Green coal and lubricant via hydrogen-free hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass.

Biocrude derived from biomass via hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a sustainable substitute for petroleum to obtain energy and biochemicals. Upgrading biocrude inevitably faces the trade-off between consuming large amounts of hydrogen via hydrotreating and high yield of solid residue without additional hydrogen. In this work, we report a non-hydrogenated refinery paradigm for nearly complete valorization (~90%), via co-generating green coal and bio-lubricant.

Irisin deletion induces a decrease in growth and fertility in mice.

Background: Irisin, which is cleaved from fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (Fndc5), plays an important role in energy homeostasis. The link between energy metabolism and reproduction is well known. However, the biological actions of irisin in reproduction remain largely unexplored.

Corrosion Protective Film Formation on Mg Alloys AZ 31 by Exposure to Dilute Selenite Solutions.

The study of protective film formation on Mg alloys by exposure to sodium selenite solutions was conducted. Anodic polarization studies, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies, morphological analysis, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were performed on AZ31 Mg alloy after coating treatment in different concentrations of sodium selenite. The corrosion resistance was improved by around 5 times compared with control.

Disordered metabolism in mice lacking irisin.

Irisin is a product of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein (Fndc5) and is involved in the regulation of adipokine secretion and the differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. In this study, we aimed to determine whether irisin lacking affects glucose/lipid and bone metabolism. We knocked out the Fndc5 gene to generate irisin-lacking mice.

The correlation between UDP-glucuronosyltransferase polymorphisms and environmental endocrine disruptors levels in polycystic ovary syndrome patients.

Background: In recent years, there has been an interest in whether environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) may contribute to the endocrine disorders in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The clearance of EEDs from the human body is regulated by the glucuronidation of UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT). This study aimed to analyze the relationship of UGT1A1, UGT2B7, and UGT2B15 polymorphisms with the metabolism of EEDs in patients with PCOS.

Irisin promotes proliferation but inhibits differentiation in osteoclast precursor cells.

The receptor activator of NF-κB ligand-induced osteoclast differentiation has a critical role in the process of bone metabolism. Overactivation of osteoclastogenesis may result in a series of diseases. Irisin, a novel myokine, which was first reported in 2012, has been proposed to mediate the beneficial metabolic effects of exercise.

Spider Web DNA: A New Spin on Noninvasive Genetics of Predator and Prey.

Noninvasive genetic sampling enables biomonitoring without the need to directly observe or disturb target organisms. This paper describes a novel and promising source of noninvasive spider and insect DNA from spider webs. Using black widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.