α-Terpineol (1), the main volatile constituent in some traditional Chinese medicines, has been reported to be metabolized to 4
-oleuropeic acid by the larvae of common cutworms. The present study ...verified that α-terpineol could be converted to 4
-oleuropeic acid (2) and (1
,2
,4
)-
-menthane-1,2,8-triol (3) by
fermentation. Using shortened fermentation times, 7-hydroxy-α-terpineol (2a) was identified as an oxidative intermediate, which was consistent with the hypothesis put forward by previous studies. Cytochrome P450 enzymes were also confirmed to catalyze this biotransformation. This is the first study on the biotransformation of α-terpineol by microbial fermentation.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, UL, UM, UPUK
Soil salinization is one of the main causes of global desertification and soil degradation. Although previous studies have investigated the hyperspectral inversion of soil salinity using machine ...learning, only a few have been based on soil types. Moreover, agricultural fields can be improved based on the accurate estimation of the soil salinity, according to the soil type. We collected field data relating to six salinized soils, Haplic Solonchaks (HSK), Stagnic Solonchaks (SSK), Calcic Sonlonchaks (CSK), Fluvic Solonchaks (FSK), Haplic Sonlontzs (HSN), and Takyr Solonetzs (TSN), in the Hetao Plain of the upper reaches of the Yellow River, and measured the in situ hyperspectral, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) values of a total of 231 soil samples. The two-dimensional spectral index, topographic factors, climate factors, and soil texture were considered. Several models were used for the inversion of the saline soil types: partial least squares regression (PLSR), random forest (RF), extremely randomized trees (ERT), and ridge regression (RR). The spectral curves of the six salinized soil types were similar, but their reflectance sizes were different. The degree of salinization did not change according to the spectral reflectance of the soil types, and the related properties were inconsistent. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient (PCC) between the two-dimensional spectral index and the EC was much greater than that between the reflectance and EC in the original band. In the two-dimensional index, the PCC of the HSK-NDI was the largest (0.97), whereas in the original band, the PCC of the SSK400 nm was the largest (0.70). The two-dimensional spectral index (NDI, RI, and DI) and the characteristic bands were the most selected variables in the six salinized soil types, based on the variable projection importance analysis (VIP). The best inversion model for the HSK and FSK was the RF, whereas the best inversion model for the CSK, SSK, HSN, and TSN was the ERT, and the CSK-ERT had the best performance (R2 = 0.99, RMSE = 0.18, and RPIQ = 6.38). This study provides a reference for distinguishing various salinization types using hyperspectral reflectance and provides a foundation for the accurate monitoring of salinized soil via multispectral remote sensing.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
The Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), an abrupt global warming event linked to massive injections of carbon into the ocean-atmosphere system, was associated with large-scale deep-sea benthic ...extinction and major changes in planktonic ecosystems. However, due to the paucity of well-preserved fossils and high-resolution paleoenvironmental records, the PETM impacts on terrestrial ecosystems remain unclear. Here, we present geochemical and biological records of a lacustrine PETM section with exquisite fossils preserved from the Jianghan Basin, eastern China. Our data reveal the temporal relationship between carbon cycle perturbation, environmental changes, and biotic responses. Paleotemperatures derived from carbonate clumped isotope indicate a rapid increase by ∼11 °C, synchronous with a negative carbon isotope excursion in organic matter and carbonates. Mass mortalities of terrestrial and aquatic animals were coincident with rapid warming during the PETM. Taphonomic features of animals, along with geochemical and sedimentological evidence, suggest that hyperthermal-induced toxigenic cyanobacterial blooms appear to be the most probable cause of the mass mortalities. Our findings expose a direct link between extreme warmth and increased probability of catastrophic ecological events in terrestrial ecosystems.
•A lacustrine PETM section has been recovered from eastern China.•Both organic matter and carbonates record a ∼ −5‰ carbon isotope excursion.•Δ47 temperatures of lacustrine carbonates delineate a ∼ 11 °C warming.•Mass mortalities of terrestrial animals are concurrent with the PETM warming.•Harmful cyanobacterial blooms were responsible for the mass mortalities.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Carthamus red isolated from safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L., a Chinese traditional medicine) is evaluated for antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity.
