Dimensionality Control of 1D Coupling Reaction for the Facile Preparation of Porous Carbon Nanofibers.

Porous carbon nanofibers with unique hierarchical structures have great potential in many fields, including heterogeneous catalysis, optoelectronics, and sensing. However, several preparation issues, such as additional templates, complicated processes, and harsh conditions, seriously hamper their widespread use. Here, we control the Sonogashira coupling reaction of linear building monomers─1,4-dibromaphthalene and 1,4-ethylbenzene─at the molecular level.

An ultrasensitive ratiometric immunosensor based on the ratios of conjugated distyrylbenzene derivative nanosheets with AIECL properties and electrochemical signal for CYFRA21-1 detection.

Aggregation-induced electrochemiluminescence reagent, a distyrylbenzene derivative with donor-acceptor conjugated nanosheet structure, namely TPAPCN, was used as a trace label and modified on the electrode through the formation of classical sandwich complex of antibody-antigen-antibody in this work. In aggregate state, TPAPCN with twisted structure was limited in nanometer space through intermolecular π - π stacking interactions, which not only restricts the intramolecular motions but also combines a large number of singlet excitons to greatly trigger electrochemiluminescence (ECL). The ECL signal of this system enhanced with more captured cytokeratin 19 fragment 21-1 (CYFRA21-1) on the modified electrode.

Cationized high amylose maize starch films reinforced with borax cross-linked nanocellulose.

In this study, a novel strategy for modifying nanocellulose (NC) by borax cross-linking was developed, and the obtained borax modified nanocellulose (BNC) was incorporated into cationized high amylose maize starch (CS) films to evaluate the applicability. Cellulose molecules were successfully cross-linked by boron ester bonds, and the original crystal type and basic chemical structure were not changed. Compared with NC, the relative crystallinity of BNC was slightly increased, and the thermal stability was obviously enhanced.

Investigating the Roles of Anterior Cingulate in Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia: A PET/MRI Study.

Background: The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) seems to play an important role in behavioral deficits and executive dysfunctions in patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), while its specific and independent contribution requires clarification.

Objective: To identify whether ACC abnormalities in gray matter (GM) volume and standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR) images are associated with disease severity of bvFTD, by analyzing hybrid T1 and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG PET).

Methods: We enrolled 21 bvFTD patients and 21 healthy controls in the study.

Development of Chlorantraniliprole and Lambda Cyhalothrin Double-Loaded Nano-Microcapsules for Synergistical Pest Control.

Nanotechnology could greatly improve global agricultural food production. Chlorantraniliprole and lambda cyhalothrin double-loaded nano-microcapsules were fabricated to enhance the control of pests by pesticides and improve the pesticide utilization efficiency. The nano-microcapsules were synthesized using a method involving the solid in oil in water encapsulation technique and solvent evaporation.

Advances in Controlled-Release Pesticide Formulations with Improved Efficacy and Targetability.

Pesticides are commonly used in modern agriculture and are important for global food security. However, postapplication losses due to degradation, photolysis, evaporation, leaching, surface runoff, and other processes may substantially reduce their efficacy. Controlled-release formulations can achieve the permeation-regulated transfer of an active ingredient from a reservoir to a target surface.

MicroRNA-30e-3p inhibits glioma development and promotes drug sensitivity to temozolomide treatment via targeting canopy FGF signaling regulator 2.

Glioma is one of the most aggressive malignancies in the central nervous system and the prognosis of glioma patients remains poor. In this study, we investigated the function of microRNA-30e-3p (miR-30e-3p) in glioma development and its regulatory role in drug-resistance to temozolomide (TMZ). We found that miR-30e-3p was downregulated in glioma tissues and cell lines.

The protective mechanism of a debranched corn starch/konjac glucomannan composite against dyslipidemia and gut microbiota in high-fat-diet induced type 2 diabetes.

This study aimed to explore the protection mechanism of a debranched corn starch/konjac glucomannan (DCSK) composite against type 2 diabetes (T2D) related to dyslipidemia and gut microbiota in mice fed on a high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that the consumption of DCSK led to a significant improvement in the biochemical parameters and physiological indices associated with T2D in the HFD group, including the decrease in blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, as well as the suppression of the oxidative stress of the liver and kidneys. Furthermore, the health of the intestinal microbiota in the HFD-fed mice was altered dramatically after DCSK consumption.

Construction of polythiophene-derivative films as a novel electrochemical sensor for highly sensitive detection of nitrite.

Herein, a novel, convenient, and highly selective electrochemical sensor for determination of nitrite based on a polythiophene-derivative film-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was established. In this work, 2,5-di-thiophen-3-yl-thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole (DTT), a novel thiophene derivative, was synthesized and used to form an original and excellent polymer film (PolyDTTF) on GCE through one-step electropolymerization for the first time. The modified electrodes were characterized by electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-visible spectra, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical technologies, in which the electrochemical sensor based on PolyDTTF was successfully constructed and demonstrated a significant electrocatalytic effect on nitrite.

The impact of gliadin and glutenin on the formation and structure of starch-lipid complexes.

This study evaluated the influence of the main gluten fractions (gliadin and glutenin) on the physicochemical properties of binary wheat starch-Lauric acid (WS-LA) complexes during heat processing to explore the complex structure and digestion of WS-LA in the presence of gluten. Ternary WS-LA-glutenin complexes were prepared at different pH (5.2 and 7), whereas WS-LA-gliadin was prepared using ethanol, and their physicochemical properties were analyzed.

Direct regeneration of hydrogels based on lemon peel and its isolated microcrystalline cellulose: Characterization and application for methylene blue adsorption.

