Natural foods,such as whole pulses,are recommended in the dietary guidelines of the US and China.The plant cell wall structure in whole pulses has important implications for the nutritional functionalities of starch.I...Natural foods,such as whole pulses,are recommended in the dietary guidelines of the US and China.The plant cell wall structure in whole pulses has important implications for the nutritional functionalities of starch.In this study,garbanzo bean cells with varying degrees of cell wall integrity were subjected to dry heat treatment(DHT)and used to elucidate the food structure-starch digestion properties of pulse food.The morphological features suggested that all cell samples do not exhibit remarkable changes after being subjected to DHT.Molecular rearrangement and the crystallite disruption of starch granules entrapped in cells occurred during DHT as assessed by the crystal structure and thermal properties.DHT decreased the inhibitory effects of enzymes of both the soluble and insoluble components,but the digestion rate and extent of slightly and highly damaged cell samples did not exhibit significant differences compared with their native counterparts.We concluded that the starch digestion of pulse cotyledon cells is primarily determined by the intactness of the cellular structure.This study reveals the role of food structure on the ability to retain the desirable nutritional properties of starch after subjection to physical modification.展开更多
Pathological dry skin is a disturbing and intractable healthcare burden,characterized by epithelial hyperplasia and severe itch.Atopic dermatitis(AD)and psoriasis models with complications of dry skin have been studie...Pathological dry skin is a disturbing and intractable healthcare burden,characterized by epithelial hyperplasia and severe itch.Atopic dermatitis(AD)and psoriasis models with complications of dry skin have been studied using single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq).However,scRNA-seq analysis of the dry skin mouse model(acetone/ether/water(AEW)-treated model)is still lacking.Here,we used scRNA-seq and in situ hybridization to identify a novel proliferative basal cell(PBC)state that exclusively expresses transcription factor CUT-like homeobox 1(Cux1).Further in vitro study demonstrated that Cux1 is vital for keratinocyte proliferation by regulating a series of cyclin-dependent kinases(CDKs)and cyclins.Clinically,Cux1+PBCs were increased in patients with psoriasis,suggesting that Cux1+PBCs play an important part in epidermal hyperplasia.This study presents a systematic knowledge of the transcriptomic changes in a chronic dry skin mouse model,as well as a potential therapeutic target against dry skin-related dermatoses.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the role of bone marrow-derived stem cells in the treatment of advanced dry age-related macular degeneration(AMD)using multifocal electroretinogram(mf-ERG)and fundus autofluorescence imaging.METH...AIM:To evaluate the role of bone marrow-derived stem cells in the treatment of advanced dry age-related macular degeneration(AMD)using multifocal electroretinogram(mf-ERG)and fundus autofluorescence imaging.METHODS:Thirty patients(60 eyes)with bilateral central geographic atrophy(GA)were recruited.Worse eye of each patient received autologous bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells(BM-HSCs)(group 1)and the fellow eye with better visual acuity served as control(group2).The effect of stem cell therapy was determined in terms of visual acuity,amplitude and implicit time in mf-ERG and size of GA on fundus autofluorescence imaging.These tests were performed at presentation and first,third and sixth month follow up.Adverse events(if any)were also monitored.RESULTS:At 6mo follow-up there was no statistically significant improvement in median log MAR best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)in either group.Mf-ERG revealed significant improvement in amplitude and implicit time in the intervention group.A significant decrease was also noted in greatest linear dimension(GLD)of GA in the eyes receiving stem cells[6.78±2.60 mm at baseline to 6.56±2.59 mm at 6mo(P=0.021)].However,no such improvement was noted in the control group.CONCLUSION:Electrophysiological and anatomical improvement in the intervention group sheds light on the therapeutic role of BM-HSCs.Further studies are required to determine the stage of disease at which the maximal benefit can be achieved and to standardize the dose andfrequency of stem cell injection.展开更多
Chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 are indispensable co-receptors for HIV-1 entry into host cells. In our previous study, we identified that dopamine receptor-interacting protein 78(DRi P78) and Na+-H+ exchanger r...Chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 are indispensable co-receptors for HIV-1 entry into host cells. In our previous study, we identified that dopamine receptor-interacting protein 78(DRi P78) and Na+-H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1(NHERF1) are the CXCR4 and CCR5 homo- or hetero-dimerinteracting proteins. DRi P78 and NHERF1 are able to influence the co-receptor internalization and intracellular trafficking. Over-expression of NHERF1 affects the ligands or HIV-1 gp120-induced CCR5 internalization and HIV-1 production. It is reasonable to speculate that DRi P78 and NHERF1, as well as the signaling pathways involved in viral replication, would probably affect HIV-1 replication through regulating the co-receptors. In this present study, we designed two short hairpin RNAs(sh RNAs) targeting the DRi P78 and NHERF1, respectively, and constructed the p Lenti6/BLOCK-i T-DEST lentiviral plasmids expressing DRi P78 or NHERF1 sh RNA. The packaged lentiviruses were used to transduce the widely-applied HIV-1 model cell line GHOST(3). Then, cells with stable knockdown were established through selecting transduced cells with Blasticidin. This study, for the first time, reported the establishment of the GHOST(3) with DRi P78 and NHERF1 knockdown, which is the first stable cell line with HIV-1 co-receptor-interacting molecular defects.展开更多
Objective: Skin dryness is a characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis model mice. A previous study reported that the stress hormone glucocorticoid (i.e., corticosterone) is related to the induction of dry skin in arthri...Objective: Skin dryness is a characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis model mice. A previous study reported that the stress hormone glucocorticoid (i.e., corticosterone) is related to the induction of dry skin in arthritic mice. However, the mechanism through which stress induces dry skin in these mice is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we examined the relationship between stress and induction of dry skin in arthritic mice. Methods: Physical stress load in mice with DBA/1JJmsSlc collagen-induced arthritis was treated with water immersion stress, and transepidermal water loss and the expression of markers associated with allergic reactions and inflammation was evaluated. Results: Deterioration of skin dryness was observed in stressed arthritic mice compared with that in unstressed arthritic mice. Moreover, plasma levels of interleukin-6 and corticosterone were increased in stressed arthritic mice compared with those in unstressed arthritic mice. We also observed decreased regulatory T cell numbers and increased T helper type 2 cell numbers in the thymus of stressed arthritic mice compared with those in unstressed arthritic mice. Conclusion: These results suggested that abnormalities in the immune system were related to deterioration of dry skin in stressed arthritic mice. Thus, reduction of stress may prevent deterioration of dry skin in mice with arthritis.展开更多
