The interactions between lignin oligomers and solvents determine the behaviors of lignin oligomers self-assembling into uniform lignin nanoparticles(LNPs).Herein,several alcohol solvents,which readily interact with th...The interactions between lignin oligomers and solvents determine the behaviors of lignin oligomers self-assembling into uniform lignin nanoparticles(LNPs).Herein,several alcohol solvents,which readily interact with the lignin oligomers,were adopted to study their effects during solvent shifting process for LNPs’production.The lignin oligomers with widely distributed molecular weight and abundant guaiacyl units were extracted from wood waste(mainly consists of pine wood),exerting outstanding self-assembly capability.Uniform and spherical LNPs were generated in H_(2)O-n-propanol cosolvent,whereas irregular LNPs were obtained in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent.The unsatisfactory self-assembly performance of the lignin oligomers in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent could be attributed to two aspects.On one hand,for the initial dissolution state,the distinguishing Hansen solubility parameter and polarity between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers resulted in the poor dispersion of the lignin oligomers.On the other hand,strong hydrogen bonds between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers during solvent shifting process,hindered the interactions among the lignin oligomers for self-assembly.展开更多
The capture and characterization of oligomers are extremely important in the studies of amyloid aggregation of proteins and peptides.Oligomers are critical intermediates that can impact the structures of amyloid fibri...The capture and characterization of oligomers are extremely important in the studies of amyloid aggregation of proteins and peptides.Oligomers are critical intermediates that can impact the structures of amyloid fibrils.Moreover,it is widely accepted that oligomers are the most toxic species along the aggregation pathway[1e4].The studies of oligomers are believed to shed light on the molecular mechanism of amyloid fibrillation and probably the medical clues for related diseases.In vitro investigations of amyloid oligomers are challenging due to their transient and polymorphic nature[5].This is particularly evident in the case of human type-2 diabetes-associated islet amyloid polypeptide(hIAPP),which tends to rapidly form polymorphic fibrils within minutes[6].Notably,hIAPP demonstrates a higher propensity for rapid aggregation compared to other amyloid proteins such as a-synuclein[7].展开更多
Preparing both safe and high-performance lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) based on commonly used commercial electrolytes is highly desirable,yet challenging.To overcome the poor compatibility of conventional small-molecula...Preparing both safe and high-performance lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) based on commonly used commercial electrolytes is highly desirable,yet challenging.To overcome the poor compatibility of conventional small-molecular flame-retardants as electrolyte additives for safe LIBs with graphite anodes,in this study,we propose and design a novel low-cost flame-retardant oligomer that achieves an accurate and complete reconciliation of fire safety and electrochemical performance in LIBs.Owing to the integration of phosphonate units and polyethylene glycol(PEG) chains,this oligomer,which is a phosphonatecontaining PEG-based oligomer(PPO),not only endows commercial electrolytes with excellent flame retardancy but also helps stabilize the electrodes and Li-ion migration.Specifically,adding 15 wt% of PPO can reduce 70% of the self-extinguishing time and 54% of total heat release for commercial electrolytes.Moreover,LiFePO_(4)/lithium and graphite/lithium cells as well as LiFePO_(4)/graphite pouch full cells exhibit good long-term cycling stability.展开更多
The active catalysts of the BF_(3)/n-C_(4)H_(9)OH-catalyzed 1-decene oligomerization reaction,as well as the distribution of the reaction products,was investigated by molecular simulation.The calculation results show ...The active catalysts of the BF_(3)/n-C_(4)H_(9)OH-catalyzed 1-decene oligomerization reaction,as well as the distribution of the reaction products,was investigated by molecular simulation.The calculation results show that(BF_(3))_(2)·n-C_(4)H_(9)OH catalyzes the 1-decene oligomerization reaction with higher activity compared to BF_(3)·n-C_(4)H_(9)OH,which is the most catalytically active substance in the BF_(3)/n-C_(4)H_(9)OH catalyst system.The reaction energy barriers and heats of reaction of chain initiation,chain growth,and chain termination in BF_(3)/n-C_(4)H_(9)OH-catalyzed 1-decene oligomerization are calculated to reveal the product distribution.The calculation results show that the contents of the oligomerization reaction products in descending order are trimer,tetramer,pentamer,and dimer.The calculated results were consistent with the experimentally obtained product distribution.展开更多
Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC)is common in end-stage renal disease(ESRD)patients,and the extent of CAC is closely related to cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD patients.Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(...Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC)is common in end-stage renal disease(ESRD)patients,and the extent of CAC is closely related to cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD patients.Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP),as a component of the vascular matrix,has been found to be an inhibitor of arterial calcification in basic studies.However,there is no clinical research on the correlation between COMP and CAC in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients.The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum COMP levels and CAC and cardiovascular events in MHD patients.Methods Serum COMP levels were compared between 54 MHD patients and 66 healthy people.MHD patients were then divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the concentration of COMP level and were followed up for major adverse cardiac events(MACEs),which were defined as a combined end point of new onset angina pectoris,nonfatal myocardial infarction,heart failure,coronary artery revascularization,hospitalization due to angina pectoris and all-cause deaths.The CAC score was calculated based on computed tomography scans.Results The serum COMP level in MHD patients was significantly higher than that in the general population[984.23(248.43-1902.61)ng/mL vs.219.01(97.26-821.92)ng/mL,P<0.01].Serum COMP levels were positively correlated with CAC(r=0.313,P=0.021)and serum parathyroid hormone in MHD patients(r=0.359,P<0.01).Linear regression suggested that after adjusting for age,fasting blood glucose(Glu)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbAlc),CAC score was an independent predictor in the final model for COMP level(β=0.424,t=3.130,P<0.01).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve showed that COMP≥994 mg/mL had 68.0%sensitivity and 72.4%specificity for the prediction of severe CAC[area under the curve(AUC):0.674,P=0.030,95%CI:0.526-0.882].After a median follow-up of 16 months(8-24 months),there was no difference in the incidence rate of MACEs between the upper,middle and lower serum COMP groups.Conclusions Our study found that MHD patients have higher levels of circulating COMP than controls.The serum COMP level is positively correlated with CAC score and could be used as a biomarker of severe CAC in MHD patients.However,there is no obvious correlation between serum COMP levels and the incidence of cardiovascular events.展开更多
Tau oligomers are the etiologic molecules of Alzheimer disease(AD), and correlate strongly with neuronal loss and exhibit neurotoxicity. Recent evidence indicates that small tau oligomers are the most relevant toxic a...Tau oligomers are the etiologic molecules of Alzheimer disease(AD), and correlate strongly with neuronal loss and exhibit neurotoxicity. Recent evidence indicates that small tau oligomers are the most relevant toxic aggregate species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms of cornel iridoid glycoside(CIG) on tau oligomers and cognitive functions. We injected wortmannin and GF-109203 X(WM/GFX, 200 μmol·L-1 each) into the lateral ventricles to induce tau oligomer and memory impairment in rats. When oral y administered with CIG at 60 and 120 mg·kg-1 per day for 14 d, CIG decreased the escape latency in Morris water maze test. We also found that CIG restored the expression of presynaptic p-synapsin, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic density-95(PSD-95) decreased by WM/GFX in rat cortex. CIG reduced the accumulation of tau oligomers in the brain of WM/GFX rats and in cells transfected with wild type glycogen synthase kinase-3β(wt GSK-3β). In addition, CIG up-regulated the levels of ATG7, ATG12, Beclin-1, and LC3 II in vivo and in vitro, suggesting the restoration of autophagy function. These results suggest that CIG could ameliorate memory deficits and regulate memory-associated synaptic proteins through the clearance of tau oligomers accumulation. Moreover, CIG clears tau oligomers by restoring autophagy function.展开更多
·AIM:To investigate the expression of nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) in the immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line (THCE), and its role in the innate immune response triggered by inactive Asp...·AIM:To investigate the expression of nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) in the immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line (THCE), and its role in the innate immune response triggered by inactive Aspergillus fumigatus (Af ) conidia.·METHODS:The normal THCE cells were investigated as controls. After incubation with inactive Af conidia for 0.5, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours, THCE cells were harvested, mRNA expression of NOD2 and receptor interacting protein 2 (RIP2) was detected by RT-PCR. Intracellular proteins including NOD2, NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6 in the cell supernatant were analyzed by ELISA.·RESULTS:Our data indicate that NOD2 expressed in the normal THCE cells. After triggered by the inactive Af conidia, the expression of NOD2, RIP2 mRNA and the secretion of NOD2, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6 both increased in a time-depended manner, and reached the peak point at 4, 6, 6, 4, 6, 6, 4 hours, respectively. And after pretreated with NOD2 neutralizing antibody, the expression of RIP2, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-8 both decreased dramatically at the peak point, while the secretion of IL-6 changed little.·CONCLUSION:The results of this study suggest that NOD2 exists and expresses in the THCE cells, and contributes to the innate immune responses triggered by inactive Af conidia by induction of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-8 through the NF-κB pathway.展开更多
