its mechanical properties. Here, we conducted a high hydrostatic pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction experiment and no structural phase transition was observed. Like most other MAX phases, Ti3AlC2 showed an anisotropic compression behavior. Read More

ACS Cent Sci 2020 May 21;6(5):779-786. Epub 2020 Apr 21.

Division of Physical Biology and Bioimaging Center, CAS Key Laboratory of Interfacial Physics and Technology, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201800, China.

Nobel metal nanoparticles with tunable morphologies are highly desirable due to their unique electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or catalytic features. Here we report the use of multilayered graphdyine (GD) as a substrate for the reductant-free, room-temperature synthesis of single-crystal Au nanostructures with tunable morphology. We find that the GD template rich in sp-carbon atoms possesses high affinity with Au atoms on the {111} facets, and that the intrinsic reductivity of GD facilitates the rapid growth of Au nanoplates. Read More

Aging Dis 2020 May 9;11(3):692-704. Epub 2020 May 9.

4MEDFUTURE - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on how lncRNAs are influencing aging and cancer metabolism. Recent research has shown that senescent cells re-enter cell-cycle depending on intrinsic or extrinsic factors, thus restoring tissue homeostasis in response to age-related diseases (ARDs). Furthermore, maintaining proteostasis or cellular protein homeostasis requires a correct quality control (QC) of protein synthesis, folding, conformational stability, and degradation. Read More

J Cell Physiol 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Gorgan Congenital Malformations Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.

Eye color is determined as a polymorphism and polygenic trait. Brown is the most common eye color in the world, accounting for about 79%, blue eye color for about 8-10%, hazel for 5%, and green for 2%. Rare-colored eyes include gray and red/violet. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 Jun 2;10(1):8976. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

College of Life Sciences, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.

High temperatures (HT) before heading strongly inhibit the development of spikelets in rice. Spermidine (Spd) can improve rice's resistance to HT stress; however, the mechanism underlying this effect has not been elucidated. This study investigated several parameters, including yield, superoxide anion (O), protective enzyme activities, and polyamine content, in a heat-sensitive genotype, Shuanggui 1. Read More

Sci Rep 2020 Jun 2;10(1):8914. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

WPI International Center for Materials Nanoarchitechtonics (WPI-MANA), National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba, 305-0044, Ibaraki, Japan.

YAlB ceramics are of high interest as high temperature thermoelectric materials with excellent p, n control. In this study, direct synthesis of dense polycrystalline YAlB (x ~0.64, 0. Read More

Nat Commun 2020 Jun 2;11(1):2756. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

The Institute for Advanced Studies, Engineering Research Center of Organosilicon Compounds & Materials, Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, 430072, Wuhan, China.

Trifluoroethanol and difluoroethanol units are important motifs in bioactive molecules, but the methods to direct incorporate these units are limited. Herein, we report two organosilicon reagents for the transfer of trifluoroethanol and difluoroethanol units into molecules. Through intramolecular C-Si bond activation by alkoxyl radicals, these reagents were applied in allylation, alkylation and alkenylation reactions, enabling efficient synthesis of various tri(di)fluoromethyl group substituted alcohols. Read More

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;

Continuous reaction networks, which do not rely on purification or timely additions of reagents, serve as models for chemical evolution and have been demonstrated for compounds thought to have played important roles for the origins of life such as amino acids, hydroxy acids, and sugars. Step-by-step chemical protocols for ribonucleotide synthesis are known, but demonstrating their synthesis in the context of continuous reaction networks remains a major challenge. Herein, compounds proposed to be important for prebiotic RNA synthesis, including glycolaldehyde, cyanamide, 2-aminooxazole, and 2-aminoimidazole, are generated from a continuous reaction network, starting from an aqueous mixture of NaCl, NHCl, phosphate, and HCN as the only carbon source. Read More

J Lipid Res 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Japan

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as arachidonic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are recognized as important biomolecules, but understanding their precise roles and modes of action remains challenging. PUFAs are precursors for a plethora of signaling lipids, for which knowledge about synthetic pathways and receptors has accumulated. However, due to their extreme diversity and the ambiguity concerning the identity of their cognate receptors, the roles of PUFA-derived signaling lipids require more investigation. Read More

Micromachines (Basel) 2020 May 31;11(6). Epub 2020 May 31.

