Structure,bioavailability and physicochemical properties of icariin-soymilk nanoparticle

Soymilk is a natural nanocarrier.However,the performance of flavonoid-soymilk nano-complex remains unclear.In this work,icariin-soymilk nano-complexes(ISNCs)were successfully fabricated and characterized.The effects of high-pressure homogenization(HPH)treatment on structure and physicochemical properties of soymilk and nano-complexes were investigated.HPH treatment could significantly improve the surface hydrophobicity and interfacial activity of soymilk.The soymilk with HPH treatment could significantly improve the water solubility(20 folds),thermal stability and bioavailability of icariin.The highest encapsulation efficiency(93.28%),loading capacity(39.09μg/mg),ζ-potentia(absolute value,31.20 mV)and bioavailability(72.14%)were observed in HSI-200(200 bar of homogenization pressure).While HSI-500(500 bar of homogenization pressure)showed the smallest particle size(183.73 nm).ISNCs showed a rougher surface and an irregular lamellar structure with large amount of fine particles by using Cryo-SEM,suggesting that icariin was encapsulated in soymilk.These data supplied a novel strategy to improve the performance of icariin in functional foods.

Arctic Sea Level Variability from Oceanic Reanalysis and Observations

Quantifying the contributions to Arctic sea level(ASL)variability is critical to understand how the Arctic is responsing to ongoing climate change.Here,we use Ocean Reanalysis System 5(ORAS5)reanalysis data and tide gauge and satellite altimetry observations to quantify contributions from different physical processes on the ASL variability.The ORAS5 reanalysis shows that the ASL is rising with a trend of 2.5±0.3 mm yr−1(95%confidence level)over 1979-2018,which can be attributed to four components:(i)the dominant component from the global sea level increase of 1.9±0.5 mm yr−1,explaining 69.7%of the total variance of the ASL time series;(ii)the Arctic Oscillation-induced mass redistribution between the deep central basin and shallow shelves,with no significant trend and explaining 6.3%of the total variance;(iii)the steric sea level increase centering on the Beaufort Gyre region with a trend of 0.5±0.1 mm yr−1 and explaining 29.1%of the total variance of the ASL time series;and(iv)the intrusion of Pacific water into the Arctic Ocean,with no significant trend and contributing 14.2%of the total ASL variability.Furthermore,the dramatic sea ice melting and the larger area of open water changes the impact of the large-scale atmospheric forcing on the ASL variability after 1995,and the ocean dynamic circulation plays a more important role in the ASL variability.

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi communities associated with wild plants in a coastal ecosystem

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF)form a near-ubiquitous mutualistic association with roots to help plants withstand harsh environments,and play a key role in the establishment of coastal beach plant communities.Yet little is known about the structure and composition of AMF communities on coastal beaches of eastern China.In this study,we investigated the occurrence,community composition and diversity of AMF associated with common wild plants on a coastal beach of North Jiangsu,China.Almost all of the local wild species were colonized by AMF except for Chenopodium album L.Thirty-seven AMF species were isolated from the rhizosphere belonging to 12 genera in seven families.Glomus was the dominant genus and Funneliformis mosseae the dominant species.The colonization,spore composition and diversity of AMF were strongly related to edaphic factors.Sodium(Na^(+))ions in the soil significantly and negatively affected the colonization rate by AMF and both soil Na^(+)levels and pH had a significant negative effect on AMF spore density and evenness.However,there was a significant positive correlation between species richness and total organic carbon.The results provide insights into soil factors affecting native AMF communities in coastal beach habitats which could benefit vegetation recovery and soil reclamation efforts.