The most common method of shipping cells between institutes and companies is sending them frozen, usually treated with anti-freeze solution (most commonly DMSO because it is less toxic than many alternatives), and the...The most common method of shipping cells between institutes and companies is sending them frozen, usually treated with anti-freeze solution (most commonly DMSO because it is less toxic than many alternatives), and then packaging them in dry ice for shipment. However many countries place restrictions on dry ice shipments. An alternative to shipping frozen cell vials is to send flasks of growing cells in media. This also has problems because cells in media have limited viability and the flasks can leak. Here we report on an alternative method for shipping viable cells at ambient temperature without dry ice or in media filled flasks. In this study we report on the development and properties of HemSol?. This is an inexpensive, eco-friendly and protects cell integrity at ambient temperature while maintaining viability. We have previously shown that HemSol? protects platelet and RBC function in cold storage and circulating tumor cells up to 6 days. Therefore we wanted to know if HemSol? could also be used to transport live cells. Since HemSol? is a liquid, we experimented with encasing the cells with HemSol? and gelatin so as to prevent dry ice shipment of cells and circumvent the shipping of cells in media. We performed mock shipping experiments where cells were stored in HemSol? gel kept at room temperature on a lab benchtop and cells stored in dry ice was also kept on lab benchtop for up to 2 days. After the mock shipping period, we analyzed cells for their functions. Our results show that cells in HemSol? gel have greater than 95% viability and restored biological functions in 2 hours, whereas, cells shipped in dry ice required more than 24 hours to recover and needed media change to remove the DMSO.展开更多
BaCe_(0.8)Fe_(0.1)Ni_(0.1)O_(3−δ)(BCFN)in a perovskite structure is impregnated consecutively by BCFN solution and BCFN suspension into a phase-inversion prepared NiO–Gd_(0.1)Ce_(0.9)O_(2−δ)(GDC)scaffold as an anod...BaCe_(0.8)Fe_(0.1)Ni_(0.1)O_(3−δ)(BCFN)in a perovskite structure is impregnated consecutively by BCFN solution and BCFN suspension into a phase-inversion prepared NiO–Gd_(0.1)Ce_(0.9)O_(2−δ)(GDC)scaffold as an anode for solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs)with on-cell dry reforming of methane(DRM).The whole pore surface of the scaffold is covered by small BCFN particles formed by BCFN solution impregnation;the large pores near the scaffold surface are filled by BCFN aerogels with a high specific surface area produced by BCFN suspension impregnation,which act as a catalytic layer for on-cell DRM.After reduction,the anode consists of a Ni–GDC scaffold and BCFN particles with exsolved FeNi3 nanoparticles.This BCFN-impregnated Ni–GDC anode has higher electrical conductivity,electrochemical activity,and resistance to carbon deposition,with which the cell shows maximum power densities between 1.44 and 0.92 W·cm^(−2) when using H_(2) and between 1.09 and 0.50 W·cm^(−2) when using CO_(2)–CH_(4) at temperatures ranging from 750 to 600℃.A stable performance at 400 mA·cm^(−2) and 700℃is achieved using 45%CO_(2)–45%CH_(4)–10%N_(2) for more than 400 h without carbon deposition,benefiting from the impregnated BCFN aerogel with a high specific surface area and water adsorbability.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and bone grafts using two different cultivation methods:static and dynamic.METHODS:MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow.MSC culture was analyz...AIM:To investigate the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and bone grafts using two different cultivation methods:static and dynamic.METHODS:MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow.MSC culture was analyzed according to the morphology,cell differentiation potential,and surface molecular markers.Before cell culture,freeze-dried bone(FDB) was maintained in culture for 3 d in order to verify culture medium pH.MSCs were co-cultured with FDB using two different cultivation methods:static co-culture(two-dimensional) and dynamic co-culture(threedimensional).After 24 h of cultivation by dynamic or static methods,histological analysis of Cell adhesion on FDB was performed.Cell viability was assessed by the Trypan Blue exclusion method on days 0,3 and 6 after dynamic or static culture.Adherent cells were detached from FDB surface,stained with Trypan Blue,and quantified to determine whether the cells remained on the graft surface in prolonged non-dynamic culture.Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS and a P 【 0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS:The results showed a clear potential for adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSC cultures.Rat MSCs were positive for CD44,CD90 and CD29 and negative for CD34,CD45 and CD11bc.FDBs were maintained in culture for 3 d and the results showed there was no significant variation in the culture medium pH with FDB compared to pure medium pH(P 】 0.05).In histological analysis,there was a significant difference in the amount of adhered cells on FDB between the two cultivation methods(P 【 0.05).The MSCs in the dynamic co-culture method demonstrated greater adhesion on the bone surface than in static co-culture method.On day 0,the cell viability in the dynamic system was significantly higher than in the static system(P 【 0.05).There was a statistical difference in cell viability between days 0,3 and 6 after dynamic culture(P 【 0.05).In static culture,cell viability on day 6 was significantly lower than on day 3 and 0(P 【 0.05).CONCLUSION:An alternative cultivation method was developed to improve the MSCs adhesion on FDB,demonstrating that dynamic co-culture provides a superior environment over static conditions.展开更多
This paper studies the self-organization of the polymer in solar cells based on poly(3-hexylthiophene): [6, 6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester by controlling the growth rate of active layer. These blend films ...This paper studies the self-organization of the polymer in solar cells based on poly(3-hexylthiophene): [6, 6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester by controlling the growth rate of active layer. These blend films are characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, charge-transport dark J - V curve, x-ray diffraction pattern curve, and atomic force microscopy. The results indicate that slowing down the drying process of the wet films leads to an enhanced selforganization, which causes an increased hole transport. Increased incident light absorption, higher carrier mobility, and balanced carrier transport in the active layer explain the enhancement in the device performance, the power conversion efficiency of 3.43% and fill factor up to 64.6% are achieved under Air Mass 1.5, 100 mW/cm^2.展开更多