Agency for Science, Technology and Research, 2 Fusionopolis Way, #08-02, Innovis Tower, Singapore 138635, Singapore.

Improved in vitro models of human organs for predicting drug efficacy, interactions, and disease modelling are crucially needed to minimize the use of animal models, which inevitably display significant differences from the human disease state and metabolism. Inside the body, cells are organized either in direct contact or in close proximity to other cell types in a tightly controlled architecture that regulates tissue function. To emulate this cellular interface in vitro, an advanced cell culture system is required. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2020 May 31;21(11). Epub 2020 May 31.

Central Research Institute, Designed Cells Co., Ltd., Cheongju, Chungbuk 28576, Korea.

In Alzheimer disease (AD) patients, degeneration of the cholinergic system utilizing acetylcholine for memory acquisition is observed. Since AD therapy using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors are only palliative for memory deficits without slowing or reversing disease progress, there is a need for effective therapies, and stem cell-based therapeutic approaches targeting AD should fulfill this requirement. We established a human neural stem cell (NSC) line encoding choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) gene, an acetylcholine-synthesizing enzyme. Read More

Cancers (Basel) 2020 May 31;12(6). Epub 2020 May 31.

Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, Via Mario Fiore 6, 80129 Naples, Italy.

s: The natural history of non-optic central nervous system (CNS) tumors in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is largely unknown. Here, we describe prevalence, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of 49 non-optic CNS tumors observed in 35 pediatric patients (0-18 years). Patient- and tumor-related data were recorded. Read More

Diagnostics (Basel) 2020 May 31;10(6). Epub 2020 May 31.

Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.

Background: Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of inherited metabolic diseases caused by impaired function or absence of lysosomal enzymes involved in degradation of glycosaminoglycans. Clinically, MPS are skeletal dysplasias, characterized by cartilage abnormalities and disturbances in the process of endochondral ossification. Histologic abnormalities of growth cartilage have been reported at advanced stages of the disease, but information regarding growth plate pathology progression either in humans or in animal models, as well as its pathophysiology, is limited. Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2020 May 30;21(11). Epub 2020 May 30.

Diabetes Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha P.O. Box 34110, Qatar.

Recent research has identified glycation as a non-enzymatic post-translational modification of proteins in plants with a potential contributory role to the functional impairment of the plant proteome. Reducing sugars with a free aldehyde or ketone group such as glucose, fructose and galactose react with the N-terminal and lysine side chain amino groups of proteins. A common early-stage glycation adduct formed from glucose is N-fructosyl-lysine (FL). Read More

Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020 May 30;10(6). Epub 2020 May 30.

Catalysis Research Group (CRG), Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, P.O. Box 9004, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia.

This report, for the first time, demonstrated the low-temperature oxidation of carbon monoxide (CO) using nano-catalysts consisting of noble metal nanoparticles incorporated in TUD-1 mesoporous silica nano-structures synthesized via a one-pot surfactant-free sol-gel synthesis methodology. Herein, we investigated a nano-catalyst, represented as M-TUD-1 (M = Rh, Pd, Pt and Au), which was prepared using a constant Si/M ratio of 100. The outcome of the analytical studies confirmed the formation of a nano-catalyst ranging from 5 to 10 nm wherein noble metal nanoparticles were distributed uniformly onto the mesopores of TUD-1. Read More

Micromachines (Basel) 2020 May 30;11(6). Epub 2020 May 30.

Department of Electronics and Computer Technology, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain.

In this paper, we present a comparative study of a cost-effective method for the mass fabrication of electrodes to be used in thin-film flexible supercapacitors. This technique is based on the laser-synthesis of graphene-based nanomaterials, specifically, laser-induced graphene and reduced graphene oxide. The synthesis of these materials was performed using two different lasers: a CO laser with an infrared wavelength of λ = 10. Read More

Microorganisms 2020 May 30;8(6). Epub 2020 May 30.