QTL Mapping for Plant Height of Wheat under Different Irrigation Modes

In order to mine gene loci associated with drought resistance and water use efficiency, and provide guidance for the breeding of drought-resistant wheat varieties, quantitative trait loci （QTLs） for plant height （PH） and stem height （SH） of wheat were evaluated using a population of 302 recombinant inbred lines （RILs） derived from a cress between drought-tolerant cultivar Luohan 2 and water-sensitive cultivar Weimai 8 under different water regimes in six environments. Totally 17 additive QTLs for PH and SH were identified and distributed on chromosomes 2B, 3A, 3B, 4A, 5A, 5D, 6B, 7A and 7B, respectively, which explained 3.3% to 26.95% phenotypic variations, with additive effect of 1.919 6 to 5.382 8 cm. Among them, 14 QTLs, 24 times and 5 QTLs, 7 times were detected in three irrigation environments and three drought stress environments, respectively. Both the number of QTLs for PH and the times detected in drought stress environments were significantly less than those in irrigation environments. Of all the 17 QTLs for PH, 12 were detected only in irrigation environment, three QTLs were detected only in drought stress environment, and two QTLs were detected in both environments, suggesting that the expression of the genes is greatly influenced by en- vironmental condition. QPh-WL-7A. 3 detected between maker Xbarc049 and Xgwm273 on chromosome 7A in all the three drought stress environments, can enhance 2.481 5 - 3. 697 2 cm of PH, explain 8.6% - 10.0% additive effect, so it is useful for the genetic improvement of drought tolerance and molecular marker-assisted selection in wheat.

Research Progress on Genetic Breeding of Sweet Sorghum Related to Sugar Traits

Sweet sorghum is a crop with good application prospects, and the research on sweet sorghum breeding people should be strengthened. Based on this, the genetic content of QTLs(quantitative trait loci) for sugar traits in sweet sorghum was introduced, and the analysis content of the genetic breeding of sweet sorghum related to sugar traits was expounded, providing support for the cultivation of sweet sorghum with higher quality and the promotion of agricultural development in China.

育肥猪肠道疾病的特点与危害

育肥猪肠道疾病问题是当前规模化猪场最常见的问题之一,其病因复杂导致防控难度增加,常见发病原因分为病原性因素与非病原性因素两种。病原性因素如病毒、细菌、寄生虫等;非病原性因素如生产管理、饲料营养、应激等外部环境引起。在我国当前的养殖环境下,病原性因素引起的猪肠道疾病占据大多数,常见的导致育肥猪腹泻的疾病的病原微生物如细胞内劳森菌(引起猪回肠炎)、猪密螺旋体痢疾、大肠杆菌、沙门氏菌、寄生虫及部分病毒性疾病等的感染在我国的猪场广泛存在,这些病原微生物会导致育肥猪群发生急性或慢性消耗性腹泻,使育肥猪发生成活率降低、饲料报酬下降、生长速度减缓、僵猪和残次猪比例升高等情况,给生长育肥猪的正常生长和出栏造成了很大的危害。文章通过对育肥猪肠道疾病的发病原因、发病特点与危害以及防控等方面进行了简要的阐述,以供参考。

糖尿病预防研究的创举:大庆糖尿病预防研究36年回顾

糖尿病前期是血糖介于正常范围和糖尿病诊断标准之间的一类高血糖状态,该人群每年有5%~10%的风险会进展为糖尿病,终身患糖尿病的风险达70%.糖尿病是全球五大慢性病之一,每年造成近万亿美元的卫生支出.我国糖尿病患者数量和因糖尿病死亡数量均位居全球首位,且未来30年数量仍将增长,预防糖尿病刻不容缓.大庆糖尿病预防研究是世界上开始时间最早、干预时间和随访时间最长的通过改变生活方式预防糖尿病的随机对照研究,与美国糖尿病预防项目、芬兰糖尿病预防研究共同被誉为糖尿病一级预防领域的里程碑式研究,自1986年至今已有36年历史,首次提供通过改变生活方式可以预防糖尿病的强有力证据,并进一步证明生活方式干预在干预结束后能持续降低30年糖尿病发病风险和相关并发症(如视网膜病变、心血管疾病)及其死亡的发生风险,甚至延长1.44年的寿命,为糖尿病防控工作提供了科学证据.随着人口老龄化进程加快和人均预期寿命提高,糖尿病相关疾病负担日渐加重,学习和借鉴大庆糖尿病预防研究为应对当前糖尿病挑战具有重要意义.为此,本文对大庆糖尿病预防研究的时代背景、研究设计、主要成果和贡献做系统介绍与回顾,并对未来的糖尿病预防研究方向进行思考与展望.

