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Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common disease affecting 300 million people worldwide. The existing drugs are ineffective for approximately 30% of patients, so it is urgent to develop new antidepressant drugs with novel mechanisms. Here, we found that norisoboldine (NOR) showed an antidepressant efficacy in the chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) depression model in the tail suspension, forced swimming, and sucrose consumption tests. We then utilized the drug-treated CSDS mice paradigm to segregate and gain differential protein groups of CSDS versus CON (CSDSCON), imipramine (IMI)-treated versus CSDS (IMICSDS), and NOR-treated versus CSDS (NORCSDS) from the prefrontal cortex. These protein expression alterations were first analyzed by ANOVA with p

ObjectiveTo establish a mortality risk nomogram for predicting in-hospital mortality of sepsis patients in the Chinese population.MethodsData were obtained from the medical records of sepsis patients enrolled at the Affiliated Huadu Hospital, Southern Medical University, between 2019 and 2021. A total of 696 sepsis patients were initially included in our research, and 582 cases were finally enrolled after screening and divided into the survival group (n = 400) and the non-survival group (n = 182) according to the incidence of mortality during hospitalization. Twenty-eight potential sepsis-related risk factors for mortality were identified. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to optimize variable selection by running cyclic coordinate descent with k-fold (tenfold in this case) cross-validation. We used binary logistic regression to build a model for predicting mortality from the variables based on LASSO regression selection. Binary logistic regression was used to establish a nomogram based on independent mortality risk factors. To validate the prediction accuracy of the nomogram, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis, decision curve analysis (DCA) and restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis were employed. Eventually, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve were used for nomogram calibration.ResultsLASSO regression identified a total of ten factors, namely, chronic heart disease (CHD), lymphocyte count (LYMP), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), C reactive protein (CRP), Procalcitonin (PCT), lactic acid, prothrombin time (PT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (Tbil), interleukin-6 (IL6), that were incorporated into the multivariable analysis. Finally, a nomogram including CHD, LYMP, NLR, RDW, lactic acid, PT, CRP, PCT, Tbil, ALT, and IL6 was established by multivariable logistic regression. The ROC curves of the nomogram in the training and validation sets were 0.9836 and 0.9502, respectively. DCA showed that the nomogram could be applied clinically if the risk threshold was between 29.52 and 99.61% in the training set and between 31.32 and 98.49% in the testing set. RCS showed that when the value of independent risk factors from the predicted model exceeded the median, the mortality hazard ratio increased sharply. The results of the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (χ2 = 0.1901, df = 2, p = 0.9091) and the calibration curves of the training and validation sets showed good agreement with the actual results, which indicated good stability of the model.ConclusionOur nomogram, including CHD, LYMP, NLR, RDW, lactic acid, PT, CRP, PCT, Tbil, ALT, and IL6, exhibits good performance for predicting mortality risk in adult sepsis patients.

BackgroundThe neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a commonly used biomarker for acute inflammation that often rises during sepsis, making it a valuable diagnostic indicator for clinical practice. However, no consensus has been reached on the prognostic value of NLR for predicting the prognosis and mortality risk in adult sepsis patients. In light of this controversy, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify the prognostic significance of NLR in adult sepsis patients. The meta-analysis was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number CRD42023433143).MethodsWe performed a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Ovid, and Springer databases, using retrieval terms “sepsis” or “septic shock” and “prognosis” or “mortality” for studies published between January 1, 2000, and May 31, 2023. Children and neonates with sepsis were excluded from our research. Two independent researchers conducted the literature search and data extraction. Consensus was reached when discrepancies occurred, and in case of persistent discrepancies, the final decision was made by the research supervisor. The hazard ratio (HR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were extracted from each study included in the analysis. A random-effects model was used to synthesize all HRs and their 95% CIs. Sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify studies that had a significant impact on the overall results of the meta-analysis. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. Egger’s test was also used to investigate publication bias in this meta-analysis.ResultsAfter a comprehensive literature search and screening, we included 12 studies comprising 10,811 patients for the meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that patients with a higher NLR level were associated with a poor prognosis (Random-effects model, HR: 1.6273, 95% CI: 1.3951-1.8981). Heterogeneity testing showed significant heterogeneity (I2 = 87.2%, 95% CI: 79.5-92, p

