Comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiome and posttranslational modifications elucidates the route involved in microbiota-host interactions

The gut microbiome interacts with the host to maintain body homeostasis,with gut microbial dysbiosis implicated in many diseases.However,the underlying mechanisms of gut microbe regulation of host behavior and brain functions remain unclear.This study aimed to elucidate the influence of gut microbiota on brain functions via post-translational modification mechanisms in the presence or absence of bacteria without any stimulation.We conducted succinylome analysis of hippocampal proteins in germ-free(GF)and specific pathogen-free(SPF)mice and metagenomic analysis of feces from SPF mice.These results were integrated with previously reported hippocampal acetylome and phosphorylome data from the same batch of mice.Subsequent bioinformatics analyses revealed 584 succinylation sites on 455 proteins,including 54 up-regulated succinylation sites on 91 proteins and 99 down-regulated sites on 51 proteins in the GF mice compared to the SPF mice.We constructed a panoramic map of gut microbiota-regulated succinylation,acetylation,and phosphorylation,and identified cross-talk and relative independence between the different types of post-translational modifications in modulating complicated intracellular pathways.Pearson correlation analysis indicated that 13 taxa,predominantly belonging to the Bacteroidetes phylum,were correlated with the biological functions of post-translational modifications.Positive correlations between these taxa and succinylation and negative correlations between these taxa and acetylation were identified in the modulation of intracellular pathways.This study highlights the hippocampal physiological changes induced by the absence of gut microbiota,and proteomic quantification of succinylation,phosphorylation,and acetylation,contributing to our understanding of the role of the gut microbiome in brain function and behavioral phenotypes.

Implications of electrode modifications in aqueous organic redox flow batteries

Aqueous organic redox flow batteries(RFBs)exhibit favorable characteristics,such as tunability,multielectron transfer capability,and stability of the redox active molecules utilized as anolytes and catholytes,making them very viable contenders for large-scale grid storage applications.Considerable attention has been paid on the development of efficient redox-active molecules and their performance optimization through chemical substitutions at various places on the backbone as part of the pursuit for high-performance RFBs.Despite the fact that electrodes are vital to optimal performance,they have not garnered significant attention.Limited research has been conducted on the effects of electrode modifications to improve the performance of RFBs.The primary emphasis has been given on the impact of electrode engineering to augment the efficiency of aqueous organic RFBs.An overview of electron transfer at the electrode-electrolyte interface is provided.The implications of electrode modification on the performance of redox flow batteries,with a particular focus on the anodic and cathodic half-cells separately,are then discussed.In each section,significant discrepancies surrounding the effects of electrode engineering are thoroughly examined and discussed.Finally,we have presented a comprehensive assessment along with our perspectives on the future trajectory.

Stem cell-based ischemic stroke therapy:Novel modifications and clinical challenges

Ischemic stroke(IS)causes severe disability and high mortality worldwide.Stem cell(SC)therapy exhibits unique therapeutic potential for IS that differs from current treatments.SC’s cell homing,differentiation and paracrine abilities give hope for neuroprotection.Recent studies on SC modification have enhanced therapeutic effects for IS,including gene transfection,nanoparticle modification,biomaterial modification and pretreatment.Thesemethods improve survival rate,homing,neural differentiation,and paracrine abilities in ischemic areas.However,many problems must be resolved before SC therapy can be clinically applied.These issues include production quality and quantity,stability during transportation and storage,as well as usage regulations.Herein,we reviewed the brief pathogenesis of IS,the“multi-mechanism”advantages of SCs for treating IS,various SC modification methods,and SC therapy challenges.We aim to uncover the potential and overcome the challenges of using SCs for treating IS and convey innovative ideas for modifying SCs.