超声造影定量参数联合对肺周围型病变良恶性的诊断价值

目的探索超声造影定量参数联合运用在肺周围型病变良恶性鉴别中的价值。方法选取2018年8月至2021年10月在安徽中医药大学第一附属医院可被超声探查的61例肺周围型病变患者,先行常规二维超声检查,记录病灶最长径线及内部回声情况。再行超声造影检查,获取病灶达峰时增强模式及造影定量参数。按照病理结果分为良性组(24例)和恶性组(37例)。先应用单因素分析对比2组间性别、年龄、病灶最长径线、二维超声(病灶内部回声)、超声造影增强模式及超声造影定量参数的差异,再将单因素分析中差异有统计学意义的各因素纳入二元Logistic回归模型进行分析并计算回归方程式,最后绘制预测肺周围型病变良恶性的受试者操作特征(ROC)曲线检验其诊断效能。结果单因素分析:2组患者性别、年龄、病灶最长径线、二维超声及超声造影增强模式方面比较,差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05);超声造影定量参数:与良性组比较,恶性组病灶初始增强时间增多[AT_(2):(13.78±2.30)s vs(11.17±1.79)s]、病灶与周围肺组织初始增强时间差大[T_(AT):(4.51±1.63)s vs(2.04±1.09)s]以及上升斜率大[(3.06±0.55)vs(2.77±0.40)],差异均具有统计学意义(t=4.724、6.118、2.151,P<0.001、<0.001、=0.036),周围肺组织初始增强时间、达峰时间以及下降斜率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P均>0.05)。Logistic回归模型显示,AT_(2)、T_(AT)与肺周围型病变的良恶性密切相关,Logit(P)=-12.224+0.542 X^(TA_(2))+1.005 X^(T_(AT))。绘制单因素AT_(2)、T_(AT)以及二者联合预测模型的ROC曲线,曲线下面积分别为0.825、0.880、0.919,其95%CI分别为0.719~0.931、0.782~0.978、0.848~0.990,其中多因素联合预测模型的曲线下面积最大。结论超声造影定量参数中AT_(2)和T_(AT)在肺周围型病变良恶性的鉴别方面具有一定的应用价值,二者联合应用诊断效能更高。

Novel LaFe_(2)O_(4)spinel structure with a large oxygen reduction response towards protonic ceramic fuel cell cathode

Highly active and stable electrocatalysts are mandatory for developing high-performance and longlasting fuel cells.The current study demonstrates a high oxygen reduction reaction(ORR)electrocatalytic activity of a novel spinel-structured LaFe_(2)O_(4)via a self-doping strategy.The LaFe_(2)O_(4)demonstrates excellent ORR activity in a protonic ceramic fuel cell(PCFC)at temperature range of 350-500℃.The high ORR activity of LaFe_(2)O_(4)is mainly attributed to the facile release of oxide and proton ions,and improved synergistic incorporation abilities associated with interplay of multivalent Fe^(3+)/Fe^(2+)and La^(3+)ions.Using LaFe_(2)O_(4)as cathode over proton conducting BaZr_(0.4)Ce_(0.4)Y_(0.2)O_(3)(BZCY)electrolyte,the fuel cell has delivered a high-power density of 806 mW/cm^(2)operating at 500℃.Different spectroscopic and calculations methods such as UV-visible,Raman,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory(DFT)calculations were performed to screen the potential application of LaFe_(2)O_(4)as cathode.This study would help in developing functional cobalt-free ORR electrocatalysts for low temperature-PCFCs(LT-PCFCs)and solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs)applications.

Carrier-free nanoprodrug for p53-mutated tumor therapy via concurrent delivery of zinc-manganese dual ions and ROS

Human cancers typically express a high level of tumor-promoting mutant p53 protein(Mutp53)with a minimal level of tumor-suppressing wild-type p53 protein(WTp53).In this regard,inducing Mutp53 degradation while activating WTp53 is a viable strategy for precise anti-tumor therapy.Herein,a new carrier-free nanoprodrug(i.e.,Mn-ZnO_(2)nanoparticles)was developed for concurrent delivery of dual Zn-Mn ions and reactive oxygen species(ROS)within tumor to regulate the p53 protein for high anti-tumor efficacy.In response to the mild tumor acidic environment,the released Zn^(2+)and H_(2)O_(2)from Mn-ZnO_(2)NPs induced ubiquitination-mediated proteasomal degradation of Mutp53,while the liberative Mn^(2+)and increased ROS level activated the ATM-p53-Bax pathway to elevate WTp53 level.Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated that pH-responsive decomposition of Mn-ZnO2 NPs could effectively elevate the intracellular dual Zn-Mn ions and ROS level and subsequently generate the cytotoxic hydroxyl radical(·OH)through the Fenton-like reaction.With the integration of multiple functions(i.e.,carrier-free ion and ROS delivery,tumor accumulation,p53 protein modulation,toxic·OH generation,and pH-activated MRI contrast)in a single nanosystem,Mn-ZnO_(2)NPs demonstrate its superiority as a promising nanotherapeutics for p53-mutated tumor therapy.