An in situ measurement setup is established to investigate the photoinduced degradation effects in a controllable inert gas ambient environment for the two different microstructures of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT...An in situ measurement setup is established to investigate the photoinduced degradation effects in a controllable inert gas ambient environment for the two different microstructures of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61- butyricacid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells. The two devices are fabricated with the solvent vapor drying process followed by a thermal annealing (vapor drying device) and only a normal thermal annealing process (control device), respectively. Their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and aging features are compared. Their different degradation behaviors in light absorption are confirmed. In addition, irradiation-induced changes in both nanostructure and surface morphology of the P3HT:PCBM blend films treated with two different fabrication processes are observed through scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Aggregated bulbs are observed at the surfaces for control devices after light irradiation for 50 h, while the vapor drying devices exhibit smooth film surfaces, and the corresponding device features are not easy to degrade under the aging measurement. Thus the devices having solvent vapor drying and thermal annealing show better device stabilities than those having only the thermal annealing process.展开更多
The design of the catalyst layer(CL)offers a feasible way to realize the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs).An in-depth understanding of catalyst inks is critical to achieving the optimal...The design of the catalyst layer(CL)offers a feasible way to realize the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs).An in-depth understanding of catalyst inks is critical to achieving the optimal CL structure and cell performance.In this work,the effects of the solvent evaporation process during ink drying on the formation of the CL microstructure are particularly considered to reveal the structure-property correlations among the catalyst ink,drying process,CL microstructure and fuel cell performance.An increase in the alcohol content of the catalyst ink increases the amount of free ionomers while allowing the ionomer backbone to be more stretched in the dispersion medium.The higher alcohol content contributes to rapid solvent evaporation and thus inhibits the formation of coffee rings;as a result,a more developed ionomer network with a denser pore structure is obtained.Therefore,the alcohol-rich electrode exhibits better proton conduction capability,but higher oxygen transport resistance.For complex fuel cell operating conditions,a catalyst ink formulation with 50 wt%alcohol content is preferred due to its proper ionomer and pore size distribution,providing satisfactory fuel cell performance.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the incidence and severity of ocular graft versus host disease(o GVHD) in patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplant(SCT) in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Saudi Arabia.METHODS: This is a r...AIM: To evaluate the incidence and severity of ocular graft versus host disease(o GVHD) in patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplant(SCT) in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Saudi Arabia.METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in King Abdul Aziz Medical City on patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant(allo-HCT) from 2010 to 2017. The ocular examination findings including visual acuity, meibomian gland dysfunction, corneal and conjunctival staining with severity, corneal scarring, tear film meniscus and breakup time, anterior and posterior segment examination findings, intraocular pressure, treatment given, punctual plugs used or not, and follow up response were collected.RESULTS: The five years cumulative incidence of o GVHD among post-transplant patients was 56.98%(95%CI 38.6%-71.7%). The potential risk factors assessed for developing ocular manifestation were age, gender, donor’s age, donor gender mismatch CD3 and CD34 infusion, while none of the correlates were identified as statistically significant risk factors of developing ocular manifestation. However, the incidence was statistically significantly different betweenpatients diagnosed with acute myelocytic leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia(P=0.038). The mean latent period to develop ocular symptoms was 20.5 mo. All patients had variable degree of dry eyes. None of the patients developed any posterior segment complication.CONCLUSION: The incidence of o GVHD is low in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City. This can be attributed to the preconditioning and immunosuppressive regime.展开更多
Background:The goal was to explore the protective effect and potential mechanism of amniotic membrane extracts(AME)on the ocular surface exposed to benzalkonium chloride(BAC).Methods:The human corneal epithelial cell(...Background:The goal was to explore the protective effect and potential mechanism of amniotic membrane extracts(AME)on the ocular surface exposed to benzalkonium chloride(BAC).Methods:The human corneal epithelial cell(HCEC)line SD-HCEC1s was cultured in 5 groups:normal control(NC),NC+AME,BAC,BAC+NC,and BAC+AME.Cell viability analysis,flow cytometry analysis,real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR),and western blot were employed to measure changes in cell function.Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)and inflammatory cytokines were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and activity assays.Results:Real-time PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that the expressional level of caspase-8 was increased while the levels of Muc1,Muc4,and Muc16 were decreased after treatment with 0.02%BAC for 1 h.When the SD-HCEC1s were withdrawn from the BAC and switched to media containing 10%AME for 2 days,the expression level of capsase-8 was decreased while the levels of Muc1,Muc4,and Muc16 were increased.Real-time PCR and ELISA demonstrated that the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-1,MMP-3,MMP-13,CXCL1,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)were significantly increased after treatment with 0.02%BAC,whereas those of MMP-8 were decreased.When the 0.02%BAC was withdrawn and the SD-HCEC1s were cultured in 10%AME,the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-1,MMP-3,MMP-13,CXCL1,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αwere decreased,while those of MMP-8 were increased.MMP-8 activity assays confirmed that IL-1βand TNF-αdownregulated the protein levels of MMP-8.Conclusions:AME protects SD-HCEC1s when stressed in BAC via upregulation of MMP-8 and downregulation of IL-1βand TNF-α.AME may have the potential functions to be employed as a topical adjunctive therapy in eyes chronically exposed to BAC.展开更多