Systematic Analysis of Post-Translational Modifications for Increased Longevity of Biotherapeutic Proteins

Protein-based therapeutics (PPTs) are drugs used to treat a variety of different conditions in the human body by alleviating enzymatic deficiencies, augmenting other proteins and drugs, modulating signal pathways, and more. However, many PPTs struggle from a short half-life due to degradation caused by irreversible protein aggregation in the bloodstream. Currently, the most researched strategies for improving the efficiency and longevity of PPTs are post-translational modifications (PTMs). The goal of our research was to determine which type of PTM increases longevity the most for each of three commonly-used therapeutic proteins by comparing the docking scores (DS) and binding free energies (BFE) from protein aggregation and reception simulations. DS and BFE values were used to create a quantitative index that outputs a relative number from −1 to 1 to show reduced performance, no change, or increased performance. Results showed that methylation was the most beneficial for insulin (p < 0.1) and human growth hormone (p < 0.0001), and both phosphorylation and methylation were somewhat optimal for erythropoietin (p < 0.1 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Acetylation consistently provided the worst benefits with the most negative indices, while methylation had the most positive indices throughout. However, PTM efficacy varied between PPTs, supporting previous studies regarding how each PTM can confer different benefits based on the unique structures of recipient proteins.

Variations of Atmospheric ELF/VLF Radio Noise Due to Seismogenic Modifications in Tropospheric Conductivity

We suggest a possible explanation of the influence of pre-seismic activity on the registration rate of natural ELF(extremely low frequency)/VLF(very low frequency) pulses and the changes of their characteristics. The main idea is as follows. The distribution of the electric field around a thundercloud depends on the conductivity profile of the atmosphere. Quasi-static electric fields of a thundercloud decrease in those tropospheric regions where an increase of air conductivity is generated by pre-seismic activities due to emanation of radioactive gas and water into the lower atmosphere. The electric field becomes reduced in the lower troposphere, and the probability decreases of the cloud-to-ground (CG) strokes in such “contaminated” areas. Simultaneously, the electric field grows inside and above the thunderclouds, and hence, we anticipate a growth in the number of horizontal and tilted inter-cloud (or intra-cloud) (both termed as IC discharges) strokes. Spatial orientation of lightning strokes reduces vertical projection of their individual amplitudes, while the rate (median number strokes per a unit time) of discharges grows. We demonstrate that channel tilt of strokes modifies the spectral content of ELF/VLF radio noise and changes the rate of detected pulses during the earthquake preparation phase.

Epigenetic modifications and metabolic memory in diabetic retinopathy:beyond the surface

Epigenetics focuses on DNA methylation,histone modification,chromatin remodeling,noncoding RNAs,and other gene regulation mechanisms beyond the DNA sequence.In the past decade,epigenetic modifications have drawn more attention as they participate in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy despite tight control of glucose levels.The underlying mechanisms of epigenetic modifications in diabetic retinopathy still urgently need to be elucidated.The diabetic condition facilitates epigenetic changes and influences target gene expression.In this review,we summarize the involvement of epigenetic modifications and metabolic memory in the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy and propose novel insights into the treatment of diabetic retinopathy.

Successful lifestyle modifications may underlie umbilical cordmesenchymal stromal cell effects in type 2 diabetes mellitus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)is a lifelong condition and a grave threat to human health.Innovative efforts to relieve its detrimental effects are acutely needed.The sine qua non in T2DM management is consistent adherence to a prudent lifestyle and nutrition,combined with aerobic and resistance exercise regimens,together repeatedly shown to lead to complete reversal and even longterm remission.Non-adherence to the above lifestyle adjustments condemns any treatment effort and ultimately the patient to a grim fate.It is thus imperative that every study evaluating the effects of innovative interventions in T2DM objectively compares the novel treatment modality to lifestyle modifications,preferably through double-blind controlled randomization,before claiming efficacy.

Current Strategies of Surface Modifications to Polyurethane Biomaterials for Vascular Grafts

As the number of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases and peripheral vascular diseases rises,the constraints of autologous transplantation remain unavoidable.As a result,artificial vascular grafts must be developed.Adhesion of proteins,platelets and bacteria on implants can result in stenosis,thrombus formation,and postoperative infection,which can be fatal for an implantation.Polyurethane,as a commonly used biomaterial,has been modified in various ways to deal with the adhesions of proteins,platelets,and bacteria and to stimulate endothelium adhesion.In this review,we briefly summarize the mechanisms behind adhesions,overview the current strategies of surface modifications of polyurethane biomaterials used in vascular grafts,and highlight the challenges that need to be addressed in future studies,aiming to gain a more profound understanding of how to develop artificial polyurethane vascular grafts with an enhanced implantation success rate and reduced side effect.

