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Recently, aiming for the enhanced dispersibility of graphene-based nanomaterials in lubricating oil matrices to serve as highly efficient lubricant additives, numerous modification approaches have been extensively studied. However, these previous modification routes usually involve a tedious multistep modification process or multitudinous toxic reagents, restricting their extensive practical application. In this work, novel graphene oxide (GO) nanoadditives (RGO-g-BO) featuring excellent durable dispersion capability and remarkable tribological performance were successfully prepared via an environmentally friendly one-step approach consisting of surface grafting of long-chain bromooctadecane (BO) and in situ chemical reduction. Benefiting from the greatly improved lipophilicity (resulting from the introduction of hydrophobic long-chain alkane groups and chemical reduction), along with the miniaturization effect, RGO-g-BO exhibits superior long-term dispersion stability in the finished oil. Moreover, the tribological properties results demonstrated that the finished oil filled with RGO-g-BO nanolubricants achieved an outstanding friction-reducing and antiwear performance. Particularly, under the optimum content of RGO-g-BO (as low as 0.005 wt%), the friction coefficient as well as the wear volume of the composite finished oil were greatly reduced by 13% and 53%, respectively, as compared with nascent finished oil. Therefore, in view of the advantages of low-cost, one-step facile synthesis, desirable dispersion capability, and remarkable tribological performance, RGO-g-BO holds great prospects as a highly efficient lubrication additive in the tribology field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a novel double‐tube packed bed catalytic dielectric barrier discharge (DPDBD) reactor to degrade toluene. The DPDBD reactor contains four discharge cells with one power supply, namely, A–D. NiO/γ‐Al2O3 is packed in cell A to effectively destroy the branched chains in toluene. TiO2/γ‐Al2O3 is packed in cell B owing to its high catalytic oxidation activity to weaken the benzene rings and mineralize the generated partial aromatic compounds. Cell C is a pure DBD process without any catalyst packed to thoroughly mineralize all the generated aromatic compounds and convert CO into CO2 and NO into NO2. γ‐Al2O3 is packed in cell D to reduce the concentrations of byproducts, including O3 and NO generated by air through oxidation. The combinations of the four discharge cells are optimized by the treatment of −3000 mg m−3 of toluene at 11 kV. In comparison with a double‐tube dielectric barrier discharge (DDBD) reactor without catalyst packing and with a total discharge length of 6 cm, the selectivity of CO2 was significantly improved from 45% to 57% when the discharge lengths of A, B, C, and D are 2, 4, 4, and 2 cm, respectively. Furthermore, the concentrations of O3 and NO in the outlet can also be effectively reduced from 2.80 and 210 mg m−3 to 1.30 and 60 mg m−3, respectively. We also investigated the effects of applied voltage and styrene initial concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Efforts to develop high-performance electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are of utmost importance in ensuring sustainable hydrogen production. The controllable fabrication of inexpensive, durable, and high-efficient HER catalysts still remains a great challenge. Herein, we introduce a universal strategy aiming to achieve rapid synthesis of highly active hydrogen evolution catalysts using a controllable hydrogen insertion method and solvothermal process. Hydrogen vanadium bronze HxV2O5 was obtained through controlling the ethanol reaction rate in the oxidization process of hydrogen peroxide. Subsequently, the intermetallic PtCoVO supported on two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets was prepared by a solvothermal method at the oil/water interface. In terms of HER performance, PtCoVO/g-C3N4 demonstrates superior characteristics compared to PtCo/g-C3N4 and PtCoV/g-C3N4. This superiority can be attributed to the notable influence of oxygen vacancies in HxV2O5 on the electrical properties of the catalyst. By adjusting the relative proportions of metal atoms in the PtCoVO/g-C3N4 nanomaterials, the PtCoVO/g-C3N4 nanocomposites show significant HER overpotential of η10 = 92 mV, a Tafel slope of 65.21 mV dec−1, and outstanding stability (a continuous test lasting 48 h). The nanoarchitecture of a g-C3N4-supported PtCoVO nanoalloy catalyst exhibits exceptional resistance to nanoparticle migration and corrosion, owing to the strong interaction between the metal nanoparticles and the g-C3N4 support. Pt, Co, and V simultaneous doping has been shown by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations to enhance the density of