Display omitted
•Seven deep eutectic solvents were prepared and applied in corn stover (CS) pretreatment.•ChCl:formic acid showed best performance with 17.0gL−1 glucose in CS hydrolysate.•CS ...hydrolysate pretreated by ChCl:formic acid was successfully applied in butanol fermentation.
In this study, an effective corn stover (CS) pretreatment method was developed for biobutanol fermentation. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs), consisted of quaternary ammonium salts and hydrogen donors, display similar properties to room temperature ionic liquid. Seven DESs with different hydrogen donors were facilely synthesized. Choline chloride:formic acid (ChCl:formic acid), an acidic DES, displayed excellent performance in the pretreatment of corn stover by removal of hemicellulose and lignin as confirmed by SEM, FTIR and XRD analysis. After optimization, glucose released from pretreated CS reached 17.0gL−1 and yield of 99%. The CS hydrolysate was successfully utilized in butanol fermentation by Clostridium saccharobutylicum DSM 13864, achieving butanol titer of 5.63gL−1 with a yield of 0.17gg−1 total sugar and productivity of 0.12gL−1h−1. This study demonstrates DES could be used as a promising and biocompatible pretreatment method for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass into biofuel.
Neuroblastoma (NBL) is the most frequently encountered extracranial solid neoplasm and impacts significantly on the survival of patients, especially in cases of advanced tumor stage or relapse. A ...long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) signature to predict the survival of patients with NBL is proposed in this paper. Differentially expressed lncRNA (DElncRNA) was selected using the Limma plus Voom package in R based on the RNA‐sequencing data downloaded from the Therapeutically Applicable Research To Generate Effective Treatments database and Genotype‐Tissue Expression database. Univariate cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, and multivariate cox regression analysis were conducted to identify candidate DElncRNAs for the risk signature. Consequently, 10 DElncRNAs were designated as candidate DElncRNAs for the risk signature. Time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curves and Kapan–Meier survival curves confirmed the efficacy of the risk signature in predicting the survival of patients with NBL (area under the curve = 0.941; p ≤ .001). One of the DElncRNA constituent subparts (LINC01010) was significantly associated with the survival outcome of patients with NBL in GSE62564 (p = .004). Thus, a risk signature comprising 10 DElncRNAs was identified as effective for individual risk stratification and the survival prediction outcomes of patients with NBL.
In this study, we developed a 10‐differentially expressed lncRNA (DElncRNA) risk signature based on RNA‐sequencing data from Therapeutically Applicable Research To Generate Effective Treatments and Genotype‐Tissue Expression by applying combination methods of differential expression analysis, univariate cox regression analysis, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis, and multivariate cox regression analysis. The 10‐DElncRNA risk signature could effectively predict the prognosis of patients with NBL independent of important clinical variables. Finally, a DElncRNA‐differentially expressed messenger RNA (DEmRNA) regulation network and functional annotations for DEmRNAs correlated with DElncRNA constituent subparts facilitated understandings of the mechanism of the 10‐DElncRNA risk signature in NBL.
The composition of protection monolayer exerts great influence on the molecular and electronic structures of atomically precise monolayer protected metal nanoclusters. Four isostructural ...Ag/cyanurate/phosphine metallamacrocyclic monolayer protected Ag22 nanoclusters are synthesized by kinetically controlled in‐situ ligand formation‐driven strategy. These eight‐electron superatomic silver nanoclusters feature an unprecedented interfacial bonding structure with diverse E‐Ag (E=O/N/P/Ag) interactions between the Ag13 core and metallamacrocyclic monolayer, and displays thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF), benefiting from their distinct donor‐acceptor type electronic structures. This work not only unmasks a new core‐shell interface involving cyanurate ligand but also underlines the significance of high‐electron‐affinity N‐heterocyclic ligand in synthesizing TADF metal nanoclusters. This is the first mixed valence Ag0/I nanocluster with TADF characteristic.
Four isostructural Ag22 nanoclusters protected by a metallamacrocyclic monolayer were synthesized in high yields by in‐situ ligand formation strategy. The high‐electron‐affinity triazine‐based cyanurate ligands endow the clusters with unique core‐shell interfacial bonding structure and donor‐acceptor type electronic structure, resulting in the first mixed valence Ag0/I nanocluster with thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) characteristic.
Objective
In the present study, the chemical components of Qinghao Biejia decoction (QBD) were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using UPLC‐Orbitrap Fusion‐MS/MS and UPLC‐QQQ‐MS/MS ...techniques, followed by identification of each component's origin and evaluation of the antibacterial activity of QBD and its components.