Background: Hypertriglyceridemia-induced severe acute pancreatitis (HTG-SAP) is a type of pancreatitis characterized by an abnormal elevation of plasma triglyceride. HTG-SAP has been associated with various complications and a high mortality rate. In this study, we established a nomogram for predicting the overall survival (OS) of HTG-SAP patients during hospitalization. Methods: 128 HTG-SAP cases hospitalized at the Affiliated Huadu Hospital, Southern Medical University, from 2019 to 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. A nomogram including prognostic factors correlated with OS during hospitalization was established by multivariate Cox regression analysis. We internally validated the nomogram using time-dependent (at 1-, 2-, and 3- months) survival receiver operating characteristic (SROC) and calibration curve with 500 iterations of bootstrap resampling. Time-dependent decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to validate the clinical value of the nomogram. Results: Multivariate Cox regression indicated that serum triglyceride, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), lactic acid, and interleukin-6 (IL6) were independent prognostic factors for OS of HTG-SAP patients during hospitalization and were used to construct a nomogram. The time-dependent area under the curve (AUC) values at 1-, 2-, and 3- months were 0.946, 0.913, and 0.929, respectively, and the Concordance index (C-index) of the nomogram was 0.916 (95%CI 0.871–0.961). The time-dependent calibration curves indicated good consistency between the observed and predicted outcomes. The time-dependent DCAs also revealed that the nomogram yielded a high clinical net benefit. After stratifying the included cases into two risk groups based on the risk score obtained from the nomogram, the high-risk group exhibited a significantly inferior overall survival (OS) compared to the low-risk group (p

BackgroundAlthough the past decade has witnessed unprecedented medical progress, no consensus has been reached on the optimal approach for patients with acute cholecystitis. Herein, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the differences in patient outcomes between Early Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (ELC) and Delayed Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (DLC) in the treatment of acute cholecystitis. Our protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (registration number: CRD42023389238).ObjectivesWe sought to investigate the differences in efficacy, safety, and potential benefits between ELC and DLC in acute cholecystitis patients by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis.MethodsThe online databases PubMed, Springer, and the Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective studies published between Jan 1, 1999 and Jan 1, 2022.Results21 RCTs and 13 retrospective studies with a total of 7,601 cases were included in this research. After a fixed-effects model was applied, the pooled analysis showed that DLC was associated with a significantly high conversion rate (OR: 0.6247; 95%CI: 0.5115–0.7630; z = −4.61, p

Background: Oxidative stress is involved in regulating various biological processes in human cancers. However, the effect of oxidative stress on pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) remained unclear.Methods: Pancreatic cancer expression profiles from TCGA were downloaded. Consensus ClusterPlus helped classify molecular subtypes based on PAAD prognosis-associated oxidative stress genes. Limma package filtered differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between subtypes. A multi-gene risk model was developed using Lease absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso)-Cox analysis. A nomogram was built based on risk score and distinct clinical features.Results: Consistent clustering identified 3 stable molecular subtypes (C1, C2, C3) based on oxidative stress-associated genes. Particularly, C3 had the optimal prognosis with the greatest mutation frequency, activate cell cycle pathway in an immunosuppressed status. Lasso and univariate cox regression analysis selected 7 oxidative stress phenotype-associated key genes, based on which we constructed a robust prognostic risk model independent of clinicopathological features with stable predictive performance in independent datasets. High-risk group was found to be more sensitive to small molecule chemotherapeutic drugs including Gemcitabine, Cisplatin, Erlotinib and Dasatinib. The 6 of 7 genes expressions were significantly associated with methylation. Survival prediction and prognostic model was further improved through a decision tree model by combining clinicopathological features with RiskScore.Conclusion: The risk model containing seven oxidative stress-related genes may have a greater potential to assist clinical treatment decision-making and prognosis determination.