Nanomaterials disrupting cell-cell junctions towards various diseases

As the continuous development of the industrial revolution,nanomaterials with excellent characteristics have been widely applied in various fields,greatly increasing the probability of human exposure to nanomaterials and the concerns about the potential nanotoxicity.Existing studies have shown that the toxicity of nanomaterials may be closely related to oxidative stress,inflammatory response,phagocytosis dysfunction,DNA damage,etc.Based on our focus,nanomaterials may cross the human barrier through various channels and disrupt various cell-cell junctions,while the integrity of cellular barrier is a necessary for the normal physiological function of various organs.However,until now,there is still a lack of systematic discussion in this field.This review illustrates the importance of cell-cell junctions in maintaining various organ functions and highlights the mechanism of various nanomaterials disrupt cell-cell junctions,as well as the possible damage to various organs,such as brain,eye,lung,breast,intestine,placenta,testis,heart,liver,kidney,skin,etc.Awareness of the potential negative effects of nanomaterials will help scientists deeply understand the limitations of nanotechnology,inspiring them to develop safer and more efficient nanomaterials for future personalized nanomedicine.

Effect of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on the Growth, Development, and Stem Cells of Offspring

The effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on offspring include macrosomia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, cardiovascular disease, neural and mental injury, etc. The effects of GDM on the health status of offspring are sustained although pregnancy has ended. It has been proposed that fetal reprogramming causes long-term consequences to metabolic health in offspring. An intrauterine high-glucose environment may lead to changes in the multi-differentiation proficiency of intracorporal stem cells, showing decreased proliferation and osteogenic ability, increased adipogenic ability, accelerated apoptosis, and occurrence of premature failure. This environment also reduces the mobilization of bone marrow stem cells, whereas it increases that of medullary cells. This results in pro-inflammatory conditions and sustained inflammation in the body, thereby increasing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular and neurological disorders, and metabolic abnormalities. Stem cells derived from the amniotic membrane, umbilical cord, or placenta may be a reliable predictor of the long-term effects of GDM on offspring. The levels of blood glucose during pregnancy should be effectively controlled to reduce harm to the neonate.

非糖尿病人群胰岛素抵抗水平与远期全因死亡风险的相关性研究——大庆糖尿病预防30年随访研究

目的探讨在非糖尿病人群中胰岛素抵抗与全因死亡的关联。方法纳入1986年大庆市经75g口服葡萄糖耐量试验(OGTT)确定的505例非糖尿病受试者(糖耐量减低307例, 糖耐量正常198例)。基于基线75g OGTT计算稳态模型法评估的胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)和Matsuda 胰岛素抵抗指数(Matsuda-IR)。全体受试者按照HOMA-IR水平从低到高分为3个亚组, 定义为HOMA-IR 0组、HOMA-IR 1组和HOMA-IR 2组, 分析胰岛素抵抗和30年随访期间死亡率的相关性。结果 30年随访期间该人群有186例(HOMA-IR 0组52例, HOMA-IR 1组56例, HOMA-IR 2组78例)死亡。调整年龄、性别和吸烟因素影响后, 受试者HOMA-IR最高的HOMA-IR 2组比最低的HOMA-IR 0组的死亡风险增加97%(HR=1.97, 95%CI 1.38~2.81, P<0.001)。Cox模型分析显示, 调整了年龄、性别、吸烟、心血管疾病史、体重指数、收缩压、糖负荷后2h血糖及总胆固醇诸因素后, HOMA-IR增加一个标准差, 全因死亡风险增加22%(HR=1.22, 95%CI 1.08~1.39, P=0.002)。用Matsuda-IR验证的结果与HOMA-IR一致。结论在非糖尿病人群中, 胰岛素抵抗与全因死亡风险增加显著相关。提示改善胰岛素抵抗可能有益于降低该人群远期的全因死亡风险。