states (DOS) at the Fermi level. This augmentation leads to a higher charge density and a reduction in the adsorption energy of intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the levels of soluble CD146 (sCD146) in plasma samples from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and assessed the relationship between sCD146 and the severity of COPD. A total of 97 COPD patients were recruited from 20 medical centers in Jiangsu, China, including 13 stable subjects and 84 exacerbated subjects. The plasma sCD146 level in exacerbated subjects (28.77 ± 10.80 ng/mL) was significantly lower than that in stable subjects (38.84 ± 15.00 ng/mL). In the high sCD146 group, the proportion of subjects with modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scores of 0–1 was higher, the proportion of subjects with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 4 was lower, and the proportion of subjects with ≥1 hospitalizations in the past year was lower. The plasma sCD146 level was negatively correlated with the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score (r = −0.2664, p = 0.0087). Logistic regression analysis showed that sCD146 was an independent risk factor for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis suggested that sCD146 combined with sex, age, pulmonary function, and acute exacerbations in the past year had clinical value for the accurate identification of AECOPD, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.908 (95% CI: 0.810–1.000, p < 0.001). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation between plasma sCD146 and S100A9 (r = −0.3939, p < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted an experiment to test theoretical propositions relating coherence, personalization, and provocation to in-situ engagement, deep experience, delight, and perceived value of time spent. Four hundred adults from a national panel viewed one of eight versions of a video centered on a character in Victor Hugo's classic novel Les Misérables, and then completed measures of engagement, deep experience, delight, perceived value of time spent, preexisting familiarity with the story, and the subjective experience of provocation. Each video represented a unique combination of presence or absence of the three hypothesized determinants: coherence, personalization, and provocation. Coherence, personalization, and preexisting familiarity with the story had significant effects on engagement. Provocation action increased engagement via its effect on the subjective experience of provocation. Engagement was a significant predictor of deep experience, and deep experience was a significant predictor of both delight and perceived value of time spent in the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The IL‐33/ST2 axis has been extensively investigated in type 2 eosinophilic inflammation. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of the IL‐33/ST2 axis in neutrophil‐dominant allergic airway inflammation. Methods: House‐dust mite (HDM) extract and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were administered to establish a murine model of neutrophil‐dominant allergic airway inflammation. The formation of neutrophilic extracellular traps (NETs) in the lung tissues was demonstrated by immunofluorescence imaging. Mature IL‐33 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was detected by Western blotting. The neutrophilic chemokine KC produced by bone marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDMs) or primary alveolar epithelial cells was measured with a commercial ELISA kit. Results: In the present study, we observed neutrophilic inflammation and tight junction damage in the lungs of mice sensitised with HDM and LPS. Furthermore, sensitisation with HDM and LPS resulted in the formation of NETs, accompanied by increased levels of mature IL‐33 in the BALF. Moreover, LPS damaged the epithelial tight junction protein occludin directly or indirectly by inducing NET formation. Surprisingly, IL‐33 deficiency augmented neutrophilia and epithelial barrier injury in the lungs of mice after sensitisation with HDM and LPS. Similarly, the absence of ST2 exacerbated the neutrophilic inflammatory response, decreased the expression of occludin and exacerbated the severity of neutrophil‐dominant allergic airway inflammation in an HDM/LPS‐induced mouse model. Mechanistically, BMDMs and alveolar epithelial cells from IL‐33‐ or ST2‐deficient mice tended to produce higher levels of the neutrophilic chemokine KC. