A simple electrophoretic deposition method was developed to prepare graphene oxide (GO) films on the frameworks of nickel foam without any conductive agents and polymer binders. Then, GO was ...transformed into thermally-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) at an appropriate temperature. The effects of deposition voltage and thermal reduction temperature on the electrochemical properties of RGO were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge. The appropriate combination of deposition voltage and thermal reduction temperature was established. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, differential thermal analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry were applied to validate the results, which showed that the highest specific capacitance of RGO was obtained when the deposition voltage was 60 V and the thermal reduction temperature was 300 °C. The specific capacitance values calculated by CV and galvanostatic charge/discharge were 139 F·g
(0.005 V·s
) and 151 F·g
(1 A·g
), respectively. The specific capacitance of RGO maintained 55% and 66% of the initial value when the scan rate and the current density were increased up to 0.3 V·s
and 10 A·g
, respectively. RGO also displayed an excellent cycling stability by maintaining 98% of the initial specific capacitance after 500 cycles.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has the potential to be used for bone regeneration. However, its effect on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) and its effect on ...cell autophagy of hPDLSCs remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of PRP on cell viability and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs and the underlying molecular mechanisms.
hPDLSCs were isolated and identified by morphology and flow cytometry analysis. Next, thrombin-activated PRP was used to stimulate hPDLSCs. The MTT assay was used to analyze cell viability. Osteogenic differentiation was investigated using alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, alizarin red S (ARS) staining, and gene expression analysis of osteogenic markers. Expression of the autophagic proteins was determined using western blotting.
Thrombin-activated PRP significantly enhanced cell viability, ALP activity, osteogenic-related mRNA levels and alizarin red-mineralization activity in hPDLSCs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, activated PRP dose-dependently increased LC3-II/I ratio and the expression of SIRT1 and Beclin-1. PRP treatment also enhanced the autophagic flux. It was also demonstrated that the inhibition of SIRT1 using sirtinol or suppression of autophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) abrogated PRP-induced viability and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs.
Our study suggested that thrombin-activated PRP accelerated the viability and osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs via SIRT1-mediated autophagy induction.
The nucleation and growth mechanisms of porous MnO₂ coating deposited on graphite in MnSO₄ solution were investigated in detail by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry and scanning electron ...microscopy. The electrochemical properties of honeycomb-like MnO₂ were evaluated by cycle voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge. Results indicated that MnO₂ was synthesized by the following steps: Mn
→ Mn
+ e⁻, Mn
+2H2O → MnOOH + 3H⁺, and MnOOH → MnO₂ + H⁺+ e⁻. The deposition of MnO₂ was divided into four stages. A short incubation period (approximately 1.5 s) was observed, prior to nucleation. The decreasing trend of the current slowed as time increased due to nucleation and MnO₂ growth in the second stage. A huge number of nuclei were formed by instantaneous nucleation, and these nuclei grew and connected with one another at an exceedingly short time (0.5 s). In the third stage, the gaps in-between initial graphite flakes were filled with MnO₂ until the morphology of the flakes gradually became similar to that of the MnO₂-deposited layer. In the fourth stage, the graphite electrode was covered completely with a thick and dense layer of MnO₂ deposits. All MnO₂ electrodes at different deposition times obtained nearly the same specific capacitance of approximately 186 F/g, thus indicating that the specific capacitance of the electrodes is not related with deposition time.
Background Rhinoviruses are the major cause of asthma exacerbations. Previous studies suggest that primary bronchial epithelial cells (PBECs) from asthmatic subjects are more susceptible to ...rhinovirus infection because of deficient IFN-β production. Although augmenting the innate immune response might provide a novel approach for treatment of virus-induced asthma exacerbations, the potential of IFN-β to modulate antiviral and proinflammatory responses in asthmatic epithelium is poorly characterized. Objectives We sought to compare responses of PBECs from nonasthmatic and asthmatic subjects to exogenous IFN-β and test the inflammatory effects of IFN-β in response to rhinovirus infection. Methods PBECs were treated with IFN-β and infected with a low inoculum of human rhinovirus serotype 1B to simulate a natural viral infection. Expression of interferon-responsive genes and inflammatory responses were analyzed by using reverse transcription–quantitative real-time PCR, cytometric bead arrays, or both; viral titers were assessed by using the 50% tissue culture infection dose. Results Expression of IFN-β–stimulated antiviral genes was comparable in PBECs from nonasthmatic or asthmatic donors. Exogenous IFN-β significantly protected PBECs from asthmatic donors against rhinovirus infection by suppressing viral replication. Interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), RANTES, and IL-6 release in response to rhinovirus infection was triggered only in PBECs from asthmatic donors. Although exogenous IFN-β alone stimulated some release of IP-10 (but not IL-6 or RANTES), it significantly reduced rhinovirus-induced IP-10, RANTES, and IL-6 expression when tested in combination with rhinovirus. Conclusions PBECs from asthmatic donors have a normal antiviral response to exogenous IFN-β. The ability of IFN-β to suppress viral replication suggests that it might limit virus-induced exacerbations by shortening the duration of the inflammatory response.