Institute of Plant Science and Resources, Okayama University, Okayama 710-0046, Japan.

Lanthanides (Ln) are an essential cofactor for XoxF-type methanol dehydrogenases (MDHs) in Gram-negative methylotrophs. The Ln dependency of XoxF has expanded knowledge and raised new questions in methylotrophy, including the differences in characteristics of XoxF-type MDHs, their regulation, and the methylotrophic metabolism including formaldehyde oxidation. In this study, we genetically identified one set of Ln- and Ca-dependent MDHs (XoxF1 and MxaFI), that are involved in methylotrophy, and an ExaF-type Ln-dependent ethanol dehydrogenase, among six MDH-like genes in strain 22A. Read More

Sensors (Basel) 2020 May 29;20(11). Epub 2020 May 29.

Institut Pluridisciplinaire Hubert Curien (IPHC) UMR 7178 Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France.

Here we propose a new machine learning algorithm for classification of human activities by means of accelerometer and gyroscope signals. Based on a novel hierarchical system of logistic regression classifiers and a relatively small set of features extracted from the filtered signals, the proposed algorithm outperformed previous work on the DaLiAc (Daily Life Activity) and mHealth datasets. The algorithm also represents a significant improvement in terms of computational costs and requires no feature selection and hyper-parameter tuning. Read More

Biomolecules 2020 May 29;10(6). Epub 2020 May 29.

Center of Super-Diamond and Advanced Films (COSDAF) and Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong.

Due to their versatile applications, gold (Au) and silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) have been synthesized by many approaches, including green processes using plant extracts for reducing metal ions. In this work, we propose to use plant extract with active biomedical components for NPs synthesis, aiming to obtain NPs inheriting the biomedical functions of the plants. By using leaves extract of () as both a reducing agent and a capping agent, we have synthesized gold (CI-Au) and silver (CI-Ag) NPs covered with biomedically active functional groups from . Read More

Int J Mol Sci 2020 May 29;21(11). Epub 2020 May 29.

Department of Orthodontics, University Medical Centre of Regensburg, D-93053 Regensburg, Germany.

As events triggering early osteoarthritis onset can be related to mechanical stress and proinflammatory signaling, we investigated the effect of different mechanical strain protocols on the expression of proinflammatory genes, as well as extracellular matrix remodelling in human synovial fibroblasts. Three distinct models of tensile stretching were applied: static isotropic tensile strain at 0 Hz, 16% tension for 48 h; short-term high-frequency cyclic tension at 1 Hz, 10% tension for 4 h; and dynamic tensile stretching for 48 h, consisting of two blocks of moderate stretching at 0.2 Hz, 2%, advanced stretching at 0. Read More

Biomater Sci 2014 Mar 25;2(3):308-317. Epub 2013 Nov 25.

School of Materials Science, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 1-1 Asahidai, Nomi, Ishikawa 923-1292, Japan.

Hydrogels are promising substrates for tissue engineering applications because of their unique biocompatibility, flexible methods of synthesis, range of constituents, and desirable physical characteristics. Cryopreservation of cell-containing constructs using such hydrogel scaffolds is in high demand in tissue-engineering applications for the production of "off-the-shelf" tissue-engineered products. However, cryopreservation of regenerated tissues including cell sheets and cell constructs is not easy compared to the preservation of cell suspensions, even when cryoprotectants are used. Read More

Biomater Sci 2013 Jun 2;1(6):669-678. Epub 2013 Apr 2.

ERC Advanced Grant Research Group at the Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.

At present the scaffolds used for bioprinting of cells do not elicit morphogenetic responses in the cells. In the present study we approached a solution by studying the effect of an inorganic silica supplement added to an Na-alginate matrix. Bone- and osteoblast-like SaOS-2 cells were embedded into this organic polymeric matrix which was additionally enriched with 400 μM prehydrolyzed TEOS [tetra-ethoxy-silane], a source of ortho-silicate. Read More

Funct Plant Biol 2013 Jul;40(6):566-581

CSIRO Plant Industry, PO Box 350, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia.

