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Twenty-five per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were analyzed in water, sediment and biota from the Dongshan Bay (DSB) to study their seasonal variations, composition profiles, potential pollution sources, partitioning behavior and risk assessments. The total concentrations of PFASs (∑PFASs) in water ranged from 3.2 to 6.5 ng L−1 (mean 4.0 ng L−1) during the dry season, and 0.11–4.5 ng L−1 (mean 1.3 ng L−1) during the wet season. Perfluoro-butane sulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluoro-butanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) were dominated and frequently detected in water. ∑PFASs in sediment were 0.15–0.37 ng g−1 dw (mean 0.24 ng g−1 dw) with the long-chain PFASs perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) dominating. High concentrations of PFASs in land-based drainage outlets (2.0–384.6 ng L−1 in water) and Zhangjiang estuary indicated that land-based discharges and the river discharge were the main sources. High concentration (366.1 ng L−1) and proportion (94%) of PFBA on one drainage outlet agreed with the trend that PFBA was as an alternative to long-chain PFASs. ∑PFASs in biota ranged from 0.11 to 0.40 ng g−1 ww, and only long-chain PFASs were detected. The partition coefficients (log K d) of PFASs between water and sediment ranged from 1.13 to 2.90, increased with carbon chain length, implied long-chain PFASs are more likely to adsorb to sediment. Results of ecological and health risk assessments indicated that PFASs had no significant risk for the aquatic organisms and local residents. • Short-chain PFASs as alternatives increase in the environment. • Drainage outlets and the river discharge contributed PFASs to the DSB. • Log K d of PFASs increased with the increasing of carbon chain length. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, hierarchical flower-like Li 1.2 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 Mn 0.54 O 2 (LNCM) with exposed {010} planes assembled and double-sphere Li 1.2 Ni 0.13 Co 0.13 Mn 0.54 O 2 without {010} planes as a comparison were successfully synthesized via a simple solvothermal method. The diffusion of Li+ could be enhanced in the flower-like LNCM with exposed {010} active planes, and the cathode exhibits a superior electrochemical performance especially in long-term cycling stability even at high current densities. The initial discharge capacity of this sample is 274 mA h g−1 at 0.1C (25 mA g−1), with corresponding initial coulombic efficiencies of 77%. Especially, the capacity retention reaches up to 98% at 1250 mA g−1 current density after 100 cycles. By comparing with other LNCM materials reported recently, our optimal cathode has a pretty outstanding electrochemical performance, which is promising for the next generation lithium ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) has an effect on the health of pregnant women and fetuses. Procyanidins (PA) is a flavonoid with anti-diabetic activity, but its effects and mechanisms on GDM have not been defined. Herein, we studied further the functions and mechanisms of PA on insulin resistance (IR) in GDM mice, as well as on postpartum and offspring mice. GDM mice model was built by feeding a high-fat-high-sucrose diet, and PA intervention (27.8 mg/kg/d) was performed from 4 weeks before pregnancy to delivery. Intestinal flora deficient (IFD) mice model was established by broad spectrum antibiotics. PA decreased the gestational weight gain, and the levels of fasting blood glucose, insulin, homeostasis model of assessment for IR index, yet increased the levels of HOMA for insulin sensitivity index. Interestingly, in IFD mice the effect of PA on improving IR was significantly weakened. PA inhibited inflammation by decreasing the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17 and CRP, which also been blocked in the IFD mice. Moreover, PA improved glycometabolism and reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors and hepatic inflammation infiltration of mice at 4 weeks postpartum, but had no significant effect on offspring mice. Mechanistically, PA treatment suppressed the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 nuclear translocation and nucleotide‐binding domain like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. In vitro studies, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid, main intestinal flora metabolites of PA restrained NF‐κB/NLRP3 activation. In conclusions, PA improved IR via NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway in GDM and postpartum mice, which partly through its metabolites by gut microbiome. [Display omitted] • Procyanidins alleviates IR and inflammation in GDM mice model. • Procyanidins improves the glycometabolism and reduces the secretion of inflammatory factors of postpartum mice with GDM. • Procyanidins inhibits IR via the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, which is partly through its metabolites by gut microbiome. • 4-HPAA and HPPA, main gut metabolites of procyanidins blocked NF-κB/NLRP3 activation in RAW264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the ultrasonic C-scan results of 8YSZ coatings after thermal cycles, three-dimensional cylindrical numerical simulations of the physical geometry model of the thermal barrier coating (TBC) sinusoidal surfaces were conducted with finite elements to estimate the stress distribution and evolution law of the top coat (TC)/bond coat (BC) interface, including the centre and edge of the specimen affected by