A series of cyclic (arylene phosphonate) oligomers were prepared by reaction of phenylphosphonic dichloride (PPD) with various bisphenols under pseudo-high dilution conditions via interfacial polycondensation. The yie...A series of cyclic (arylene phosphonate) oligomers were prepared by reaction of phenylphosphonic dichloride (PPD) with various bisphenols under pseudo-high dilution conditions via interfacial polycondensation. The yield of cyclic (arylene phosphonate) oligomers is over 85% by using hexadecyltrimethylammoniun bromide as phase transfer catalyst (PTC) at 0 "C . The structures of the cyclic oligomers were confirmed by a combination of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and IR analysis. These cyclic oligomers undergo facile ring-opening polymerization in the melt by using potassium 4,4’-biphenoxide as the initiator to give linear polyphosphonate. Free-radical ring-opening polymerization of cyclic(arylene phosphonate) oligomers containing sulfur linkages was also performed in the melt using 2,2’-dithiobis(benzothiazole) (DTB) as the initiator at 270 °C and the resulting polymer had a Mw, of 8 × 103 with a molecular weight distribution of 4. Ring-opening copolymerization of these cyclic oligomers with cyclic carbonate oligomers was also achieved. The average molecular weight of the resulting copolymer is higher than the corresponding homopolymer and the thermal stability of the copolymer is better than the corresponding homopolymer.展开更多
A systematic investigation of the graphene oxide composite reduced by either p-phenylenediamine oligomers or hydrazine hydrate was performed with field emission scanning electron microscopy,high resolution transmissio...A systematic investigation of the graphene oxide composite reduced by either p-phenylenediamine oligomers or hydrazine hydrate was performed with field emission scanning electron microscopy,high resolution transmission electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,fourier transform infrared,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses.The electrical capacitance of the composite was evaluated by a cyclic voltammetry technique,while the properties of these prototype supercapacitors were measured by a chronopotentiometry technique.It was found that,under the solvothermal condition,the graphene oxide reduced by p-phenylenediamine oligomers was observed to have higher electrical capacitance than that reduced by hydrazine.The improved electrical capacitance can be attributed to that p-phenylenediamine oligomers are the more effective spacers for graphene layers;and they could also provide some pseudo-capacitance to the graphene oxide composite based on their conjugate structure.The results imply that graphene oxide modified by diamine oligomers has a good potential in energy storage devices.展开更多
Four new rod-coil diblock molecules, which had well-defined para-phenylene oligomers (PPP, from biphenyl to quinquephenyl) as rigid segments and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, Mw ca. 750) as flexible segments, were synthe...Four new rod-coil diblock molecules, which had well-defined para-phenylene oligomers (PPP, from biphenyl to quinquephenyl) as rigid segments and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, Mw ca. 750) as flexible segments, were synthesized. The chemical structure and the number of repeating unit in PEO coil and PPP rod were characterized by 1H-NMR and MALDITOF mass spectrometry. The diblock oligomers showed good solubility in common organic solvents and aggregated in water as characterized by a blue shift in UV-vis absorption spectra, a red shift in emission spectra, quenching of the fluorescence and formation of the microfibrilla and fractal-like structures. The formation of different supramolecular structures meant that this effort might lead to commercial important highly organized functional materials.展开更多
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1(NOD1) is an intracellular innate immune sensor for small molecules derived from bacterial cell components. NOD1 activation by its ligands leads to robust production of pro-i...Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1(NOD1) is an intracellular innate immune sensor for small molecules derived from bacterial cell components. NOD1 activation by its ligands leads to robust production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by innate immune cells, thereby mediating mucosal host defense systems against microbes. Chronic gastric infection due to Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) causes various upper gastrointestinal diseases, including atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. It is now generally accepted that detection of H. pylori by NOD1 expressed in gastric epithelial cells plays an indispensable role in mucosal host defense systems against this organism. Recent studies have revealed the molecular mechanism by which NOD1 activation caused by H. pylori infection is involved in the development of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. In this review, we have discussed and summarized how sensing of H. pylori by NOD1 mediates the prevention of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer.展开更多
The 60% ethanolic extract from Gracilaria textorii (Rhbdophyta) was degraded with B- agarase, and certain charged (sulfated) and neutral oligosaccharides were separated by using DEAE Sephadex A 25 and Bio- gel P6 , P2...The 60% ethanolic extract from Gracilaria textorii (Rhbdophyta) was degraded with B- agarase, and certain charged (sulfated) and neutral oligosaccharides were separated by using DEAE Sephadex A 25 and Bio- gel P6 , P2 chromatographic techniques . Some of the charged oligomers were verified to be neoagarotetraose - 63- sulfate ( DP2 ). neoagarohexaose- 63 】 65 - disulfate ( DP3 ) and neoagarooctaose- 63, 65, 67-trisulfate (DP4) by using 13C-and ’H-NMR spectroscopy . One neutral oligomer was assumed to be a mixture of methylated neoagarotetraoses (DP2 ) by 1H-NMR spectroscopy .These oligomers assigned by their chemical shifts may be used as the model compounds for the structural investigation of the agar- type sulfated polysaccharides using the B- agarase degradation method .展开更多