Compared discharge characteristics and film modifications of atmospheric pressure plasma jets with two different electrode geometries

Atmospheric pressure plasma jet shows great potential for polymer film processing. The electrode geometry is the key factor to determine discharge characteristics and film modification of jets. In this paper, we compared the discharge characteristics and the film modifications of atmospheric pressure plasma jets with needle-ring electrode(NRE) and doublering electrode(DRE). The results show that jet with NRE has stronger electric field intensity and higher discharge power,making it present more reactive oxygen particles and higher electron temperature, but its discharge stability is insufficient.In contrast, the jet with DRE has uniform electric field distribution of lower field intensity, which allows it to maintain stable discharge over a wide range of applied voltages. Besides, the modification results show that the treatment efficiency of PET film by NRE is higher than that by DRE. These results provide a suitable atmospheric pressure plasma jets device selection scheme for polymer film processing process.

Peanut proteins:Extraction,modifications,and applications:A comprehensive review

As naturally sourced proteins,peanut proteins have garnered significant attention from the food industry,owing to their numerous advantages,such as easy extraction,non-pungency,and high bioavailability.Furthermore,peanut proteins are highly digestible in the gastrointestinal tract and boast a high net protein utilization rate,making them an appealing protein source in food products and a promising alternative to animal protein.In this paper,the recent works on the extraction method,modification method,and application of peanut proteins were reviewed.Both advantages and disadvantages of current extraction and modification were discussed.Recently updated information about peanut protein research was summarized.Based on these,the prospection of peanut proteins research was presented,which may be instructive for future research in this field.Future research is still needed for accessible modification methods to develop the functional properties of peanut proteins.

Redox and metabolic regulation of epigenetic modifications:an emerging toxic action mechanism

Epigenetic modifications modulate conformational structure of chromatin and consequently gene expression by enzyme-mediated chemical modifications of DNA and histones.The activities of epigenetic modifying enzymes depend on many co-substrates and cofactors,such as 2-oxoglutarate(2-OG),iron,S-adenosylmethionine(SAM),nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD+),flavin adenine dinucleotide(FAD),and acetyl-CoA.These factors are inter-connecting molecules that integrate cellular nutrient metabolism and redox homeostasis,two key regulators of cell proliferation,cell survival,and cell functions.Dysregulation of such delicate regulatory network has been implicated in many pathological conditions and also been increasingly recognized as an emerging mechanism responsible for environmental pollutant-induced adverse effects.In this review,we first summarize DNA and histone modifying enzymes and their essential factors,then discuss the metabolic sources and the redox regulatory roles of these enzymatic factors,and finally elaborate the mechanisms of how targeting such factors by environmental pollutants influences epigenetic regulation and perturbs cellular functions.

黄铜矿粗选指标对水玻璃超声波改性的响应及其机理

为阐明黄铜矿粗选指标与水玻璃超声波改性的内在关系,以超声波预处理的水玻璃为调整剂,进行了黄铜矿实际矿物的浮选试验,并采用pH值、黏度及红外光谱等手段对超声波预处理水玻璃溶液及矿浆浊度进行了表征。结果表明,黄铜矿的粗选回收率对超声波改性的水玻璃较为敏感。铜的回收率在水玻璃预处理时间为15 min作用时的敏感性最强,为85.42%,与未改性水玻璃的回收率相比提高了9.19个百分点。超声波预处理可减小水玻璃溶液的pH值,并使其黏度降低0.36%,这有利于水玻璃在矿浆中的分散。此外,超声波预处理还可改变水玻璃溶液的中水分子的比例以及水玻璃官能团的组成,并使预处理后的水玻璃溶液中游离水羟基与H 2 SiO 3中的Si—OH的相对比例分别提高7.83个百分点和1.08个百分点。游离水组份的增加有利于改善黄铜矿的疏水性及浮选效果,水玻璃有效成分H 2 SiO 3中Si—OH的组份增加在一定程度上强化了对矿泥的分散作用,从而提高了粗选作业铜的回收率。研究对超声波技术在有色金属浮选领域的应用有一定参考意义。

