Reduction of lipid absorption has been recognized as an attractive approach for the discovery of new drugs to treat obesity and overweight. The leave extract of Ginkgo biloba has been widely used for ...the treatment of metabolic diseases (such as hyperlipidemia) in both eastern and western countries, but the bioactive compounds in Ginkgo biloba and the underlying mechanism have not been fully characterized. This study aimed to investigate the inhibition potentials and mechanism of major biflavones from G. biloba on pancreatic lipase (PL), a key target regulating lipid absorption. The results clearly demonstrated that all tested biflavones in G. biloba including isoginkgetin, bilobetin, ginkgetin and sciadopitysin, displayed strong to moderate inhibitory effects on PL with the IC50 values ranging from 2.90 μM to 12.78 μM. Further investigations on both inhibition kinetic analyses and docking simulations demonstrated that isoginkgetin, bilobetin and ginkgetin were potent PL inhibitors (Ki < 2.5 μM), which could create strong interactions with the catalytic triad of PL via hydrogen bonding. These findings provided a new powerful evidence for explaining the hypolipidemic effects of G. biloba, while these newly identified PL inhibitors from G. biloba could serve as lead compounds for the development of biflavonoid-type PL inhibitors.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes that affects the retina due to a sustained high blood sugar level. Recent studies have demonstrated that high glucose-driven oxidative stress ...plays an important role in the microvascular complications of retina in diabetes. Oxidative stress occurs due to the excess of reactive oxygen species, which causes oxidative damage to retina, leading to the leak of tiny blood vessels, or acts as signaling molecules to trigger neovascularization, resulting in new fragile vessels. NADPH oxidase (NOX) is a key enzymatic source of reactive oxygen species in the retina, and it is involved in the early as well as the advanced stage of diabetic retinopathy. To date, at least 7 NOX isoforms, including NOX1 to NOX5, dual oxidase1 and dual oxidase 2, have been identified. It has been shown that NOX isoforms exert different roles in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Intervention of NOX by its inhibitors or modulators shows beneficial effect on improving the retinal functions in the models of diabetic retinopathy in vivo or in vitro. Thereby, NOX might be a potential target for the therapy of diabetic retinopathy. The present review focuses on the role of NOX, particularly the NOX isoforms, in promoting the development of diabetic retinopathy. In addition, NOX isoforms as potential targets for therapy of diabetic retinopathy are also discussed.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
In road engineering, road construction requires a large amount of natural aggregate; its substitution with recycled construction-solid-waste aggregate not only saves resources but also reduces the ...burden on the environment. The main components of construction solid waste are concrete blocks and brick slag; the breakability of the latter can affect the performance of mixed recycled aggregate, which hinders the use of construction solid waste in road engineering applications. To analyze the applicability of recycled construction-solid-waste aggregate containing brick slag aggregate in the subgrade layer, the effect of brick aggregate content on the CBR (California bearing ratio) and crushing value of mixed recycled aggregates was evaluated based on laboratory tests, and the field compaction quality of the recycled aggregates was analyzed. The results show that the 9.5–19 mm mixed recycled aggregate samples were crushed to a higher degree during the compaction process. A brick aggregate content less than 40% had little effect on the performance of mixed recycled construction-solid-waste aggregate. It is recommended to use a 22 t road roller for five passes (two weak vibrations + two strong vibrations + one weak vibration) at a speed of 3 km/h in the main compaction stage of the subgrade filling.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
An accurate estimation of earth pressure on retaining walls is imperative to achieving its design. This paper presents an analytical method framework that considers the effect of plant ...transpiration relative to the traditional calculation approaches. Specifically, a closed-form solution for one-dimensional steady unsaturated flow considering plant transpiration is incorporated into a representation of effective stress to obtain the changes in matric suction, and effective stress. The representations are used to extend Hooke’s law and Rankine’s earth pressure theory to determine at-rest, active, and passive earth pressures. Subsequently, the analytical method is used in a series of analysis case studies on the influence of root architecture types, transpiration rates, and soil types on earth pressure, to reveal that it can rapidly obtain the earth pressure. Notably, the effect of plant transpiration on earth pressure is significant. Furthermore, it is found that soil types and transpiration rates have a larger influence than root architecture types. Collectively, the research not only reveals the effect of plant on earth pressure for retaining wall, but also provides a theoretical basis for further exploration of the contribution of plants to the stability of retaining wall.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Background
The diagnostic efficacy of contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (CEMRI) in diagnosing residual or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after transarterial chemoembolization ...(TACE) is currently not completely clear.
