Abstract
In nature, allostery is the principal approach for regulating cellular processes and pathways. Inspired by nature, structure-switching aptamer-based nanodevices are widely used in artificial ...biotechnologies. However, the canonical aptamer structures in the nanodevices usually adopt a duplex form, which limits the flexibility and controllability. Here, a new regulating strategy based on a clamp-like triplex aptamer structure (CLTAS) was proposed for switching DNA polymerase activity via conformational changes. It was demonstrated that the polymerase activity could be regulated by either adjusting structure parameters or dynamic reactions including strand displacement or enzymatic digestion. Compared with the duplex aptamer structure, the CLTAS possesses programmability, excellent affinity and high discrimination efficiency. The CLTAS was successfully applied to distinguish single-base mismatches. The strategy expands the application scope of triplex structures and shows potential in biosensing and programmable nanomachines.
To reduce the losses caused by insufficient preservation efforts during transportation, the preservation effort level has been the focus of research. In the fierce competition of online sales, it is ...particularly important to reduce the cost of damaged goods by improving the level of preservation efforts. Therefore, according to Stackelberg game theory, this article establishes five decision-making models and incorporates the damage rate and preservation effort level into the research. Finally, this article coordinates the online shipping supply chain (SC) through a joint contract. After comparing and analyzing the model results, research has found that: (1) in centralized model, the level of preservation effort reaches its optimal level and the system benefit is maximized; (2) under third-party logistics (TPL) leading decision-making, the different bearers of cargo damage costs will not affect the profits of both parties and the system; (3) among the four decentralized models, the level of preservation efforts and system profit are highest when the decision is led by online store and TPL bears the cost of damaged goods; and (4) under a given sharing ratio, when the logistics service quotation satisfies a certain range of condition, the online shopping SC can achieve Pareto improvement. This paper studies the differences and reasons for decision models in the supply and demand relationship between online stores and TPL, which provides fresh product e-commerce decision-makers with a theoretical basis.
The dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model is a widely applied mouse model, but controversial results have been obtained from experiments using the same mouse strain under the same ...conditions. Because the gut microbiota play an important role in DSS-induced colitis, it is essential to evaluate the influence of the initial gut microbiota in this model. Here, we identified significant variations in the initial gut microbiota of different batches of mice and found that the initial intestinal microbiota had a profound influence on DSS-induced colitis. We performed three independent trials using the same C57BL/6J mouse model with DSS treatment and used high-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze the gut microbiota. We found that the structure and composition of the gut microbiota in mice with severe colitis, as compared with mice with milder colon damage, had unique features, such as an increase in Akkermansia bacteria and a decrease in Barnesiella spp. Moreover, these varied gut bacteria in the different trials also showed different responses to DSS treatment. Our work suggests that, in studies using mouse models, the gut microbiota must be considered when examining mechanisms of diseases, to ensure that comparable results are obtained.
Inflammasomes are involved in gut homeostasis and inflammatory pathologies, but the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in these processes is not well understood. Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) ...patients with NLRP3 mutations have autoinflammation in skin, joints, and eyes, but not in the intestine. Here we show that the intestines of CAPS model mice carrying an Nlrp3
mutation maintain homeostasis in the gut. Additionally, such mice are strongly resistant to experimental colitis and colorectal cancer; this is mainly through a remodelled gut microbiota with enhanced anti-inflammatory capacity due to increased induction of regulatory T cells (T
). Mechanistically, NLRP3
functions exclusively in the lamina propria mononuclear phagocytes to directly enhance IL-1β but not IL-18 secretion. Increased IL-1β boosts local antimicrobial peptides to facilitate microbiota remodelling. Our data show that NLRP3
-induced remodelling of the gut microbiota, induces local T
to maintain homeostasis and compensate for otherwise-detrimental intestinal inflammation.
Calorie restriction (CR), which has a potent anti-inflammaging effect, has been demonstrated to induce dramatic changes in the gut microbiota. Whether the modulated gut microbiota contributes to the ...attenuation of inflammation during CR is unknown, as are the members of the microbial community that may be key mediators of this process.
Here, we report that a unique Lactobacillus-predominated microbial community was rapidly attained in mice within 2 weeks of CR, which decreased the levels of circulating microbial antigens and systemic inflammatory markers such as tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Lactobacillus murinus CR147, an isolate in the most abundant operational taxonomic unit (OTU) enriched by CR, downregulated interleukin-8 production in TNF-α-stimulated Caco-2 cells and significantly increased the lifespan and the brood size of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. In gnotobiotic mice colonized with the gut microbiota from old mice, this strain decreased their intestinal permeability and serum endotoxin load, consequently attenuating the inflammation induced by the old microbiota.
Our study demonstrated that a strain of Lactobacillus murinus was promoted in CR mice and causatively contributed to the attenuation of ageing-associated inflammation.