A new silazane oligomer containing cyclotrisilazane was synthesized by KH-catalyzed dehydro-coupling reactionsbetween diphenylsilane and 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylcyclotrisilazane （D<sub>3</sub><sup>N&l...A new silazane oligomer containing cyclotrisilazane was synthesized by KH-catalyzed dehydro-coupling reactionsbetween diphenylsilane and 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylcyclotrisilazane （D<sub>3</sub><sup>N</sup>）.展开更多
The polymerization of 1-octene with Nd(P<sub>204</sub>)<sub>3</sub>-AlEt<sub>3</sub> catalyst has been successfully carried out for thefirst time.Some features of polymerization of ...The polymerization of 1-octene with Nd(P<sub>204</sub>)<sub>3</sub>-AlEt<sub>3</sub> catalyst has been successfully carried out for thefirst time.Some features of polymerization of 1-octene are described.The 1-octene oligomer prepared has anaverage molecular weight of about 10<sup>3</sup> with molecular weight distribution of about 2.It has a terminal doublebond,which can be transferred into terminal carboxy group by direct oxidation with KMnO<sub>4</sub> in acidic solution,and then can be esterified with polyglycol.展开更多
Multiple lines of evidence show that soluble oligomer forms of amyloidβprotein(Aβ42)are the most neurotoxic species in the brain and correlates with the degree of neuronal loss and cognitive deficit in Alzheimer’s ...Multiple lines of evidence show that soluble oligomer forms of amyloidβprotein(Aβ42)are the most neurotoxic species in the brain and correlates with the degree of neuronal loss and cognitive deficit in Alzheimer’s disease.Although many studies have used mammalian cells to investigate oligomer Aβ42 toxicity,the use of more simple eukaryotic cellular systems offers advantages for large-scale screening studies.We have previously established and validated budding yeast,Saccharomyces cerevisiae to be a simple and a robust model to study the toxicity of Aβ.Using colony counting based methods,oligomeric Aβ42 was shown to induce dose-dependent cell death in yeast.We have adapted this method for high throughput screening by developing an absorbance-based growth assay.We further validated the assay with treatments previously shown to protect oligomer Aβ42 induced cell death in mammalian and yeast cells.This assay offers a platform for studying underlying mechanisms of oligomer Aβ42 induced cell death using gene deletion/overexpression libraries and developing novel agents that alleviate Aβ42 induced cell death.展开更多
Serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP) has been presented as a biomarker of liver fibrosis in several cross-sectional studies. COMP is also an essential mediator in carcinoma development and has als...Serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP) has been presented as a biomarker of liver fibrosis in several cross-sectional studies. COMP is also an essential mediator in carcinoma development and has also been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. We present a prospective analysis of this biomarker in38 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were subject to eradication therapy with direct acting antivirals. We confirm previous studies associating COMP elevation with liver cirrhosis. We also show how viral levels are correlated with COMP at baseline. In our prospective analysis, we report that successful eradication of hepatitis C results in improvement in liver stiffness and laboratory liver function tests at 1 year follow-up. In contrast, median COMP-levels remain unchanged during the study period. We conclude that the biomarker potential of COMP in the prospective evaluation of liver diseases, remains to be elucidated.展开更多
A detailed chemical investigation of the red resins from Dracaena cochinchinensis(Chinese dragon’s blood)yielded five new flavonoid oligomers,named cochinchinenins D-H(1-5),together with a known biflavonoid,cinnabaro...A detailed chemical investigation of the red resins from Dracaena cochinchinensis(Chinese dragon’s blood)yielded five new flavonoid oligomers,named cochinchinenins D-H(1-5),together with a known biflavonoid,cinnabarone(6),and a mixture of two known biflavonoids,socotrin-4'-ol(7)and homoisosocotrin-4'-ol(8).Of these new compounds,1-3 were biflavonoids and 4 and 5 were triflavonoids.Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.The isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxicity(Cdc25),antibacterial(PEPT)and antifungal(YNG)activities.展开更多
The amyloid-β(Aβ)oligomer,rather than the Aβmonomer,is considered to be the primary initiator of Alzheimer’s disease.It was hypothesized that p(Aβ3-10)10-MT,the recombinant Aβ3-10 gene vaccine of the Aβoligomer...The amyloid-β(Aβ)oligomer,rather than the Aβmonomer,is considered to be the primary initiator of Alzheimer’s disease.It was hypothesized that p(Aβ3-10)10-MT,the recombinant Aβ3-10 gene vaccine of the Aβoligomer has the potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease.In this study,we intramuscularly injected the p(Aβ3-10)10-MT vaccine into the left hindlimb of APP/PS1/tau triple-transgenic mice,which are a model for Alzheimer’s disease.Our results showed that the p(Aβ3-10)10-MT vaccine effectively reduced Aβoligomer levels and plaque deposition in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus,decreased the levels tau protein variants,reduced synaptic loss,protected synaptic function,reduced neuron loss,and ameliorated memory impairment without causing any cerebral hemorrhaging.Therefore,this novel DNA vaccine,which is safe and highly effective in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease,holds a lot of promise for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in humans.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22078211)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2022M721115).