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries are considered to be nonclimacteric fruit as they do not exhibit a large rise in ethylene production or respiration rate at the onset of ripening (veraison). However, ethylene may still play a role in berry development and in ripening in particular. Read More

Funct Plant Biol 2015 Dec;42(12):1141-1157

College of Life Sciences, Laboratory Center of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.

External administration of hydrogen gas (H2) benefits plants from multiple environmental stimuli. However, the physiological significance and molecular mechanism of H2 in ultraviolet-B (UVB) irradiation are largely unexplored. Here, the biological function of H2 in the regulation of plant UVB-tolerance was investigated by using hydrogen-rich water (HRW). Read More

Funct Plant Biol 2016 Sep;43(9):892-902

Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR), Molecular Phenomics, AgriBio, 5 Ring Road, Bundoora, Vic. 3083, Australia.

Atmospheric CO2 concentrations are predicted to double by the end of this century. Although the effects of CO2 fertilisation in crop systems have been well studied, little is known about the specific interactions among plants, pests and pathogens under a changing climate. This growth chamber study focuses on the interactions among Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV), its aphid vector (Rhopalosiphum padi) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Read More

Eur J Med Chem 2020 May 16;200:112438. Epub 2020 May 16.

Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Ghal Kalan, G.T Road, Moga, Punjab, 142001, India. Electronic address:

Most of the anti-inflammatory drugs in clinical practice are becoming outdated owing to their potential side and adverse effects. These are found to be highly unsafe for long term use. Thus, since last few years, new anti-inflammatory agents are being developed and number of them are in advanced stages of clinical trials. Read More

J Colloid Interface Sci 2020 May 23;577:290-299. Epub 2020 May 23.

Key Laboratory of Energy Materials Chemistry, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Advanced Functional Materials, Autonomous Region, Institute of Applied Chemistry, Xinjiang University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830046, China. Electronic address:

The piezoelectric zinc oxides with different morphology (ZnO nanoparticles and nanorods, hereafter abbreviated as ZnO NPs and NRs) are successfully synthesized using facile, green and harmless solid-state chemistry method at room temperature. The piezocatalytic activity of zinc oxide towards methylene blue (MB) of organic pollutants degradation has been explored under ultrasonic vibration. The ZnO NRs exhibit effectively enhanced piezocatalytic performance towards degradation dye compared with the ZnO NPs. Read More

Microbiologyopen 2020 Jun 2:e1059. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Hiroshima, Japan.

meso-Diaminopimelate dehydrogenase (meso-DAPDH) catalyzes the reversible NADP -dependent oxidative deamination of meso-2,6-diaminopimelate (meso-DAP) to produce l-2-amino-6-oxopimelate. Moreover, d-amino acid dehydrogenase (d-AADHs) derived from protein-engineered meso-DAPDH is useful for one-step synthesis of d-amino acids with high optical purity. Here, we report the identification and functional characterization of a novel NAD(P) -dependent meso-DAPDH from Numidum massiliense (NmDAPDH). Read More

Environ Health Perspect 2020 Jun 1;128(6):67004. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

State Key Joint Laboratory for Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.

Background: Accumulating evidence suggests that individuals with glucose metabolism disorders are susceptible to mortality associated with fine particles. However, the mechanisms remain largely unknown.

Objectives: We examined whether particle-associated respiratory inflammation differed between individuals with prediabetes and healthy control participants. Read More

Bratisl Lek Listy 2020 ;121(6):411-414

Introduction: Recent breakthrough recognition of metastasis-free survival as a clinically relevant endpoint has opened a new era in the management of advanced prostate cancer. The need for new, intermediate endpoints is the logical consequence of scientific advances in prostate carcinoma. The treatment algorithms for non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (M0 CRPC) have recently been updated by adding novel anti-androgen apalutamide, and also enzalutamide for high-risk patients. Read More

Org Lett 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

State Key Laboratory of Bio-Organic and Natural Products Chemistry, Center for Excellence in Molecular Synthesis, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Ling Ling Road, Shanghai 200032, China.