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that the IL‐33/ST2 axis may play a protective role in neutrophil‐dominant allergic airway inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air pollution is a leading cause of increasing infectious lung diseases. Pulmonary cryptococcosis is a fatal fungal pneumonia in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. In some cases, the pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans also develops dormant nodules in immunocompetent individuals. In the present study, we demonstrated that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) increased CD146 expression in alveolar epithelial cells and promoted C. neoformans pulmonary infection. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling was required for increased expression of CD146 in epithelial cells treated with PM2.5. In a murine model of pulmonary infection, PM2.5 promoted fungal infection, and CD146 deficiency decreased the fugal burden of C. neoformans. Our study may highlight the importance of air pollution to lung mycosis and CD146 as a target for preventing infectious lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined relations between 'darkness' of dark tourism sites, provocation, and select indicators of the quality of visitors' immediate subjective experiences. Experience observations (N = 101) were collected from tourists who visited Auschwitz (Krakow), Schindler's Factory (Krakow), Execution Square (Paris), and a ghost tour (Edinburgh). Research participants completed measures of provocation and quality of experience at the end of their visits to each site. Hypotheses were founded in four theories: self-determination theory, cognitive dissonance theory, arousal theory, and the theory of structured experience. These hypotheses proposed that particular experience outcomes vary according to the 'darkness' of the dark tourism site. Results show lighter dark tourism experiences (execution square and the ghost tour) were more affectively pleasing and yielded a significantly stronger sense of agency (inclination to act) than darker sites. Darker dark tourism experiences (Auschwitz and Schindler's Factory) were more provocative, valued, meaningful, and likely to be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stimuli responsive slippery surfaces with controllable wettability have attracted much attention due to their potential application in many fields. However, most of these surfaces only adopted paraffin as the lubricant oil and achieved wettability transformation just by heating. In addition, the self-repairing properties of smart slippery surfaces have rarely been reported. Hence, challenges still remain in fabricating multiple responsive slippery surfaces based on other lubricants possessing self-repairing properties. Here, a smart slippery surface with controllable wettability was fabricated by using solid/liquid fluorinated ionic liquids (FILs) as lubricants and fluoropolymer films as the underlying substrates. The FIL, a thermo-responsive phase-transition material, was synthesized by ionic exchange and the substrate exhibited good self-repairing properties and magnetic-thermal and photo-thermal responses. By tuning the substrate temperature under light irradiation or magnetic field to change the phase state of the FIL, the surface could realize wettability conversion. Besides, the responsive temperature can be adjusted by tuning the melting temperature (Tm) of the FIL. The FIL was first synthesized and there was no report employing FILs as the lubricants to realize the wettability change of slippery surfaces. This work provided a new type of lubricant to prepare intelligent slippery surfaces, thus advancing the application of slippery surfaces in liquid transport devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed a procedure for measuring 'deep structured experiences' based on a conceptualization of such experiences being binary (i.e. present or absent at a given moment) rather than continuous. Deep structured experiences are heightened states of attention and motivation that may occur during a distinct period of activity. This binary approach is consistent with definitions of similar concepts, such as Maslow's [1962. "Lessons from the Peak-Experiences." Journal of Humanistic Psychology 2 (1): 9-18] description of ecstasy, Csikszentmihalyi's [1975. Beyond Boredom and Anxiety. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass] description of flow, and Ackerman's [1999. Deep Play. New York: Vintage Books] description of deep play. Yet, researchers typically model a phenomenon that is continuous in nature, measured through summative scales. Our graphical approach is consistent with a binary conceptualization. Data support the validity of this binary approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We extend Duerden, Ward, and Freeman's [2015. "Conceptualizing Structured Experiences." Journal of Leisure Research 47 (5): 601-620] 'structured experience' framework by proposing a formal theory of structured experiences. The theory advances propositions about how leisure service providers may structure environments and interactions to facilitate specific subjective experiences for guests