RESUMEN
Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a significant global health concern, posing a high risk for gastric cancer. Conventional diagnostic and screening approaches are inaccessible, invasive, inaccurate, time-consuming, and expensive in primary clinics. Objective: This study aims to apply machine learning (ML) models to detect H. pylori infection using limited laboratory parameters from routine blood tests and to investigate the association of these biomarkers with clinical outcomes in primary clinics. Methods: A retrospective analysis with three ML and five ensemble models was conducted on 1409 adults from Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. evaluating twenty-three blood test parameters and using the C 14 urea breath test as the gold standard for diagnosing H. pylori infection. Results: In our comparative study employing three different feature selection strategies, Random Forest (RF) model exhibited superior performance over other ML and ensemble models. Multiple evaluation metrics underscored the optimal performance of the RF model (ROC = 0.951, sensitivity = 0.882, specificity = 0.906, F1 = 0.906, accuracy = 0.894, PPV = 0.908, NPV = 0.880) without feature selection. Key biomarkers identified through importance ranking and shapley additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis using the RF model without feature selection include White Blood Cell Count (WBC), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Hemoglobin (Hb), Red Blood Cell Count (RBC), Platelet Crit (PCT), and Platelet Count (PLC). These biomarkers were found to be significantly associated with the presence of H. pylori infection, reflecting the immune response and inflammation levels. Conclusion: Abnormalities in key biomarkers could prompt clinical workers to consider H. pylori infection. The RF model effectively identifies H. pylori infection using routine blood tests, offering potential for clinical application in primary clinics. This ML approach can enhance diagnosis and screening, reducing medical burdens and reliance on invasive diagnostics.
RESUMEN
Migrasomes, vesicular organelles generated on the retraction fibers of migrating cells, play a crucial role in migracytosis, mediating intercellular communication. The cargoes determine the functional specificity of migrasomes. Migrasomes harbor numerous intraluminal vesicles, a pivotal component of their cargoes. The mechanism underlying the transportation of these intraluminal vesicles to the migrasomes remains enigmatic. In this study, we identified that Rab10 and Caveolin-1 (CAV1) mark the intraluminal vesicles in migrasomes. Transport of Rab10-CAV1 vesicles to migrasomes required the motor protein Myosin Va and adaptor proteins RILPL2. Notably, the phosphorylation of Rab10 by the kinase LRRK2 regulated this process. Moreover, CSF-1 can be transported to migrasomes through this mechanism, subsequently fostering monocyte-macrophage differentiation in skin wound healing, which served as a proof of the physiological importance of this transporting mechanism.
Asunto(s)
Caveolina 1 , Movimiento Celular , Proteínas de Unión al GTP rab , Proteínas de Unión al GTP rab/metabolismo , Proteínas de Unión al GTP rab/genética , Humanos , Caveolina 1/metabolismo , Caveolina 1/genética , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Fosforilación , Proteínas Adaptadoras Transductoras de Señales/metabolismo , Proteínas Adaptadoras Transductoras de Señales/genética , Animales , Miosina Tipo V/metabolismo , Miosina Tipo V/genética , Proteína 2 Quinasa Serina-Treonina Rica en Repeticiones de Leucina/metabolismo , Proteína 2 Quinasa Serina-Treonina Rica en Repeticiones de Leucina/genética , Ratones , Cadenas Pesadas de Miosina/metabolismo , Cadenas Pesadas de Miosina/genética , Transporte Biológico , Cicatrización de Heridas/fisiología , Orgánulos/metabolismoRESUMEN
Seawater electrolysis for the production of fuels and chemicals involved in onshore and offshore plants powered by renewable energies offers a promising avenue and unique advantages for energy and environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, seawater electrolysis presents long-term challenges and issues, such as complex composition, potential side reactions, deposition of and poisoning by microorganisms and metal ions, as well as corrosion, thus hindering the rapid development of seawater electrolysis technology. This review focuses on the production of value-added fuels (hydrogen and beyond) and fine chemicals through seawater electrolysis, as a promising step towards sustainable energy development and carbon neutrality. The principle of seawater electrolysis and related challenges are first introduced, and the redox reaction mechanisms of fuels and chemicals are summarized. Strategies for operating anodes and cathodes including the development and application of chloride- and impurity-resistant electrocatalysts/membranes are reviewed. We comprehensively summarize the production of fuels and chemicals (hydrogen, carbon monoxide, sulfur, ammonia, etc.) at the cathode and anode via seawater electrolysis, and propose other potential strategies for co-producing fine chemicals, even sophisticated and electronic chemicals. Seawater electrolysis can drive the oxidation and upgrading of industrial pollutants or natural organics into value-added chemicals or degrade them into harmless substances, which would be meaningful for environmental protection. Finally, the perspective and prospects are outlined to address the challenges and expand the application of seawater electrolysis.
