Biomass-derived carbons for sodium-ion batteries and sodium-ion capacitors

In the past decade, the rapid development of portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and electrical devices has stimulated extensive interest in fundamental research and the commercialization of electrochemical energy-storage systems. Biomass-derived carbon has garnered significant research attention as an efficient, inexpensive, and eco-friendly active material for energy-storage systems. Therefore, high-performance carbonaceous materials, derived from renewable sources, have been utilized as electrode materials in sodium-ion batteries and sodium-ion capacitors. Herein, the charge-storage mechanism and utilization of biomass-derived carbon for sodium storage in batteries and capacitors are summarized. In particular, the structure–performance relationship of biomass-derived carbon for sodium storage in the form of batteries and capacitors is discussed. Despite the fact that further research is required to optimize the process and application of biomass-derived carbon in energy-storage devices, the current review demonstrates the potential of carbonaceous materials for next-generation sodium-related energy-storage applications.</p

Sarcopenia-related Traits, Body Mass Index and Ovarian Cancer Risk: Investigation of Causal Relationships Through Multivariable Mendelian Randomization Analyses

Objective: This study was aimed at exploring the causal relationships of four sarcopenia-related traits (appendicular lean mass, usual walking pace, right hand grip strength, and levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity) with body mass index (BMI) and ovarian cancer risk, by using univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) methods. Materials and Methods: Univariable and multivariable MR was performed to estimate causal relationships among sarcopenia-related traits, BMI, and ovarian cancer risk, in aggregated genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from the UK Biobank. Genetic variants associated with each variable (P < 5 × 10−8) were identified as instrumental variables. Three methods—inverse variance weighted (IVW) analysis, weighted median analysis, and MR-Egger regression—were used. Results: Univariable MR analyses revealed positive causal effects of high appendicular lean mass (P = 0.02) and high BMI (P = 0.001) on ovarian cancer occurrence. In contrast, a genetically predicted faster usual walking pace was associated with lower risk of ovarian cancer (P = 0.03). No evidence was found supporting roles of right hand grip strength and levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity in ovarian cancer development (P = 0.56 and P = 0.22, respectively). In multivariable MR analyses, the association between a genetically predicted faster usual walking pace and lower ovarian cancer risk remained significant (P = 0.047). Conclusions: Our study highlights a role of slower usual walking pace in the development of ovarian cancer. Further studies are required to validate our findings and understand the underlying mechanisms

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression of the PIN Auxin Efflux Carrier Gene Family in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)

As one of the world’s most popular fruits, watermelon (Citrus lanatus) is cultivated in more than 3 million hectares across the globe, with a yearly yield of more than 100 million tons. According to ‘97103’ genome version 1, a previous study has shown that the watermelon genome consists of 11 PIN genes. However, the higher quality ‘97103’ genome version 2 was recently assembled by using PacBio long reads with the benefit of fast development sequencing technology. Using this new assembly, we conducted a new genome-wide search for PIN genes in watermelon and compared it with cucumber and melon genomes. We identified nine, nine, and eight PINs in watermelon, cucumber, and melon, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a distinct evolutionary history of PIN proteins in watermelon, which is shown by the orphan PIN6 in watermelon. We further conducted an expression analysis of the watermelon PIN genes in silico and by qRT-PCR. ClaPIN6 might not play an essential role during shoot regeneration, which is closely related to species-specific evolution. However, the up-regulated expression patterns of ClaPIN1-1 and ClaPIN1-3 indicated their important roles during shoot regeneration. The result of this research will benefit future studies to understand the regulating mechanisms of auxin in watermelon shoot regeneration