the dynamic growth of the thermally grown oxide (TGO). The results show that when a layer of TGO is grown on the TC/BC interface, compressive stress is uniformly distributed on the TGO interface, and the stress value decreases as a function of the TGO layer thickness. When the thickness of the TGO exceeds a certain value, the compressive stress of all parts of the interface gradually changes to tensile stress; meanwhile, the edges of the model affected by the crest and trough effects of the wave are reflected in the radial and circumferential directions, especially along the axial direction, with alternating concentrated tensile and compressive stresses. TGO growth imposes a minor influence on the magnitude and distributions of the radial and circumferential stresses at the BC interface. The linear elasticity, creep, fatigue, and stress accumulation effects of each layer of TBCs in each thermal cycle were fully considered in this model. The model not only interprets the crest and trough effects of the TC/BC surface interface during the growth of TGO, but also interprets the effects of the core and edge of the cylindrical model, further revealing the reason for which the core and edge of the TBC will most likely form cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A three-dimensional cylindrical numerical simulation physical and geometric model of TBCs sinusoidal surface was established based on the ultrasonic C-scan results of 8YSZ coating after thermal cycling. The stress distribution and evolution law of the TGO/BC interface and sample center and edge affected by TGO growth were simulated by the finite-element method. The results show that the stress at the TGO/BC interfaces changes from compressive stress to tensile stress with the increase of the number of thermal cycles. The center of the interface is distributed with large radial, circumferential and axial tensile stresses, while the edge of the sample is affected by thermal mismatch, which shows that shear stresses are alternately distributed in the XZ direction. The tensile stress at the center and the shear stress at the edge are the main reasons for the failure of the core and edge flakes of the thermal barrier coating. The linear elasticity, creep effect, fatigue effect and stress accumulation effect of each layer of TBCs in each thermal cycle period are fully considered by the model, which reveals the reason why the core and edges of the thermal barrier coating are most likely to form cracks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A physical geometric model of the dynamic growth of thermally grown oxide (TGO) was established based on an analysis of the TGO growth of 8YSZ thermal barrier coatings during thermal cycling. Finite-element simulation was used to simulate the evolution law between the coating residual stress and thermal cycling, and the linear elasticity, creep effect, and stress accumulation in each thermal cycle were studied. The interface between the top coat (TC) and the bond coat (BC) was covered with a TGO layer that grew vertically and slowly in a layer-like manner. The stress in the TGO was distributed with a "layer" zonal gradient, and the TGO/BC boundaries were distributed uniformly with a large compressive stress, which decreased the TGO layer thickening. With the longitudinal rapid random TGO growth, the boundaries were subjected to a tensile stress, and a high tensile stress concentration area developed at the boundaries. The internal stress consisted of an alternating and mixed distribution of concentrated compressive and tensile stresses. The concentration area of the maximum equivalent stress was distributed in the one-layer TGO near the TC/TGO interface. When a microcrack formed at the TGO/BC boundaries, the crack was subjected to a tensile stress of different size, with a higher tensile stress at both ends, which facilitated crack expansion. Thus, the 8YSZ thermal barrier coating was prone to crack formation and expansion at the TGO/BC boundaries and in the TGO layer near the TC/TGO boundaries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Cell death due to anoikis, necrosis and cell egress from transplantation sites limits functional benefits of cellular cardiomyoplasty. Cell dissociation and suspension, which are a pre-requisite for most cell transplantation studies, lead to depression of cellular metabolism and anoikis, which contribute to low engraftment. Objective We tissue engineered scaffolds with the goal of rapidly restoring metabolism, promoting viability, proliferation and engraftment of encapsulated stem cells. Methods The carboxyl groups of HA were functionalized with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) to yield HA succinimidyl succinate (HA-NHS) groups that react with free amine groups to form amide bonds. HA-NHS was cross-linked by serum to generate HA:Serum (HA:Ser) hydrogels. Physical properties of HA:Ser hydrogels were measured. Effect of encapsulating cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) in HA:Ser hydrogels on viability, proliferation, glucose uptake and metabolism was assessed in vitro. In vivo acute intra-myocardial cell retention of 18 FDG-labeled CDCs encapsulated in HA:Ser hydrogels was quantified. Effect of CDC encapsulation in HA:Ser hydrogels on in vivo metabolism and engraftment at 7 days was assessed by serial, dual isotope SPECT-CT and bioluminescence imaging of CDCs expressing the Na-iodide symporter and firefly luciferase genes respectively. Effect of HA:Ser hydrogels ± CDCs on cardiac function was assessed at 7 