Carthamus red was isolated from a Na2CO3 ...extract of safflower and its analysis was carried out by HPLC/MS. Acute toxicity study was determined and the antioxidant activity was investigated using various established in vitro systems. An in vivo study against CCl4-induced liver injury was also conducted and compared with that of silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug.
Carthamus red did not show any toxicity and mortality up to 2000mg/kg dose, and it showed strong antioxidant ability in vitro. In the in vivo study, carthamus red treatment lowered the serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP and total protein in liver damage rat models. Meanwhile, Nrf2, GSTα and NQO1 expressions were up-regulated at the protein level by carthamus red intervention. Additionally, the activities of antioxidant enzymes and level of GSH were elevated by carthamus red intervention, while the content of TBARS, which is an oxidative stress marker, was lessened. HE stain analysis showed that the condition of liver damage was mitigated.
This study demonstrates that carthamus red may serve as a candidate with strong a hepatoprotective effect and antioxidant activity in liver damage.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Hyperlipidemia plays a crucial role in the development and progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Recent studies have identified that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of lipid ...metabolism, but little is known about the circulating levels of lipometabolism-related miRNAs and their relationship with the presence of CAD in patients with hyperlipidemia.
In the present study, we enrolled a total of 255 hyperlipidemia patients with or without CAD and 100 controls with normal blood lipids. The plasma levels of four known lipometabolism-related miRNAs, miR-122, miR-370, miR-33a, and miR-33b were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. Blood levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high density lipoprotein cholesterol were determined. Furthermore, the severity of CAD was assessed with the Gensini score system based on the degree of luminal narrowing and its geographic importance.
Our results revealed for the first time that plasma levels of miR-122 and miR-370 were significantly increased in hyperlipidemia patients compared with controls, and the levels of miR-122 and miR-370 were positively correlated with TC, TG, and LDL-C levels in both hyperlipidemia patients and controls. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the increased levels of miR-122 and miR-370 were associated with CAD presence, even after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, miR-122 and miR-370 levels were positively correlated with the severity of CAD quantified by the Gensini score. However, both miR-33a and miR-33b were undetectable in plasma.
Our results suggest that increased plasma levels of miR-122 and miR-370 might be associated with the presence as well as the severity of CAD in hyperlipidemia patients.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Icotinib, one of the leading compounds selected from our compound library, was found to be a potent and specific epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with ...an IC50 of 5 nM. When profiled with 88 kinases, Icotinib only showed meaningful inhibitory activity to EGFR and its mutants. Icotinib blocked EGFR-mediated intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation (IC50 = 45 nM) in the human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cell line and inhibits tumor cell proliferation. In vivo studies demonstrated that Icotinib exhibited potent dose-dependent antitumor effects in nude mice carrying a variety of human tumor-derived xenografts. The drug was well tolerated at doses up to 120 mg/kg/day in mice without mortality or significant body weight loss during the treatment. A head to head randomized, double blind phase III trial using Gefitinib as an active control for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was finished recently (Trial registration ID: NCT01040780 ). The data shows that Icotinib was non-inferior to Gefitinib in terms of median progression free survival (PFS) and safety superior favor to Icotinib compared to Gefitinib.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Slotted and slotless stators are two main stator topologies in high-speed permanent magnet brushless direct current (PMBLDC) motors. Both have their own advantages and drawbacks. The electromagnetic ...loss of slotted and slotless motors have different characteristics in different speed range. Therefore, the comparison of slotted and slotless motors must consider different speed ranges. The performances of slotted and slotless high-speed PMBLDC motors in the full speed range up to 480 krpm are compared in this paper. The no-load and load electromagnetic performances of slotted and slotless motors are studied. The electromagnetic losses of slotted and slotless motors in the full speed range are investigated and compared. Meanwhile, based on the loss calculation results, the thermal characteristics of slotted and slotless motors are studied. The comparison results are summarized considering the electromagnetic, loss and thermal characteristics comprehensively. Finally, a prototype of high-speed PMBLDC motor is manufactured and tested to validate the analysis results.