We demonstrate a 3×3 coupler-based fiber-optic interferometric system to detect the local initial photoacoustic pressure. In contrast with the existing interferometric photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) ...relying on the measurement of the phase change of the probe light caused by the sample surface vibration, the present method measures the intensity change of the probe light caused by the initial photoacoustic pressure. Compared with the conventional interferometric PAMs, this method has the advantages: (1) it is free from the influence of the rough tissue surface, achieving complete noncontact in vivo imaging; (2) the probe light and the excitation light are focused at a same point below the sample surface, and the confocal configuration makes it more convenient for in vivo imaging; and (3) there is no need for phase stabilization, allowing a high imaging speed. These advantages show that the method will be a promising technique for in vivo imaging. This method is verified by imaging of a resolution test target and in vivo imaging of the blood vessels in a mouse ear.
The diet intervention of broccoli alleviates the NAFLD induced by MCD diet in mice by increasing lipolysis related key genes (HSL, ATGL and CPT1-α) and regulating macrophage polarization, so as to ...inhibit the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), chemokines (MCP-1, CXCL2, CXCL10); increase the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10); redcue the production of NO and enhance the activity of Arginase.
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•Broccoli intervention attenuates the MCD-induced NAFLD.•Broccoli reduces liver lipid accumulation by promoting lipolysis.•Broccoli inhibits inflammatory injury by regulating inflammatory-response.•Broccoli delays the NAFLD by regulating liver macrophages polarity switch.
Presently, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver metabolic disease affecting the health of global citizens. The high activity and low toxicity of natural products make the use of dietary strategies to prevent NAFLD becoming a frontier hot spot. We investigated the broccoli, a natural food with lipid-lowering and anti-inflammatory properties, can ameliorate NAFLD in mice fed with Methionine and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 6-weeks/8-weeks. The following mechanisms may be involved: I) Increased the mRNA expression of key lipolysis genes; II) Inhibited the secretion of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and increased the secretion of IL-10; III) Reduced the production of NO and enhanced the activity of Arginase. Regulating the M1/M2 polarization of macrophages may be related mechanisms that broccoli suppressed the inflammatory process of NAFLD. This experiment will provide a theoretical basis for dietary intervention with broccoli in delaying the occurrence and development of NAFLD.
Wooden cantilever covered bridges are known for their marvelous shapes and manufacturing technique. Many wooden cantilever covered bridges were constructed during Ming and Qing Dynasties in Anhua ...province, China, due to the “Tea-Horse Trade” policy. The excellent performance of wooden materials and exquisite building techniques have kept these wooden bridges well-preserved and worthy of investigation. This paper conducted a comprehensive review of wooden cantilever covered bridges in Anhua, especially for the eight bridges listed as historical and cultural heritage protected at the provincial or the national level. The discussions covered the historical background of the bridges, their locations and dimensions, and the details of their structures including the cantilever systems, corridors, and roofs. Moreover, the cultural background was introduced to better understand the meaning of the decorations carved on the bridges and the logic of location selections.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Toehold-mediated strand displacement is widely used to construct and operate DNA nanodevices. Cooperative regulation of strand displacement with diverse factors is pivotal in the design and ...construction of functional and dynamic devices. Herein, a cofactor-assisted three-way DNA junction-driven strand displacement strategy was reported, which could tune the reaction kinetics by the collaboration of DNA and other types of stimulus. This strategy is responsive to various inputs by incorporation of the specific sequence into the three-way junction structure. Specifically, the cooperation of multiple factors changes the conformation of the specific domain and promotes the reaction. To demonstrate the strategy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), HG
2+
, and pH were used as cofactors to modulate the displacement reaction. The electrophoresis and fluorescence experiments showed that the cooperative regulation of the strand displacement reaction could be achieved by diverse factors using this strategy. The proposed strategy provides design flexibility for dynamic DNA devices and may have potential in biosensing and biocomputing.
Cooperative regulation of strand displacement with diverse factors was achieved by a cofactor-assisted three-way DNA junction-driven strategy. Using this strategy nanodevices reacted to various inputs by incorporating a specific sequence into the three-way junction structure.
Genetic modification (GM) offers an alternative strategy to conventional animal breeding. The present study was carried out to investigate the potential health effects of the consumption of growth ...hormone-transgenic triploid carp (GH-ttc) through a 90-day subchronic rodent feeding study. Wistar rats (n = 10/sex/group) were given formulated diets containing GH-ttc or non-GM carp at an incorporated rate of 2.5%, 5%, or 10% (w/w) for 90 days. An additional control group of rats (n = 10/sex/group) was fed a basic rodent diet. During the 90-day study, clinical observation, ophthalmic examination, body weight, and food intake were evaluated. At the end of the study, rats were killed, and the hematology, serum chemistry, urine test, necropsy, and histopathology were assessed. Compared with the non-GM carp and the basic control groups, no biologically significant differences were observed on clinical signs of toxicity, body weights, food intake, hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, organ weight, and histopathology on selected organs for the GH-ttc group. The results of this 90-day subchronic feeding study indicated that, at the dose level used in this study, consumption of GH-ttc showed no subchronic toxicity to Wistar rats.
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