days & 28 days post-infarct. Results HA:Ser hydrogels are highly bio-adhesive, biodegradable, promote rapid cell adhesion, glucose uptake and restore bioenergetics of encapsulated cells within 1 h of encapsulation, both in vitro and in vivo. These metabolic scaffolds can be applied epicardially as a patch to beating hearts or injected intramyocardially. HA:Ser hydrogels markedly increase acute intramyocardial retention (∼6 fold), promote in vivo viability, proliferation, engraftment of encapsulated stem cells and angiogenesis. Conclusion HA:Ser hydrogels serve as ‘synthetic stem cell niches’ that rapidly restore metabolism of encapsulated stem cells, promote stem cell engraftment and angiogenesis. These first ever, tissue engineered metabolic scaffolds hold promise for clinical translation in conjunction with CDCs and possibly other stem cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water, sediment and fish were analyzed from a subtropical river, Jiulong River in the southeast of China, to character the sources, seasonal variations, bioconcentration and potential risk. PFAS in water, sediment, muscle and liver tissues of fish ranged from 2.5 to 410 ng L−1, 0.24–1.9 ng g−1 dw, 25–100 and 35–1100 ng g−1 ww, respectively. Generally, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was the dominant compound in water, while, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were the dominant compounds in sediment and fish tissues. High concentrations of PFAS in water were found near the machinery manufacturing and paper packaging plants in the north branch of Jiulong River. PFAS during the dry season were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that during the normal season and wet season. The K d of PFAS increased with the carbon chain length, and perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) exhibited higher K d values than perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), indicating these long chain PFAS tended to be adsorbed by sediment. Long chain PFAS exhibited high bioconcentration factors (BCFs), while short and medium carbon chain PFAS had weak bioconcentration capacity. The hazard ratios (HR) suggested that frequent consumption of river fish may pose health risks to local population. [Display omitted] • PFAS exhibited different composition profiles in water, sediment and fish. • Industrial activities contributed PFAS to the Jiulong River. • Carbon chain length and functional groups affected K d values. • PFAS tended to accumulate in the liver of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-entropy metallic glasses (HEMGs), combining the characteristics of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) and metallic glasses (MGs), have recently appeared and become the research focus, due to their good glass-forming ability and high strength. However, the application of HEMGs as structural material is restricted owing to the limited tensile plasticity and absence of dislocation-dominated deformation mechanism. To resolve this pressing issue, a stable β-phase HEMG composite (β-type HEMGC) Ti 20 Zr 20 Hf 20 Nb 16 Co 5 Be 19 composed of the bcc refractory HEA (RHEA) dendrites and the HEMG matrix was fabricated. Ti 20 Zr 20 Hf 20 Nb 16 Co 5 Be 19 not only exhibits good tensile ductility, but also has the improved work-hardening capability under room temperature tension. Essentially, the dislocation-dominated deformation mechanism plays a significant role in achieving the excellent combination of good tensile plasticity and improved work-hardening capability of the stable β-type HEMGC. The tensile ductility of Ti 20 Zr 20 Hf 20 Nb 16 Co 5 Be 19 is attributed to the dislocation-slip mechanism induced by high-stable HEA dendrites, and the dislocation pile-up phenomenon has a great influence on the improved work-hardening capability of composite. The present results provide an indepth understanding of the deformation behavior of stable β-type HEMGCs, and a reference for how to improve the strength-ductility combination of HEMG-matrix composites. • By introducing bcc high-entropy alloy (HEA) into metallic glass matrix, the mechanical properties of high-entropy metallic glass composite (HEMGC) is effectively improved. • The tensile ductility of HEMGC is attributed to the dislocation-slip mechanism induced by high-stable HEA dendrites. • The dislocation pile-up phenomenon significantly improves the strength and work-hardening capability of HEMGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Emerging evidence showed that the most common functional polymorphism (-251A>T, rs4073) in the promoter region of the interleukin-8 (IL-8) gene is involved in the regulation of the activities of interleukin-8, thus increasing an individual's susceptibility to oral cancer; but individually published results are inconclusive. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the associations between IL-8 -251A>T polymorphism and oral cancer risk. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and CBM databases were searched for all articles published up to October 1st, 2012 that addressed IL-8 -251A>T polymorphism and oral cancer risk. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA 12.0 software. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of associations. Results: Six case–control studies were included with a total of 1324 oral cancer cases and 1879 healthy controls. When all available studies were pooled into the meta-analysis, the results showed that the AA and AT genotypes of IL-8 -251A>T polymorphism were associated with increased risk of oral cancer (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.03–1.46, P =0.025; OR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.07–1.47, P =0.006; respectively). In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant associations were observed between the AA and AT genotypes of IL-8 -251A>T polymorphism and increased risk of oral cancer among Caucasian populations (OR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.14–1.72, P =0.001; OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.06–1.57, P =0.011; respectively). However, no statistically significant associations were found between IL-8 -251A>T polymorphism and oral cancer risk among Asian populations. Conclusions: Results from the current meta-analysis indicate that the AA and AT genotypes of IL-8 -251A>T polymorphism might increase the risk of oral cancer, especially among Caucasian populations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives: The goal of this study was to explore the feasibility of targeted imaging of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) in cardiac tissue, using clinical hybrid positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). Background: AT1R is an attractive imaging target due to its key role in various cardiac pathologies, including post-infarct left ventricular remodeling. Methods: Using the novel AT1R ligand [11C]-KR31173, dynamic PET/CT was performed in young farm pigs under healthy conditions (n = 4) and 3 to 4 weeks after experimental myocardial infarction (n = 5). Ex vivo validation was carried out by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction. First-in-man application was performed in 4 healthy volunteers at baseline and under AT1R blocking. Results: In healthy pigs, myocardial KR31173 retention was detectable, regionally homogeneous, and specific for AT1R, as confirmed by blocking experiments. Metabolism in plasma was low (85 ± 2% of intact tracer after 60 min). After myocardial infarction, KR31173 retention, corrected for regional perfusion, revealed AT1R up-regulation in the infarct area relative to remote myocardium, whereas retention was elevated in both regions when compared with myocardium of healthy controls (8.7 ± 0.8% and 7.1 ± 0.3%/min vs. 5.8 ± 0.4%/min for infarct and remote, respectively, vs. healthy controls; p < 0.01 each). Postmortem analysis confirmed AT1R up-regulation in remote and infarct tissue. First-in-man application was safe, and showed detectable and specific myocardial KR31173 retention, albeit at a lower level than pigs (left ventricular average retention: 1.2 ± 0.1%/min vs. 4.4 ± 1.2%/min for humans vs. pigs; p = 0.04). Conclusions: Noninvasive imaging of cardiac AT1R expression is feasible using clinical PET/CT technology. Results provide a rationale for broader clinical testing of AT1R-targeted molecular imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Tissue engineering-based approaches have the potential to improve stem cell engraftment by increasing cell delivery to the myocardium. Our objective was to develop and characterize a naturally-derived, autologous, biodegradable hydrogel in order to improve acute stem cell retention in the myocardium. HA-blood hydrogels (HA-BL) were synthesized by mixing in a 1:1(v/v) ratio, lysed whole blood and hyaluronic acid (HA), whose carboxyl groups were functionalized with N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) to yield HA succinimidyl succinate (HA–NHS). We performed physical characterization and measured survival/proliferation of cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) encapsulated in the hydrogels. Hydrogels were injected intra-myocardially or applied epicardially in rats. NHS-activated carboxyl groups in HA react with primary amines present in blood and myocardium to form amide bonds, resulting in a 3D hydrogel bound to tissue. HA-blood hydrogels had a gelation time of 58 ± 12 s, swelling ratio of 10 ± 0.5, compressive and elastic modulus of 14 ± 3 and 1.75 ± 0.6 kPa respectively. These hydrogels were not degraded at 4wks by hydrolysis alone. CDC encapsulation promoted their survival and proliferation. Intra-myocardial injection of CDCs encapsulated in these hydrogels greatly increased acute myocardial retention (p = 0.001). Epicardial application of HA-blood hydrogels improved left ventricular ejection fraction following myocardial infarction (p = 0.01). HA-blood hydrogels are highly adhesive, biodegradable, promote CDC survival and increase cardiac function following epicardial application after myocardial infarction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The iron vanadate, FeVO4, was prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that FeVO4 could effectively catalyze H2O2 to generate active hydroxyl radical was confirmed with electron spin resonance (ESR) spin-trapping technique. Therefore, it was employed as a heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst in the present contribution, and its catalytic activity was mainly evaluated in terms of the degradation efficiency of Orange II. Compared with the conventional heterogeneous Fenton-like catalysts, α-Fe2O3, Fe3O4 and γ-FeOOH, FeVO4 possessed a much higher catalytic activity. The high catalytic activity possibly involved in a special two-way Fenton-like mechanism, that is, the activation of H2O2 by both Fe(III) and V(V) in FeVO4. Moreover, FeVO4 possessed a wide applicable pH range and its catalytic activity was slightly affected by the solution pH values in the range of 3–8. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]