Background & Aims Epithelial regeneration is essential for homeostasis and repair of the mucosal barrier. In the context of infectious and immune-mediated intestinal disease, interleukin (IL) 22 is ...thought to augment these processes. We sought to define the mechanisms by which IL22 promotes mucosal healing. Methods Intestinal stem cell cultures and mice were treated with recombinant IL22. Cell proliferation, death, and differentiation were assessed in vitro and in vivo by morphometric analysis, quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. Results IL22 increased the size and number of proliferating cells within enteroids but decreased the total number of enteroids. Enteroid size increases required IL22-dependent up-regulation of the tight junction cation and water channel claudin-2, indicating that enteroid enlargement reflected paracellular flux–induced swelling. However, claudin-2 did not contribute to IL22-dependent enteroid loss, depletion of Lgr5+ stem cells, or increased epithelial proliferation. IL22 induced stem cell apoptosis but, conversely, enhanced proliferation within and expanded numbers of transit-amplifying cells. These changes were associated with reduced wnt and notch signaling, both in vitro and in vivo, as well as skewing of epithelial differentiation, with increases in Paneth cells and reduced numbers of enteroendocrine cells. Conclusions IL22 promotes transit-amplifying cell proliferation but reduces Lgr5+ stem cell survival by inhibiting notch and wnt signaling. IL22 can therefore promote or inhibit mucosal repair, depending on whether effects on transit-amplifying or stem cells predominate. These data may explain why mucosal healing is difficult to achieve in some inflammatory bowel disease patients despite markedly elevated IL22 production.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
To investigate the association between ocular
infestation and ocular surface manifestations in meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
Eight-six patients with MGD were enrolled. All enrolled subjects were ...tested in the following sequence: ocular surface disease index (OSDI), slit-lamp biomicroscope examination, corneal surface regularity index (SRI) and surface asymmetry index (SAI), tear fluid collection, fluorescein tear film break-up time (F-BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), Schirmer I test (SIT) and
counting. Tear matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 activity was assessed using MMP-9 activity assay kit.
Among 86 MGD patients, 40 were positive for
. The ocular
-positive group showed significantly increased scores of OSDI (25.96±13.74
18.07±11.55,
=0.01), lid margin abnormality (2.38±0.87
1.98±0.91,
=0.04) and CFS (1.28±2.00
0.94±1.36,
=0.01) compared to the ocular
-free group. The tear MMP-9 activity was higher in the ocular
-positive group (102.9±32.4 ng/mL) than the ocular
-free group (46.2±19.2 ng/mL,
=0.03). There was no significant difference in meibum quality and expressibility, SRI, SAI, F-BUT and SIT between the two groups (
>0.05 for each). No significant correlation was noted between the number of
and ocular surface parameters in
-positive MGD group (
>0.05 for each).
Ocular
infestation may be associated with ocular discomfort and ocular surface damage in MGD.
The Nd13.65Fe73.55B5.6Co6.6Ga0.6 ribbons melt-spun at 25 m/s formed a microstructure of mixed platelet-shaped and equiaxed grains after pressureless annealing at 700 °C. With the help of the ...Nd-Ga-rich molten liquid phase at the grain boundaries, some equiaxed grains preferentially grow along the (110) plane of the Nd2(Fe, M)14B phase into platelet-shaped grains with a width of about 100 nm and an aspect ratio of 6–8:1, while other equiaxed grains grow to 150–450 nm. The driving force for the growth of equiaxed grains into platelet-shaped grains is mainly the temperature field rather than the press field. The amorphous grain boundaries with a width of 5.5 ± 4.5 nm in the as-spun ribbons discharged Nd, Co, and Ga and absorbed Fe during the crystallization process, forming a Nd-Ga-rich and Fe-poor grain boundary phase with a width of 1–2 nm. The crystallization of Nd2(Fe, M)14B grains improves the coercivity of the ribbons, but the reduced Fe content and the random orientation of the grains decrease the remanence and magnetization of the ribbons. The ribbons annealed at 700 °C have the highest coercivity, increased by 54.2% compared to the as-spun ribbons.
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•Discussed the new findings in the annealed multicomponent Nd-Fe-B-Co-Ga ribbons.•Disclosed the grain growth mechanism of the ribbons before and after annealing.•Ribbons directly formed platelet-shaped grains during annealing.•The coercivity is increased by 54.2% by annealing at 700 °C.•Proposed the microstructure evolution models.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
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