RESUMEN
Defect engineering and nitrogen doping being effective strategies for modulating the surface chemical state of the carbon matrix have been widely explored to promote the catalytic activity in the territory of electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices. However, the controllable synthesis of carbon material with high-density specific defects and high nitrogen doping is still full of challenges. Here, we first synthesize one-dimensional necklace-like nitrogen-doped carbon nanochains (N-CNCs) with abundant defects on carbon fiber paper (CFP) by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The resultant nanostructures are a bunch of interconnected carbon spheres with a hollow structure at the internode and present the complete one-dimensional nanochain configuration. Specifically, the N-CNCs with a corrugated surface possesses high content of sp3 defects (31.2%) and nitrogen (23.6 at %). Combining finite element analysis and experimental results, it reveals that the robust shear field generated by etching gas releasing from thermal decomposition of melamine in situ modulates the CVD process via changing the size and force environment of the metal catalyst droplets for formation of N-CNCs. Benefiting from the high ratio of sp3/sp2 and nitrogen doped on the surface, the N-CNCs@CFP displays a superior electrocatalytic performance for CO2RR, delivering CO Faradaic efficiency of 95.9% and a current density of 23.2 mA cm-2 at -0.86 V vs RHE. This work provides promising synthesis strategy and some inspirations for construction of ultradense and specific defects coupling with nitrogen doping sites into carbon materials to achieve high-efficiency electrocatalysis applications.
RESUMEN
Co electroreduction of carbon dioxide and nitrate to synthesize urea provides an alternative strategy to high energy-consumption traditional methods. However, the complexity of the reaction mechanism and the high energy barrier of nitrate reduction result in a diminished production of urea. Herein, a convenient electrodeposition technique to prepare the FeOOH with low spin state iron that increases the yield rate of urea efficiently is employed. According to soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, the unique configuration of low spin state iron as electron acceptors can effectively induce electron pair transfer from the occupied σ orbitals of intermediate * NO to empty d orbitals of iron. This σâd donation mechanism leads to a reduction in the energy barrier associated with the rate-determining step (* NOOHâ* NO + * OH), hence augmenting the urea generation. The low spin state iron presents a high urea yield rate of 512 µg h-1 cm-2 , representing approximately two times compared to the medium spin state iron. The key intermediates (* NH2 and * CO) in the formation of CâN bond are detected with in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The coupling of * NH2 and * CO contributes to the formation of * CONH2 , which subsequently endures multi-step proton-coupled electron transfer to generate urea.
RESUMEN
A quasi-homogenized miniemulsion system enabled by carbon quantum dot solid nanoparticles for biphasic catalysis is proposed, which breaks existing limits for an immiscibly biphasic system and overcomes issues for large-sized solid particle-stabilized emulsion droplets. The presented Pickering miniemulsion features pH-responsive behavior, finally triggering facile product separation and catalyst recycling in one reaction vessel.
