Engineering aspects of hydrothermal pretreatment: from batch to continuous operation, scale-up and pilot reactor under biorefinery concept

Different pretreatments strategies have been developed over the years mainly to enhance enzymatic cellulose degradation. In the new biorefinery era, a more holistic view on pretreatment is required to secure optimal use of the whole biomass. Hydrothermal pretreatment technology is regarded as very promising for lignocellulose biomass fractionation biorefinery and to be implemented at the industrial scale for biorefineries of second generation and circular bioeconomy, since it does not require no chemical inputs other than liquid water or steam and heat. This review focuses on the fundamentals of hydrothermal pretreatment, structure changes of biomass during this pretreatment, multiproduct strategies in terms of biorefinery, reactor technology and engineering aspects from batch to continuous operation. The treatise includes a case study of hydrothermal biomass pretreatment at pilot plant scale and integrated process design.The authors gratefully thank the Secretary of Public Education ofMexico – Mexican Science and Technology Council (SEP-CONACYT,Mexico) for the Basic Science Project -2015-01 (Ref. 254808), EnergySustainability Fund 2014-05 (CONACYT-SENER), Mexican Centre forInnovation in Bioenergy (Cemie-Bio), Cluster of Bioalcohols (Ref.249564) and the BMBF for the financial support (reference number:031B0660A).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Family-based whole-exome sequencing identifies novel loss-of-function mutations of FBN1 for Marfan syndrome

Background Marfan syndrome (MFS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder affecting the ocular, skeletal and cardiovascular systems. Previous studies of MFS have demonstrated the association between genetic defects and clinical manifestations. Our purpose was to investigate the role of novel genetic variants in determining MFS clinical phenotypes. Methods We sequenced the whole exome of 19 individuals derived from three Han Chinese families. The sequencing data were analyzed by a standard pipeline. Variants were further filtered against the public database and an in-house database. Then, we performed pedigree analysis under different inheritance patterns according to American College of Medical Genetics guidelines. Results were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results Two novel loss-of-function indels (c.5027_5028insTGTCCTCC, p.D1677Vfs*8; c.5856delG, p.S1953Lfs*27) and one nonsense variant (c.8034C>A, p.Y2678*) of FBN1 were identified in Family 1, Family 2 and Family 3, respectively. All affected members carried pathogenic mutations, whereas other unaffected family members or control individuals did not. These different kinds of loss of function (LOF) variants of FBN1 were located in the cbEGF region and a conserved domain across species and were not reported previously. Conclusions Our study extended and strengthened the vital role of FBN1 LOF mutations in the pathogenesis of MFS with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. We confirm that genetic testing by next-generation sequencing of blood DNA can be fundamental in helping clinicians conduct mutation-based pre- and postnatal screening, genetic diagnosis and clinical management for MFS

CD73 mediated host purinergic metabolism in intestine contributes to the therapeutic efficacy of a novel mesenchymal-like endometrial regenerative cells against experimental colitis

BackgroundThe disruption of intestinal barrier functions and the dysregulation of mucosal immune responses, mediated by aberrant purinergic metabolism, are involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). A novel mesenchymal-like endometrial regenerative cells (ERCs) has demonstrated a significant therapeutic effect on colitis. As a phenotypic marker of ERCs, CD73 has been largely neglected for its immunosuppressive function in regulating purinergic metabolism. Here, we have investigated whether CD73 expression on ERCs is a potential molecular exerting its therapeutic effect against colitis.MethodsERCs either unmodified or with CD73 knockout (CD73-/-ERCs), were intraperitoneally administered to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis mice. Histopathological analysis, colon barrier function, the proportion of T cells, and maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) were investigated. The immunomodulatory effect of CD73-expressing ERCs was evaluated by co-culture with bone marrow-derived DCs under LPS stimulation. FACS determined DCs maturation. The function of DCs was detected by ELISA and CD4+ cell proliferation assays. Furthermore, the role of the STAT3 pathway in CD73-expressing ERCs-induced DC inhibition was also elucidated.ResultsCompared with untreated and CD73-/-ERCs-treated groups, CD73-expressing ERCs effectively attenuated body weight loss, bloody stool, shortening of colon length, and pathological damage characterized by epithelial hyperplasia, goblet cell depletion, the focal loss of crypts and ulceration, and the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Knockout of CD73 impaired ERCs-mediated colon protection. Surprisingly, CD73-expressing ERCs significantly decreased the populations of Th1 and Th17 cells but increased the proportions of Tregs in mouse mesenteric lymph nodes. Furthermore, CD73-expressing ERCs markedly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) and increased anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10) levels in the colon. CD73-expressing ERCs inhibited the antigen presentation and stimulatory function of DCs associated with the STAT-3 pathway, which exerted a potent therapeutic effect against colitis.ConclusionsThe knockout of CD73 dramatically abrogates the therapeutic ability of ERCs for intestinal barrier dysfunctions and the dysregulation of mucosal immune responses. This study highlights the significance of CD73 mediates purinergic metabolism contributing to the therapeutic effects of human ERCs against colitis in mice

microRNA-29a-3p, Up-Regulated in Human Gastric Cells and Tissues with H.Pylori Infection, Promotes the Migration of GES-1 Cells via A20-Mediated EMT Pathway