Purpose
To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of CEMRI in detecting residual or recurrent HCCs after TACE by meta‐analysis.
Study Type
Systematic review and meta‐analysis.
Population
A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Ovid, and the Cochrane Library database up to June 2019 to find original studies on diagnosing patients suspected of residual or recurrent HCCs after TACE with CEMRI. Thirteen studies comprising 721 nodules were finally included.
Field Strength/Sequence
1.5T or 3.0T, CEMRI.
Assessment
Quality assessment of the included studies was performed by applying the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies‐2 (QUADAS‐2) tool.
Statistical Tests
Sensitivity and specificity were pooled with a bivariate random‐effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed by the chi‐square test. The potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup and publication bias analyses.
Results
The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of CEMRI in diagnosing residual or recurrent HCCs after TACE were 91% (95% confidence interval CI: 87%–96%), 93% (95% CI: 85%–97%), 12.22 (95% CI: 5.62–26.57), 0.09 (95% CI: 0.05–0.18), 126.99 (95% CI: 34.76–436.99) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95–0.98), respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that CEMRI performed significantly better in prospective studies than in retrospective studies: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00) vs. 0.95 (95% CI: 0.92–0.96) with P < 0.05.
Data Conclusion
Our meta‐analysis suggested that CEMRI had high diagnostic efficacy in detecting residual or recurrent HCCs after TACE and may serve as an alternative method for further evaluation after TACE.
Level of Evidence: 5
Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;52:1019–1028.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Plants can produce and release allelochemicals to interfere with the establishment and growth of conspecific and interspecific plants. Such allelopathy is an important mediator among plant species in ...natural and managed ecosystems. This review focuses on allelopathy and allelochemicals in grasslands and forests. Allelopathy drives plant invasion, exacerbates grassland degradation and contributes to natural forest regeneration. Furthermore, autotoxicity (intraspecific allelopathy) frequently occurs in pastures and tree plantations. Various specialized metabolites, including phenolics, terpenoids and nitrogen-containing compounds from herbaceous and woody species are responsible for allelopathy in grasslands and forests. Terpenoids with a diversity of metabolites are qualitative allelochemicals occurring in annual grasslands, while phenolics with a few specialized metabolites are quantitative allelochemicals occurring in perennial forests. Importantly, allelochemicals mediate below-ground ecological interactions and plant–soil feedback, subsequently affecting the biodiversity, productivity and sustainability of grasslands and forests. Interestingly, allelopathic plants can discriminate the identity of neighbors via signaling chemicals, adjusting the production of allelochemicals. Therefore, allelochemicals and signaling chemicals synergistically interact to regulate interspecific and intraspecific interactions in grasslands and forests. Allelopathy and allelochemicals in grasslands and forests have provided fascinating insights into plant–plant interactions and their consequences for biodiversity, productivity and sustainability, contributing to our understanding of terrestrial ecosystems and global changes.
In this study, the Lagrange element strength reduction method is used to explore slope stability and as an evaluation method of underground mining of end-slope coal in a rock-stability analysis. A ...numerical analysis model is established herein using the geological conditions for mining in a coordinated open pit with an underground mining area of the Anjialing Open-Pit Mine and Underground No. 2 Mine. Additionally, the evolution law of slope stability in open-pit end-slope mining is studied using the proposed numerical simulation method. According to our findings, the steps show obvious horizontal movement and deformation under the influence of underground mining disturbances. Taking the horizontal displacement at the slope tops of the steps as the deformation index, the entire disturbed slope is divided into four regions: upper, middle-upper, middle-lower, and lower steps. When a step is fully affected by underground mining, its subsidence value first increases rapidly and then slowly. An exponential function is used to reflect the change rule in the step-subsidence value as the working face advances. In the underground mining process, the critical sliding surface of the slope develops along the soft rock or coal seam, showing an L-shaped or a W (double L)-shaped broken line. As the working face advances, the initial position of the sliding mass is unchanged while the cutting position alternately changes up and down in the weak plane. The safety factor suddenly drops when the advancing distance exceeds a certain value.
