Aluminum ion intercalation in mesoporous multilayer carbocatalysts promotes the conversion of glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural.

In this study, an efficient modification strategy was proposed by facile loading of trace aluminum ions and p-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA) in carbon materials to improve their catalytic activity. p-TSA is then proven to regulate the carbonization process and promote the formation of mesoporous and multilayer structures. The hexa-coordinated aluminum structure is characterized by 1H-27Al solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which serves as the Lewis-Brønsted acid site in carbocatalysts. Accordingly, the resulting catalyst facilitates a yield of ∼70% for converting glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) with a maximum carbon balance of around 91.4% at 150 °C in 6 h. In situ NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and isotope labeling analysis reveal that the hexa-coordinated aluminum sites promote the isomerization of glucose, and the sulfonic groups facilitate the subsequent dehydration and rehydration of fructose and levoglucosan intermediates. Kinetic models further indicate the decreased energy barrier for glucose conversion over the Al3+/p-TSA intercalated carbocatalyst. This work provides a promising strategy for engineering waste-derived carbocatalysts toward effectively converting carbohydrates to precursors of biofuels and bioplastics.

Evolutionary and ecological forces shape nutrient strategies of mycorrhizal woody plants.

The associations of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) or ectomycorrhiza (EcM) fungi with plants have sequentially evolved and significantly contributed to enhancing plant nutrition. Nonetheless, how evolutionary and ecological forces drive nutrient acquisition strategies of AM and EcM woody plants remains poorly understood. Our global analysis of woody species revealed that, over divergence time, AM woody plants evolved faster nitrogen mineralization rates without changes in nitrogen resorption. However, EcM woody plants exhibited an increase in nitrogen mineralization but a decrease in nitrogen resorption, indicating a shift towards a more inorganic nutrient economy. Despite this alteration, when evaluating present-day woody species, AM woody plants still display faster nitrogen mineralization and lower nitrogen resorption than EcM woody plants. This inorganic nutrient economy allows AM woody plants to thrive in warm environments with a faster litter decomposition rate. Our findings indicate that the global pattern of nutrient acquisition strategies in mycorrhizal plants is shaped by the interplay between phylogeny and climate.

Endoscopic resection via antral submucosal tunneling for en bloc removal of tumors in the duodenal bulb.

To overcome difficulties in the removal of duodenal bulb lesions, especially those in anatomically challenging locations, we developed the endoscopic resection via antral submucosal tunneling (ERAST) technique. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of ERAST for the removal of superficial and subepithelial lesions in the duodenal bulb. This was a single-center retrospective study of 10 patients with lesions in the bulb. Submucosal tunneling from the gastric antrum to the duodenum was performed to facilitate en bloc tumor resection in the bulb. The en bloc resection rate, postoperative bleeding, and perforation were the primary endpoints. Ten lesions (four superficial and six subepithelial), with an average size of 19.1 ± 9.2 mm, were resected en bloc by ERAST. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy follow-up after 2 months indicated complete wound healing in all patients. In our primary experience, ERAST was found to be a feasible and safe endoscopic resection technique for the removal of lesions in the duodenal bulb, especially those that are difficult to access.

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Improves Postoperative Cognitive Function in Senior Patients Undergoing Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) for improving postoperative cognitive function in senior patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical (VATS). METHODS: From January to December 2020, 97 participants were randomly assigned to the TEAS group (49 cases) and the control group (48 cases) by a random number table. The patients in the TEAS group received TEAS, at the bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints. The control group received sham TEAS. The stimulation was started from 30 min before surgery until the end of the operation. The primary outcome was the incidence of pstoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), diagnosed based on the changes in the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores. The secondary outcomes were plasma levels of S100ß protein and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). RESULTS: The incidence of POCD on day 1 and 3 after surgery in the TEAS group was significantly lower than that in the control group [day 1 after surgery: 28.3% (13/46) vs. 52.3% (23/44), P=0.028; day 3 after surgery: 21.7% (10/46) vs. 40.9% (18/44), P=0.043]. Compared with baseline, the MMSE and MoCA scores decreased to various extents in both groups. The MMSE scores on day 1, 3, and 5 after surgery and MoCA scores on day 1, 3, 5, and 7 after surgery in the TEAS group were higher than those in the control group (all P<0.05) in both groups. Compared with baseline, the plasma levels of S100ß and NSE were significantly increased at 4, 8, 12, 24 h after surgery (all P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the plasma levels of S100ß and NSE were lower in the TEAS group at 4, 8, 12, and 24 h after surgery (all P<0.05). No obvious adverse events were found during the trial. CONCLUSION: Application of TEAS in senior patients after VATS could reduce incidence of POCD and improve postoperative cognitive function.