NF kappaB expression increases and CFTR and MUC1 expression decreases in the endometrium of infertile patients with hydrosalpinx: a comparative study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Hydrosalpinx are associated with infertility, due to reduced rates of implantation and increased abortion rates. The aims of this study were to investigate the expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), nuclear factor kappa B (NF KappaB) and mucin-1 (MUC-1), and analyze the correlation between the expression of CFTR and NF KappaB or MUC1, in the endometrium of infertile women with and without hydrosalpinx.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Thirty-one infertile women with laparoscopy-confirmed unilateral or bilateral hydrosalpinx and 20 infertile women without hydrosalpinx or pelvic inflammatory disease (control group) were recruited. Endometrial biopsy samples were collected and the expression of CFTR, NF KappaB and MUC1 were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>CFTR, NF KappaB and MUC1 mRNA and protein expression tended to increase in the secretory phase compared to the proliferative phase in both groups; however, these differences were not significantly different. The endometrium of infertile patients with hydrosalpinx had significantly higher NF KappaB mRNA and protein expression, and significantly lower CFTR and MUC1 mRNA and protein expression, compared to control infertile patients. A positive correlation was observed between <it>CFTR</it> and <it>MUC1</it> mRNA expression (r = 0.65, <it>P</it> < 0.05); a negative correlation was observed between <it>CFTR</it> mRNA and <it>NF KappaB</it> mRNA expression (r = −0.59, <it>P</it> < 0.05).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Increased NF KappaB expression and decreased CFTR and MUC1 expression in the endometrium of infertile patients with hydrosalpinx reinforce the involvement of a molecular mechanism in the regulation of endometrial receptivity.</p

Increased cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators expression and decreased epithelial sodium channel alpha subunits expression in early abortion: findings from a mouse model and clinical cases of abortion.

The status of the maternal endometrium is vital in regulating humoral homeostasis and for ensuring embryo implantation. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators (CFTR) and epithelial sodium channel alpha subunits (ENaC-α) play an important role in female reproduction by maintaining humoral and cell homeostasis. However, it is not clear whether the expression levels of CFTR and ENaC-α in the decidual component during early pregnancy are related with early miscarriage. CBA×DBA/2 mouse mating has been widely accepted as a classical model of early miscarriage. The abortion rate associated with this mating was 33.33% in our study. The decidua of abortion-prone CBA female mice (DBA/2 mated) had higher CFTR mRNA and protein expression and lower ENaC-α mRNA and protein expression, compared to normal pregnant CBA mice (BLAB/C mated). Furthermore, increased CFTR expression and decreased ENaC-α expression were observed in the uterine tissue from women with early miscarriage, as compared to those with successful pregnancy. In conclusion, increased CFTR expression and decreased ENaC-α expression in the decidua of early abortion may relate with failure of early pregnancy

Inhibition of CEMIP potentiates the effect of sorafenib on metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma by reducing the stiffness of lung metastases

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with lung metastasis is associated with poor prognosis and poor therapeutic outcomes. Studies have demonstrated that stiffened stroma can promote metastasis in various tumors. However, how the lung mechanical microenvironment favors circulating tumor cells remains unclear in metastatic HCC. Here, we found that the expression of cell migration-inducing hyaluronan-binding protein (CEMIP) was closely associated with lung metastasis and can promote pre-metastatic niche formation by increasing lung matrix stiffness. Furthermore, upregulated serum CEMIP was indicative of lung fibrotic changes severity in patients with HCC lung metastasis. By directly targeting CEMIP, pirfenidone can inhibit CEMIP/TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and reduce lung metastases stiffening, demonstrating promising antitumor activity. Pirfenidone in combination with sorafenib can more effectively suppress the incidence of lung metastasis compared with sorafenib alone. This study is the first attempt to modulate the mechanical microenvironment for HCC therapy and highlights CEMIP as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of HCC lung metastasis. CEMIP mediating an HCC-permissive microenvironment through controlling matrix stiffness. Meanwhile, Pirfenidone could reduce metastasis stiffness and increases the anti-angiogenic effect of Sorafenib by directly targeting CEMIP

Sequences of the primers used for qRT-PCR analysis.

<p>Sequences of the primers used for qRT-PCR analysis.</p

CFTR and ENaC-α protein detection by western blot analysis.

<p>The expression of CFTR protein was stronger and the expression of ENaC-α protein was weaker in the decidua of CBA×DBA/2 mice compared to CBA×BALB/C mice (A). Moreover, the expression of CFTR protein was stronger and the expression of ENaC-α protein was weaker in the decidua of women who underwent a miscarriage than normal pregnant women (B). β-tubulin was used as the internal control (approximately 43 kD). Representative images are shown. Densitometry analysis data for CFTR and ENaC-α expression are normalized to the control (100%) for comparison. *P<0.05.</p