文摘The interactions between lignin oligomers and solvents determine the behaviors of lignin oligomers self-assembling into uniform lignin nanoparticles(LNPs).Herein,several alcohol solvents,which readily interact with the lignin oligomers,were adopted to study their effects during solvent shifting process for LNPs’production.The lignin oligomers with widely distributed molecular weight and abundant guaiacyl units were extracted from wood waste(mainly consists of pine wood),exerting outstanding self-assembly capability.Uniform and spherical LNPs were generated in H_(2)O-n-propanol cosolvent,whereas irregular LNPs were obtained in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent.The unsatisfactory self-assembly performance of the lignin oligomers in H_(2)O-methanol cosolvent could be attributed to two aspects.On one hand,for the initial dissolution state,the distinguishing Hansen solubility parameter and polarity between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers resulted in the poor dispersion of the lignin oligomers.On the other hand,strong hydrogen bonds between methanol solvent and lignin oligomers during solvent shifting process,hindered the interactions among the lignin oligomers for self-assembly.
文摘The capture and characterization of oligomers are extremely important in the studies of amyloid aggregation of proteins and peptides.Oligomers are critical intermediates that can impact the structures of amyloid fibrils.Moreover,it is widely accepted that oligomers are the most toxic species along the aggregation pathway[1e4].The studies of oligomers are believed to shed light on the molecular mechanism of amyloid fibrillation and probably the medical clues for related diseases.In vitro investigations of amyloid oligomers are challenging due to their transient and polymorphic nature[5].This is particularly evident in the case of human type-2 diabetes-associated islet amyloid polypeptide(hIAPP),which tends to rapidly form polymorphic fibrils within minutes[6].Notably,hIAPP demonstrates a higher propensity for rapid aggregation compared to other amyloid proteins such as a-synuclein[7].
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51773134, U19A2095)the Sichuan Science and Technology Program (2019YFH0112)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central UniversitiesInstitutional Research Fund from Sichuan University (2021SCUNL201)the 111 Project (B20001)。
文摘Preparing both safe and high-performance lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) based on commonly used commercial electrolytes is highly desirable,yet challenging.To overcome the poor compatibility of conventional small-molecular flame-retardants as electrolyte additives for safe LIBs with graphite anodes,in this study,we propose and design a novel low-cost flame-retardant oligomer that achieves an accurate and complete reconciliation of fire safety and electrochemical performance in LIBs.Owing to the integration of phosphonate units and polyethylene glycol(PEG) chains,this oligomer,which is a phosphonatecontaining PEG-based oligomer(PPO),not only endows commercial electrolytes with excellent flame retardancy but also helps stabilize the electrodes and Li-ion migration.Specifically,adding 15 wt% of PPO can reduce 70% of the self-extinguishing time and 54% of total heat release for commercial electrolytes.Moreover,LiFePO_(4)/lithium and graphite/lithium cells as well as LiFePO_(4)/graphite pouch full cells exhibit good long-term cycling stability.
基金This work was financially supported by China Petrochemical Corporation Project(120055).