Fosp9, a Novel Secreted Protein, Is Essential for the Full Virulence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense on Banana (Musa spp.).

The banana vascular wilt pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, delivers a number of different secreted proteins into host plant tissues during infection. Until now, only a few of the secreted proteins from this fungus have been shown to be virulence effectors. Here, the product of fosp9, which is a gene in this pathogen, was found to be a novel virulence effector. The fosp9 gene encodes a hypothetical 185-amino-acid protein which has a functional signal peptide but contains no known motifs or domains. The fosp9 disruptants displayed a significant reduction in producing wilt symptoms on bananas, indicating that fosp9 is essential for the full virulence of this pathogen for banana. These disruptants did not exhibit a change in either saprophytic growth or conidiation on potato dextrose agar medium, but their invasive growth in the rhizomes of banana was markedly compromised, suggesting a pivotal role for fosp9 in the colonization of banana rhizome tissues by this fungus. Live-cell imaging revealed that the Fosp9-GFP fusion protein accumulated in the apoplast of the plant cells. Moreover, transcriptome profiling revealed that a number of virulence-associated genes were differentially expressed in the fosp9 disruptant relative to the wild type. Taken together, these findings suggest that Fosp9 is a genuine effector of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense. IMPORTANCE Fusarium wilt of bananas (also known as Panama disease), caused by the fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense, is one of the most devastating banana diseases worldwide. The understanding of the molecular mechanism of its pathogenicity is very limited so far. We demonstrated that the secreted protein Fosp9 from this fungus contributes to its virulence against banana hosts and is essential for colonization of banana rhizome tissues by this fungus. In particular, Fosp9 contains no known domains or motifs and has no functionally characterized homologs, implying that it is a novel secreted effector involved in F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense-banana interactions. This work provides insight into molecular mechanisms of F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense pathogenicity, and the characterization of the fosp9 gene will facilitate development of transgenic banana and plantain strains resistant to this disease by silencing this effector gene through host-induced gene silencing or other strategies.

A low-cost and effective bagasse-based magnetic porous biochar as an adsorbent for solid phase extraction of triazine herbicides in brown sugar.

A rapid and sensitive approach for enriching and extracting triazines from brown sugar samples was developed by combining magnetic dispersive solid-phase extraction and HPLC/UV. In this work, a magnetic porous biochar (MPB) derived from low-cost bagasse was prepared and successfully employed as an adsorbent. A particular emphasis was placed on optimizing the extraction conditions, including the amount of MPB, extraction time, pH, type and volume of eluent, and salt concentration. Under optimized MSPE conditions, the method showed satisfactory linearity over concentration ranges of 2-200 µg L-1 for four triazines, with correlation coefficient values no less than 0.9981. Low limits of detection (0.27-0.33 µg L-1), good recoveries (81.7-100.7%), and satisfactory repeatability (RSDs ≤ 8.1%) were also demonstrated with respect to the analytical performance. The results demonstrated that the developed method was simple, rapid, sensitive, and efficient, indicating that it could extract and enrich trace triazines from real samples.

Isomaltulose Exhibits Prebiotic Activity, and Modulates Gut Microbiota, the Production of Short Chain Fatty Acids, and Secondary Bile Acids in Rats.

In vitro experiments have indicated prebiotic activity of isomaltulose, which stimulates the growth of probiotics and the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). However, the absence of in vivo trials undermines these results. This study aims to investigate the effect of isomaltulose on composition and functionality of gut microbiota in rats. Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: the IsoMTL group was given free access to water containing 10% isomaltulose (w/w), and the control group was treated with normal water for five weeks. Moreover, 16S rRNA sequencing showed that ingestion of isomaltulose increased the abundances of beneficial microbiota, such as Faecalibacterium and Phascolarctobacterium, and decreased levels of pathogens, including Shuttleworthia. Bacterial functional prediction showed that isomaltulose affected gut microbial functionalities, including secondary bile acid biosynthesis. Targeted metabolomics demonstrated that isomaltulose supplementation enhanced cholic acid concentration, and reduced levels of lithocholic acid, deoxycholic acid, dehydrocholic acid, and hyodeoxycholic acid. Moreover, the concentrations of propionate and butyrate were elevated in the rats administered with isomaltulose. This work suggests that isomaltulose modulates gut microbiota and the production of SCFAs and secondary bile acids in rats, which provides a scientific basis on the use of isomaltulose as a prebiotic.