Objective: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a highly malignant gastrointestinal tumor with almost similar morbidity and mortality. In this study, based on bioinformatics, we investigated the role of gene methylation in PAAD, evaluated relevant factors affecting patient prognosis, screened potential anti-cancer small molecule drugs, and constructed a prediction model to assess the prognosis of PAAD.Methods: Clinical and genomic data of PAAD were collected from the Tumor Genome Atlas Project (TCGA) database and gene expression profiles were obtained from the GTEX database. Analysis of differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was performed on tumorous samples with KRAS wild-type and normal samples using the “limma” package and combined analysis. We selected factors significantly associated with survival from the significantly differentially methylated and expressed genes (DMEGs), and their fitting into a relatively streamlined prognostic model was validated separately from the internal training and test sets and the external ICGC database to show the robustness of the model.Results: In the TCGA database, 2,630 DMGs were identified, with the largest gap between DMGs in the gene body and TSS200 region. 318 DEGs were screened, and the enrichment analysis of DMGs and DEGs was taken to intersect DMEGs, showing that the DMEGs were mainly related to Olfactory transduction, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity pathway, and Cytokine -cytokine receptor interaction. DMEGs were able to distinguish well between PAAD and paraneoplastic tissues. Through techniques such as drug database and molecular docking, we screened a total of 10 potential oncogenic small molecule compounds, among which felbamate was the most likely target drug for PAAD. We constructed a risk model through combining three DMEGs (S100P, LY6D, and WFDC13) with clinical factors significantly associated with prognosis, and confirmed the model robustness using external and internal validation.Conclusion: The classification model based on DMEGs was able to accurately separate normal samples from tumor samples and find potential anti-PAAD drugs by performing gene-drug interactions on DrugBank.

Dehydrogenative reactions can provide alkenes, which are among the most useful handles for synthetic organic chemists. Here the authors integrated photoredox proton-coupled electron transfer and cobaloxime chemistry for the acceptorless dehydrogenation of alkyl alcohols.

Background. DNA methylation patterns have been found to be distinct between tumor and normal patients. However, the effect of DNA demethylation enzymes, ten eleven translocation (TET) proteins, has not been comprehensively characterized in liver cancer. In this research, we sought to unravel the linkage of TET proteins with prognosis, immune characteristics and biological pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods. Four independent datasets with gene expression data and clinical data of HCC samples were downloaded from public databases. CIBERSORT, single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA), MCP-counter, and TIMER were implemented to evaluate immune cell infiltration. limma was employed to screen differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two groups. The demethylation-related risk model was established by using univariate Cox regression analysis, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and stepwise Akaike information criterion (stepAIC). Results. TET1 was significantly higher expressed in tumor samples than that in normal samples. HCC patients with advanced stages (III+IV) and grades (G3+G4) had higher TET1 expression compared to early stages (I+II) and grades (G1+G2). HCC samples with high TET1 expression had worse prognosis than that with low expression. High and low TET1 expression groups had distinct immune cell infiltration and response to immunotherapy and chemotherapy. We identified 90 DEGs related to DNA demethylation in high vs. low TET1 expression groups. Furthermore, we established a risk model based on 90 DEGs containing seven key prognostic genes (SERPINH1, CDC20, HACD2, SPHK1, UGT2B15, SLC1A5, and CYP2C9) with effectiveness and robustness in predicting HCC prognosis. Conclusions. Our study suggested TET1 as a potential indicator in HCC progression. TET1 was closely involved in immune infiltration and activation of oncogenic pathways. The DNA demethylation-related risk model was potential to be applied for predicting HCC prognosis in clinics.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in the central nervous system is the most lethal advanced glioma and currently there is no effective treatment for it. Studies of sinomenine, an alkaloid from the Chinese medicinal plant, Sinomenium acutum, showed that it had inhibitory effects on several kinds of cancer. Here, we synthesized a sinomenine derivative, sino-wcj-33 (SW33), tested it for antitumor activity on GBM and explored the underlying mechanism. SW33 significantly inhibited proliferation and colony formation of GBM and reduced migration and invasion of U87 and U251 cells. It also arrested the cell cycle at G2/M phase and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. Differential gene enrichment analysis and pathway validation showed that SW33 exerted anti-GBM effects by regulating PI3K/AKT and AMPK signaling pathways and significantly suppressed tumorigenicity with no obvious adverse effects on the body. SW33 also induced autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and AMPK/mTOR pathways. Thus, SW33 appears to be a promising drug for treating GBM effectively and safely.