改性甘薯淀粉及其在食品工业中的应用研究进展

甘薯淀粉常作为粉丝和粉条等食品加工原料,具有稳定和增稠作用。但受其固有性质的限制(如热稳定性差、淀粉糊透明度低等),难以满足现代食品工业发展的需求,而改性(如物理法、化学法、酶法及复合法等)能赋予甘薯淀粉良好的功能、流变学和加工特性(如抗老化性、淀粉糊透明度高、凝沉性小、冻融稳定性好、抗酸性和成膜性好等),可用于改善食品的物化特性、质构特性及食用品质。该文首先分析了甘薯淀粉的结构及性质,并总结了改性方法,最后概述了甘薯淀粉在食品工业(从粉丝、面制品、调味料及其他食品等方面)中的应用情况,以期为扩大甘薯淀粉资源的研究和应用提供参考。

CTAB改性Cu-BTC材料的合成及其吸附分离二甲苯异构体的性能

通过水热法合成Cu-BTC晶体的过程中添加十六烷基三甲基溴化铵(CTAB),通过调节CTAB的添加量对吸附材料的形貌和孔结构进行改性,改性后的Cu-BTC材料与原Cu-BTC相比,其对对二甲苯(PX)的静态吸附量明显提高,且高于间二甲苯(MX)和邻二甲苯(OX),从而提高了异构体的吸附选择性。研究了二甲苯异构体在Cu-BTC-CTAB材料上的静态吸附性能和吸附动力学性能。在298K、318K和338K温度下进行了一系列二甲苯有机蒸气吸附平衡实验,得到了静态吸附速率曲线和吸附等温线。改性材料中CTAB添加量为0.08%的Cu-BTC-CTAB样品对PX的吸附量和选择性最优。动力学研究表明,二甲苯异构体在Cu-BTC-CTAB上的吸附过程可以用一级动力学模型来描述。

丙烯酰胺-柠檬酸改性葵花秸秆吸油材料的制备及吸油动力学

以农业废弃物葵花秸秆为原料,分别用10%氨水、丙酮-环己烷、甲苯-乙醇对葵花秸秆预处理后,采用丙烯酰胺-柠檬酸酯化法对其改性,研究了改性葵花秸秆对油品的吸附性能,开展了吸附热力学及动力学研究,探讨了改性葵花秸秆的吸油机理。结果表明,丙酮-环己烷预处理+改性葵花秸秆对油品的吸油性能最强,其次为甲苯-乙醇预处理+改性葵花秸秆、10%氨水预处理+改性葵花秸秆;改性葵花秸秆对不同油品的吸油性能大小为:大豆油>柴油>原油;丙酮-环己烷预处理+改性葵花秸秆对原油的保油率最高,10%氨水预处理+改性葵花秸秆对大豆油的去除率最高;吸附热力学表明改性葵花秸秆对油品的吸附是以单分子层吸附为主的化学吸附,该吸附过程符合准二级动力学方程。该研究为解决石油污染问题提供了新思路,也为农作物副产物的综合利用提供了方向。

畜禽动物油甘油二酯的酶法制备及应用研究进展

1,3-甘油二酯(diacylglycerol,DAG)是公认的安全食品,在人体中的代谢途径不同于甘油三酯,具有提高人体新陈代谢水平以及预防肥胖和心血管疾病等功效。然而,天然DAG在食用油中的质量分数不及10%,因此,近年来高纯度DAG的制备受到了广泛关注。与化学法相比,酶法因绿色、安全、选择性高等优点成为了油脂工业制备DAG的首选。畜禽动物油具有特殊的风味和一定的营养价值,但其高饱和脂肪、高胆固醇和高熔点等理化特征致使其在食品工业的利用受到了极大限制。鉴于此,合成畜禽动物油DAG成为了实现畜禽动物油高值化利用的一种有效途径。本文综述了酶法制备畜禽动物油DAG的研究现状及其潜在的应用价值,以期为畜禽动物油DAG的酶法加工及高值化利用提供一定的思路。