RESUMEN
The design of efficient non-noble metal catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation to fuels and chemicals is desired yet remains a challenge. Herein, we report that single Mo atoms with a MoN3 (pyrrolic) moiety enable remarkable CO2 adsorption and hydrogenation to CO, as predicted by density functional theory studies and evidenced by a high and stable conversion of CO2 reaching about 30.4 % with a CO selectivity of almost 100 % at 500 °C and very low H2 partial pressure. Atomically dispersed MoN3 is calculated to facilitate CO2 activation and reduces CO2 to CO* via the direct dissociation path. Furthermore, the highest transition state energy in CO formation is 0.82â eV, which is substantially lower than that of CH4 formation (2.16â eV) and accounts for the dominant yield of CO. The enhanced catalytic performances of Mo/NC originate from facile CO desorption with the help of dispersed Mo on nitrogen-doped carbon (Mo/NC), and in the absence of Mo nanoparticles. The resulting catalyst preserves good stability without degradation of CO2 conversion rate even after 68â hours of continuous reaction. This finding provides a promising route for the construction of highly active, selective, and robust single-atom non-precious metal catalysts for reverse water-gas shift reaction.
RESUMEN
Integrated/cascade plasma-enabled N2 oxidation and electrocatalytic NOx- (where x = 2, 3) reduction reaction (pNOR-eNOx-RR) holds great promise for the renewable synthesis of ammonia (NH3). However, the corresponding activated effects and process of plasma toward N2 and O2 molecules and the mechanism of eNOx-RR to NH3 are unclear and need to be further uncovered, which largely limits the large-scale deployment of this process integration technology. Herein, we systematically investigate the plasma-enabled activation and recombination processes of N2 and O2 molecules, and more meaningfully, the mechanism of eNOx-RR at a microscopic level is also decoupled using copper (Cu) nanoparticles as a representative electrocatalyst. The concentration of produced NOx in the pNOR system is confirmed as a function of the length for spark discharge as well as the volumetric ratio for N2 and O2 feeding gas. The successive protonation process of NOx- and the key N-containing intermediates (e.g., -NH2) of eNOx-RR are detected with in situ infrared spectroscopy. Besides, in situ Raman spectroscopy further reveals the dynamic reconstruction process of Cu nanoparticles during the eNOx-RR process. The Cu nanoparticle-driven pNOR-eNOx-RR system can finally achieve a high NH3 yield rate of â¼40 nmol s-1 cm-2 and Faradaic efficiency of nearly 90%, overperforming the benchmarks reported in the literature. It is anticipated that this work will stimulate the practical development of the pNOR-eNOx-RR system for the green electrosynthesis of NH3 directly from air and water under ambient conditions.
Asunto(s)
Amoníaco , Cobre , Amoníaco/química , Cobre/química , Oxidación-Reducción , Espectrofotometría InfrarrojaRESUMEN
The dependence on fossil fuels has caused excessive emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs), leading to climate changes and global warming. Even though the expansion of electricity generation will enable a wider use of electric vehicles, biotechnology represents an attractive route for producing high-density liquid transportation fuels that can reduce GHG emissions from jets, long-haul trucks and ships. Furthermore, to achieve immediate alleviation of the current environmental situation, besides reducing carbon footprint it is urgent to develop technologies that transform atmospheric CO2 into fossil fuel replacements. The integration of bio-catalysis and electrocatalysis (bio-electrocatalysis) provides such a promising avenue to convert CO2 into fuels and chemicals with high-chain lengths. Following an overview of different mechanisms that can be used for CO2 fixation, we will discuss crucial factors for electrocatalysis with a special highlight on the improvement of electron-transfer kinetics, multi-dimensional electrocatalysts and their hybrids, electrolyser configurations, and the integration of electrocatalysis and bio-catalysis. Finally, we prospect key advantages and challenges of bio-electrocatalysis, and end with a discussion of future research directions.