In this study,
,
and
were made into a probiotic complex (PC). The PC was supplemented in AA+ male broilers' diets to investigate the effects of PC on broiler growth performance, carcass traits, blood ...indicators, harmful gas emissions in feces and microbiota. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old AA+ male broilers with an average initial body weight (data) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments of 6 replicates each, with 20 birds per replicate. The control group (T0) was fed a basal diet, while the test groups (T1 and T2) were supplemented with 0.025 and 0.05% PC in the basal diet, respectively. The trail was 42 days. The results showed that the supplementation of 0.05% PC significantly (
< 0.05) improved average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers from 22 to 42 days and 1-42 days. Compared to the control group, the breast rate was significantly higher in T2, and the thymic index was significantly higher than that in T1 treatment (
< 0.05). The addition of PC had no significant effects on antibody potency in broiler serum (
> 0.05), but significantly increased albumin and total protein content in serum (
< 0.05). The addition of PC reduced H
S and NH
emissions in the feces; the levels of
and
in the feces were significantly reduced and the levels of
were increased. And the most significant results were achieved when PC was added at 0.05%. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation (
< 0.05) between the levels of
and
and the emissions of H
S and NH
. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with a 0.05% probiotic complex could improve the growth performance of broilers and also reduced fecal H
S and NH
emissions, as well as fecal levels of
and
, and increased levels of
. Thus, PC made by
,
and
is expected to be an alternative to antibiotics. And based on the results of this trial, the recommended dose for use in on-farm production was 0.05%.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNps) are well established antibacterial agents, which have been reported to promote osteogenesis of stem cells. Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) and Tafazzin (TAZ) have ...been recently shown to be involved in osteogenic differentiation. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of AgNps on osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (HPDLFs), and investigate the underlying mechanisms of AgNps activity. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was employed to determine the safe concentration of AgNps in HPDLFs. Using an alkaline phosphatase assay, Alizarin red S staining and detection of the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteocalcin (OCN), osterix (OSX), and collagen‐I, we found that AgNps, at a concentration range of 25–100 μM, promoted osteogenic differentiation of HPDLFs in a dose‐dependent manner. We also found that 100 μM AgNps up‐regulated the active RhoA expression level. The results of ALP activity and expression of osteogenic markers showed that the effects of AgNps on osteogenic differentiation were abrogated by a RhoA pathway inhibitor, C3 reagent. Additionally, silencing of TAZ attenuated the AgNps‐induced osteogenic differentiation of HPDLFs, as shown by decreased ALP activity and down‐regulation of osteogenic markers. Interestingly, TAZ knockdown had a very small effect on the activity of RhoA, whereas C3 suppressed the expression of TAZ, indicating that TAZ was a downstream effector of RhoA. In conclusion, the present work demonstrated that AgNps promoted osteogenic differentiation of HPDLFs by activating the RhoA–TAZ axis.
Introduction
Ganmai Dazao Decoction is a traditional Chinese recipe, and is composed of licorice, floating wheat, and jujube.
Methods
Effects of lactic acid bacteria fermentation on the ...physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, and γ-aminobutyric acid of Ganmai Dazao Decoction were studied. The changes of small and medium molecules in Ganmai Dazao Decoction before and after fermentation were determined by LC–MS non-targeted metabolomics.
Results
The results showed that the contents of lactic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, and total phenol content increased significantly, DPPH free radical clearance and hydroxyl free radical clearance were significantly increased. γ-aminobutyric acid content was 12.06% higher after fermentation than before fermentation. A total of 553 differential metabolites were detected and identified from the Ganmai Dazao Decoction before and after fermentation by partial least squares discrimination and VIP analysis.
