Size Dependency of Circulation and Biodistribution of Biomimetic Nanoparticles: Red Blood Cell Membrane-Coated Nanoparticles.

Recently, biomimetic nanoparticles, especially cell membrane-cloaked nanoparticles, have attracted increasing attention in biomedical applications, including antitumor therapy, detoxification, and immune modulation, by imitating the structure and the function of biological systems such as long circulation life in the blood. However, the circulation time of cell membrane-cloaked nanoparticles is far less than that of the original cells, greatly limiting their biomedical applications, while the underlying reasons are seldom demonstrated. In this study, the influence of particle size on the circulation and the biodistribution of red blood cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (RBC-NPs) as model biomimetic nanoparticles were investigated.

A new global gridded anthropogenic heat flux dataset with high spatial resolution and long-term time series.

Exploring global anthropogenic heat and its effects on climate change is necessary and meaningful to gain a better understanding of human-environment interactions caused by growing energy consumption. However, the variation in regional energy consumption and limited data availability make estimating long-term global anthropogenic heat flux (AHF) challenging. Thus, using high-resolution population density data (30 arc-second) and a top-down inventory-based approach, this study developed a new global gridded AHF dataset covering 1970-2050 based historically on energy consumption data from the British Petroleum (BP); future projections were built on estimated future energy demands.

Shear Behaviors of RC Beams Externally Strengthened with Engineered Cementitious Composite Layers.

The shear behaviors of reinforced concrete (RC) beams externally strengthened with engineered cementitious composite (ECC) layers were studied and the strengthening effect was evaluated based on a truss and arch model. The beams were designed without web reinforcement in the middle part and ECC was sprayed onto both sides of the beams to the designed thicknesses, which were 20 mm and 40 mm. A series of four-point bending experiments were conducted and analyzed.

Understanding Prevention and Management of Coronary Heart Disease Among Chinese Immigrants and Their Family Carers: A Socioecological Approach.

Health disparities among immigrants exist across socioecological domains. While Chinese immigrants face increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) after migration, the reasons are not well understood. This descriptive qualitative study collected 18 semistructured interviews with Chinese immigrants with CHD and family carers from two Australian hospitals.

The phosphatase gene MaCdc14 negatively regulates UV-B tolerance by mediating the transcription of melanin synthesis-related genes and contributes to conidiation in Metarhizium acridum.

Reversible phosphorylation of proteins regulated by protein kinases and phosphatases mediate multiple biological events in eukaryotes. In this study, a dual-specificity cell division cycle 14 phosphatase, MaCdc14, was functionally characterized in Metarhizium acridum. Deletion of MaCdc14 decreased branch numbers, affected septum formation and resulted in multiple nuclei in each hyphal compartment, indicating nuclear division and cytokinesis defects.

Corneal Sensory Experience via Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid 1 Accelerates the Maturation of Neonatal Tearing.

Tearing maturates rapidly after birth, and external environmental challenges play a key role in promoting lacrimal functional maturation. However, little is known about the facilitative factors underlying this developmental process or the potential of application of these factors to treat hypofunction of the lacrimal gland. In this study, eye opening and the subsequent ocular surface sensory experience, which is thought to be involved in postnatal maturation of lacrimal function, were investigated.

Structural and functional analyses of the N-terminal domain of the A subunit of a spore germinant receptor.

Germination of spores is induced by the interaction of specific nutrient molecules with germinant receptors (GRs) localized in the spore's inner membrane. GRs typically consist of three subunits referred to as A, B, and C, although functions of individual subunits are not known. Here we present the crystal structure of the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the A subunit of the GerK GR, revealing two distinct globular subdomains bisected by a cleft, a fold with strong homology to substrate-binding proteins in bacterial ABC transporters.

Disposable impedance-based immunosensor array with direct-laser writing platform.

Immunoassay is a powerful technique to identify and quantify biological molecules, which base on the specificity and selectivity of antigen-antibody interaction. Impedance-based immunosensor has recently shown a great potential to provide rapid and label-free detections. However, the conventional impedance-based immunosensors rely on dedicated electrochemical measurement interface which involves expensive fabrication procedures such as gold deposition and photolithography.

MaPmt4, a protein O-mannosyltransferase, contributes to cell wall integrity, stress tolerance and virulence in Metarhizium acridum.

In eukaryotic cells, protein O-glycosylation is an essential protein modification. Analysis of the Metarhizium acridum genome database revealed a total of three O-glycoside mannosyltransferase homologs (Pmt1, Pmt2 and Pmt4), closely related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae Pmt1, Pmt2, and Pmt4. In this study, the functions of MaPmt4, encoding a protein O-mannosyltransferase in M.

Nanopolyaniline Coupled with an Anticorrosive Graphene as a 3D Film Electrocatalyst for Efficient Oxidation of Toluene Methyl C-H Bonds and Hydrogen Production at Low Voltage.

A graphene-wrapped polyaniline nanoparticles film embedded in carbon cloth (CC/PANI/G) was fabricated and used as a 3D anodic electrocatalyst for oxidation of toluene methyl C-H groups. The methyl C-H bonds can be oxidized effectively at the CC/PANI/G anode with 99.9 % toluene conversion at a low applied voltage of only 1.

PAX3 Promotes Proliferation of Human Glioma Cells by WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways.

The PAX3 (paired box 3) gene plays an important role in embryonic development, diseases, and cancer formation. Our preliminary studies have shown that PAX3 gene is upregulated in glioma cells, which is associated with a worse prognosis. Moreover, PAX3, by facilitating cell proliferation and invasion and inhibiting cell apoptosis, plays an oncogenic role in glioma.