Methods
High‐resolution mass spectrometry was used to obtain information on the precise molecular weight, retention time, and fragmentation ion peaks of the compounds used to identify the components of QBD and establish a method for their quantification. In vitro assays including determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration and growth curves were used to assess the antibacterial activity of QBD and its components.
Results
A total of 39 components, including fatty acids, phenolic acids, amino acids, flavonoids, coumarins, terpenoids, and alkaloids, were identified by UPLC‐Orbitrap Fusion‐MS/MS. A high‐performance analytical method was also established to quantify 12 components of QBD. The content of mangiferin was relatively high (estimated to be 814 μg/g). The results of the antibacterial assays indicated that mangiferin exhibits antibacterial effects against two strains causing respiratory tract infections.
Conclusions
The present study suggests that mangiferin may serve as a natural compound which shows high antibacterial activity. The results can aid the discovery and analysis of the active antimicrobial components present in QBD and further provide a reference for quality assessment of multi‐component herbal prescriptions.
39 compounds were identified and characterised from the QBD, followed by quantitative and methodological validation of 12 components, and finally antibacterial assays showed that mangiferin showed the optimalantibacterial activity against two strains of bacteria causing respiratory tract infections.
Display omitted
•A new solid acid catalyst based on coal fly ash solid acid was developed for furfural production.•SO42−/SnO2-Al2O3-CFA displayed high activity in NH4Cl-solution/toluene biphasic ...system.•The highest furfural yield of 84.7% and selectivity of 85.1% were achieved.•SO42−/SnO2-Al2O3-CFA and toluene could be recycled for five times.
A solid acid catalyst SO42−/SnO2-Al2O3-CFA was synthesized based on industrial waste coal fly ash (CFA) as carrier and applied in the conversion of oxalic acid pretreated corn stover hydrolysate to produce furfural. Physical properties of the solid acid catalyst were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, BET, EDAX, and NH3-TPD. Highly wrinkled structure of SO42−/SnO2-Al2O3-CFA could provide more specific surface area for the covalent linkage between SiO2 and SnO2. Factors influencing the efficacy of SO42−/SnO2-Al2O3-CFA were systematically explored. The highest furfural yield of 84.7% was reached in NH4Cl-toluene biphasic system at 180 °C for 30 min. The recyclability of SO42−/SnO2-Al2O3-CFA and toluene could be achieved for five batches with stable performance in transformation of xylose-rich corn stover hydrolysate. This study provided a novel solid acid catalyst with promising potential in the synthesis of furfural from corn stover.
A hydroclassified combinatorial saturation mutagenesis (HCSM) strategy was proposed for reshaping the substrate binding pocket by dividing 20 amino acids into four groups based on their ...hydrophobicity and size. These smart HCSM libraries could significantly reduce screening effort especially for the simultaneous mutagenesis of three or more residues and lacking high throughput screening methods. Employing HCSM strategy, the stereoselectivity of KpADH, an alcohol dehydrogenase from Kluyveromyces polysporus, was efficiently improved to 99.4% ee. (4-Chlorophenyl)(pyridin-2-yl)methanone (CPMK), generally regarded as a “hard-to-reduce” ketone, was used as a model substrate, and its corresponding chiral alcohol products could be utilized as antihistamine precursors. The best variant 50C10 displayed higher binding affinity and catalytic efficiency toward CPMK with K M/k cat of 59.3 s–1·mM–1, 3.51-fold that of KpADH. Based on MD simulations, increased difference between two binding pockets, enhanced hydrophobicity, and π–π and halogen–alkyl interactions were proposed to favor the enantioselective recognition and substrate binding in 50C10. Substrate spectrum analysis revealed that 50C10 exhibited improved enantioselectivity toward diaryl ketones especially with halo- or other electron-withdrawing groups. As much as 500 mM CPMK could be asymmetrically reduced into chiral diaryl alcohols with ee of 99.4% and a space–time yield of 194 g·L–1·d–1 without addition of external NADP+. This study provides an effective mutagenesis strategy for the protein engineering of substrate specificity and enantioselectivity.
Postpartum osteoporosis (PO) is a rare condition characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD) and an increased risk of vertebral fragility fracture. We encountered a 34-year-old woman who ...developed back pain 1 week after delivery. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed three vertebral compression fractures. Pretreatment BMD evaluation by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry revealed a low T-score and Z-score (−2.0 and −2.0, respectively; BMD, 0.876 g/cm2) in the affected region of the spine. The patient was diagnosed with PO and treated with subcutaneous injection of denosumab 60 mg (Prolia; Amgen, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, USA) every 6 months. After two treatments, the BMD had significantly increased and the back pain was improved; the patient therefore decided to terminate the treatment. Two months later, her back pain worsened and BMD decreased as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry examination of the lumbar spine. Therefore, the patient resumed treatment with denosumab, and the BMD of the lumbar spine increased after another two treatments. Therefore, we consider denosumab to be promising in the management of PO with respect to increased BMD and decreased pain.