文摘The active catalysts of the BF_(3)/n-C_(4)H_(9)OH-catalyzed 1-decene oligomerization reaction,as well as the distribution of the reaction products,was investigated by molecular simulation.The calculation results show that(BF_(3))_(2)·n-C_(4)H_(9)OH catalyzes the 1-decene oligomerization reaction with higher activity compared to BF_(3)·n-C_(4)H_(9)OH,which is the most catalytically active substance in the BF_(3)/n-C_(4)H_(9)OH catalyst system.The reaction energy barriers and heats of reaction of chain initiation,chain growth,and chain termination in BF_(3)/n-C_(4)H_(9)OH-catalyzed 1-decene oligomerization are calculated to reveal the product distribution.The calculation results show that the contents of the oligomerization reaction products in descending order are trimer,tetramer,pentamer,and dimer.The calculated results were consistent with the experimentally obtained product distribution.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81400262)the Backbone Fund of Peking University Third Hospital(Y72497-04)
文摘Background Coronary artery calcification(CAC)is common in end-stage renal disease(ESRD)patients,and the extent of CAC is closely related to cardiovascular outcomes in ESRD patients.Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP),as a component of the vascular matrix,has been found to be an inhibitor of arterial calcification in basic studies.However,there is no clinical research on the correlation between COMP and CAC in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients.The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between serum COMP levels and CAC and cardiovascular events in MHD patients.Methods Serum COMP levels were compared between 54 MHD patients and 66 healthy people.MHD patients were then divided into three groups according to the tertiles of the concentration of COMP level and were followed up for major adverse cardiac events(MACEs),which were defined as a combined end point of new onset angina pectoris,nonfatal myocardial infarction,heart failure,coronary artery revascularization,hospitalization due to angina pectoris and all-cause deaths.The CAC score was calculated based on computed tomography scans.Results The serum COMP level in MHD patients was significantly higher than that in the general population[984.23(248.43-1902.61)ng/mL vs.219.01(97.26-821.92)ng/mL,P<0.01].Serum COMP levels were positively correlated with CAC(r=0.313,P=0.021)and serum parathyroid hormone in MHD patients(r=0.359,P<0.01).Linear regression suggested that after adjusting for age,fasting blood glucose(Glu)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbAlc),CAC score was an independent predictor in the final model for COMP level(β=0.424,t=3.130,P<0.01).The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve showed that COMP≥994 mg/mL had 68.0%sensitivity and 72.4%specificity for the prediction of severe CAC[area under the curve(AUC):0.674,P=0.030,95%CI:0.526-0.882].After a median follow-up of 16 months(8-24 months),there was no difference in the incidence rate of MACEs between the upper,middle and lower serum COMP groups.Conclusions Our study found that MHD patients have higher levels of circulating COMP than controls.The serum COMP level is positively correlated with CAC score and could be used as a biomarker of severe CAC in MHD patients.However,there is no obvious correlation between serum COMP levels and the incidence of cardiovascular events.
文摘Tau oligomers are the etiologic molecules of Alzheimer disease(AD), and correlate strongly with neuronal loss and exhibit neurotoxicity. Recent evidence indicates that small tau oligomers are the most relevant toxic aggregate species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanisms of cornel iridoid glycoside(CIG) on tau oligomers and cognitive functions. We injected wortmannin and GF-109203 X(WM/GFX, 200 μmol·L-1 each) into the lateral ventricles to induce tau oligomer and memory impairment in rats. When oral y administered with CIG at 60 and 120 mg·kg-1 per day for 14 d, CIG decreased the escape latency in Morris water maze test. We also found that CIG restored the expression of presynaptic p-synapsin, synaptophysin, and postsynaptic density-95(PSD-95) decreased by WM/GFX in rat cortex. CIG reduced the accumulation of tau oligomers in the brain of WM/GFX rats and in cells transfected with wild type glycogen synthase kinase-3β(wt GSK-3β). In addition, CIG up-regulated the levels of ATG7, ATG12, Beclin-1, and LC3 II in vivo and in vitro, suggesting the restoration of autophagy function. These results suggest that CIG could ameliorate memory deficits and regulate memory-associated synaptic proteins through the clearance of tau oligomers accumulation. Moreover, CIG clears tau oligomers by restoring autophagy function.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.30672285)Qingdao Municipal Science and Technology Commission,China (No.10-3-3-10-NSH)
文摘·AIM:To investigate the expression of nucleotide oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) in the immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line (THCE), and its role in the innate immune response triggered by inactive Aspergillus fumigatus (Af ) conidia.·METHODS:The normal THCE cells were investigated as controls. After incubation with inactive Af conidia for 0.5, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours, THCE cells were harvested, mRNA expression of NOD2 and receptor interacting protein 2 (RIP2) was detected by RT-PCR. Intracellular proteins including NOD2, NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6 in the cell supernatant were analyzed by ELISA.·RESULTS:Our data indicate that NOD2 expressed in the normal THCE cells. After triggered by the inactive Af conidia, the expression of NOD2, RIP2 mRNA and the secretion of NOD2, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6 both increased in a time-depended manner, and reached the peak point at 4, 6, 6, 4, 6, 6, 4 hours, respectively. And after pretreated with NOD2 neutralizing antibody, the expression of RIP2, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-8 both decreased dramatically at the peak point, while the secretion of IL-6 changed little.·CONCLUSION:The results of this study suggest that NOD2 exists and expresses in the THCE cells, and contributes to the innate immune responses triggered by inactive Af conidia by induction of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-8 through the NF-κB pathway.