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CEKLJ, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Human carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1) is a key enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of a wide range of endogenous and xenobiotic esters, but the highly selective inhibitors against hCE1 are rarely ...reported. This study aimed to assess the inhibitory effects of natural flavonoids against hCE1 and to find potential specific hCE1 inhibitors. To this end, fifty-eight natural flavonoids were collected and their inhibitory effects against both hCE1 and hCE2 were assayed. Among all tested compounds, nevadensin, an abundant natural constitute from Lysionotus pauciflorus Maxim., displayed the best combination of inhibition potency and selectivity towards hCE1. The inhibition mechanism of nevadensin on hCE1 was further investigated using two site-specific hCE1 substrates including D-luciferin methyl ester (DME) and 2‑(2‑benzoyloxy‑3‑methoxyphenyl)benzothiazole (BMBT). Furthermore, docking simulations demonstrated that the binding area of nevadensin on hCE1 was highly overlapped with that of DME but was far away from that of BMBT, which was highly consistent with the inhibition modes of nevadensin. These findings found a natural occurring specific inhibitor of hCE1, which could be served as a lead compound for the development of novel hCE1 inhibitor with improved properties, and also hold great promise for investigating hCE1-ligand interactions.
•The inhibitory effects of more than fifty flavonoids against human carboxylesterases are assayed.•Nevadensin has been identified as a selective inhibitor of human carboxylesterase 1 (hCE1).•The ligand-binding site and inhibition modes of nevadensin against hCE1 have been well investigated.•Nevadensin can create strong interactions with the residuals in the Z site of hCE1.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
The dual-function Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5P3O12 (LAGP) protective layer stabilizes the structure of Ni-rich material by reducing the formation of oxygen vacancies through Al doping, and stabilizes the ...interface by inhibiting electrolyte corrosion under harsh conditions.
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High-nickel single-crystal layered oxide material has become the most promising cathode material for electric vehicle power battery due to its high energy density. However, this material still suffers from structural degradation during cycling and especially the severe interfacial reactions at elevated temperatures that exacerbate irreversible capacity loss. Here, a simple strategy was used to construct a dual-function Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5P3O12 (LAGP) protective layer on the surface of the high-nickel single-crystal (SC) cathode material, leading to SC@LAGP material. The strong Al–O bonding effectively inhibits the release of lattice oxygen (O) at elevated temperatures, which is supported by the positive formation energy of O vacancy from first-principal calculations. Besides, theoretical calculations demonstrate that the appropriate amount of Al doping accelerates the electron and Li+ transport, and thus reduces the kinetic barriers. In addition, the LAGP protective layer alleviates the stress accumulation during cycling and effectively reduces the erosion of materials from the electrolyte decomposition at elevated temperatures. The obtained SC@LAGP cathode material demonstrates much enhanced cycling stability even at high voltage (4.6 V) and elevated temperature (55 °C), with a high capacity retention of 91.3% after 100 cycles. This work reports a simple dual-function coating strategy that simultaneously stabilizes the structure and interface of the single-crystal cathode material, which can be applied to design other cathode materials.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Digital microfluidic (DMF) has been a unique tool for manipulating micro-droplets with high flexibility and accuracy. To extend the application of DMF for automatic and in-site detection, it is ...promising to introduce colorimetric sensing based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which have advantages including high sensitivity, label-free, biocompatibility, and easy surface modification. However, there is still a lack of studies for investigating the movement and stability of AuNPs for in-site detection on the electrowetting-based digital microfluidics. Herein, to demonstrate the ability of DMF for colorimetric sensing with AuNPs, we investigated the electrowetting property of the AuNPs droplets on the hydrophobic interface of the DMF chip and examined the stability of the AuNPs on DMF as well as the influence of evaporation to the colorimetric sensing. As a result, we found that the electrowetting of AuNPs fits to a modified Young–Lippmann equation, which suggests that a higher voltage is required to actuate AuNPs droplets compared with actuating water droplets. Moreover, the stability of AuNPs was maintained during the processing of electrowetting. We also proved that the evaporation of droplets has a limited influence on the detections that last several minutes. Finally, a model experiment for the detection of Hg2+ was carried out with similar results to the detections in bulk solution. The proposed method can be further extended to a wide range of AuNPs-based detection for label-free, automatic, and low-cost detection of small molecules, biomarkers, and metal ions.
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