Discussion
Among the top 30 differential metabolites with VIP values, the content of five functional substances increased significantly. Our results showed that lactic acid bacteria fermentation of Ganmai Dazao Decoction improves its antioxidant effects and that fermentation of Ganmai Dazao Decoction with lactic acid bacteria is an innovative approach that improves the health-promoting ingredients of Ganmai Dazao Decoction.
subsp.
L1 was previously isolated from sweet potato sour liquid. This bacterial species specifically binds onto starch granular surfaces, triggering the enzymatic hydrolysis of raw starch. We ...investigated the functional and safety properties of strain L1
to establish its probiotic potential, and analyzed its effect on growth performance and intestinal microflora of chicken in feeding experiments. The optimal growth conditions of strain L1 included low pH and high concentrations of bile salts and NaCl. Its 1-, 2-, and 24-h autoaggregation values were 15.8 ± 1.2%, 20.4 ± 2.3%, and 47.2 ± 0.8%, respectively, with the surface hydrophobicity value at 560 nm of 38.1 ± 2.7%. Further, its adhesion rate to Caco-2 cells was 22.37 ± 1.44%. Strain L1 was resistant to erythromycin and azithromycin, but sensitive to other antibiotics tested. For the feeding experiments, 240 chickens with similar weights were randomly divided into a control (C) group and strain L1 (L) group and fed for 8 weeks. Strain L1 promoted the weight gain of chickens in L group. A significant increase in the population size of the two phyla and 23 genera in the small intestine was observed in the presence of strain L1 (
< 0.05), with 0 phyla and 4 genera showing significant increase in the cecum (
< 0.05). In the small intestine, the abundance of six functional genes at Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) level 2 and 49 genes at KEGG level 3 was significantly increased in group L (
< 0.05), with lesser changes noted in the cecum. An increase in the metabolic pathway functions, including enzyme families and the digestive system, was observed in the intestinal microbiota in the L group compared to the C group. However, the other metabolic pathway functions, including metabolism of fatty acid biosynthesis, as well as metabolism of glycerolipids and propanoate, increased in the cecal microbiota of the L group relative to the C group. These changes are most likely related to the changes in the gut microbiota composition. Collectively, strain L1 supplementation may promote growth performance and improve the intestinal microflora in chicken although further studies are needed to confirm this.
Porous MnO₂ was uniformly electrodeposited on nickel foam in MnSO₄ solution, which was applied as the electrode of supercapacitors. The nucleation/growth mechanisms of porous MnO₂ were investigated ...firstly. Then two kinds of electrochemical measuring technologies, corresponding to the cycle voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge, were adopted to assess the electrochemical performance of MnO₂ electrodes. The results demonstrated that the deposition of MnO₂ on nickel foam included four stages. Prior to the deposition, an extremely short incubation period of about 2 s was observed (the first stage). Then the exposed nickel foam was instantly covered by a large number of MnO₂ crystal nuclei and crystal nuclei connected with each other in a very short time of about 3 s (the second stage). Nucleation predominated in the second stage. The sharply rise of current was caused by the increase in substrate surface area which due to nucleation of MnO₂. Grain boundaries grew preferentially due to their high energy, accompanied with a honeycomb-like structure with the higher surface area was formed. However, accompanied with the electrochemical reactions gradually diffusion-controlled, the current presented the decline trend with increasing the time (the third stage). When the electrochemical reactions were completely diffusion-controlled, the porous MnO₂ coating with an approximately constant surface area was formed (the fourth stage). MnO₂ coatings deposited for different time (30, 60, 120, 300 s) exhibited a similar specific capacitance (CV: about 224 F/g; galvanostatic charge-discharge: about 264 F/g). Comparatively speaking, the value of MnO₂ deposited for 600 s was highest (CV: 270 F/g; galvanostatic charge-discharge: 400 F/g).
Tofu processing generates large quantities of whey as waste water. Although naturally fermented whey serves as a coagulant, the critical constituents remain unknown. High-throughput sequencing ...identified predominant
in the naturally fermented acid slurry.
YQ336 with high coagulating ability and lactic acid production was isolated and its soy protein coagulating mechanism was determined. The acid in YQ336 fermented acid slurry lowered soy milk pH and reduced negatively charged groups of denatured soy protein, leading to coagulation. Acid slurry metal ions also promoted pH decline; moreover, YQ336-produced protease might partially hydrolyse soy protein, further promoting coagulation. Thus, organic acids, metal ions, and enzymes together promote coagulation, with the former acting as the main contributing factor. This study will pave the way for future industrial application of
YQ336 in acid slurry tofu processing and food manufacturing, thereby potentially reducing resource waste and environmental pollution.
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