Because inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease and Sjogren's syndrome, topical anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine A have been used to treat inflammation...Because inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease and Sjogren's syndrome, topical anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine A have been used to treat inflammation of the ocular surface and lacrimal gland. Systemic biological agents that target specific immune molecules or cells such as tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interferone-α, interleukin(IL)-1, IL-6, or B cells have been used in an attempt to treat Sjogren's syndrome. However, the efficacy of systemic biological agents, other than B-cell targeting agents, has not yet been confirmed in Sjogren's syndrome. Several studies have recently evaluated the efficacy of topical administration of biological agents targeting cytokines in the treatment of dry eye disease. Topical blockade of IL-1 by using IL-1 receptor antagonist could ameliorate clinical signs and inflammation of experimental dry eye. Using a mouse model of desiccating stress-induced dry eye, we have demonstrated that topical application of a TNF-α blocking agent, infliximab, could improve tear production and ocular surface irregularity, decrease inflammatory cytokines and Th-1 CD4+ cells on the ocular surface, and increase gobletcell density in the conjunctiva. Although controversy still remains, the use of topical biological agents targeting inflammatory cytokines may be a promising therapy for human dry eye disease.展开更多
The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different olive leaf extracts (OLE) from different leaf growing stages on human carcinoma cell lines. OLE were tested in human carcinoma cell lines in vitro and cells...The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different olive leaf extracts (OLE) from different leaf growing stages on human carcinoma cell lines. OLE were tested in human carcinoma cell lines in vitro and cells were plated in 96-microtiter culture plates for each OLE concentration. Fresh (F) and freeze-dried (FD) leaves exhibited phenolic compounds in the range of 2.09 ± 0.10 to 8.44 ± 0.64 and 7.72 ± 0.56 to 24.65 ± 1.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/g leaves, respectively. OLE from several Portuguese olive tree cultivars were found to inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cell lines in a range of 2.09 - 8.44 μg phenolic compound/well (209 - 844 μg/ml) and 0.07 - 2.40 μg phenolic compounds/well (7 - 240 μg/ml) for fresh and freeze-dried leaves, respectively. Young (Y) leaves have revealed the highest cell growth inhibition ranging from about 95% for Cobran?osa, followed by 90% for Cobran?osa, 90% for Arbequina and 75% for Arbequina for cell lines A549, HeLa, A431 and OE21, respectively. The lowest cell growth inhibition (35%) was observed for Galega (Y) leaf extract on cell line A549. However, FD samples exhibited a distinctive pattern since cell growth inhibition was highest at highest extract dilution tested, for A431 (Galega Y) followed by A549 (Cobran?osa Y) with cell inhibition of 75% and 70%, respectively. The data presented in this work strongly suggest that OLEs inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cell lines.展开更多
Late spring cold(LSC) occurred in the reproductive period of wheat impairs spike and floret differentiation during the reproductive period,when young spikelets are very cold-sensitive.However,under LSC,the responses o...Late spring cold(LSC) occurred in the reproductive period of wheat impairs spike and floret differentiation during the reproductive period,when young spikelets are very cold-sensitive.However,under LSC,the responses of wheat spikelets at various positions,leaves,and stems and the interactions between them at physiological levels remain unclear.In the present study,two-year treatments at terminal spikelet stage under two temperatures(2 C,-2 C) and durations(1,2,and 3 days) were imposed in an artificial climate chamber to compare the effects of LSC on grain number and yield in the wheat cultivars Yannong 19(YN19,cold-tolerant) and Xinmai 26(XM26,cold-sensitive).The night temperature regimes were designed to reproduce natural temperature variation.LSC delayed plant growth and inhibited spike and floret differentiation,leading to high yield losses in both cultivars.LSC reduced dry matter accumulation(DMA,g) in spikes,stems,and leaves,reducing the DMA ratios of the spike to leaf and spike to stem.Plant cell wall invertase(CWINV) activity increased in upper and basal spikelets in YN19,whereas CWINV increased in middle spikelets in XM26.Under LSC,soluble sugar and glucose were transported and distributed mainly in upper and basal spikelets for glume and rachis development,so that spike development was relatively complete in YN19,whereas the upper and basal spikelets were severely damaged and most of the glumes in middle spikelets were relatively completely developed in XM26,resulting in pollen abortion mainly in upper and basal spikelets.The development of glumes and rachides was influenced and grain number per spike was decreased after LSC,with kernels present mainly in middle spikelets.Overall,reduced total DMA and dry matter partitioning to spikes under LSC results in poor spikelet development,leading to high losses of grain yield.展开更多
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31701546)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China(2019ZD40)+5 种基金the 111 Project(B17018)for financial supportPearl River Talent Recruitment Program of Guangdong Province(2017GC010229)the Pearl River Nova Program of Guangzhou(201906010079)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32001691)the special fund for scientific innovation strategyconstruction of high-level academy of agriculture science(R2019YJYB1001)the Application-oriented Projects of Guangdong Province(2017B020232002)。
文摘Natural foods,such as whole pulses,are recommended in the dietary guidelines of the US and China.The plant cell wall structure in whole pulses has important implications for the nutritional functionalities of starch.In this study,garbanzo bean cells with varying degrees of cell wall integrity were subjected to dry heat treatment(DHT)and used to elucidate the food structure-starch digestion properties of pulse food.The morphological features suggested that all cell samples do not exhibit remarkable changes after being subjected to DHT.Molecular rearrangement and the crystallite disruption of starch granules entrapped in cells occurred during DHT as assessed by the crystal structure and thermal properties.DHT decreased the inhibitory effects of enzymes of both the soluble and insoluble components,but the digestion rate and extent of slightly and highly damaged cell samples did not exhibit significant differences compared with their native counterparts.We concluded that the starch digestion of pulse cotyledon cells is primarily determined by the intactness of the cellular structure.This study reveals the role of food structure on the ability to retain the desirable nutritional properties of starch after subjection to physical modification.