Asunto(s)
Dióxido de Carbono , Efecto Invernadero , Biotecnología , Catálisis , Combustibles FósilesRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Norcantharidin (NCTD) has a certain degree of hydrophilicity and poor lipophilicity, and has some side-effects, including short t1/2, vascular irritation, cardiotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity, which bring difficulties for formulation research. In this study, we aim to develop a novel nanocarrier to improve encapsulation efficiency, increase sterilization stability, and enhance antitumor activity. METHODS: Phospholipid complexes methods were used for increasing the lipophilicity of norcantharidin (NCTD), then NCTD phospholipid complexes were not only loaded in the oil phase and oil-water interface surface, but also encapsulated in phospholipid bilayers to obtain NCTD liposome-emulsion hybrid (NLEH) delivery system. The in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis, in vivo tissue distribution, tumor penetration, heterotopic, and orthotopic antitumor studies were conducted to evaluate therapeutic effect. RESULTS: NLEH exhibited an improved encapsulation efficiency (89.3%) and a better sterilization stability, compared to NCTD liposomes and NCTD emulsions. NLEH can achieve a better antitumor activity by promoting absorption (1.93-fold), prolonging blood circulation (2.08-fold), enhancing tumor-targeting accumulation (1.19 times), improving tumor penetration, and increasing antitumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS: The liposome-emulsion hybrid (LEH) delivery system was potential carrier for NCTD delivery, and LEH could open opportunities for delivery of poorly soluble anticancer drugs, especially drugs that are more hydrophilicity than lipophilicity.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos , Liposomas , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Apoptosis , Compuestos Bicíclicos Heterocíclicos con Puentes/farmacología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Emulsiones , FosfolípidosRESUMEN
Novel anode materials for lithium-ion batteries were synthesized by in situ growth of spheres of graphene and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) around silicon particles. These composites possess high electrical conductivity and mechanical resiliency, which can sustain the high-pressure calendering process in industrial electrode fabrication, as well as the stress induced during charging and discharging of the electrodes. The resultant electrodes exhibit outstanding cycling durability (â¼90% capacity retention at 2 A g-1 after 700 cycles or a capacity fading rate of 0.014% per cycle), calendering compatibility (sustain pressure over 100 MPa), and adequate volumetric capacity (1006 mAh cm-3), providing a novel design strategy toward better silicon anode materials.
RESUMEN
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is considered as one of the most dangerous clinical pathogens. Biofilms forming ability of MRSA is also a major cause of drug resistance. Hence, it is in urgent need to develop novel antibacterial/antibiofilm drugs. Fascaplysin with a unique cationic five-ring coplanar backbone is emerging as a potential antibacterial compound. In this study, aiming at developing novel and more effective agents, a series of fascaplysin derivatives and their corresponding ß-carboline precursors have been synthesized. Then their antibacterial/antibiofilm activity and mechanisms against MRSA were investigated for the first time. The results showed that most fascaplysins rather than ß-carboline precursors exhibit superior antimicrobial activity against MRSA ATCC43300, demonstrating the important role of cationic five-ring coplanar backbone playing in antibacterial activity. Among them, 14 and 18 are the most potent compounds with MIC value of 0.098 µg/ml (10-fold lower than vancomycin), and 18 featuring the lowest toxicity. Subsequent mechanisms exploration indicates that 18 has relatively stronger ability to destroy bacterial cell wall and membrane, higher binding affinity to bacterial genomic DNA. Molecular docking study revealed that besides the key role of cationic five-ring coplanar backbone, introduction of N-aryl amide at 9-position of fascaplysin promoted the combination of compound 18 and DNA via additional π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding of the naphthyl group. Moreover, fascaplysins could inhibit MRSA biofilm formation in vitro and bacterial infection in vivo. All these results illustrate that fascaplysin derivative 18 is a strong and safe multi-target antibacterial agent, which makes it an attractive candidate for the treatment of MRSA and its biofilm infections.