基金This project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 20084001).
文摘A series of cyclic (arylene phosphonate) oligomers were prepared by reaction of phenylphosphonic dichloride (PPD) with various bisphenols under pseudo-high dilution conditions via interfacial polycondensation. The yield of cyclic (arylene phosphonate) oligomers is over 85% by using hexadecyltrimethylammoniun bromide as phase transfer catalyst (PTC) at 0 "C . The structures of the cyclic oligomers were confirmed by a combination of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and IR analysis. These cyclic oligomers undergo facile ring-opening polymerization in the melt by using potassium 4,4’-biphenoxide as the initiator to give linear polyphosphonate. Free-radical ring-opening polymerization of cyclic(arylene phosphonate) oligomers containing sulfur linkages was also performed in the melt using 2,2’-dithiobis(benzothiazole) (DTB) as the initiator at 270 °C and the resulting polymer had a Mw, of 8 × 103 with a molecular weight distribution of 4. Ring-opening copolymerization of these cyclic oligomers with cyclic carbonate oligomers was also achieved. The average molecular weight of the resulting copolymer is higher than the corresponding homopolymer and the thermal stability of the copolymer is better than the corresponding homopolymer.
基金the University Innovation Research and Training Program(C201603050,C201703648,and C201803850)of China University of Mining and Technology,Beijing2018 University Student Entrepreneurship Practice Project。
文摘A systematic investigation of the graphene oxide composite reduced by either p-phenylenediamine oligomers or hydrazine hydrate was performed with field emission scanning electron microscopy,high resolution transmission electron microscopy,X-ray diffraction,fourier transform infrared,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses.The electrical capacitance of the composite was evaluated by a cyclic voltammetry technique,while the properties of these prototype supercapacitors were measured by a chronopotentiometry technique.It was found that,under the solvothermal condition,the graphene oxide reduced by p-phenylenediamine oligomers was observed to have higher electrical capacitance than that reduced by hydrazine.The improved electrical capacitance can be attributed to that p-phenylenediamine oligomers are the more effective spacers for graphene layers;and they could also provide some pseudo-capacitance to the graphene oxide composite based on their conjugate structure.The results imply that graphene oxide modified by diamine oligomers has a good potential in energy storage devices.
基金This work has been supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grants 29874003 and 29992590-4), the Research Fund for Doctoral Program of Higher Education (Grant 99000136) and the Teaching and Research Award Fund for Outstanding Young
文摘Four new rod-coil diblock molecules, which had well-defined para-phenylene oligomers (PPP, from biphenyl to quinquephenyl) as rigid segments and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO, Mw ca. 750) as flexible segments, were synthesized. The chemical structure and the number of repeating unit in PEO coil and PPP rod were characterized by 1H-NMR and MALDITOF mass spectrometry. The diblock oligomers showed good solubility in common organic solvents and aggregated in water as characterized by a blue shift in UV-vis absorption spectra, a red shift in emission spectra, quenching of the fluorescence and formation of the microfibrilla and fractal-like structures. The formation of different supramolecular structures meant that this effort might lead to commercial important highly organized functional materials.
文摘Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1(NOD1) is an intracellular innate immune sensor for small molecules derived from bacterial cell components. NOD1 activation by its ligands leads to robust production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by innate immune cells, thereby mediating mucosal host defense systems against microbes. Chronic gastric infection due to Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori) causes various upper gastrointestinal diseases, including atrophic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. It is now generally accepted that detection of H. pylori by NOD1 expressed in gastric epithelial cells plays an indispensable role in mucosal host defense systems against this organism. Recent studies have revealed the molecular mechanism by which NOD1 activation caused by H. pylori infection is involved in the development of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer. In this review, we have discussed and summarized how sensing of H. pylori by NOD1 mediates the prevention of chronic gastritis and gastric cancer.
文摘The 60% ethanolic extract from Gracilaria textorii (Rhbdophyta) was degraded with B- agarase, and certain charged (sulfated) and neutral oligosaccharides were separated by using DEAE Sephadex A 25 and Bio- gel P6 , P2 chromatographic techniques . Some of the charged oligomers were verified to be neoagarotetraose - 63- sulfate ( DP2 ). neoagarohexaose- 63 】 65 - disulfate ( DP3 ) and neoagarooctaose- 63, 65, 67-trisulfate (DP4) by using 13C-and ’H-NMR spectroscopy . One neutral oligomer was assumed to be a mixture of methylated neoagarotetraoses (DP2 ) by 1H-NMR spectroscopy .These oligomers assigned by their chemical shifts may be used as the model compounds for the structural investigation of the agar- type sulfated polysaccharides using the B- agarase degradation method .