and participants. Following the Duerden, Ward, and Freeman (2015) paper, the theory of structured experience is an integration of literature from leisure studies, tourism, and marketing. Formal definitions are provided for four co-created subjective experiences: immersion, absorption, engagement, and deep structured experience. Propositions about specific strategies providers can use to facilitate these experiences and to promote perceived value, positive affective responses, and delight are also provided. The paper concludes with a discussion of select research topics that follow from the theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an original amphiphilic copolymer P(PEG-PDMS-KH570) combined with SiO 2 nanoparticles (SiO 2 NPs) was utilized to prepare polyether sulfone (PES) nanocomposite ultrafiltration (UF) membrane with enhanced antifouling performance. The enrichment of the organic-inorganic modifier P(PEG-PDMS-KH570)@SiO 2 were realized at the same time as the formation of PES UF membrane via sol-gel non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) process. The interaction between the copolymer P(PEG-PDMS-KH570) and SiO 2 NPs furnished a stable and effective antifouling PES UF membrane. Surface morphology, chemical composition characterization and wetting property measurements confirmed the segregation and distribution of the nanocomposite modifier. The multi-defense mechanism from fouling resistance to fouling release of the nanocomposite membranes was investigated by setting bovine serum albumin (BSA) aqueous solution as a model foulant. The antifouling properties of the modified membranes, especially for the PES/T@SiO 2 ∼4% membrane, were effectively improved. The flux decline rate of PES/T@SiO 2 ∼4% membrane was as low as 15.6%, and the flux recover ratio was up to 99.0%. Moreover, the modified membranes also possessed remarkable antifouling stability. Results of this work provide a facile method to construct a hierarchical and heterogeneous membrane surface that could achieve the multi-defense mechanism in efficient water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) is one of the most prevalently used brominated flame retardants. Due to its persistence, it is predominantly found in environmental matrices and has the potential to generate multi-generational toxicity. However, knowledge of its adaptive response or long-term residual effect in multi-generations, and molecular mechanisms remain understudied. In the current study, the model animal nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) was exposed to TBBPA at environmentally realistic concentrations (0.1–1000 μg L−1) for four consecutive generations (G 0 to G 3). Degenerative age-related multiple endpoints including lifespan, locomotion behaviors, growth, reproduction, oxidative stress-related biochemical responses, cell apoptosis, and stress related gene expressions were assessed in the continuous exposure generations (G 0 and G 3) and the discontinuously exposed generations (T 3 and T′ 3). The results showed that changes in degenerative age-related response monitored four generations varied in direction and magnitude depending on the TBBPA concentrations, and the response intensify ranked as G 0 > T′ 3 /G 3 > T 3. TBBPA at 1 μg L−1 dosage was detected as the lowest observed effect concentration in multi-biomarkers. The underlying mechanism of aging phenotypes was that reactive oxygen species accumulation led to cell apoptosis regulated by gene ape-1 , and confirmed catalase enzyme and superoxide dismutase activity played a crucial role in the detoxification process of TBBPA at the molecular level. This study provided insights into the underlying mechanism of TBBPA-interfered longevity and its environmental multi-generational potential risks. [Display omitted] • TBBPA interfered lifespan of C. elegans over generations. • Lifespan was regulated by the transcription of apoptosis and aging-related genes. • Maternal generations exposure could have irreversible effects on the progeny. • Ape-1 regulated cell apoptosis and ultimately impacted longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oil-contaminated wastewater threatens our environment and health thus novel membrane materials with low or nonfouling properties are an immediate need for oily wastewater treatment in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner. In this study, three types of amphiphilic random, gradient, and block copolymers with similar molecular weights and chemical compositions, based on poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-tridecafluorooctyl acrylate (TFOA), were synthesized by the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) method. The amphiphilic Poly(ether sulfone) membranes were then fabricated by blending with these copolymers via a facile coupled process of nonsolvent induced phase