Ni-Co Selenide Nanosheet/3D Graphene/Nickel Foam Binder-Free Electrode for High-Performance Supercapacitor.

Transition-metal selenide electrodes have recently attracted increasing interest in supercapacitors resulting from their superior electrochemical performance, lower-cost, and environmental friendliness. Herein, we report a novel bimetallic Ni-Co selenide nanosheet/three-dimensional (3D) graphene/nickel foam binder-free electrode (NiCoSe NSs/3D G/NF) prepared via chemical vapor deposition followed by a simple two-step hydrothermal process in this paper. The NiCoSe NSs array vertically on 3D G/NF with a uniform and stable structure without using any chemical binders.

Telehealth interventions for the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a major cause of death worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation, an evidence-based CHD secondary prevention programme, remains underutilized. Telehealth may offer an innovative solution to overcome barriers to cardiac rehabilitation attendance.

The Lbc gene promotes differentiation of chicken embryo stem cell into spermatogonial stem cells via the regulation of transcriptional factor Hoxa5.

Recently, the surface marker genes of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were increasingly excavated and verified. However, few studies focused on the key genes involved in the regulation of SSCs differentiation. Our laboratory has screened the Lbc gene (GenBank accession number: XM_429585.

The homeobox gene MaH1 governs microcycle conidiation for increased conidial yield by mediating transcription of conidiation pattern shift-related genes in Metarhizium acridum.

Conidiation capacity and conidial quality are very important for the production and application of mycopesticides. Most filamentous ascomycetous fungi have two distinct patterns of conidiation. Conidiation through microcycle conidiation proceeds to more rapidly achieve a maximum of conidial yield than normal conidiation and hence is of greater merit for exploitation in mass production of fungal insect pathogens, such as Metarhizium acridum.

Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery for Craniopharyngiomas: A Series of 60 Patients.

Objective: To report our experience of the management of 60 patients with craniopharyngioma with endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) and evaluate the feasibility and safety of EES for craniopharyngiomas.

Methods: The clinical data of 60 patients with craniopharyngioma who underwent EES between November 2014 and December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. All patients had vascularized nasoseptal flaps, and the most recent 4 patients had "in situ bone flaps" for better skull base reconstruction.

The protein phosphatase gene MaPpt1 acts as a programmer of microcycle conidiation and a negative regulator of UV-B tolerance in Metarhizium acridum.

The Ser/Thr protein phosphatase Ppt1 (yeast)/PP5 (humans) has been implicated in signal transduction-mediated growth and differentiation, DNA damage/repair, cell cycle progression, and heat shock responses. Little, however, is known concerning the functions of Ppt1/PP5 in filamentous fungi. In this study, the Ppt1 gene MaPpt1 was characterized in the insect pathogenic fungus, Metarhizium acridum.

Synthesis of Chromium Carbide Nanopowders by Microwave Heating and Their Composition and Microstructure Change under Gamma Ray Irradiation.

Chromium carbide nanopowders were synthesized by mechanical alloying-assisted microwave heating. The effect of gamma irradiation on phase composition and microstructure of chromium carbide nanopowders synthesized by the microwave heating method was analyzed. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques.

Direct conversion of mouse embryonic fibroblast to osteoblast cells using hLMP-3 with Yamanaka factors.

Large bone defects and bone loss after fractures remain significant challenges for orthopedic surgeons. Our study aims to find an available, applicable and biological treatment for bone regeneration overcoming the limitations in ESC/iPSC technology. We directly reprogrammed the mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) into osteoblast cells using different combinations of Yamanaka factors with human lim mineralization protein-3 (hLMP-3).

Study on immortal conditions of chicken embryonic stem cells.

In recent years, considerable attention has been paid to chicken embryonic stem cells (ESCs) studies in relation to extensive applications in gene therapy and regenerative medicine. However, the approaches used are still immature. In this study, we showed that the chicken ESCs clones with a clear border can express alkaline phosphatase and marker proteins such as SSEA-1, SOX2, and OCT4 stably.

Regeneration of different types of tissues depends on the interplay of stem cells-laden constructs and microenvironments in vivo.

The ability of repair and regeneration of tissues or organs has been significantly improved by using biomaterials-based constructs. Our previous studies found the regeneration of both articular cartilage and subchondral bone by implantation of a poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)/fibrin gel/bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs)/(lipofectamine/pDNA-transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1) construct in vivo, without the step of pre-induced differentiation of the laden stem cells in vitro. To substantiate the ability to regenerate multi-types of tissues by the same constructs, in this study the constructs were implanted into three types of tissues or tissue defects in vivo, including subcutaneous fascia layer, and ear cartilage and eyelid tarsal plate defects.

Intravital Two-photon Imaging of Ca signaling in Secretory Organs of Yellow Cameleon Transgenic Mice.

Intracellular calcium ([Ca]i) signaling regulates physiological functions in most cells. In secretory organs, such as the pancreas, salivary gland, and lacrimal gland (LG), [Ca]i elevation in acinar cells triggers fluid secretion, which plays vital roles in the maintenance of functional health across the life-course. It is important to understand the secretory mechanism of secretory organs, but lack of analytic systems available for living animals limits the scope of research to gain deeper insights into the precise mechanism of secretion.

Functional characterization of the Sox2, c-Myc, and Oct4 promoters.

To better understand the mechanisms in transcriptional regulation, we analyzed the promoters of the reprogramming key genes Sox2, c-Myc, and Oct4. Here, we cloned different 5' deletions of the goat Sox2, c-Myc, and Oct4 promoters, and evaluated their functions by green fluorescent protein reporter system and dual-luciferase reporter system. Site-directed mugagenesis and epigenetic modifiers were used to explore the influence of transcription binding sites and epigenetic status on the promoters.