基金supported by Technological Innovation 2030-Major Projects of Brain Science and Brain-like Research(Grant No.:2022zD0206200)the Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.:31872796,82030108 to W.Yang,32071102 to P.Yu)+3 种基金the National Major Special Project on New Drug Innovation of China(Grant No.:2018ZX09711001-004-005)the key research and development program of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region(Grant No.:2019BFH02003)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China(Grant No.:2016QNA7002 to P.Yu)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation(Grant No.:LR16H090001 to W.Yang).
文摘Pathological dry skin is a disturbing and intractable healthcare burden,characterized by epithelial hyperplasia and severe itch.Atopic dermatitis(AD)and psoriasis models with complications of dry skin have been studied using single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq).However,scRNA-seq analysis of the dry skin mouse model(acetone/ether/water(AEW)-treated model)is still lacking.Here,we used scRNA-seq and in situ hybridization to identify a novel proliferative basal cell(PBC)state that exclusively expresses transcription factor CUT-like homeobox 1(Cux1).Further in vitro study demonstrated that Cux1 is vital for keratinocyte proliferation by regulating a series of cyclin-dependent kinases(CDKs)and cyclins.Clinically,Cux1+PBCs were increased in patients with psoriasis,suggesting that Cux1+PBCs play an important part in epidermal hyperplasia.This study presents a systematic knowledge of the transcriptomic changes in a chronic dry skin mouse model,as well as a potential therapeutic target against dry skin-related dermatoses.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the role of bone marrow-derived stem cells in the treatment of advanced dry age-related macular degeneration(AMD)using multifocal electroretinogram(mf-ERG)and fundus autofluorescence imaging.METHODS:Thirty patients(60 eyes)with bilateral central geographic atrophy(GA)were recruited.Worse eye of each patient received autologous bone marrow-derived hematopoietic stem cells(BM-HSCs)(group 1)and the fellow eye with better visual acuity served as control(group2).The effect of stem cell therapy was determined in terms of visual acuity,amplitude and implicit time in mf-ERG and size of GA on fundus autofluorescence imaging.These tests were performed at presentation and first,third and sixth month follow up.Adverse events(if any)were also monitored.RESULTS:At 6mo follow-up there was no statistically significant improvement in median log MAR best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)in either group.Mf-ERG revealed significant improvement in amplitude and implicit time in the intervention group.A significant decrease was also noted in greatest linear dimension(GLD)of GA in the eyes receiving stem cells[6.78±2.60 mm at baseline to 6.56±2.59 mm at 6mo(P=0.021)].However,no such improvement was noted in the control group.CONCLUSION:Electrophysiological and anatomical improvement in the intervention group sheds light on the therapeutic role of BM-HSCs.Further studies are required to determine the stage of disease at which the maximal benefit can be achieved and to standardize the dose andfrequency of stem cell injection.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province of China(2012B031800267)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province of China(S2013010011860)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31200130 and 81371812)
文摘Chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CCR5 are indispensable co-receptors for HIV-1 entry into host cells. In our previous study, we identified that dopamine receptor-interacting protein 78(DRi P78) and Na+-H+ exchanger regulatory factor 1(NHERF1) are the CXCR4 and CCR5 homo- or hetero-dimerinteracting proteins. DRi P78 and NHERF1 are able to influence the co-receptor internalization and intracellular trafficking. Over-expression of NHERF1 affects the ligands or HIV-1 gp120-induced CCR5 internalization and HIV-1 production. It is reasonable to speculate that DRi P78 and NHERF1, as well as the signaling pathways involved in viral replication, would probably affect HIV-1 replication through regulating the co-receptors. In this present study, we designed two short hairpin RNAs(sh RNAs) targeting the DRi P78 and NHERF1, respectively, and constructed the p Lenti6/BLOCK-i T-DEST lentiviral plasmids expressing DRi P78 or NHERF1 sh RNA. The packaged lentiviruses were used to transduce the widely-applied HIV-1 model cell line GHOST(3). Then, cells with stable knockdown were established through selecting transduced cells with Blasticidin. This study, for the first time, reported the establishment of the GHOST(3) with DRi P78 and NHERF1 knockdown, which is the first stable cell line with HIV-1 co-receptor-interacting molecular defects.