Asunto(s)
Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Antibacterianos/farmacología , Biopelículas , ADN , Indoles , Pruebas de Sensibilidad Microbiana , Simulación del Acoplamiento MolecularRESUMEN
Electric vehicles (EVs) are being adopted to replace combustion engine vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change; developing batteries with high energy efficiency and long lifespan, in the context of carbon footprint and cost, are essential to ensure the successful transition. Herein, an electrolyte modulator that can effectively mitigate the polarization of lithium-ion batteries, leading to dramatically improved energy efficiency and lifespan, is reported. Under a dynamic stress test that mimics the operations of EVs, commercial pouch cells with a low concentration of electrolyte modulator (0.2 wt% of the electrolyte) exhibit enhanced energy efficiency (87.5% vs 80.4% for the first 500 testing cycles) and prolonged lifespan (fourfold improvement based on 70% energy-output retention). This work provides a simple yet effective strategy toward sustainable electrification of vehicles.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) was approved for HBV treatment in China in 2018. Despite higher antiviral efficacy and less impact on renal function and bone mineral density, the pharmacokinetic profiles of TAF are highly variable. The objectives of this study were to investigate the pharmacokinetics of TAF in the Chinese population and explore the associations between TAF and genetic polymorphisms and non-genetic factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 64 healthy Chinese subjects aged 18~65 years old were planned to enroll. According to the dietary intake status, the subjects were divided into two groups (n = 32 per group). The concentrations of TAF and tenofovir were measured by HPLC-MS/MS, and the single-nucleotide polymorphisms were analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS. RESULTS: All the enrolled participants (18-35 years) completed the clinical trial study. Similar to the results reported in other ethnic populations, the pharmacokinetic profiles of TAF and tenofovir were highly variable in the Chinese people, and the HFHC diet can significantly increase the systemic exposure of TAF. We determined both HFHC diet and rs7311358 (SLCO1B3) genotypes were independently associated with TAF AUC 0-t , while HFHC diet, age and rs3740066 (ABCC2) variants were predictive of t1/2 of tenofovir (P < 0.05). The subjects with the AA genotype in rs7311358 had significantly higher TAF AUC0-t values (1.15 times) than those with a G allele, and the t1/2 of tenofovir in the rs3740066 TT genotype group was 1.23 times longer than that of CC genotype group. Furthermore, there was a trend of higher TAF AUC and shorter tenofovir t1/2 for the rs2032582 (ABCB1) T allele and rs3742106 (ABCC4) CC variant, respectively, although not statistically significant in the multiple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: This study provided new evidence to suggest a critical link between both genetic and non-genetic factors and TAF pharmacokinetics in the Chinese people.
RESUMEN
Combination, synergistic chemotherapy with gemcitabine (GEM) and cisplatin (CDDP) is a common strategy, and has been recommended for tumor treatment due to its promoted therapeutic effect and reduced systemic toxicity. However, this process involves the intravenous infusion of GEM prior to that of CDDP, which is inconvenient for patients and staff. Here, a novel hybrid nano-carrier system comprised of micelles encapsulated within PEGylated liposomes is proposed, in order to combine the unique strengths of each component. CDDP was bonded with PLG-PEG, and then the formed CDDP@PLG-PEG micelles and GEM were co-loaded inside PEGylated liposomes. The hybrid liposomes with the optimized GEM/CDDP ratio (1:0.6) showed a roughly spherical morphology, appropriate drug loading, and sustained release behavior. In vitro, the hybrid liposomes had 1.72-fold increased cellular uptake, and 57.42%-fold decreased IC50 value. In vivo, pharmacokinetic studies showed increased t1/2 values (125.64%- and 128.57%-folds for GEM and CDDP), decreased clearance (41.90%- and 2.37%-folds), and promoted AUC (262.76%- and 4577.24%-folds). Finally, an in vivo antitumor study showed effective activity in regards to lung tumor size and weight, which were 40.48%- and 33.11%-folds that of GEM/CDDP solution. In summary, we demonstrated the development of an effective micelle-containing PEGylated hybrid liposomes for combined GEM/CDDP delivery.