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Photoinduced StrainâAssisted Synthesis of a StiffâStilbene Polymer by RingâOpening Metathesis Polymerization
Developing a novel strategy to synthesize photoresponsive polymers is of significance owing to their potential applications. We report a photoinduced strainâassisted synthesis of mainâchain stiffâstilbene polymers by using ringâopening metathesis polymerization (ROMP), activating a macrocyclic Ïâbond connected to a stiffâstilbene photoswitch through a linker. Since the linker acts as an external constraint, the photoisomerization to the Eâform leads to the stiffâstilbene being strained and thus reactive to ROMP. The photoisomerization of Zâform to Eâform was investigated using timeâdependent NMR studies and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The DFT calculation showed that the Eâform was less stable due to a lack of planarity. By the internal strain developed due to the linker constraint through photoisomerization, the Eâform underwent ROMP by a second generation Grubbs catalyst. In contrast, Zâform did not undergo polymerization under similar conditions. The MALDIâTOF spectrum of Eâform after polymerization showed the presence of oligomers of >5.2â
kDa
The Effect of Batter Characteristics on Protein-Aided Control of Fat Absorption in Deep-Fried Breaded Fish Nuggets
Soy protein (SP), egg white protein (EP), and whey protein (WP) at 6% w/w were individually incorporated into the batter of a wheat starch (WS) and wheat gluten (WG) blend (11:1 w/w ratio). Moisture adsorption isotherms of WS and proteins and the viscosity, rheological behavior, and calorimetric properties of the batters were measured. Batter-breaded fish nuggets (BBFNs) were fried at 170 °C for 40 s followed by 190 °C for 30 s, and pick-up of BBFNs, thermogravimetric properties of crust, and fat absorption were determined. The moisture absorption capacity was the greatest for WS, followed by WG, SP, EP, and WP. The addition of SP significantly increased the viscosity and shear moduli (Gâł, GâČ) of batter and pick-up of BBFNs, while EP and WP exerted the opposite effect (p \u3c 0.05). SP, EP, and WP raised WS gelatinization and protein denaturation temperatures and crust thermogravimetry temperature, but decreased enthalpy change (ÎH) and oily characteristics of fried BBFNs. These results indicate that hydrophilicity and hydration activity of the added proteins and their interactions with batter matrix starch and gluten reinforced the batter and the thermal stability of crust, thereby inhibiting fat absorption of the BBFNs during deep-fat frying
Boosting Oxygen Reduction at Pt(111)|Proton Exchange Ionomer Interfaces through Tuning the Microenvironment Water Activity
A proton exchange ionomer is one of the most important components in membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). It acts as both a proton conductor and a binder for nanocatalysts and carbon supports. The structure and the wetting conditions of the MEAs have a great impact on the microenvironment at the three-phase interphases in the MEAs, which can significantly influence the electrode kinetics such as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode. Herein, by using the Pt(111)|X ionomer interface as a model system (X = Nafion, Aciplex, D72), we find that higher drying temperature lowers the onset potential for sulfonate adsorption and reduces apparent ORR current, while the current wave for OHad formation drops and shifts positively. Surprisingly, the intrinsic ORR activity is higher after properly correcting the blocking effect of Pt active sites by sulfonate adsorption and the poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) skeleton. These results are well explained by the reduced water activity at the interfaces induced by the ionomer/PTFE, according to the mixed potential effect. Implications for how to prepare MEAs with improved ORR activity are provided.This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 21972131, 22372154). E.H. gratefully acknowledges the International Professorship by USTC and financial support from the Ministerio de Ciencia e InnovaciĂłn (Project PID2022-137350NB-I00)
Conservation and diversification of the miR166 family in soybean and potential roles of newly identified miR166s
Identity between pre-miR166s in soybean. (TIF 5906 kb
Jump-seq: Genome-Wide Capture and Amplification of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Sites
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine
(5hmC) arises from the oxidation of 5-methylcytosine
(5mC) by Fe2+ and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent 10â11
translocation (TET) family proteins. Substantial levels of 5hmC accumulate
in many mammalian tissues, especially in neurons and embryonic stem
cells, suggesting a potential active role for 5hmC in epigenetic regulation