BackgroundRed blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a common biomarker of bacterial infections, and it can be easily obtained from a routine blood test. We investigate the diagnostic value of RDW for the prediction of mortality in adult sepsis patients through a review and meta-analysis. We registered this review in PROSPERO (Registration Number: CRD42022357712), and the details of the registration are included in Appendix 1.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Springer, and Embase between Jan. 1, 2000, and May 30, 2022, for primary studies about this research. We collected articles that investigated RDW for varying degrees of sepsis patients—those who suffered from sepsis, severe sepsis, or sepsis shock. Studies of healthy people and sepsis of children and neonates were excluded from our research. The definition of study characteristics and data extraction were finished by two independent researchers and discrepancies resolved by consensus. The combined sensitivities and specificities were calculated by meta-analysis using STATA14.0. The sensitivity of the included studies was analyzed by excluding studies that had potential heterogeneity. A summary operating characteristic curve was made to evaluate the diagnostic value for the prediction of mortality in adult sepsis patients. The Fagan test was used to explore likelihood ratios and posttest probabilities. Finally, we investigated the source of heterogeneity using meta-regression.ResultsTwenty-four studies, including 40,763 cases altogether, were included in this analysis. Bivariate analysis indicated a combined sensitivity of 0.81 (95% CI 0.73–0.86) and specificity of 0.65 (95% CI 0.54–0.75). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.81 (95% CI 0.77–0.84). Substantial heterogeneity resided in the studies (I2 =96.68, 95% CI 95.95–97.4). Meta-regression showed that the reference description, prospective design, and blinded interpretation of the included studies could be responsible for the heterogeneity.ConclusionsRWD is an available and valuable biomarker for prediction of mortality in adult sepsis patients.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022357712.

Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive primary tumor in the central nervous system, accounting for 12%–15% of all brain tumors. 3-O-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), one of the most active ingredients of gum resin from Boswellia carteri Birdw., was reported to inhibit the growth of glioblastoma cells and subcutaneous glioblastoma. However, whether AKBA has antitumor effects on orthotopic glioblastoma and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. An orthotopic mouse model was used to evaluate the anti-glioblastoma effects of AKBA. The effects of AKBA on tumor growth were evaluated using MRI. The effects on the alteration of metabolic landscape were detected by MALDI-MSI. The underlying mechanisms of autophagy reducing by AKBA treatment were determined by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence, respectively. Transmission electron microscope was used to check morphology of cells treated by AKBA. Our results showed that AKBA (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the growth of orthotopic U87-MG gliomas. Results from MALDI-MSI showed that AKBA improved the metabolic profile of mice with glioblastoma, while immunoblot assays revealed that AKBA suppressed the expression of ATG5, p62, LC3B, p-ERK/ERK, and P53, and increased the ratio of p-mTOR/mTOR. Taken together, these results suggested that the antitumor effects of AKBA were related to the normalization of aberrant metabolism in the glioblastoma and the inhibition of autophagy. AKBA could be a promising chemotherapy drug for glioblastoma. KEY WORDS: Glioblastoma, AKBA, MALDI-MSI, Phospholipids, Autophagy

Perineural invasion (PNI) is considered to be a main reason for the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer. In the present study, we analyzed the roles of substance P (SP)/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) and lncRNA LOC389641 in pancreatic cancer PNI. Pancreatic cancer cell lines BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa-2 were cocultured with SH-SY5Y cells and then stimulated with SP to simulate the in vivo influence of ganglia on pancreatic cancer. The BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa-2 cells were transfected with a neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) overexpression vector, NK-1R silencing vector, LOC389641 overexpression vector, or LOC389641 silencing vector, respectively. The proliferative abilities of BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa-2 cells were assessed using the cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays. Wound-healing and Transwell assays were performed to determine the migration and invasion abilities of the cells. When SP was added to the coculture system, it positively regulated cancer cell proliferation, migration, and PNI and significantly activated the NK-1R/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. Incubation with 100 nmol/L SP for 24 h was selected as the optimal condition for treatment. The activated NK-1R positively regulated the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells. However, the levels of lncRNA LOC389641 and tumor necrosis factor receptor SF10A (TNFRSF10A) mRNA in BxPC-3 and MIAPaCa-2 cells were not affected by SP treatment. Overexpression or silencing of LOC389641 changed the effect of SP stimulation on pancreatic cancer PNI. When taken together, these results revealed that SP/NK-1R and LOC389641 promoted the progression of pancreatic cancer PNI. Moreover, we found that pancreatic cancer PNI promoted by the SP/NK-1R axis could be blocked by the TNFRSF10A/NF-κB pathway mediated by LOC389641.

Two previously undescribed polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols, hyperacmosins R-S (1–2), were obtained from the aerial parts of Hypericum acmosepalum. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism calculation (ECD). Compound 1 featured an unprecedented 5,8-spiroketal subunit as well as the loss of C-2′ carbonyl in the phloroglucinol ring. In addition, compounds 1 and 4 showed weak hepatoprotective activity against paracetamol-induced HepG2 cell damage at 10 μm. The plausible biosynthetic pathway of 1 was proposed via a retro-Clasisen reaction and decarboxylation.

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [...]