separation and surface segregation. Accompanying the phase inversion process of polymer matrix, the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments in the amphiphilic modifiers would migrate and immobilize onto the membrane surfaces. This surface segregation process leaded to a chemical heterogeneous membrane surface comprising both hydrophilic PEGMA and low surface energy PTFOA brushes, which was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface wettability analyses. Oil-in-water emulsion filtration test of the membranes displayed a lower permeate flux decline and a higher flux recovery (as high as 99.8%), establishing their considerably elevated antifouling properties. Additionally, cyclic oil/water separation and long-term underwater immersion tests demonstrated that the as-prepared membranes modified by these amphiphilic additives possessed excellent antifouling stabilities. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 739-750, 2017 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, quaternary ammonium salt (QAS) functionalized fluorinated copolymer tethered hydroxyl groups were synthesized by free radical polymerization. And then novel liquid-repellent and antibacterial nanocomposite coatings were prepared via cross-linking the fluorinated copolymer and poly(urea-formaldehyde) nanoparticles (PUF NPs) containing active methylol groups with hexamethylene diisocyanate. The surface physical and chemical properties of the nanocomposite coating were systematically characterized by a series of measurements, demonstrating that the liquid-repellent surface with a dual hierarchical structure was obtained by the introduction of PUF NPs. The nanocomposite coating displayed superb self-cleaning and liquid-repellent properties, and could also maintain its superhydrophobicity even after 16 abrasion cycles and 20 cycles of cross-cut tape test. Moreover, the nanocomposite coating with over 0.11% surface concentration of N+ exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. These results conclusively indicated that nanocomposite coatings had great promise for potential application in a wide range of practical fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research intends to segment Taiwanese tourists to China by ethnic identity and generation. Based on Prentice’s ((2004) Tourist familiarity and imagery, Annals of Tourism Research, 31(4), 923–945, (2006) Evocation and experiential seduction: updating choice-sets modeling, Tourism Management, 27, 1153–1170) work that suggests customers who are more emotionally attached to a destination have more positive destination images, this research proposes that Taiwanese holding different identities and belonging to different generations have different destination images of China. The results show that those who tend to identify themselves as Chinese in Taiwan have more positive destination images of China than those who tend to identify themselves as Taiwanese, while younger generations in Taiwan have more neutral perceptions of China as a tourist destination. As the heterogeneity of Taiwanese market is identified in this research, marketing strategies focusing on different segments of Taiwanese tourists to China are suggested in this research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring a more sustainable world requires leaders who are global citizens with sustainability mindsets. This is especially true in tourism as a global phenomenon with tremendous impacts on local communities and global society. This article presents the structure and preliminary outcomes of a pedagogical experiment aimed at creating global leaders with sustainability mindsets and aligns closely with approaches outlined for global citizenship education and sustainable tourism pedagogy. It describes the various components of the program and outlines the elaborate assessment framework developed and concludes with a discussion on how the model could be replicated in the tourism context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of China Tourism Research is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Correction for ‘Robust liquid-repellent coatings based on polymer nanoparticles with excellent self-cleaning and antibacterial performances’ by Yuchen Fu et al., J. Mater. Chem. A, 2017, 5, 275–284. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In an exposure and rest model, PM2.5 paradoxically alleviated the disease severity and airway inflammatory responses in COPD-like mice. • PM2.5 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 induced inhibitory memory alveolar macrophages (AMs). • The induction of inhibitory trained AMs by PM2.5 was dependent on the IL-33 production from epithelial cells through the AhR/ARNT pathway. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations have decreased in the past decade. The adverse effects of acute PM2.5 exposure on respiratory diseases have been well recognized. To explore the long-term effects of PM2.5 exposure on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), mice were exposed to PM2.5 for 7 days and rest for 21 days, followed by challenges with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE). Unexpectedly, PM2.5 exposure and rest alleviated the disease severity and airway inflammatory responses in COPD-like mice. Although acute PM2.5 exposure increased airway inflammation, rest for 21 days reversed the airway inflammatory responses, which was associated with the induction of inhibitory memory alveolar macrophages (AMs). Similarly, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in PM2.5 exposure and rest decreased pulmonary inflammation, accompanied by inhibitory memory AMs. Once AMs were depleted, pulmonary inflammation was aggravated. PAHs in PM2.5 promoted the secretion of IL-33 from airway epithelial cells via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/ARNT pathway. High-throughput mRNA sequencing revealed that PM2.5 exposure and rest drastically changed the mRNA profiles in AMs, which was largely rescued in IL-33−/− mice. Collectively, our results indicate that PM2.5 may mitigate pulmonary inflammation, which is mediated by inhibitory trained AMs via IL-33 production from epithelial cells through the AhR/ARNT pathway. We provide the rationale that PM2.5 plays complicated roles in respiratory disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective elimination of insoluble emulsified oils and soluble organic dyes has received extensively attention in wastewater treatment. In this work, a chitosan and polydopamine @ aramid nanofibers (CS&PDA@ANFs) aerogel membrane was fabricated through an integration methodology consisting of phase inversion and successive deposition of PDA and CS. The as-prepared aerogel membrane possessed a satisfactory three-dimensional interpenetrating network architecture with high porosity and desirable mechanical property. Furthermore, due to the synergistic effect of hydrophilic CS and PDA, the resultant membrane exhibited good superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity associated with favorable oil resistance/antioil fouling properties. The combination of the interconnected porous structures and super wettability endowed the aerogel membranes with desirable oil-in-water emulsion separation performance. Particularly, an extremely high permeation flux (3729 L/m 2 /h) and a rejection rate (99.3%) were achieved for the CS&PDA@ANFs membrane. Moreover, diverse dyes could be also adsorbed by the resultant membrane, and the equilibrium adsorption capacity of cationic dye malachite green could reach 36 mg/g, with a high rejection rate over 97%. This study indicated that the CS&PDA@ANFs aerogel membrane held great promise for practical applications in complex wastewater remediation.

Background: Resveratrol has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. The effects of resveratrol on thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP)-mediated atopic march remain unclear., Purpose: To explore the potential role of resveratrol in TSLP-mediated atopic march., Methods: The atopic march mouse model was established by topical application of MC903 (a vitamin D3 analog). Following the treatment with resveratrol, airway resistance in mice was discovered by pulmonary function apparatus, and the number of total cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was counted. The histopathological features of pulmonary and ear skin tissues, inflammation, and cell infiltration were determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of TSLP, immunoglobulin E, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-13 were measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling-associated molecules (p-p65, p65, p-I kappa B kinase alpha (IκBα), IκBα, Nrf2, and TSLP) in lung and ear skin tissues were assessed by Western blot analysis., Results: Resveratrol attenuated airway resistance and infiltration of total cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils in both lung and ear skin tissues. Resveratrol ameliorates serum inflammatory markers in allergic mice. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB pathway-related proteins were significantly reduced by administration of resveratrol in allergic lung and ear skin tissues. Similarly, the protein expression of TSLP in both lung and ear skin tissues was reduced by resveratrol, and Nrf2, a protector molecule, was increased with resveratrol treatment., Conclusion: Resveratrol attenuates TSLP-reduced atopic march through ameliorating inflammation and cell infiltration in pulmonary and ear skin tissues by inhibiting the abnormal activation of NF-κB signaling pathway., Competing Interests: The authors had no conflict of interest to declare.