beyond being simply an intermediate of active DNA demethylation. 5mC
and 5hmC undergo dynamic changes during embryogenesis, neurogenesis,
hematopoietic development, and oncogenesis. While methods have been
developed to map 5hmC, more efficient approaches to detect 5hmC at
base resolution are still highly desirable. Herein, we present a new
method, Jump-seq, to capture and amplify 5hmC in genomic DNA. The
principle of this method is to label 5hmC by the 6-N3-glucose moiety and connect a hairpin DNA oligonucleotide carrying
an alkyne group to the azide-modified 5hmC via Huisgen cycloaddition
(click) chemistry. Primer extension starts from the hairpin motif
to the modified 5hmC site and then continues to âlandâ
on genomic DNA. 5hmC sites are inferred from genomic DNA sequences
immediately spanning the 5-prime junction. This technology was validated,
and its utility in 5hmC identification was confirmed
Assessing the role of central lymph node ratio in predicting recurrence in N1a low-to-intermediate risk papillary thyroid carcinoma
IntroductionLymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is associated with postoperative recurrence. Recently, most studies have focused on the evaluation of recurrence in patients with late-stage PTC, with limited data on those with early-stage PTC. We aimed to assess the relationship between lymph node ratio (LNR) and recurrence in low-to-intermediate-risk patients and validate its diagnostic efficiency in both structural (STR) and biochemical recurrence (BIR).MethodsClinical data of patients with PTC diagnosed at the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University were retrospectively collected. The optimal LNR cut-off values for disease-free survival (DFS) were determined using X-tile software. Predictors were validated using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.ResultsLNR had a higher diagnostic effectiveness than metastatic lymph nodes in patients with low-to-intermediate recurrence risk N1a PTC. The optimal LNR cutoff values for STR and BIR were 0.75 and 0.80, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that LNRâ„0.75 and LNRâ„0.80 were independent factors for STR and BIR, respectively. The 5-year DFS was 90.5% in the high LNR (â„0.75) and 96.8% in low LNR (<0.75) groups for STR. Regarding BIR, the 5-year DFS was 75.7% in the high LNR (â„0.80) and 86.9% in low LNR (<0.80) groups. The high and low LNR survival curves exhibited significant differences on the log-rank test.ConclusionLNR was associated with recurrence in patients with low-to-intermediate recurrence risk N1a PTC. We recommend those with LNRâ„0.75 require a comprehensive evaluation of lateral neck lymphadenopathy and consideration for lateral neck dissection and RAI treatment
Induction of RIPK3/MLKL-mediated necroptosis by Erigeron breviscapus injection exhibits potent antitumor effect
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of tumor-related deaths worldwide. Resistance of tumor cells to drug-induced apoptosis highlights the need for safe and effective antitumor alternatives. Erigeron breviscapus (Dengzhanxixin in China) injection (EBI), extracted from the natural herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand.-Mazz (EHM), has been widely used in clinical practice for cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies have suggested that EBIâs main active ingredients exhibit potential antitumor effects. This study aims to explore the anti-CRC effect of EBI and elucidate the underlying mechanism. The anti-CRC effect of EBI was evaluated in vitro using CCK-8, flow cytometry, and transwell analysis, and in vivo through a xenograft mice model. RNA sequencing was utilized to compare the differentially expressed genes, and the proposed mechanism was verified through in vitro and in vivo experiments. Our study demonstrates that EBI significantly inhibits the proliferation of three human CRC cell lines and effectively suppresses the migration and invasion of SW620 cells. Moreover, in the SW620 xenograft mice model, EBI markedly retards tumor growth and lung metastasis. RNA-seq analysis revealed that EBI might exert antitumor effects by inducing necroptosis of tumor cells. Additionally, EBI activates the RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway, a classical pathway of necroptosis and greatly promotes the generation of intracellular ROS. Furthermore, the antitumor effect of EBI on SW620 is significantly alleviated after the pretreatment of GW806742X, the MLKL inhibitor. Our findings suggest that EBI is a safe and effective inducer of necroptosis for CRC treatment. Notably, necroptosis is a non-apoptotic programmed cell death pathway that can effectively circumvent resistance to apoptosis, which provides a novel approach for overcoming tumor drug resistance
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