Display omitted
•Corn stover (CS) was pretreated by alkali (NaOH) followed by ionic liquid BmimCl.•BmimCl can be recycled for at least ten times without obvious loss of efficiency.•CS hydrolysate ...pretreated by recycled BmimCl was successfully used in butanol fermentation.
In this study, corn stover (CS) hydrolysates, pretreated by fresh and recycled ionic liquid (IL) BmimCl, were utilized in butanol fermentation by Clostridium saccharobutylicum DSM 13864. An efficient CS pretreatment procedure using BmimCl was developed, giving a glucose concentration of 18.7gL−1 using ten times recycled BmimCl, representing about 77% of that produced with fresh IL (24.2gL−1). Fermentation of hydrolysate I (pretreated by fresh IL) resulted in 7.4gL−1 butanol with a yield of 0.21ggtotal-sugar-1 and a productivity of 0.11gL−1h−1, while 7.9gL−1 butanol was achieved in fermentation using hydrolysate II (pretreated by ten times reused IL) with similar levels of acetone and ethanol, as well as yield and productivity. This study provides evidence for the efficient utilization of IL in CS pretreatment for biobutanol fermentation.
Display omitted
•A novel AIE-TADF photosensitizer was constructed based on triphenylamine and pyrazine.•The control of singlet oxygen and superoxide radical can be realized by using AIE-TADF molecule ...as photosensitizers.•The AIE-TADF can be used as photocatalysts for photocatalytic oxidation of phosphine and hydroazobenzenes in water.
Recently, there has been a great interest in the study of photocatalysts (PCs) and photosensitizers (PSs) in the field of organic photocatalysis. In the present study, a pure organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecule 4,4′-(12-(pyridin-4-yl)dibenzof,hpyrido2,3-bquinoxaline-3,6-diyl)bis(N,N-diphenylaniline) (DPQ-TPA) was designed and synthesized, which not only have excellent TADF property and small energy splitting (ΔEST), but also can self-assembly in water to form cross-linked nanoparticles with exceptional aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics. DPQ-TPA exhibits excellent remarkable selectivity and notably enhances the production capacity of reactive oxygen species (ROS), particularly 1O2, which was employed as a highly effective photocatalyst in the photooxidation reaction of phosphine and hydroazobenzenes under blue light irradiation with high yields up to 94% and 91%, respectively. This work expands the potential application of (donor-acceptor) D-A type AIE-TADF molecules in photocatalytic organic transformations through supramolecular self-assembly.
•Adult patients with epilepsy are at a high risk of suffering from anxiety and depression.•Caregivers’ anxiety and place of residence where adult patients with epilepsy live are definite independent ...predictors for anxiety and depression among adult patients with epilepsy.•Clinicians should be careful in closely monitoring the psychological status of adult patients with epilepsy and their caregivers, especially among adult patients with epilepsy who live in rural areas and whose caregivers are suffering from anxiety.
This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression and the possible contributions of the caregiver’s anxiety and depression, disease status, and socio-demographic characteristics to psychopathological comorbidities among adult patients with epilepsy.
A total of 262 participants (131 adult patient-caregiver pairs) were enrolled in this study. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A) were applied to evaluate the depression and anxiety status among adult patients with epilepsy and their caregivers, respectively. We collected caregivers’ anxiety and depression, patients’ sociodemographic characteristic data, and disease status as independent variables using stepwise multiple linear regression analysis that were correlated to the degree of anxiety and depression among these adult patients with epilepsy.
Among adult patients with epilepsy, 46 (35.11%) subjects showed anxiety symptoms (HAM-A scores > 6), and 48 (36.64%) had depression symptoms (HAM-D scores > 6). Caregivers’ anxiety levels and place of residence were significant independent predictors of both anxiety and depression levels among adult patients with epilepsy.
Adult patients with epilepsy are at a high risk of suffering from anxiety and depression. Caregivers’ anxiety and place of residence are definite independent predictors for anxiety and depression severity among adult patients with epilepsy. Therefore, clinicians should be careful in closely monitoring the psychological status of adult patients with epilepsy and their caregivers. Furthermore, the government and medical institutions should increase educational awareness about epilepsy and its cure, especially among adult patients with epilepsy who live in rural areas and consider offering a multidisciplinary management program to improve these patients' psychological status.