胺基改性壳聚糖吸附材料的制备及其对铀的吸附性能研究

研究了采用水热法制备壳聚糖微球(HTCC),再通过环氧化-胺化改性法制备胺基改性壳聚糖吸附材料(AHTCC)并用于吸附废水中的低浓度铀。利用红外光谱仪、元素分析仪、热重分析仪等对AHTCC的结构、组分和热稳定性进行表征,并考察了AHTCC对铀的吸附、解吸性能。结果表明:在pH=5~8条件下,AHTCC对溶液中铀的吸附效果较好;铀吸附平衡质量浓度为120 mg/L左右时,吸附量达最大,为151.6 mg/g;铀吸附速率在反应最初60 min较快,180 min时达到吸附平衡;以80 g/L Na_(2)CO_(3)+20 g/L NaHCO_(3)作解吸剂,铀解吸率为97.5%;对于含杂离子浓度较高的实际含铀废水,经AHTCC单次吸附,铀的去除率可达95.6%。

人工影响天气虚拟仿真实验及课程体系建设

在“人工影响天气”的相关课程教学中,构建虚拟仿真实验教学平台有助于学生深入理解基础理论知识,并对实际业务操作及催化方案设计、优化产生感性认识。虚拟仿真实验教学突破了室内教学时空及仪器设备昂贵的局限性,解决了自然界中不能对同一块云反复催化的实际困难,对云降水环境及人工催化过程高度重现,对理论教学体系及教学形式进行补充,完善了课程教学体系。此外,科技成果在教学和本科生科研创新活动的引入,进一步增强学生科技创新意识及学习兴趣,促进了科研创新型人才的培养。

漆酶催化没食子酸染色阳离子改性棉织物的性能

利用漆酶催化没食子酸,并对聚二甲基二烯丙基氯化铵改性棉织物进行染色。结果表明:漆酶可催化没食子酸聚合,采用一浴一步法和一浴二步法工艺对改性棉织物染色,二者的染色特征值相接近,染色改性棉织物的UPF≥40,亲水性能明显提升,力学性能也有所改善。

氢氧化钠改性生物炭/凹凸棒石复合材料对铅、镉的吸附机理研究

利用水稻秸秆与凹凸棒石在缺氧条件下热解制备稻秆生物炭/凹凸棒石复合材料(BA),并通过氢氧化钠改性提升其吸附性能。通过吸附动力学、等温吸附及改变初始pH等吸附试验研究复合材料在Cd、Pb一元及二元污染体系中的吸附行为,并结合扫描电镜能谱(SEM-EDS)、比表面积及孔径分析(BET)、傅里叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)、X射线衍射(XRD)及X射线光电子能谱分析(XPS)等表征手段深入分析改性后复合材料对溶液中重金属Cd、Pb的吸附机理。试验结果表明氢氧化钠改性复合材料(NBA)对Cd^(2+)和Pb^(2+)的吸附容量分别为117.05和274.65 mg·g^(-1),其去除效率比BA分别增加31.2%和51.7%。在二元金属体系中NBA吸附能力也明显优于BA,准二级动力学模型和Langmuir等温模型能更好地用于模拟吸附结果,表明该吸附主要为单分子化学吸附过程。此外,竞争吸附分析表明在Cd、Pb共存溶液中,与Cd^(2+)相比,Pb^(2+)更易被复合材料吸附。通过SEM-EDS、FTIR、XRD和XPS等表征方法确定了NBA对Cd^(2+)和Pb^(2+)的吸附机制,主要包括其与表面含氧官能团的络合作用、与矿物质的沉淀作用及π-电子作用。综上,改性复合材料NBA在实际废水处理中是一种极具潜力的吸附剂。