Determination of sulfonamide antibiotics in forage grasses by an improved QuEChERS and multi-plug filtration cleanup method combined with UHPLC-MS/MS.

An improved QuEChERS method combined with Multi-Plug Filtration Cleanup (m-PFC) clean-up procedure was developed for the simultaneous determination of 16 different sulfonamides in forage grasses using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The forage grass sample was extracted with 0.1 mol L NaEDTA-Mcllvaine buffer and acetonitrile solution, purified by the Navo U-QuE column tube, separated by Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C column, and analyzed by MRM (multiple reaction monitoring) mode and the internal standard method was utilized for quantification.

Regulatory effects of tea polysaccharides on hepatic inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and serum metabolomic signatures in beef cattle under heat stress.

Background: Long-term heat stress (HS) severely restricts the growth performance of beef cattle and causes various health problems. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in HS-associated inflammation and immune stress involving lymphocyte function. This study investigated the effects of dietary tea polysaccharide (TPS), a natural acidic glycoprotein, on HS-induced anorexia, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in Simmental beef cattle.

Estimation of cognitive impairment in chronic pain patients and characteristics of estimated mild cognitive impairment.

Background: Patients with chronic pain suffer from psychological effects such as anxiety due to the pain itself. Pain can not only impair activities of daily living (ADL) and quality of life (QOL), but also impair cognitive function. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to estimate the cognitive function of chronic pain patients using a deep neural network (DNN) model that has already been implemented in society.

Relationship Between Cognitive Function, Oral Conditions and Systemic Metabolic Function in the Elderly.

Systemic metabolic disorders, including lifestyle-related diseases, are known risk factors for dementia. Furthermore, oral diseases such as periodontal disease and tooth decay are also associated with systemic metabolic disorders such as lifestyle-related diseases, and have also been reported to be indicators of risk factors for developing dementia. In this study, we investigated the relationship between cognitive function, oral conditions and systemic metabolic function in the elderly.

Single-cell RNA-seq of Lotus japonicus provide insights into identification and function of root cell types of legume.

The roots of legume plant play a crucial role in nitrogen fixation. However, the transcriptomes of different cell types of legume root and their functions remain largely unknown. Here, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing and profiled more than 22,000 single cells from root tips of Lotus japonicus, a model species of legume.

Turning C1-gases to isobutanol towards great environmental and economic sustainability via innovative biological routes: two birds with one stone.

Background: The dramatic increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which causes serious global environmental issues and severe climate changes, has become a global problem of concern in recent decades. Currently, native and/or non-native C1-utilizing microbes have been modified to be able to effectively convert C1-gases (biogas, natural gas, and CO) into isobutanol via biological routes. Even though the current experimental results are satisfactory in lab-scale research, the techno-economic feasibility of C1 gas-derived isobutanol production at the industrial scale still needs to be analyzed and evaluated, which will be essential for the future industrialization of C1-gas bioconversion.

Estimation of Human Cerebral Atrophy Based on Systemic Metabolic Status Using Machine Learning.

Background: Based on the assumption that systemic metabolic disorders affect cognitive function, we have developed a deep neural network (DNN) model that can estimate cognitive function based on basic blood test data that do not contain dementia-specific biomarkers. In this study, we used the same DNN model to assess whether basic blood data can be used to estimate cerebral atrophy.

Methods: We used data from 1,310 subjects (58.

Bio-valorization of C1 gaseous substrates into bioalcohols: Potentials and challenges in reducing carbon emissions.

C1 gaseous substrates (CH, CO and CO) derived from natural gas, biogas, and syngas, are of interest due to their threats to the environment or inefficient utilization. Benefiting from advanced genetic editing tools and bioconversion strategies, metabolically engineered C1-gas-utilizing microorganisms (CGUM), such as methanotrophs, cyanobacteria, and acetogens, are capable of utilizing C1 gaseous feedstocks as the sole substrates for cell growth and synthesis of chemicals and biofuels. In this paper, we critically review metabolic pathways related to the assimilation of C1 gaseous substrates for alcohol biosynthesis in several model CGUM.

Simultaneous and Efficient Removal of Oleophilic and Hydrophilic Stains from Polyurethane by the Combination of Easy-Cleaning and Self-Cleaning.