Purpose: The roles and mechanisms of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in T helper 2 (Th2) differentiation from allergic asthma are poorly understood. We aimed to explore a novel lncRNA, LincR-protein phosphatase 2 regulatory subunit B' gamma (PPP2R5C), in Th2 differentiation in a mouse model of asthma., Methods: LincR-PPP2R5C from RNA-seq data of CD4 + T cells of asthma-like mice were validated and confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, northern blotting, nuclear and cytoplasmic separation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Lentiviruses encoding LincR-PPP2R5C or shRNA were used to overexpress or silence LincR-PPP2R5C in CD4 + T cells. The interactions between LincR-PPP2R5C and PPP2R5C were explored with western blotting, chromatin isolation by RNA purification assay, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. An ovalbumin-induced acute asthma model in knockout (KO) mice (LincR-PPP2R5C KO, CD4 conditional LincR-PPP2R5C KO) was established to explore the roles of LincR-PPP2R5C in Th2 differentiation., Results: LncR-PPP2R5C was significantly higher in CD4 + T cells from asthmatic mice ex vivo and Th2 cells in vitro . The lentivirus encoding LincR-PPP2R5C suppressed Th1 differentiation; in contrast, the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) lentivirus decreased LincR-PPP2R5C and Th2 differentiation. Mechanistically, LincR-PPP2R5C deficiency suppressed the phosphatase activity of the protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) holocomplex, resulting in a decline in Th2 differentiation. The formation of an RNA-DNA triplex between LincR-PPP2R5C and the PPP2R5C promoter enhanced PPP2R5C expression and activated PP2A. LincR-PPP2R5C KO and CD4 conditional KO decreased Th2 differentiation, airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammatory responses., Conclusions: LincR-PPP2R5C regulated PPP2R5C expression and PP2A activity by forming an RNA-DNA triplex with the PPP2R5C promoter, leading to Th2 polarization in a mouse model of acute asthma. Our data presented the first definitive evidence of lncRNAs in the regulation of Th2 cells in asthma., Competing Interests: There are no financial or other issues that might lead to conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology • The Korean Academy of Pediatric Allergy and Respiratory Disease.)

Proline and its synthesis enzyme pyrroline-5-carboxylate reductase 1 (PYCR1) are implicated in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), yet how proline and PYCR1 function in allergic asthmatic airway remodeling via EMT has not yet been addressed to our knowledge. In the present study, increased levels of plasma proline and PYCR1 were observed in patients with asthma. Similarly, proline and PYCR1 in lung tissues were high in a murine allergic asthma model induced by house dust mites (HDMs). Pycr1 knockout decreased proline in lung tissues, with reduced airway remodeling and EMT. Mechanistically, loss of Pycr1 restrained HDM-induced EMT by modulating mitochondrial fission, metabolic reprogramming, and the AKT/mTORC1 and WNT3a/β-catenin signaling pathways in airway epithelial cells. Therapeutic inhibition of PYCR1 in wild-type mice disrupted HDM-induced airway inflammation and remodeling. Deprivation of exogenous proline relieved HDM-induced airway remodeling to some extent. Collectively, this study illuminates that proline and PYCR1 involved with airway remodeling in allergic asthma could be viable targets for asthma treatment.

CD3 + CD4 - CD8 - double-negative T (DNT) cells are new weapons in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we explored DNT cells in malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) from lung cancer patients. DNT cells, especially TCRαβ + CD56 - DNT cells, were increased in MPE from lung cancer patients. DNT cells highly expressed PD-1, TRAIL, NKG2D and DNAM-1. In contrast, FasL was barely detected in DNT cells. Compared with non-MPE cells, MPE-derived DNT cells expressed much higher levels of PD-1 and TRAIL. DNT cells from healthy peripheral blood donors potentially killed lung cancers, which was decreased by MPE supernatant. Exosomes from MPE supernatant expressed PD-1 and CEACAM1 and impaired the cytotoxicity of DNT cells. Blocking PD-1 and TIM3 rescued the cytotoxicity of DNT cells treated with MPE-derived exosomes. Overall, we demonstrated that the frequency of DNT cells in MPE from lung cancer patients was increased and that MPE-derived exosomes impaired the cytotoxicity of DNT cells via the PD-1/PD-L1 and CEACAM1/TIM3 pathways., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Inc.)