We herein report the development of a sterically hindered and electron-rich P-chiral monophosphorus biaryl ligand that has enabled a general and efficient enantioselective intramolecular α-arylation, providing access to a wide series of [4.4], [4.5], and [4. Read More

J Med Chem 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Cancer Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine, The Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center/Glen Hospital, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada.

Resistance to chemotherapy in advanced cancers can be mediated by different factors such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression and DNA repair enzymes. Therefore, current standards of care usually involve combinations of multiple treatments. Here, to reduce the adverse effects of multiple drug combinations and improve outcome, we proposed a single drug approach to block multiple overlapping effects that characterize chemoresistance. Read More

Small 2020 Jun 2:e2001024. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Key Laboratory of Cluster Sciences of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 102488, P. R. China.

Herein, oil-soluble CdS quantum dots (QDs) are first prepared through a solvent-thermal process. Then, oil-soluble CdS QDs are changed into water-soluble QDs via ligand exchange using mercaptopropionic acid as capping agent at pH 13. The photocatalytic performance is investigated under the visible light irradiation using glycerol as sacrificial agent and Sn as cocatalyst. Read More

Adv Mater 2020 Jun 2:e1905318. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.

Mesogenic soft materials, having single or multiple mesogen moieties per molecule, commonly exhibit typical self-organization characteristics, which promotes the formation of elegant helical superstructures or supramolecular assemblies in chiral environments. Such helical superstructures play key roles in the propagation of circularly polarized light and display optical properties with prominent handedness, that is, chiro-optical properties. The leveraging of light to program the chiro-optical properties of such mesogenic helical soft materials by homogeneously dispersing photosensitive chiral material into an achiral soft system or covalently connecting photochromic moieties to the molecules has attracted considerable attention in terms of materials, properties, and potential applications and has been a thriving topic in both fundamental science and application engineering. Read More

Chem Commun (Camb) 2020 Jun 2. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, Tohoku University, 6-6-07, Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579, Japan.

Cu oxide-modified CeO2 (CuOx-CeO2) with 2 wt% Cu loading amount was the most effective and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for selective one-pot imine synthesis from methylarenes and anilines via direct oxidation of the sp3 C-H bond in the methylarenes with atmospheric air (0.1 MPa) as an oxidant. Read More

Theranostics 2020 15;10(14):6278-6309. Epub 2020 May 15.

State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Optometry and Vision Science, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry, School of Biomedical Engineering, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, China.

Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles and derivative nanocomposites have aroused great concern for multimode imaging and cancer synergistic therapies in recent years. Among the rest, functional magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO NPs) have shown great potential as an advanced platform because of their inherent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biocatalytic activity (nanozyme), magnetic hyperthermia treatment (MHT), photo-responsive therapy and drug delivery for chemotherapy and gene therapy. Magnetic FeO NPs can be synthesized through several methods and easily surface modified with biocompatible materials or active targeting moieties. Read More

J Immunol 2020 Jun 1. Epub 2020 Jun 1.

Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Berlin Institute of Health, 10178 Berlin, Germany.

The worldwide epidemic of overweight and obesity has led to an increase in associated metabolic comorbidities. Obesity induces chronic low-grade inflammation in white adipose tissue (WAT). However, the function and regulation of both innate and adaptive immune cells in human WAT under conditions of obesity and calorie restriction (CR) is not fully understood yet. Read More

Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2020 Apr 20. Epub 2020 Apr 20.

Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology-Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address:

Background And Aims: Successful islet transplantation as a promising treatment of diabetes type 1 is threatened with the loss of islets during the pre-transplant culture due to hypoxia and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Therefore, optimization of culture in order to preserve the islets is a critical point. In this study, we investigated the effect of resveratrol, as a cytoprotective agent, on the cultured human islets. Read More

Nutr Cancer 2020 Jun 2:1-13. Epub 2020 Jun 2.

Raiological Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, At Taif, Saudi Arabia.