文摘A new silazane oligomer containing cyclotrisilazane was synthesized by KH-catalyzed dehydro-coupling reactionsbetween diphenylsilane and 1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethylcyclotrisilazane （D<sub>3</sub><sup>N</sup>）.
文摘The polymerization of 1-octene with Nd(P<sub>204</sub>)<sub>3</sub>-AlEt<sub>3</sub> catalyst has been successfully carried out for thefirst time.Some features of polymerization of 1-octene are described.The 1-octene oligomer prepared has anaverage molecular weight of about 10<sup>3</sup> with molecular weight distribution of about 2.It has a terminal doublebond,which can be transferred into terminal carboxy group by direct oxidation with KMnO<sub>4</sub> in acidic solution,and then can be esterified with polyglycol.
基金supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council-Australian Research Council dementia research development fellowship(APP1107109)to PB
文摘Multiple lines of evidence show that soluble oligomer forms of amyloidβprotein(Aβ42)are the most neurotoxic species in the brain and correlates with the degree of neuronal loss and cognitive deficit in Alzheimer’s disease.Although many studies have used mammalian cells to investigate oligomer Aβ42 toxicity,the use of more simple eukaryotic cellular systems offers advantages for large-scale screening studies.We have previously established and validated budding yeast,Saccharomyces cerevisiae to be a simple and a robust model to study the toxicity of Aβ.Using colony counting based methods,oligomeric Aβ42 was shown to induce dose-dependent cell death in yeast.We have adapted this method for high throughput screening by developing an absorbance-based growth assay.We further validated the assay with treatments previously shown to protect oligomer Aβ42 induced cell death in mammalian and yeast cells.This assay offers a platform for studying underlying mechanisms of oligomer Aβ42 induced cell death using gene deletion/overexpression libraries and developing novel agents that alleviate Aβ42 induced cell death.
基金Bengt Ihre Foundation,No.SLS-594-301 and SLS-789091
文摘Serum levels of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein(COMP) has been presented as a biomarker of liver fibrosis in several cross-sectional studies. COMP is also an essential mediator in carcinoma development and has also been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma. We present a prospective analysis of this biomarker in38 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were subject to eradication therapy with direct acting antivirals. We confirm previous studies associating COMP elevation with liver cirrhosis. We also show how viral levels are correlated with COMP at baseline. In our prospective analysis, we report that successful eradication of hepatitis C results in improvement in liver stiffness and laboratory liver function tests at 1 year follow-up. In contrast, median COMP-levels remain unchanged during the study period. We conclude that the biomarker potential of COMP in the prospective evaluation of liver diseases, remains to be elucidated.
基金supported by the 973 Program of Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2011CB915503)the Fourteenth Candidates of the Young Academic Leaders of Yunnan Province(Min XU,2011CI044),and NSFC 31060054.
文摘A detailed chemical investigation of the red resins from Dracaena cochinchinensis(Chinese dragon’s blood)yielded five new flavonoid oligomers,named cochinchinenins D-H(1-5),together with a known biflavonoid,cinnabarone(6),and a mixture of two known biflavonoids,socotrin-4'-ol(7)and homoisosocotrin-4'-ol(8).Of these new compounds,1-3 were biflavonoids and 4 and 5 were triflavonoids.Their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.The isolated compounds were tested for cytotoxicity(Cdc25),antibacterial(PEPT)and antifungal(YNG)activities.
基金supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China,No.81870819(to YPC)the Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province of China,No.2019-MS-200(to XNX).
文摘The amyloid-β(Aβ)oligomer,rather than the Aβmonomer,is considered to be the primary initiator of Alzheimer’s disease.It was hypothesized that p(Aβ3-10)10-MT,the recombinant Aβ3-10 gene vaccine of the Aβoligomer has the potential to treat Alzheimer’s disease.In this study,we intramuscularly injected the p(Aβ3-10)10-MT vaccine into the left hindlimb of APP/PS1/tau triple-transgenic mice,which are a model for Alzheimer’s disease.Our results showed that the p(Aβ3-10)10-MT vaccine effectively reduced Aβoligomer levels and plaque deposition in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus,decreased the levels tau protein variants,reduced synaptic loss,protected synaptic function,reduced neuron loss,and ameliorated memory impairment without causing any cerebral hemorrhaging.Therefore,this novel DNA vaccine,which is safe and highly effective in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease,holds a lot of promise for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease in humans.