文摘Objective: Skin dryness is a characteristic of rheumatoid arthritis model mice. A previous study reported that the stress hormone glucocorticoid (i.e., corticosterone) is related to the induction of dry skin in arthritic mice. However, the mechanism through which stress induces dry skin in these mice is still unclear. Therefore, in this study, we examined the relationship between stress and induction of dry skin in arthritic mice. Methods: Physical stress load in mice with DBA/1JJmsSlc collagen-induced arthritis was treated with water immersion stress, and transepidermal water loss and the expression of markers associated with allergic reactions and inflammation was evaluated. Results: Deterioration of skin dryness was observed in stressed arthritic mice compared with that in unstressed arthritic mice. Moreover, plasma levels of interleukin-6 and corticosterone were increased in stressed arthritic mice compared with those in unstressed arthritic mice. We also observed decreased regulatory T cell numbers and increased T helper type 2 cell numbers in the thymus of stressed arthritic mice compared with those in unstressed arthritic mice. Conclusion: These results suggested that abnormalities in the immune system were related to deterioration of dry skin in stressed arthritic mice. Thus, reduction of stress may prevent deterioration of dry skin in mice with arthritis.
文摘The most common method of shipping cells between institutes and companies is sending them frozen, usually treated with anti-freeze solution (most commonly DMSO because it is less toxic than many alternatives), and then packaging them in dry ice for shipment. However many countries place restrictions on dry ice shipments. An alternative to shipping frozen cell vials is to send flasks of growing cells in media. This also has problems because cells in media have limited viability and the flasks can leak. Here we report on an alternative method for shipping viable cells at ambient temperature without dry ice or in media filled flasks. In this study we report on the development and properties of HemSol?. This is an inexpensive, eco-friendly and protects cell integrity at ambient temperature while maintaining viability. We have previously shown that HemSol? protects platelet and RBC function in cold storage and circulating tumor cells up to 6 days. Therefore we wanted to know if HemSol? could also be used to transport live cells. Since HemSol? is a liquid, we experimented with encasing the cells with HemSol? and gelatin so as to prevent dry ice shipment of cells and circumvent the shipping of cells in media. We performed mock shipping experiments where cells were stored in HemSol? gel kept at room temperature on a lab benchtop and cells stored in dry ice was also kept on lab benchtop for up to 2 days. After the mock shipping period, we analyzed cells for their functions. Our results show that cells in HemSol? gel have greater than 95% viability and restored biological functions in 2 hours, whereas, cells shipped in dry ice required more than 24 hours to recover and needed media change to remove the DMSO.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52072134,52302255,and 52272205)the Key Research and Development Programs of Hubei Province(Nos.2021BCA149 and 2022BAA087)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province(No.2021CFA072)the Special Fund for Science and Technology Innovation Teams of Shanxi Province(No.202304051001007).
文摘BaCe_(0.8)Fe_(0.1)Ni_(0.1)O_(3−δ)(BCFN)in a perovskite structure is impregnated consecutively by BCFN solution and BCFN suspension into a phase-inversion prepared NiO–Gd_(0.1)Ce_(0.9)O_(2−δ)(GDC)scaffold as an anode for solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs)with on-cell dry reforming of methane(DRM).The whole pore surface of the scaffold is covered by small BCFN particles formed by BCFN solution impregnation;the large pores near the scaffold surface are filled by BCFN aerogels with a high specific surface area produced by BCFN suspension impregnation,which act as a catalytic layer for on-cell DRM.After reduction,the anode consists of a Ni–GDC scaffold and BCFN particles with exsolved FeNi3 nanoparticles.This BCFN-impregnated Ni–GDC anode has higher electrical conductivity,electrochemical activity,and resistance to carbon deposition,with which the cell shows maximum power densities between 1.44 and 0.92 W·cm^(−2) when using H_(2) and between 1.09 and 0.50 W·cm^(−2) when using CO_(2)–CH_(4) at temperatures ranging from 750 to 600℃.A stable performance at 400 mA·cm^(−2) and 700℃is achieved using 45%CO_(2)–45%CH_(4)–10%N_(2) for more than 400 h without carbon deposition,benefiting from the impregnated BCFN aerogel with a high specific surface area and water adsorbability.
基金Supported by Fundo de Incentivo à Pesquisa e Eventos do Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico(CNPq)
文摘AIM:To investigate the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) and bone grafts using two different cultivation methods:static and dynamic.METHODS:MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow.MSC culture was analyzed according to the morphology,cell differentiation potential,and surface molecular markers.Before cell culture,freeze-dried bone(FDB) was maintained in culture for 3 d in order to verify culture medium pH.MSCs were co-cultured with FDB using two different cultivation methods:static co-culture(two-dimensional) and dynamic co-culture(threedimensional).After 24 h of cultivation by dynamic or static methods,histological analysis of Cell adhesion on FDB was performed.Cell viability was assessed by the Trypan Blue exclusion method on days 0,3 and 6 after dynamic or static culture.Adherent cells were detached from FDB surface,stained with Trypan Blue,and quantified to determine whether the cells remained on the graft surface in prolonged non-dynamic culture.Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS and a P 【 0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS:The results showed a clear potential for adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of MSC cultures.Rat MSCs were positive for CD44,CD90 and CD29 and negative for CD34,CD45 and CD11bc.FDBs were maintained in culture for 3 d and the results showed there was no significant variation in the culture medium pH with FDB compared to pure medium pH(P 】 0.05).In histological analysis,there was a significant difference in the amount of adhered cells on FDB between the two cultivation methods(P 【 0.05).The MSCs in the dynamic co-culture method demonstrated greater adhesion on the bone surface than in static co-culture method.On day 0,the cell viability in the dynamic system was significantly higher than in the static system(P 【 0.05).There was a statistical difference in cell viability between days 0,3 and 6 after dynamic culture(P 【 0.05).In static culture,cell viability on day 6 was significantly lower than on day 3 and 0(P 【 0.05).CONCLUSION:An alternative cultivation method was developed to improve the MSCs adhesion on FDB,demonstrating that dynamic co-culture provides a superior environment over static conditions.