Abstract Background Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common, malignant, and lethal primary brain tumor in adults accounting for about 50% of all gliomas. Up to now, the chemotherapy approaches for GBM were limited. 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA), the major active ingredient of the gum resin from Boswellia serrata and Boswellia carteri Birdw., was reported to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells; however, the underlying mechanism of its anticancer effects are still unclear. Methods The effects of AKBA on cell viability and its cytotoxicity were determined using CCK8 and LDH kits respectively. The EdU-DNA synthesis assay was used to evaluate inhibition of cell proliferation by AKBA. The role of AKBA in glioblastoma cell functions such as migration/invasion, and colony formation was evaluated using transwell chambers and soft agar, respectively. Flow cytometry and western blotting were used to detect AKBA-induced apoptosis. Potential mechanisms of AKBA action were explored by RNA sequencing and the identified hub genes were validated by real-time quantitative PCR and western blotting. Finally, the in vivo anti-tumor activity of AKBA was evaluated against a human glioblastoma cell line, U87-MG, in a xenograft mouse model. Results AKBA inhibited cell proliferation, caused the release of LDH, decreased DNA synthesis, and inhibited the migration, invasion, and colony formation of U251 and U87-MG human glioblastoma cell lines. AKBA increased apoptosis as well as the activity of caspase 3/7 and the protein expression of cleaved-caspase 3 and cleaved PARP, while decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential. RNA-sequencing analyses showed that AKBA suppressed the expression of pRB, FOXM1, Aurora A, PLK1, CDC25C, p-CDK1, cyclinB1, Aurora B, and TOP2A while increasing the expression of p21 and GADD45A. These findings were validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting. The data are consistent with a mechanism in which AKBA arrested the cell cycle in glioblastoma cells at the G2/M phase by regulating the p21/FOXM1/cyclin B1 pathway, inhibited mitosis by downregulating the Aurora B/TOP2A pathway, and induced mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. Oral administration of AKBA (100 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the tumorigenicity of U87-MG cells in a xenograft mouse model. Conclusions Taken together, these results suggest that AKBA (molecular weight, 512.7 Da) might be a promising chemotherapy drug in the treatment of GBM.

Four new triterpenoids which were identifed as 2α,3β,6β,19α-tetrahydroxy- oleanolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-3α,19α-di-hydroxyoleanolic acid (2), 2-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-3α,19α-dihydroxyursolic acid (3), 2α,3α,6β,19α-tetrahydroxyursolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Callicarpa kwangtungensis together with three known triterpenoids identified as 2α,3β,21β-trihydroxyursolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), 2α,3α,19α,23-tetrahydroxyoleanolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), 2α,3α,19α,23-tetrahydroxyursolic acid 28-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7). Their structures were elucidated by the combination of mass spectrometry (MS), one and two-dimensional NMR experiments.

Two new bidesmoside triterpenoid saponins which were identifed as 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→2)-[α-L-rhamno-pyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-fucopyranosyl gypsogenin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (C1) and 28-O-β-D-xylopyranosyl(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl (1→2)-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl(1→3)]-β-D-fucopyranosyl gypsogenin 3-O-β-D-gluco-pyranosyl(1→2)-β-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid (C2) were isolated together with two known compounds from the seeds of Momordica charantia L. Their structures were elucidated by the combination of mass spectrometry (MS), one and two-dimensional NMR experiments and chemical reactions.

Hypericum acmosepalum belongs to the Hypericum genus of the Guttiferae family. The characteristic components in Hypericum are mainly a series of polycyclic polyprenylated acylphloroglucinols (PPAPs), flavonoids, and xanthones. Among them, the PPAPs have received much attention due to their novel structures and diverse pharmacological activities and have become hot spots in organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. However, there are few reports about the chemical constituents of Hypericum acmosepalum at present, especially the PPAPs. This research is dedicated to the study of the air-dried aerial parts of Hypericum acmosepalum, which were extracted with 95% EtOH under reflux, then suspended and successively partitioned with petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. Five PPAP derivatives were obtained using various chromatographic techniques, and their structures were determined by NMR spectroscopic data, including two new phloroglucinol derivatives, hyperacmosin A (1) and hyperacmosin B (2). Those compounds were evaluated for their neuroprotective effect using two models.