Novel Platinum(II) Complex-based Luminescent Probe for Detection of Hypochlorite in Cancer Cells.

Hypochlorite (ClO⁻) is of great importance either for the metabolism of living organisms or as disinfectant in daily life. However, improper concentration levels of ClO⁻ lead to serious health problems including erythrocyte damage, cardiovascular problems, neuron degeneration, lung/kidney injury and cancer. Therefore, a sensitive and selective detection method is required for the visualization and measurement of ClO⁻. In this work, a novel platinum(II) complex-based luminescent probe Pt-CHO was synthesized and utilized to detect ClO⁻. This "turn-off" probe exhibits high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, good pH stability, low limit of detection and instantaneous response ability. Moreover, the luminescent response is caused by the oxidation of aldehyde into carboxyl groups combined with the coordination of hydroxyl groups at the Pt center, which is rarely reported. The cell imaging of HeLa cells proved the considerable potential of the probe for ClO⁻ imaging in living cells.

Development of magnetic porous carbon nano-fibers for application as adsorbents in the enrichment of trace Sudan dyes in foodstuffs.

A novel kind of magnetic porous carbon nano-fibers (Fe3O4@P-CNFs) materials was successfully prepared and used as an adsorbent. Based on the above-mentioned adsorbent, a simple and effective magnetic disperse solid-phase extraction (MSPE) method was developed and first utilized to the enrichment and purification of five Sudan dyes (including Sudan I, Sudan II, Sudan III, Sudan IV, and Sudan Red 7B) in foodstuffs for the first time. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the content of the Sudan dyes. The parameters affecting the extraction performance were studied and optimized, including the amount of the adsorbent and inorganic salt, type and the volume of the eluent, pH of the sample solution and extraction time. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the results show that the proposed method has a good linear relationship (r≥ 0.9993). The limits of detection range from 0.88 µg L-1 to 1.27 µg L-1. The recoveries range from 86.6% to 99.7% with the relative standard deviations ranging from 0.6% to 7.9% in the methodology validation. The above-mentioned results indicate that the proposed method is a sensitive and reliable procedure with good reproducibility for the detection of Sudan dyes residues in foodstuffs.

An Integrated Fuzzy C-Means Method for Missing Data Imputation Using Taxi GPS Data.

Various traffic-sensing technologies have been employed to facilitate traffic control. Due to certain factors, e.g., malfunctioning devices and artificial mistakes, missing values typically occur in the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) sensing datasets, resulting in a decrease in the data quality. In this study, an integrated imputation algorithm based on fuzzy C-means (FCM) and the genetic algorithm (GA) is proposed to improve the accuracy of the estimated values. The GA is applied to optimize the parameter of the membership degree and the number of cluster centroids in the FCM model. An experimental test of the taxi global positioning system (GPS) data in Manhattan, New York City, is employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the integrated imputation approach. Three evaluation criteria, the root mean squared error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (R), and relative accuracy (RA), are used to verify the experimental results. Under the ±5% and ±10% thresholds, the average RAs obtained by the integrated imputation method are 0.576 and 0.785, which remain the highest among different methods, indicating that the integrated imputation method outperforms the history imputation method and the conventional FCM method. On the other hand, the clustering imputation performance with the Euclidean distance is better than that with the Manhattan distance. Thus, our proposed integrated imputation method can be employed to estimate the missing values in the daily traffic management.

[Preparation and application of anti-envelope protein B2L mouse polyclonal antibody of ORF virus].

Objective To obtain the envelope protein B2L of orf virus(ORFV) and prepare highly specific polyclonal antibody against B2L. Methods The B2L gene was amplified by PCR, and subcloned into the vectors pET-32a and p3×FLAG-CMV-14, pET-32a-B2L followed by expression of B2L protein in E.coli, and induction of the target protein by IPTG, purification by urea solution and identification via Western blot analysis. Furthermore, the BALB/c mice were immunized with B2L protein to prepare highly-specific anti-B2L polyclonal antibody. In addition, plasmid p3×FLAG-B2L was transfected into Vero cells and BHK-21 cells which was used to confirm its specificity and antigenicity by indirect immunofluorescence assay(IFA). Results Western blotting demonstrated that the B2L protein had high-level specificity. The results of IFA indicated that the anti-B2L specific polyclonal antibody had specificity and reactivity. Then Immunohistochemistry showed that it could neutralize natural ORFV. Conclusion Highly specific and purified polyclonal antibody against B2L protein of the ORFV was successfully prepared.