基金Project supported by the National '973' Project of China (Grant No 2002CB613405)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No 90201023)the Natural Science Foundation of South China University of Technology (Grant No E5040910)
文摘This paper studies the self-organization of the polymer in solar cells based on poly(3-hexylthiophene): [6, 6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester by controlling the growth rate of active layer. These blend films are characterized by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, charge-transport dark J - V curve, x-ray diffraction pattern curve, and atomic force microscopy. The results indicate that slowing down the drying process of the wet films leads to an enhanced selforganization, which causes an increased hole transport. Increased incident light absorption, higher carrier mobility, and balanced carrier transport in the active layer explain the enhancement in the device performance, the power conversion efficiency of 3.43% and fill factor up to 64.6% are achieved under Air Mass 1.5, 100 mW/cm^2.
基金Project supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(Grant No.2011CB932801)the New Teachers’Fund for Doctor Stations,Ministry of Education,China(Grant No.20112216120008)
文摘An in situ measurement setup is established to investigate the photoinduced degradation effects in a controllable inert gas ambient environment for the two different microstructures of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61- butyricacid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells. The two devices are fabricated with the solvent vapor drying process followed by a thermal annealing (vapor drying device) and only a normal thermal annealing process (control device), respectively. Their power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) and aging features are compared. Their different degradation behaviors in light absorption are confirmed. In addition, irradiation-induced changes in both nanostructure and surface morphology of the P3HT:PCBM blend films treated with two different fabrication processes are observed through scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Aggregated bulbs are observed at the surfaces for control devices after light irradiation for 50 h, while the vapor drying devices exhibit smooth film surfaces, and the corresponding device features are not easy to degrade under the aging measurement. Thus the devices having solvent vapor drying and thermal annealing show better device stabilities than those having only the thermal annealing process.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFB1502503)the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA21090101)。
文摘The design of the catalyst layer(CL)offers a feasible way to realize the commercialization of proton exchange membrane fuel cells(PEMFCs).An in-depth understanding of catalyst inks is critical to achieving the optimal CL structure and cell performance.In this work,the effects of the solvent evaporation process during ink drying on the formation of the CL microstructure are particularly considered to reveal the structure-property correlations among the catalyst ink,drying process,CL microstructure and fuel cell performance.An increase in the alcohol content of the catalyst ink increases the amount of free ionomers while allowing the ionomer backbone to be more stretched in the dispersion medium.The higher alcohol content contributes to rapid solvent evaporation and thus inhibits the formation of coffee rings;as a result,a more developed ionomer network with a denser pore structure is obtained.Therefore,the alcohol-rich electrode exhibits better proton conduction capability,but higher oxygen transport resistance.For complex fuel cell operating conditions,a catalyst ink formulation with 50 wt%alcohol content is preferred due to its proper ionomer and pore size distribution,providing satisfactory fuel cell performance.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the incidence and severity of ocular graft versus host disease(o GVHD) in patients who underwent allogeneic stem cell transplant(SCT) in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Saudi Arabia.METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in King Abdul Aziz Medical City on patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant(allo-HCT) from 2010 to 2017. The ocular examination findings including visual acuity, meibomian gland dysfunction, corneal and conjunctival staining with severity, corneal scarring, tear film meniscus and breakup time, anterior and posterior segment examination findings, intraocular pressure, treatment given, punctual plugs used or not, and follow up response were collected.RESULTS: The five years cumulative incidence of o GVHD among post-transplant patients was 56.98%(95%CI 38.6%-71.7%). The potential risk factors assessed for developing ocular manifestation were age, gender, donor’s age, donor gender mismatch CD3 and CD34 infusion, while none of the correlates were identified as statistically significant risk factors of developing ocular manifestation. However, the incidence was statistically significantly different betweenpatients diagnosed with acute myelocytic leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia(P=0.038). The mean latent period to develop ocular symptoms was 20.5 mo. All patients had variable degree of dry eyes. None of the patients developed any posterior segment complication.CONCLUSION: The incidence of o GVHD is low in King Abdul-Aziz Medical City. This can be attributed to the preconditioning and immunosuppressive regime.
基金This study was supported by the“Yangcheng Scholar”Youth Research Backbone Training Project of Guangzhou Municipal College(No.1201581612)Guangzhou Science and Technology Project(No.201804010038)Guangdong Natural Science Foundation of China(2020A1515010276,No.2015A030313479).