Background/Aims: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is closely related to human gastric mucosa-associated diseases. Several recent studies on miRNAs have expanded our insights on H.pylori pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the biological roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of miR-29a-3p in human gastric cells and tissues with H.pylori infection. Methods: miR-29a-3p expression was quantified by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). A miR-29a-3p target gene was validated by bioinformatics analysis, western blotting and dual luciferase reporter gene assays. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay were performed to detect the protein expression. Transwell assay was used to determine the cell migration ability. Results: MiR-29a-3p was up-regulated in H.pylori-positive gastric mucosa tissues and H.pylori-infected gastric cells. The up-regulation of miR-29a-3p was dose-dependent in BGC-823 and GES-1 cells infected with H.pylori. Using gain- and loss-of-function experiments in vitro, we demonstrated that miR-29a-3p promoted the migration of gastric epithelial cells. We further characterized A20 as a direct target of miR-29a-3p. The expression of A20 was decreased in H.pylori-positive gastric mucosa tissues compared with H.pylori-negative gastric mucosa tissues. A20 downregulation was time- and dose-dependent in GES-1 and BGC-823 cells infected with H.pylori. In GES-1 and BGC-823 cells infected with H.pylori, the miR-29a-3p mimic significantly blocked A20 expression, which suggests that H.pylori decreased A20 expression through up-regulating miR-29a-3p in GES-1 and BGC-823 cells infected with H.pylori. The knockdown of A20 by siRNA enhanced the migration of human gastric epithelial cells and promoted the expression of Snail, Vimentin, and N-cadherin and inhibited the expression of E-cadherin. Conclusion: The miR-29a-3p may act as a tumor promotive miRNA by regulating cells migration through directly targeting of A20 gene in human gastric epithelial cells infected with H.pylori

ATP synthase ecto-α-subunit: a novel therapeutic target for breast cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Treatment failure for breast cancer is frequently due to lymph node metastasis and invasion to neighboring organs. The aim of the present study was to investigate invasion- and metastasis-related genes in breast cancer cells <it>in vitro </it>and <it>in vivo</it>. Identification of new targets will facilitate the developmental pace of new techniques in screening and early diagnosis. Improved abilities to predict progression and metastasis, therapeutic response and toxicity will help to increase survival of breast cancer patients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Differential protein expression in two breast cancer cell lines, one with high and the other with low metastatic potential, was analyzed using two-dimensional liquid phase chromatographic fractionation (Proteome Lab PF 2D system) followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/MS).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Up regulation of α-subunit of ATP synthase was identified in high metastatic cells compared with low metastatic cells. Immunohistochemical analysis of 168 human breast cancer specimens on tissue microarrays revealed a high frequency of ATP synthase α-subunit expression in breast cancer (94.6%) compared to normal (21.2%) and atypical hyperplasia (23%) breast tissues. Levels of ATP synthase expression levels strongly correlated with large tumor size, poor tumor differentiation and advanced tumor stages (<it>P </it>< 0.05). ATP synthase α-subunit over-expression was detected on the surface of a highly invasive breast cancer cell line. An antibody against the ATP synthase α-subunit inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion in these breast cancer cells but not that of a non-tumor derived breast cell line.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Over-expression of ATP synthase α-subunit may be involved in the progression and metastasis of breast cancer, perhaps representing a potential biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and a therapeutic target for breast cancer. This finding of this study will help us to better understand the molecular mechanism of tumor metastasis and to improve the screening, diagnosis, as well as prognosis and/or prediction of responses to therapy for breast cancer.</p

Thymosin alpha 1 in the prevention of infected pancreatic necrosis following acute necrotising pancreatitis (TRACE trial): protocol of a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial

Introduction Infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) and its related septic complications are the major causes of death in patients with acute necrotising pancreatitis (ANP). Therefore, the prevention of IPN is of great clinical value, and immunomodulatory therapy with thymosin alpha 1 may be beneficial. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the administration of thymosin alpha 1 during the acute phase of ANP will result in a reduced incidence of IPN. Methods and analysis This is a randomised, multicentre, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. 520 eligible patients with ANP will be randomised in a 1:1 ratio to receive either the thymosin alpha 1 or the placebo using the same mode of administration. The primary endpoint is the incidence of IPN during the index admission. Most of the secondary endpoints will be registered within the index admission including in-hospital mortality, the incidence of new-onset organ failure and new-onset persistent organ failure (respiration, cardiovascular and renal), receipt of new organ support therapy, requirement for drainage or necrosectomy, bleeding requiring intervention, human leucocyte antigens-DR(HLA-DR) on day 0, day 7, day 14, and so on and adverse events. Considering the possibility of readmission, an additional follow-up will be arranged 90 days after enrolment, and IPN and death at day 90 will also be served as secondary outcomes. Ethics and dissemination This study was approved by the ethics committee of Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University (Number 2015NZKY-004-02). The thymosin alpha 1 in the prevention of infected pancreatic necrosis following acute necrotising pancreatitis(TRACE) trial was designed to test the effect of a new therapy focusing on the immune system in preventing secondary infection following ANP. The results of this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT02473406)

Quantum metric nonlinear Hall effect in a topological antiferromagnetic heterostructure

Quantum geometry - the geometry of electron Bloch wavefunctions - is central to modern condensed matter physics. Due to the quantum nature, quantum geometry has two parts, the real part quantum metric and the imaginary part Berry curvature. The studies of Berry curvature have led to countless breakthroughs, ranging from the quantum Hall effect in 2DEGs to the anomalous Hall effect (AHE) in ferromagnets. However, in contrast to Berry curvature, the quantum metric has rarely been explored. Here, we report a new nonlinear Hall effect induced by quantum metric by interfacing even-layered MnBi2Te4 (a PT-symmetric antiferromagnet (AFM)) with black phosphorus. This novel nonlinear Hall effect switches direction upon reversing the AFM spins and exhibits distinct scaling that suggests a non-dissipative nature. Like the AHE brought Berry curvature under the spotlight, our results open the door to discovering quantum metric responses. Moreover, we demonstrate that the AFM can harvest wireless electromagnetic energy via the new nonlinear Hall effect, therefore enabling intriguing applications that bridges nonlinear electronics with AFM spintronics.Comment: 19 pages, 4 figures and a Supplementary Materials with 66 pages, 4 figures and 3 tables. Originally submitted to Science on Oct. 5, 202

Femtosecond exciton dynamics in WSe2 optical waveguides

Van-der Waals (vdW) atomically layered crystals can act as optical waveguides over a broad range of the electromagnetic spectrum ranging from Terahertz to visible. Unlike common Si-based waveguides, vdW semiconductors host strong excitonic resonances that may be controlled using non-thermal stimuli including electrostatic gating and photoexcitation. Here, we utilize waveguide modes to examine photo-induced changes of excitons in the prototypical vdW semiconductor, WSe2, prompted by femtosecond light pulses. Using time-resolved scanning near-field optical microscopy we visualize the electric field profiles of waveguide modes in real space and time and extract the temporal evolution of the optical constants following femtosecond photoexcitation. By monitoring the phase velocity of the waveguide modes, we detect incoherent A-exciton bleaching along with a coherent optical Stark shift in WSe2

The preoperative platelet to neutrophil ratio and lymphocyte to monocyte ratio are superior prognostic indicators compared with other inflammatory biomarkers in ovarian cancer

BackgroundPrevious studies have suggested that the ratios of immune-inflammatory cells could serve as prognostic indicators in ovarian cancer. However, which of these is the superior prognostic indicator in ovarian cancer remains unknown. In addition, studies on the prognostic value of the platelet to neutrophil ratio (PNR) in ovarian cancer are still limited.MethodsA cohort of 991 ovarian cancer patients was analyzed in the present study. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were utilized to choose the optimal cut-off values of inflammatory biomarkers such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and PNR. The correlation of inflammatory biomarkers with overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) was investigated by Kaplan-Meier methods and log-rank test, followed by Cox regression analyses.ResultsKaplan-Meier curves suggested that LMR&lt;3.39, PLR≥181.46, and PNR≥49.20 had obvious associations with worse RFS (P&lt;0.001, P=0.018, P&lt;0.001). Multivariate analysis suggested that LMR (≥3.39 vs. &lt;3.39) (P=0.042, HR=0.810, 95% CI=0.661-0.992) and PNR (≥49.20 vs. &lt;49.20) (P=0.004, HR=1.351, 95% CI=1.103-1.656) were independent prognostic indicators of poor RFS. In addition, Kaplan-Meier curves indicated that PLR≥182.23 was significantly correlated with worse OS (P=0.039).ConclusionTaken together, PNR and LMR are superior prognostic indicators compared with NLR, PLR, and SII in patients with ovarian cancer