Association between patient characteristics and magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy findings.

Background/Aim: Magnetically-controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE) is a potential option for the evaluation of gastric diseases in cases that are unsuited for conventional endoscopy, avoiding discomfort, sedation, and related complications. This retrospective study investigated associations between MCE findings and patient gender, age, and inpatient/outpatient status. Patients and Methods: The data of 580 consecutive patients who underwent MCE from 2015 to 2016 were analyzed. Data included age, gender, indication for MCE, inpatient/outpatient status, overall coverage of gastric anatomical landmarks, and comorbid conditions. Results: Compared with outpatients, inpatients had a higher rate of overall significant MCE findings (P = 0.014), polyp (P = 0.03), and ulceration (P = 0.003). MCE findings of the inpatient men and women were similar. Considering all patients, the percentage with ulceration was significantly higher in men than in women (P = 0.004), and men were younger (P < 0.001). Compared with younger patients, those aged ≥60 years had significantly higher rates of overall significant findings, mainly polyp and angiodysplasia. Conclusions: Compared with outpatients, the inpatients showed higher overall significant findings. Men undergoing MCE were younger than the women, and more likely to have ulcerations. Older patients, whether outpatient or inpatient, had higher rates of significant findings, mainly polyp and angiodysplasia.

Fabrication of a microfluidic paper-based analytical device by silanization of filter cellulose using a paper mask for glucose assay.

We developed a novel, low-cost and simple method for the fabrication of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (µPADs) by silanization of filter cellulose using a paper mask having a specific pattern. The paper mask was penetrated with trimethoxyoctadecylsilane (TMOS) by immersing into TMOS-heptane solution. By heating the filter paper sandwiched between the paper mask and glass slides, TMOS was immobilized onto the filter cellulose via the reaction between cellulose OH and TMOS, while the hydrophilic area was not silanized because it was not in contact with the paper mask penetrated with TMOS. The effects of some factors including TMOS concentration, heating temperature and time on the fabrication of µPADs were studied. This method is free of any expensive equipment and metal masks, and could be performed by untrained personnel. These features are very attractive for the fabrication and applications of µPADs in developing countries or resource-limited settings. A flower-shaped µPAD was fabricated and used to determine glucose in human serum samples. The contents determined by this method agreed well with those determined by a standard method.

Genome and transcriptome analysis of the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense causing banana vascular wilt disease.

BACKGROUND: The asexual fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) causing vascular wilt disease is one of the most devastating pathogens of banana (Musa spp.). To understand the molecular underpinning of pathogenicity in Foc, the genomes and transcriptomes of two Foc isolates were sequenced. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Genome analysis revealed that the genome structures of race 1 and race 4 isolates were highly syntenic with those of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici strain Fol4287. A large number of putative virulence associated genes were identified in both Foc genomes, including genes putatively involved in root attachment, cell degradation, detoxification of toxin, transport, secondary metabolites biosynthesis and signal transductions. Importantly, relative to the Foc race 1 isolate (Foc1), the Foc race 4 isolate (Foc4) has evolved with some expanded gene families of transporters and transcription factors for transport of toxins and nutrients that may facilitate its ability to adapt to host environments and contribute to pathogenicity to banana. Transcriptome analysis disclosed a significant difference in transcriptional responses between Foc1 and Foc4 at 48 h post inoculation to the banana 'Brazil' in comparison with the vegetative growth stage. Of particular note, more virulence-associated genes were up regulated in Foc4 than in Foc1. Several signaling pathways like the mitogen-activated protein kinase Fmk1 mediated invasion growth pathway, the FGA1-mediated G protein signaling pathway and a pathogenicity associated two-component system were activated in Foc4 rather than in Foc1. Together, these differences in gene content and transcription response between Foc1 and Foc4 might account for variation in their virulence during infection of the banana variety 'Brazil'. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Foc genome sequences will facilitate us to identify pathogenicity mechanism involved in the banana vascular wilt disease development. These will thus advance us develop effective methods for managing the banana vascular wilt disease, including improvement of disease resistance in banana.

[Biological characteristics of an Hog1 MAPK homologous gene FoHog1 knock-out mutant of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense].