文摘Background:The goal was to explore the protective effect and potential mechanism of amniotic membrane extracts(AME)on the ocular surface exposed to benzalkonium chloride(BAC).Methods:The human corneal epithelial cell(HCEC)line SD-HCEC1s was cultured in 5 groups:normal control(NC),NC+AME,BAC,BAC+NC,and BAC+AME.Cell viability analysis,flow cytometry analysis,real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR),and western blot were employed to measure changes in cell function.Matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs)and inflammatory cytokines were assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)and activity assays.Results:Real-time PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that the expressional level of caspase-8 was increased while the levels of Muc1,Muc4,and Muc16 were decreased after treatment with 0.02%BAC for 1 h.When the SD-HCEC1s were withdrawn from the BAC and switched to media containing 10%AME for 2 days,the expression level of capsase-8 was decreased while the levels of Muc1,Muc4,and Muc16 were increased.Real-time PCR and ELISA demonstrated that the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-1,MMP-3,MMP-13,CXCL1,interleukin(IL)-1β,IL-6,and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)were significantly increased after treatment with 0.02%BAC,whereas those of MMP-8 were decreased.When the 0.02%BAC was withdrawn and the SD-HCEC1s were cultured in 10%AME,the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-1,MMP-3,MMP-13,CXCL1,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αwere decreased,while those of MMP-8 were increased.MMP-8 activity assays confirmed that IL-1βand TNF-αdownregulated the protein levels of MMP-8.Conclusions:AME protects SD-HCEC1s when stressed in BAC via upregulation of MMP-8 and downregulation of IL-1βand TNF-α.AME may have the potential functions to be employed as a topical adjunctive therapy in eyes chronically exposed to BAC.
基金Supported by The Chonnam Natinal University Hospital Biomedical Research Institute(CRI 11076-21 and 13906-22)Forest Science and Technology Projects,No.S121313L050100provided by Korea Forest Service
文摘Because inflammation plays a key role in the pathogenesis of dry eye disease and Sjogren's syndrome, topical anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids and cyclosporine A have been used to treat inflammation of the ocular surface and lacrimal gland. Systemic biological agents that target specific immune molecules or cells such as tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α, interferone-α, interleukin(IL)-1, IL-6, or B cells have been used in an attempt to treat Sjogren's syndrome. However, the efficacy of systemic biological agents, other than B-cell targeting agents, has not yet been confirmed in Sjogren's syndrome. Several studies have recently evaluated the efficacy of topical administration of biological agents targeting cytokines in the treatment of dry eye disease. Topical blockade of IL-1 by using IL-1 receptor antagonist could ameliorate clinical signs and inflammation of experimental dry eye. Using a mouse model of desiccating stress-induced dry eye, we have demonstrated that topical application of a TNF-α blocking agent, infliximab, could improve tear production and ocular surface irregularity, decrease inflammatory cytokines and Th-1 CD4+ cells on the ocular surface, and increase gobletcell density in the conjunctiva. Although controversy still remains, the use of topical biological agents targeting inflammatory cytokines may be a promising therapy for human dry eye disease.
文摘The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different olive leaf extracts (OLE) from different leaf growing stages on human carcinoma cell lines. OLE were tested in human carcinoma cell lines in vitro and cells were plated in 96-microtiter culture plates for each OLE concentration. Fresh (F) and freeze-dried (FD) leaves exhibited phenolic compounds in the range of 2.09 ± 0.10 to 8.44 ± 0.64 and 7.72 ± 0.56 to 24.65 ± 1.9 mg gallic acid equivalents/g leaves, respectively. OLE from several Portuguese olive tree cultivars were found to inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cell lines in a range of 2.09 - 8.44 μg phenolic compound/well (209 - 844 μg/ml) and 0.07 - 2.40 μg phenolic compounds/well (7 - 240 μg/ml) for fresh and freeze-dried leaves, respectively. Young (Y) leaves have revealed the highest cell growth inhibition ranging from about 95% for Cobran?osa, followed by 90% for Cobran?osa, 90% for Arbequina and 75% for Arbequina for cell lines A549, HeLa, A431 and OE21, respectively. The lowest cell growth inhibition (35%) was observed for Galega (Y) leaf extract on cell line A549. However, FD samples exhibited a distinctive pattern since cell growth inhibition was highest at highest extract dilution tested, for A431 (Galega Y) followed by A549 (Cobran?osa Y) with cell inhibition of 75% and 70%, respectively. The data presented in this work strongly suggest that OLEs inhibit the growth of human carcinoma cell lines.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFD0300408)the Major Research Projects of Anhui (202003b06020021)the Graduate Innovation Fund of Anhui Agricultural University (2020 ysj-5)。
文摘Late spring cold(LSC) occurred in the reproductive period of wheat impairs spike and floret differentiation during the reproductive period,when young spikelets are very cold-sensitive.However,under LSC,the responses of wheat spikelets at various positions,leaves,and stems and the interactions between them at physiological levels remain unclear.In the present study,two-year treatments at terminal spikelet stage under two temperatures(2 C,-2 C) and durations(1,2,and 3 days) were imposed in an artificial climate chamber to compare the effects of LSC on grain number and yield in the wheat cultivars Yannong 19(YN19,cold-tolerant) and Xinmai 26(XM26,cold-sensitive).The night temperature regimes were designed to reproduce natural temperature variation.LSC delayed plant growth and inhibited spike and floret differentiation,leading to high yield losses in both cultivars.LSC reduced dry matter accumulation(DMA,g) in spikes,stems,and leaves,reducing the DMA ratios of the spike to leaf and spike to stem.Plant cell wall invertase(CWINV) activity increased in upper and basal spikelets in YN19,whereas CWINV increased in middle spikelets in XM26.Under LSC,soluble sugar and glucose were transported and distributed mainly in upper and basal spikelets for glume and rachis development,so that spike development was relatively complete in YN19,whereas the upper and basal spikelets were severely damaged and most of the glumes in middle spikelets were relatively completely developed in XM26,resulting in pollen abortion mainly in upper and basal spikelets.The development of glumes and rachides was influenced and grain number per spike was decreased after LSC,with kernels present mainly in middle spikelets.Overall,reduced total DMA and dry matter partitioning to spikes under LSC results in poor spikelet development,leading to high losses of grain yield.