(EC) is an edible plant and a gum source for food industries. Its sulfated polysaccharide extract (SEC) was examined for cancer chemopreventive properties to estimate its anti-tumor activity. The modulation of carcinogen metabolism and the antioxidant activity revealed that SEC is a potent tumor anti-initiator since it inhibited cytochrome P450-1A (CYP1A) and induced carcinogen detoxification enzyme glutathione-S-transferase. Read More

Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020 May 28;10(6). Epub 2020 May 28.

Department of Physics and Engineering, ITMO University, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia.

Polymers with embedded metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have been of interest in research for advanced applications in gas separation, catalysis and sensing due to their high porosity and chemical selectivity. In this study, we utilize specific MOFs with high thermal stability and non-centrosymmetric crystal structures (zeolitic imidazolate framework, ZIF-8) in order to give an example of MOF-polymer composite applications in nonlinear optics. The synthesized MOF-based polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) composite (ZIF-8-PMMA) demonstrates the possibility of the visualization of near-infrared laser beams in the research lab. Read More

Nanomaterials (Basel) 2020 May 28;10(6). Epub 2020 May 28.

Department of Electric Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China.

In this study, the dense cloud-like structured CuS nanoparticles were successfully prepared using a simple two-step hydrothermal method. The experimental temperature was the most important factor that affected the microstructure and surface functions of CuS/C. Therefore, the CuS/C electrodes were synthesized at different temperatures (80 °C, 120 °C, and 160 °C). Read More

Molecules 2020 May 28;25(11). Epub 2020 May 28.

Nanoscience and Advanced Materials Graduate Program (PPG-Nano), Federal University of ABC (UFABC), Santo André 09210-580, Brazil.

Owing to its chemical structure, wide availability and renewable nature, lignin is a promising candidate for the partial replacement of fossil-based raw material in the synthesis of epoxy resins. Its poor compatibility has been reported to be one of the main drawbacks in this domain. On the other hand, a well-established modification method for lignin epoxidation has been used for many years for the improvement of lignin compatibility. Read More

Molecules 2020 May 28;25(11). Epub 2020 May 28.

Department of Chemistry, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio Centre and DBA center, Av. Alcalde Rovira Roure, 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain.

Crude glycerol (CHO) is a major by-product of biodiesel production from vegetable oils and animal fats. The increased biodiesel production in the last two decades has forced glycerol production up and prices down. However, crude glycerol from biodiesel production is not of adequate purity for industrial uses, including food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 May;99(22):e20061

Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon.

Background: The rates of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity are increased in advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mild to moderate CKD is associated with an increase in cardiovascular events. This study aims to investigate the effects of statins on patient mortality and cardiac events. Read More

Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 May;99(21):e20464

Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism.

Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors including nivolumab, an antibody against programmed death-1, have been increasingly introduced in various cancer treatment regimens, and are reported to be associated with immune-related adverse events. Nivolumab-induced renal injury is generally caused by acute interstitial nephritis and is managed by drug discontinuation and steroid therapy. Although this agent can infrequently induce glomerulonephritis, the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy remain undetermined. Read More

Sci Total Environ 2020 Jul 8;726:138496. Epub 2020 Apr 8.

Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China. Electronic address:

Similar to diethylphosphate (DEP), 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP) is also a characteristic chemical substance and ultimate transformation product of chlorpyrifos (CPF) because the structure of TCP is equivalent to the trichloro pyridine structure of CPF. TCP is often used as a biomarker of CPF exposure. TCP and DEP are often detected in human blood and urine due to the widespread use of CPF. Read More

Environ Pollut 2020 May 18;265(Pt A):114844. Epub 2020 May 18.

State Key Laboratory for Managing Biotic and Chemical Threats to the Quality and Safety of Agro-products, Key Laboratory for Pesticide Residue Detection of Ministry of Agriculture, Laboratory (Hangzhou) for Risk Assessment of Agricultural Products of Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Quality and Standard for Agro-products, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou, 310021, Zhejiang, China. Electronic address:

In current study, larvae and adult zebrafish were exposed to difenoconazole to assess its effect on hepatotoxicity, lipid metabolism and gut microbiota. Results demonstrated that difenoconazole could induce hepatotoxicity in zebrafish larvae and adult, 0.400, 1. Read More