This study reports an investigation of the chemical constituents of Balanophora polyandra Griff. Fifteen compounds were isolated by column chromatography on silica gel, Toyo-pearl HW-40C, Sephadex LH-20 and by HPLC. Their structures were elucidated as 1,4-di-O-galloyl-2-O-[(E)-p-coumaroyl]-β-D-glucopyranose (1), 1-O-galloyl-β-D-pyranglucose (2), 1-p-coumaryl-β-D-pyranglucose (3), 1-O-(E)-caffeoyl-β-D-pyranglucose (4), 1,3-di-O-galloyl-β-D-pyranglucose (5), 1,6-di-O-galloyl-β-D-pyranglucose (6), 1-O-(E)-caffeoyl-4-O-galloyl-β-D-pyranglucose (7), 1-O-(E)-caffeoyl-6-O-galloyl-β-D-pyranglucose (8), 1-O-(E)-caffeoyl-4,6-di-O-galloyl-β-D-pyranglucose (9), 1-O-(E)-caffeoyl-4,6-(S)-HHDP-β-D-pyranglucose (10), 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-β-D-pyranglucose (11), 4,6-(S)-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-(α/β)-D-glucose (12), 1-O-(E)-caffeoyl-4,6-[1′,1″-(3′,3″,4′,4″-tetrahydroxydibenzofurandicarboxyl)]-β-D-glucopyranose (13), flavogallonic acid (14), and phloretin-4′-O-β-D-glucoside (15) on the basis of spectral analysis. Compound 1 was a new hydrolyzable tannin, 9 was obtained from this genus for the first time, and compounds 5, 6 and 11–14 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Trametes villosa Laccase (TVL) was immobilized through physical adsorption on SBA-15 mesoporous silica and the immobilized TVL was used in the oxidative coupling of trans-resveratrol. Higher loading and activity of the immobilized enzyme on SBA-15 were obtained when compared with the free enzyme. The effects of reaction conditions, such as buffer type, pH, temperature and substrate concentration were investigated, and the optimum conditions were screened and resulted in enzyme activity of up to 10.3 μmol/g·h. Furthermore, the oxidative couplings of the derivatives of trans-resveratrol were also catalyzed by immobilized TVL. The immobilized TVL was recyclable and could maintain 78% of its initial activity after reusing it four times.

Nymphaea candida was used to treat hepatitis in Ugyhur medicine, and nicotiflorin (kaempferol 3-O-β-rutinoside) is the main characteristic component in this plant [...]

Abstract The rational design of carbon-supported transition-metal single-atom catalysts requires the precise arrangement of heteroatoms within the single-atom catalysts. However, achieving this design is challenging due to the collapse of the structure during the pyrolysis. Here, we introduce a topological heteroatom-transfer strategy to prevent the collapse and accurately control the P coordination in carbon-supported single-atom catalysts. As an illustration, we have prepared self-assembled helical fibers with encapsulated cavities. Within these cavities, adjustable functional groups can chelate metal ions (Nx···Mn+···Oy), facilitating the preservation of the structure during the pyrolysis based phosphidation. This process allows for the transfer of heteroatoms from the assembly into single-atom catalysts, resulting in the precise coordination tailoring. Notably, the Co–P2N2–C catalyst exhibits electrocatalytic performance as a non-noble metal single-atom catalyst for alkaline hydrogen evolution, attaining a current density of 100 mA cm−2 with an overpotential of only 131 mV.

Background/purpose: Because of the complex anatomical structure of the maxillofacial skeleton, bending plates is necessary during surgery. The fast developing three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology has provided a new method for making personalized craniomaxillofacial bone plates. However, the properties of these bone plates remain unknown. This study evaluates the mechanical, fatigue, and morphological properties of these bone plates, which may provide data supporting future clinical applications. Materials and methods: The 3DP bone plate was fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) and electron beam melting (EBM) technologies. Mechanical, surface, and defect analyses were performed to compare their properties with a standard machined sample. One-way analysis of variance was applied, with p