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos , Micelas , Línea Celular Tumoral , Cisplatino , Desoxicitidina/análogos & derivados , Humanos , Liposomas , Polietilenglicoles , GemcitabinaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is an aggressive tumor with high mortality and poor prognosis. In this study, we designed a liposome encapsulating polymeric micelles (PMs) loaded with vinorelbine (NVB) and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (cisplatin or CDDP) for the treatment of NSCLC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sodium poly(α-l-glutamic acid)-graft-methoxy-polyethylene glycol (PLG-G-PEG5K) was used to prepare NVB-loaded NVB-PMs and CDDP-loaded CDDP-PMs that were co-encapsulated into liposomes by a reverse evaporation method, yielding NVB and CDDP co-delivery liposomes (CoNP-lips) composed of egg phosphatidyl lipid-80/cholesterol/DPPG/DSPE-mPEG2000 at a molar ratio of 52:32:14:2. The CoNP-lips were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, drug content, encapsulation efficiency, and structural properties. Drug release by the CoNP-lips as well as their stability and cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro, and their antitumor efficacy was assessed in a mouse xenograft model of Lewis lung carcinoma cell-derived tumors. RESULTS: CoNP-lips had a spherical shape with uniform size distribution; the average particle size was 162.97±9.06 nm, and the average zeta potential was -13.02±0.22 mV. In vitro cytotoxicity analysis and the combination index demonstrated that the CoNP-lips achieved a synergistic cytotoxic effect at an NVB:CDDP weight ratio of 2:1 in an NSCLC cell line. There was sustained release of both drugs from CoNP-lips. The pharmacokinetic analysis showed that CoNP-lips had a higher plasma half-life than NP solution, with 6.52- and 8.03-fold larger areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of NVB and CDDP. CoNP-lips showed antitumor efficacy in tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice and drug accumulation in tumors via the enhanced permeability and retention effect. CONCLUSION: CoNP-lips are a promising formulation for targeted therapy in NSCLC.
Asunto(s)
Antineoplásicos/uso terapéutico , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/tratamiento farmacológico , Cisplatino/uso terapéutico , Sistemas de Liberación de Medicamentos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/tratamiento farmacológico , Micelas , Polímeros/química , Vinorelbina/uso terapéutico , Animales , Antineoplásicos/química , Antineoplásicos/farmacocinética , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Carcinoma de Pulmón de Células no Pequeñas/patología , Línea Celular Tumoral , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Cisplatino/administración & dosificación , Cisplatino/farmacocinética , Cisplatino/farmacología , Liberación de Fármacos , Humanos , Liposomas , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patología , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Nanopartículas/ultraestructura , Tamaño de la Partícula , Polietilenglicoles/química , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Distribución Tisular , Vinorelbina/farmacocinética , Vinorelbina/farmacologíaRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Oral absorption of BCS IV drug benefits little from improved dissolution. Therefore, the absorption of BCS IV drug nanocrystals 'as a whole' strategy is preferred, and structural modification of nanocrystals is required. Surface modification helps the nanocrystals maintain particle structure before drug dissolution is needed, thus enhancing the oral absorption of BCS IV drugs and promoting therapeutic effect. Here, the main challenges and solutions of oral BCS IV drug nanocrystals delivery are discussed. Moreover, strategies for nanocrystal surface modification that facilitates oral bioavailability of BCS IV drugs are highlighted, and provide insights for the innovation in oral drug delivery. AREAS COVERED: Promising size, shape, and surface modification of nanocrystals have gained interests for application in oral BCS IV drugs. EXPERT OPINION: Nanocrystal surface modification is a feasible method to maintain the structural integrity of nanocrystals, and the introduced materials can also be modified to integrate additional functions to further facilitate the absorption of nanocrystals. It is expected that the absorption 'as a whole' strategy of nanocrystals will provide different choices for the oral BCS IV drugs.