The simultaneous and efficient removal of oleophilic and hydrophilic stains from polyurethane (PU) is realized by combining the easy-cleaning from the hydrophilic thermoresponsive hydrogel coating containing acrylamide (AAm), gum arabic (GA), and (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) P(GA/AAm/OEGMA) and the self-cleaning from the embedded nonmetallic photocatalyst g-CN. Due to the existence of strong hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups in the hybrid hydrogel coating and the hydroxyl/carboxyl groups in the plasma-treated PU, the hybrid hydrogel coating is very stable on PU. Simultaneously, the acrylamide network in the hybrid hydrogel coating enhances its mechanical strength.

The key regulator LcERF056 enhances salt tolerance by modulating reactive oxygen species-related genes in Lotus corniculatus.

Background: The APETALA2/ethylene response factor (AP2/ERF) family are important regulatory factors involved in plants' response to environmental stimuli. However, their roles in salt tolerance in Lotus corniculatus remain unclear.

Results: Here, the key salt-responsive transcription factor LcERF056 was cloned and characterised.

Exploration of an Efficient Electroporation System for Heterologous Gene Expression in the Genome of Methanotroph.

One-carbon (C1) substrates such as methane and methanol have been considered as the next-generation carbon source in industrial biotechnology with the characteristics of low cost, availability, and bioconvertibility. Recently, methanotrophic bacteria naturally capable of converting C1 substrates have drawn attractive attention for their promising applications in C1-based biomanufacturing for the production of chemicals or fuels. Although genetic tools have been explored for metabolically engineered methanotroph construction, there is still a lack of efficient methods for heterologous gene expression in methanotrophs.

Biosafe, self-adhesive, recyclable, tough, and conductive hydrogels for multifunctional sensors.

As a bioelectronic material used in personalized medicine, it is necessary to integrate excellent adhesion and stretchability in hydrogels for ensuring biosafety. Herein, a high-performance multifunctional hydrogel of polyvinyl alcohol-sodium alginate-g-dopamine-silver nanowire-borax (PSAB) is reported. It can not only easily adhere to the surface of various substrates, but also exhibit excellent mechanical properties.

Black Tea Quality is Highly Affected during Processing by its Leaf Surface Microbiome.

Microbiomes can greatly affect the quality of fermented food and beverages, including tea. In this study, microbial populations were characterized during black and green tea manufacturing, revealing that tea processing steps can drive both the bacterial and fungal community structure. Tea leaves were found to mostly harbor Proteobacteria, Bacteriodetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria among bacteria and Ascomycetes among fungi.

The effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation during the first stage of labor: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Labor pain during childbirth can have devastating effects on the progress of labor, mother, and fetus. Consequently, the management of labor pain is crucial for the well-being of the mother and fetus. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non -pharmacological analgesic technique.

Deep Learning-Based Screening Test for Cognitive Impairment Using Basic Blood Test Data for Health Examination.

In order to develop a new screening test of cognitive impairment, we studied whether cognitive function can be estimated from basic blood test data by applying deep learning models. This model was constructed based on the effects of systemic metabolic disorders on cognitive function. We employed a deep neural network (DNN) to predict cognitive function based on subject's age and blood test items (23 items).

Molecular Mechanism Associated With the Impact of Methane/Oxygen Gas Supply Ratios on Cell Growth of 5GB1 Through RNA-Seq.

The methane (CH)/oxygen (O) gas supply ratios significantly affect the cell growth and metabolic pathways of aerobic obligate methanotrophs. However, few studies have explored the CH/O ratios of the inlet gas, especially for the CH concentrations within the explosion range (5∼15% of CH in air). This study thoroughly investigated the molecular mechanisms associated with the impact of different CH/O ratios on cell growth of a model type I methanotroph 5GB1 cultured at five different CH/O supply molar ratios from 0.

The Crosstalk between lncRNA-SNHG7/miRNA-181/cbx7 Modulates Malignant Character in Lung Adenocarcinoma.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a malignant tumor with poor patient survival and high patient mortality. Long noncoding RNA is profoundly involved in the tumorigenesis of LUAD. The present study explores the effect of small nucleolar RNA host gene 7 (SNHG7) on the progression of LUAD and its underlying mechanisms.