Bi-doped Sn–Ag–Cu (SAC) microelectronic solder is gaining attention for its utility as a material for solder joints that connect substrates to printed circuit boards (PCB) in future advanced packages, as Bi-doped SAC is reported to have a lower melting temperature, higher strength, higher wettability on conducting pads, and lower intermetallic compound (IMC) formation at the solder-pad interface. As solder joints are subjected to aging during their service life, an investigation of aging-induced changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the solder alloy is needed before its wider acceptance in advanced packages. This study focuses on the effects of 1 to 3 wt.% Bi doping in an Sn–3.0Ag–0.5Cu (SAC305) solder alloy on aging-induced changes in hardness and creep resistance for samples prepared by high cooling rates (>5 °C/s). The specimens were aged at ambient and elevated temperatures for up to 90 days and subjected to quasistatic nanoindentation to determine hardness and nanoscale dynamic nanoindentation to determine creep behavior. The microstructural evolution was investigated with a scanning electron microscope in tandem with energy-dispersive spectroscopy to correlate with aging-induced property changes. The hardness and creep strength of the samples were found to increase as the Bi content increased. Moreover, the hardness and creep strength of the 0–1 wt.% Bi-doped SAC305 was significantly reduced with aging, while that of the 2–3 wt.% Bi-doped SAC305 increased with aging. The changes in these properties with aging were correlated to the interplay of multiple hardening and softening mechanisms. In particular, for 2–3 wt.% Bi, the enhanced performance was attributed to the potential formation of additional Ag3Sn IMCs with aging due to non-equilibrium solidification and the more uniform distribution of Bi precipitates. The observations that 2–3 wt.% Bi enhances the hardness and creep strength of the SAC305 alloy with isothermal aging to mitigate reliability risks is relevant for solder samples prepared using high cooling rates.

Sn-Ag-Cu-Bi (SAC-Bi) alloys are gaining popularity as a potential replacement for current lead-free solder alloys in microelectronic packages. In this study, the tensile and viscoplastic behaviors of eight SAC-Bi alloys with 0, 1 wt.%, 2 wt.%, and 3 wt.% Bi content were investigated. The samples of these eight alloys were cast, aged at room temperature, 75 °C and 125 °C, and tensile-tested at rates of 0.1/s, 0.01/s, and 0.001/s in ambient and elevated temperature environments to facilitate the quantification of viscoplasticity using the Anand viscoplastic model. The Anand parameters of all eight alloys in the as-cast and aged conditions were determined. Tensile strength was found to increase with the addition of Bi. Additionally, alloys containing 2 and 3 wt.% Bi showed a 5 to 10% increase in tensile strength after isothermal aging of 90 days at 125 °C. On the contrary, the tensile strength of alloys with up to 1 wt.% Bi decreased by 22 to 48% after such aging. Using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), the microstructure of the alloys was characterized. The aging-induced property changes in the samples were correlated to strengthening by Bi solute atoms for alloys with 1 wt.% Bi and the formation of Bi precipitation for alloys with 2 wt.% and 3 wt.% Bi.

Rock engineering, which includes slopes, tunnels, and mines, often encounters stratified rocks. These projects are also frequently exposed to special environments of high temperatures, such as deep underground or fire-related conditions. It is of significant importance to conduct research on the damage characteristics and constitutive models of stratified rocks under high-temperature conditions to accurately reflect the influences of rock structure characteristics, geological conditions, and load effects on the damage and deformation characteristics of rock engineering. Under five temperature conditions (20, 200, 400, 600, 800 ℃), the intact sandstone rock samples and the layered sandstone samples are subjected to high-temperature treatment, followed by triaxial compression tests. Based on existing research on statistical damage constitutive models for rocks, a high-temperature layered rock statistical damage constitutive model is established by introducing the Weibull distribution function and high-temperature, bedding, and load coupling damage variables, under the condition that the microelement strength follows the Drucker-Prager (D-P) criterion. The results indicate that the peak strength, damage threshold, elastic modulus, and longitudinal wave velocity show a ''U''-shaped trend with an increasing bedding angle, with an opening upwards. As the temperature increases, the anisotropy of the rock initially increases and then decreases, with obvious ductile characteristics after the temperature reaches 600 ℃. The analysis of damage threshold, stress-strain curve, and macroscopic failure morphology shows that the 60° dipping angle sandstone is prone to undergo compressive-shear failure along the weak plane of bedding, exhibiting low toughness mechanical characteristics. Theoretical curves of the statistical damage constitutive model for high-temperature rock are in good agreement with the Triaxial shear test curve of sandstone, which indicates that the constitutive model can reflect the stress-strain process of layered sandstone after high-temperature action, and verifies the applicability of the model. This model does not include unconventional mechanical parameters and can reflect the ductility, brittleness, and strength characteristics with clear physical meanings. The findings of the study can offer theoretical support for computing and numerically modeling rock mechanics after high-temperature action.