The impact of income on household CO_2 emissions in China based on a large sample survey

Since reform and opening-up, China's energy consumption has been soaring largely due to the country's rapid economic development and urbanization [1]. As a result, C02 emissions from the household sector have been rapidly increasing [2]. China—now the second largest global economy and the largest C02 emitter [3]—has been making efforts to aggressively reduce C02 emissions and protect the environment. In line with the Paris Climate Change Agreement, China submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and pledged to achieve peak C02 emissions by 2030.

Recent advances in targeted stimuli-responsive nano-based drug delivery systems combating atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis(AS), mainly caused by the changed immune system functions and inflammation, is the central pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death in the world. In modern medicine, the development of carriers precisely delivering the therapeutic agents to the target sites is the primary goal, which could minimize the potential adverse effects and be more effective in treating lesions. Due to the precise location, real-time monitoring, AS microenvironment response, and low toxicity, stimuli-responsive nano-based drug delivery systems(NDDSs) have been a promising approach in AS treatments. Herein, we will systematically summarize the recent advances in stimuli-responsive NDDSs for AS treatment, including internal stimuli(reactive oxygen species, enzyme, shear stress, and pH) and external stimuli(light, ultrasound, and magnetism) responsive NDDSs. Besides, we will also summarize in detail the classification of stimuli-responsive NDDSs for AS, such as organic NDDSs(e.g., lipid-based and polymer-based nanomaterials), inorganic NDDSs(e.g., metal-based nanoparticles and nonmetallic nanomaterials), and composite multifunctional NDDSs. Finally, the critical challenges and prospects of this field will also be proposed and discussed.

Identification of differentially expressed genes and signaling pathways in neutrophils during sepsis-induced immunosuppression via bioinformatics analysis

To the Editor:Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.Sepsis deeply perturbs immune homeostasis,and impairs innate and adaptive immunity by directly altering the lifespan,production,and function of the effector cells responsibie for homeostasis.

Complex effects of different types of acid rain on root growth of Quercus acutissima and Cunninghamia lanceolata saplings

Background:Soil acidification caused by acid rain(AR)can damage plant roots,which in turn negatively impacts plant health.In response to changing AR types,research efforts to elucidate their specific impacts on plants have become intense.Methods:For this study,we investigated the effects of simulated sulfuric,nitric,and mixed AR on the root systems of Quercus acutissima Carr.and Cunninghamia lanceolata(Lamb.)Hook.under different acidity levels.Results:As the AR S/N ratio and pH decreased,the height growth rate(HGR),basal diameter growth rate(DGR),total root length(TRL)and total root surface area(TRS)of C.lanceolata decreased,whereas the TRL and TRS of Q.acutissima remained the same.When the NO_(3)^(−)concentration in AR was increased,the root activity,superoxide dismutase(SOD)and catalase(CAT)activities of C.lanceolata roots revealed a downward trend;however,the root activity of Q.acutissima and the peroxidase(POD)activity of C.lanceolata roots revealed an upward trend.Further,redundant analysis and structural equation models indicated that AR pH had a greater impact on the HGR of Q.acutissima than that of C.lanceolata,while the impact of the AR S/N ratio on C.lanceolata growth rates was greater than that of Q.acutissima.Conclusions:Our results suggested that the root systems of different tree species had variable responses to AR,and the AR S/N ratio was an important factor affecting plant root growth.This might facilitate new strategies for the culti‑vation and protection of plantations in the future.

Optimal Power Allocation for Parallel Grid-Connected Inverters Based on Lagrangian Function Method

Two parallel grid-connected inverters can increase system capacitance effectively.In order to exert maximum efficiency of parallel grid-connected inverters,an optimal power allocation(OPA)method is proposed.Firstly,the power model of every inverter is established.Compared with the equal power allocation(EPA)method,theoretically,higher overall system efficiency can be achieved with the OPA method.Secondly,the overall system efficiency can be calculated with easily measurable electric parameters,and the online optimization realized by adopting an existing method,such as the hill-climbing method.Lastly,the feasibility of the OPA method is verified by simulation and experimentation.