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to obtain a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) gene namely FoHog1 from Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense and to verify its function. METHODS: We amplified FoHog1 gene by PCR and RT-PCR methods and analyzed it through bioinformatics method. PEG-mediated protoplast transformation was used to create the deletion mutants of FoHog1 gene. We analyzed different biological characteristics between knock-out strain and wild-type strain. RESULTS: FoHog1 gene encoding a putative protein of 357 amino acids and its genetic relationship with different Fusarium' s protein. Compared with the wild-type strain, FoHog1 deletion mutants have loose hyphae colony, less spores production, lower dry weight of hyphae and more sensitive to temperature, pH and osmotic stress. FoHog1 deletion mutants also have reduced colonization ability compared with the wild-type strain. CONCLUSION: FoHog1 gene participated in mycelial growth, sporulation, catabolism of sodium acetate and ammonium chloride, osmotic stress response and pathogenic process with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Race 4.

Rapid and sensitive detection of Banana bunchy top virus by loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

A sensitive loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for rapid detection of Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) infection. The reaction was performed in a single tube at 63°C for 90 min, with an improved closed-tube detection system by adding the SYBR Green I dye to the inside of the tube lid prior to amplification. The detection limit of the LAMP assay was approximately 1 pg/µl plasmid DNA when mixed with extracted DNA from healthy banana plant, and no cross-reaction with other banana-infected pathogens was observed. Real-time turbidimetry was used to monitor the amplification result in the tubes, and it was shown that this LAMP assay was about 100-fold more sensitive than PCR. The results demonstrated that this LAMP method should be useful for both banana disease monitoring and mass propagation of virus-free banana plantlets.

Detection of cucumber mosaic virus isolates from banana by one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) is one of the most devastating threats to the banana industry. A single-tube, one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was developed for the rapid detection of CMV-infected banana and plantain (Musa spp.). The reaction was performed in a single tube at 63 °C for 90 min using a real-time turbidimeter, with an improved closed-tube visual detection system in which fluorescent dye was added to the inside of the lid prior to amplification. This RT-LAMP assay is an alternative method for the rapid detection of CMV in banana plants and tissue culture materials.

[Study on eliminating sodium nitrite and blocking nitrosamine synthesis by anthocyanin from skin of Alpinia galanga].

This study was performed to determine the ability of eliminating sodium nitrite and blocking nitrosamine synthesis by anthocyanin from the skin of Alpinia galanga. purified by macroporous resin. The test was conducted under the condition of the simulated human gastric juice (pH 3.0, 37 degrees C) with VitC as positive control. The results showed that the max capability of eliminating sodium nitrite was 87.14%, which is 1.6 times sronger than that of VitC, and the max capability of blocking nitrosamine synthesis was 97.82%, which is 8 times sronger than that of VitC.

[6-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine-κN,N']bis-(triphenyl-phosphane-κP)copper(I) tetra-fluoridoborate.

The title compound, [Cu(C(16)H(11)BrN(2))(C(18)H(15)P)(2)]BF(4), is composed of one Cu(I) atom, one 6-(4-bromo-phen-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine (L) ligand, two triphenyl-phosphane mol-ecules and one tetra-fluoridoborate anion. The Cu(I) ion is four-coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral configuration by two N atoms from L and two P atoms from triphenyl-phosphane ligands. In the L ligand, the two pyridine rings are not coplanar; the mean planes making a dihedral angle of 15.3 (5)°. In the crystal, the ions are linked by weak C-H⋯F inter-actions.

Genome shuffling of Propionibacterium shermanii for improving vitamin B12 production and comparative proteome analysis.

Genome shuffling is an efficient approach for the rapid improvement of microbial phenotype. Here we improved vitamin B12 production of Propionibacterium shermanii by genome shuffling based on inactivated protoplast fusion. A genome shuffling strain with titer of vitamin B12 of 2.85 mgl(-1), named Propionibacterium shermanii-F2-3, was obtained. The genome shuffled strain produced about 61% improvement of vitamin B12 over the parent strain after 96 h. Comparative analysis of proteome profile was conducted between Propionibacterium shermanii 17 and F2-3. The expression levels of 38 proteins varied significantly in the genome shuffled strain compared with those in the parent strain. Of these proteins, 22 proteins were up-regulated, 16 proteins were down-regulated. Of the up-regulated proteins, 6 proteins (glutaminyl-tRNA synthetase (GlnS), Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (HemB), methionine synthase (Meth), riboflavin synthase (RibE), phosphofructo kinase (PfkA) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (Icd) is involved in the vitamin B12 biosynthesis pathway. They may be the key enzymes of vitamin B12 biosynthesis.