In this study, we developed a facile and eco-friendly fabrication of hydrogels based on lemon peel (LP) and its isolated microcrystalline cellulose (LPMCC) by direct co-dissolving in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl), followed by direct regeneration in distilled water to form hydrogels. The influence of LP addition on the structure and methylene blue (MB) adsorption of the hydrogels was systematically investigated. The hydrogels displayed a physically cross-linked network through hydrogen bonding interactions.

Corn starch modification during endogenous malt amylases: The impact of synergistic hydrolysis time of α-amylase and β-amylase and limit dextrinase.

To expand the utility of barley malts and decrease the cost of enzyme-modified starch production, the structural and physicochemical characteristics of corn starch modified with fresh barley malts at different hydrolysis time were investigated. The results indicated that compared to native starch, A chain (DP 6-12) of the enzyme-treated starches increased at hydrolysis time (≤12 h), but it decreased at hydrolysis time (>12 h). Inversely, B chains (DP > 13) decreased at hydrolysis time (≤12 h) and they generally increased at hydrolysis time (>12 h).

A Carbazole-Functionalized Porous Aromatic Framework for Enhancing Volatile Iodine Capture via Electron Pairing.

Nitrogen-rich porous networks with additional polarity and basicity may serve as effective adsorbents for the electron pairing of iodine molecules. Herein a carbazole-functionalized porous aromatic framework (PAF) was synthesized through a Sonogashira-Hagihara cross-coupling polymerization of 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene and 2,7-dibromocarbazole building monomers. The resulting solid with a high nitrogen content incorporated the electron pairing effect into a π-conjugated nano-cavity, leading to an ultrahigh binding capability for iodine molecules.

Dihydroartemisinin suppresses proliferation, migration, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and EMT via TNKS in gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer is a common malignancy worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this malignancy remain unclear and there are a lack of effective drugs. The present study aimed to investigate the antitumor effect of Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) or inhibition of Tankyrases (TNKS), and determine the underlying molecular mechanisms of gastric cancer.

Disruption of Glutamate Release and Uptake-Related Protein Expression After Noise-Induced Synaptopathy in the Cochlea.

High-intensity noise can cause permanent hearing loss; however, short-duration medium-intensity noise only induces a temporary threshold shift (TTS) and damages synapses formed by inner hair cells (IHCs) and spiral ganglion nerves. Synaptopathy is generally thought to be caused by glutamate excitotoxicity. In this study, we investigated the expression levels of vesicle transporter protein 3 (Vglut3), responsible for the release of glutamate; glutamate/aspartate transporter protein (GLAST), responsible for the uptake of glutamate; and Na/K-ATPase α1 coupled with GLAST, in the process of synaptopathy in the cochlea.

Effects of different moisture contents on the structure and properties of corn starch during extrusion.

Herein, corn starch samples with different moisture contents (native corn starch, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50%) were prepared by twin-screw extrusion, and the structural and physical properties were analyzed and correlated. Scanning electron microscopy observed the morphology, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy investigated the double helix structure, X-ray diffraction analyzed the crystal region, ion chromatography observed the chain length distribution, and rapid viscosity analyzer measured the viscosity of corn starch samples. We found that the corn starch crystallinity, degree of order, and double helix degree decreased with increasing moisture content.

Preparation and Size Control of Efficient and Safe Nanopesticides by Anodic Aluminum Oxide Templates-Assisted Method.

Efficient and safe nanopesticides play an important role in pest control due to enhancing target efficiency and reducing undesirable side effects, which has become a hot spot in pesticide formulation research. However, the preparation methods of nanopesticides are facing critical challenges including low productivity, uneven particle size and batch differences. Here, we successfully developed a novel, versatile and tunable strategy for preparing buprofezin nanoparticles with tunable size via anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) template-assisted method, which exhibited better reproducibility and homogeneity comparing with the traditional method.

The Frequency of Genetic Mutations Associated With Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia in Chinese Han Patients.

Background: Behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) is a clinically heterogeneous syndrome with high heredity. However, the frequencies of mutations associated with bvFTD have yet to be determined. The aim of the current study was to investigate the frequency of Chinese Han patients harboring genetic bvFTD variants.

Effect of Sm Doping on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Shape Memory Effect of Cu-13.0Al-4.0Ni Alloy.

The effects of rare earth element Sm on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and shape memory effect of the high temperature shape memory alloy, Cu-13.0Al-4.0Ni-Sm ( = 0, 0.

Effect of chain length on the structure and physicochemical properties of active compound/linear dextrin composites.

Three linear dextrins (LDs) with different chain length were obtained through fractionating short-chain LD by gradient precipitation with 65%, 70% and 75% alcohol, signed as 65LD, 70LD, and 75LD, respectively. The LDs were employed to encapsulate arachidonic acid (ARA) and geranic acid (GA). Fourier infrared spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the formation of ARA/LD and GA/LD composites.

Joint effect of urinary arsenic species and serum one-carbon metabolism nutrients on gestational diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study of Chinese pregnant women.

Background: Growing evidence indicates that arsenic (As) exposure can increase the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, little is known about As species and GDM and the combined effect of As and one-carbon metabolism (OCM) on GDM.

Objectives: We aimed to examine the associations between As species and GDM and evaluate the potential interactions of folate, vitamin B, and homocysteine (Hcy) with As species on GDM prevalence.

miR-23b-5p promotes the chemosensitivity of temozolomide via negatively regulating TLR4 in glioma.

Glioma is the most common malignancy in the brain, with poor survival and often highly resistant to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an alkylating agent widely used for glioma treatment. However, resistance to TMZ results in treatment failure, while the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.