Asunto(s)
Nanopartículas , Preparaciones Farmacéuticas , Disponibilidad Biológica , Sistemas de Liberación de Medicamentos , SolubilidadRESUMEN
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and its biofilms infection is still a serious threat to global health. It is urgent to develop efficient drugs by repositioning or designing drugs to solve this problem. In this study, the antibacterial/biofilm activity and mechanisms of ivermectin (D) and its 4â³-position amino substitution derivative (D4) against MRSA were investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of D was 20 µg/mL, which is four times higher than D4 (MIC = 5 µg/mL). The mechanism research demonstrated that D4 was more potent than D at destroying bacterial cell wall, permeating cell membrane (6.25-36.0% vs 1.92-6.04%) and binding to MRSA genomic DNA. Moreover, after incubation with 10-40 µg/mL D4 for 24 h, the percentages of biofilm decreased by 21.2-92.9%, which was more effective than D (no significant change at 40 µg/mL). The antibiofilm effect is achieved by regulating the expression of related genes (RSH, relQ, rsbU, sigB, spA, and icaD). Additionally, though the higher hemolysis makes D4 a safety risk for intravenous injection, other administration options could be considered as well. Therefore, all the results have indicated that D4 may be a potential candidate compound for the treatment of MRSA and its biofilm infections.
RESUMEN
Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) is broadly used as a low-cost cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, but its low ionic and electronic conductivity limit the rate performance. We report herein the synthesis of LiFePO4/graphite composites in which LiFePO4 nanoparticles were grown within a graphite matrix. The graphite matrix is porous, highly conductive, and mechanically robust, giving electrodes outstanding cycle performance and high rate capability. High-mass-loading electrodes with high reversible capacity (160 mA h g-1 under 0.2 C), ultrahigh rate capability (107 mA h g-1 under 60 C), and outstanding cycle performance (>95% reversible capacity retention over 2000 cycles) were achieved, providing a new strategy toward low-cost, long-life, and high-power batteries. Adoption of such material leads to electrodes with volumetric energy density as high as 427 W h L-1 under 60 C, which is of great interest for electric vehicles and other applications.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Chinese horsebean-chili-paste (CHCP) is a traditional fermented condiment in China, known as 'the soul of Sichuan cuisine'. The horsebean-to-meju phase in its preparation is important for CHCP production and contributes significantly to its taste and odor. In this study, a comprehensive flavor compound profiling analysis of the naturally brewed horsebean meju (NBHM) and the temperature-controlled brewed horsebean meju (TCBHM) was performed with two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC-TOFMS), and the analysis of physicochemical characteristics and free amino acids. Their aroma-active components and characteristic flavor compounds were evaluated. The flavor compounds responsible for differentiating NBHM and TCBHM were also determined based on the Fisher ratio and principal component analysis. RESULTS: The pH and the reducing sugar and amino-acid nitrogen content of NBHM were 5.38, 64.43, and 5.76 g kg-1 , respectively, whereas those of TCBHM were 5.13, 29.20, and 7.43 g kg-1 . A total of 356 volatiles were identified from 2571 compounds, and 257 volatile compounds were identified in NBHM compared to 322 volatiles in TCBHM. These two horsebean mejus (HMs) exhibited a similar proportion profile for 30 aroma-active compounds. Benzoic acid ethyl ester, 4-ethyl-2-methoxy-phenol and argnine were determined to be characteristic flavor components for NBHM, while 1-(2-furanyl)-ethanone, 2,6-dimethyl-pyrazine, threonine, valine and tyrosine were specific to TCBHM. CONCLUSION: Temperature-controlled brewed horsebean meju possessed better physicochemical and flavor characteristics than NBHM. The temperature-controlled brewing technique in CHCP production can be used as a promising alternative to the traditional natural brewing method. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.