Green tea polyphenols and epigallocatechin-3-gallate protect against perfluorodecanoic acid induced liver damage and inflammation in mice by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) is a highly toxic food contaminant that is extensively used in food applications as surface antifouling agent. In this present study, we aimed to assess whether green tea polyphenols (GTPs) and epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) exert protective effects against PFDA-induced liver damage and inflammation in mice. A mouse model to evaluate liver toxicity was established by giving mice drinking water containing different concentrations of PFDA.

Prediction of MMSE Score Using Time-Resolved Near-Infrared Spectroscopy.

Time-resolved near-infrared spectroscopy (TRS) enables assessment of baseline concentrations of hemoglobin (Hb) in the prefrontal cortex, which reflects regional cerebral blood flow and neuronal activity at rest. In a previous study, we demonstrated that baseline concentrations of oxy-Hb, deoxy-Hb, total-Hb, and oxygen saturation (SO) measured by TRS were correlated with mini mental state examination (MMSE) scores. In the present study, we investigated whether Hb concentrations measured with TRS at rest can predict MMSE scores in aged people with various cognitive functions.

Effects of Antioxidant Supplements (BioPQQ™) on Cerebral Blood Flow and Oxygen Metabolism in the Prefrontal Cortex.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a quinone compound originally identified in methanol-utilizing bacteria and is a cofactor for redox enzymes. At the Meeting of the International Society on Oxygen Transport to Tissue (ISOTT) 2014, we reported that PQQ disodium salt (BioPQQ™) improved cognitive function in humans, as assessed by the Stroop test. However, the physiological mechanism of PQQ remains unclear.

Relation Between Prefrontal Cortex Activity and Respiratory Rate During Mental Stress Tasks: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Study.

In order to clarify the central mechanism controlling respiratory rate during mental stress, we examined the relation between prefrontal cortex (PFC) activity and respiratory rate during mental arithmetic (MA) tasks. Employing two-channel near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), we measured hemoglobin (Hb) concentration changes in the bilateral PFC during MA tasks in normal adults. To evaluate asymmetry of the PFC activity, we calculated the laterality index (LI); (R-L)/(R + L) of oxy-Hb concentration changes (R = right, L = left); positive LI scores indicate right-dominant activity, while negative scores indicate left-dominant activity.

In silico identification and functional annotation of yeast E3 ubiquitin ligase Rsp5 substrates.

Rsp5, E3 ligases conserved from yeast to mammals, plays a key role in diverse processes in yeast. However, many of Rsp5 substrates are still unclear. Therefore we proposed an in silico method to recognise new substrates of Rsp5.

[Relationships between vegetation characteristics and soil properties at different restoration stages on slope land with purple soils in Hengyang of Hunan Province, South-central China].

By using space series to replace time series, this paper studied the relationships between the vegetation characteristics and soil properties at different restoration stages on the slope land with purple soils in Hengyang of Hunnan Province South-central China. There existed obvious differences in the soil physical and chemical properties at different restoration stages. From grassplot, grass-shrub, shrub to shrub-arbor, the soil organic matter, total and available N, and moisture contents increased markedly, soil bulk density had an obvious decrease, soil total and available P contents changed little, and soil pH decreased gradually, but no significant differences were observed among different restoration stages.

Improvement in chewing activity reduces energy intake in one meal and modulates plasma gut hormone concentrations in obese and lean young Chinese men.

Background: Mastication is the first step in ingesting food, but the effects of mastication on energy intake and gut hormones in both obese and lean subjects have not been extensively evaluated.

Objective: The current study aimed to compare the differences in chewing activities between obese and lean subjects and to examine the effects of chewing on energy intake and gut hormone concentrations in both obese and lean subjects.

Design: Sixteen lean and 14 obese young men participated in the current research.

Association of smoking behavior and socio-demographic factors, work, lifestyle and mental health of Japanese civil servants.

Few studies have examined the individual and social impact of smoking behavior in the Japanese population. The purpose of this study was to clarify the association between smoking behavior and socio-demographic factors, lifestyle, mental health and work characteristics of Japanese civil servants. A self-administered questionnaire survey of 1,439 employees (821 men and 618 women) aged 20-64 yr was conducted in a local government department in 2001.