Polymer-modified cementitious repair materials have gained attention as innovative and environmentally friendly construction materials due to their superior water retention, adhesion, freeze-thaw resistance, corrosion resistance, air permeability, and shrinkage resistance compared to ordinary repair materials. Adding a small amount of polymer can alter the concrete microstructure and form a composite material through the interaction between polymer film formation and cement hydration. This review shows that adding a certain percentage of polymers to concrete can improve the physical, fresh properties, durability, mechanical properties and microstructural development of concrete and improve the effectiveness of concrete repair treatment of underground structures. The discovery of different types and amounts of polymer cement from both physical and chemical perspectives can significantly enhance the performance of cement mortar. Various modifications, such as fibers and nanomaterials are explored to improve the properties of polymer cement for optimal treatment results. Finally, this paper summarizes key findings and provides recommendations for future research.

Abstract Background As the main pathological basis for various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, atherosclerosis has become one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Emerging evidence has suggested that Rho GTPase Rnd3 plays an indisputable role in cardiovascular diseases, although its function in atherosclerosis remains unclear. Here, we found a significant correlation between Rnd3 and pyroptosis of aortic endothelial cells (ECs). Methods ApoeKO mice were utilized as a model for atherosclerosis. Endothelium‐specific transgenic mice were employed to disrupt the expression level of Rnd3 in vivo. Mechanistic investigation of the impact of Rnd3 on endothelial cell pyroptosis was carried out using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assays, and molecular docking. Results Evidence from gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function studies denoted a protective role for Rnd3 against ECs pyroptosis. Downregulation of Rnd3 sensitized ECs to pyroptosis under oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) challenge and exacerbated atherosclerosis, while overexpression of Rnd3 effectively prevented these effects. LC‐MS/MS, Co‐IP assay, and molecular docking revealed that Rnd3 negatively regulated pyroptosis signaling by direct interaction with the ring finger domain of tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 6 (TRAF6). This leads to the suppression of K63‐linked TRAF6 ubiquitination and the promotion of K48‐linked TRAF6 ubiquitination, inhibiting the activation of NF‐κB and promoting the degradation of TRAF6. Moreover, TRAF6 knockdown countered Rnd3 knockout‐evoked exacerbation of EC pyroptosis in vivo and vitro. Conclusions These findings establish a critical functional connection between Rnd3 and the TRAF6/NF‐κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway in ECs, indicating the essential role of Rnd3 in preventing pyroptosis of ECs.

The mechanical properties of rock can be weakened under the influence of high temperatures. To describe the mechanical behavior of rock under the action of high temperature more accurately, based on the Zienkiewicz–Pande yield criterion, the damage variable Dc which accounts for the coupling between high temperature and load is introduced. According to plastic potential theory and plastic flow law, the iterative incremental method for a high-temperature and load-coupled damage constitutive model in Flac3D is deduced in detail and compiled into the corresponding dynamic link library file (.dll file). By modifying the shape function to degenerate into the Mohr–Coulomb constitutive model, an elastic–plastic analysis of an ideal circular tunnel is performed, and a comparison is made between calculation results obtained from the built-in Mohr–Coulomb constitutive model in Flac3D, proving the correctness of the secondary development program. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted to study the effects of high-temperature damage using rock uniaxial compression tests, and the model’s validity is established by comparing it with previous experimental results.

This study proposes a novel variable air pressure supply structure based on the electromagnetic effect. This structure can be implemented in various soft robots driven by air pressure, including pneumatic artificial muscles, pneumatic soft grippers, and other soft robots. The structure’s main body comprises a hollow circular tube, a magnetic piston arranged in the tube, and an electromagnetic solenoid nested outside the tube. The electromagnetic solenoid is designed with special winding and power supply access modes, generating either an attractive force or a repulsive force on the magnetic piston. This solenoid conforms with the magnetic piston expectation in the tube by changing the polarity direction. The interior of the whole structure is a closed space. The gas is conveyed to the soft robot by the gas guide hoses at the two ends of the structure, and the expansion energy of the compressed gas is fully utilized. Then, the gas supply pressure is controlled to drive the robot. The mathematical model of the structure is established based on the analysis of the electromagnetic force and gas pressure on the piston. The simulation results show that the structure’s inherent vibration characteristics under various parameters align with expectations. The real-time automatic optimization of the controller parameters is realized by optimizing the incremental proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller based on a neural network. The simulation results show that the structure can meet the application requirements. The experimental results show that the proposed gas supply structure can provide a continuous pressure supply curve with any frequency in a specific amplitude range and has an excellent tracking effect on the sinusoidal-like pressure curve.

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have become one of the most competitive energy storage technologies. However, the “thermal runaway” of LIBs leads to serious safety issues. Early safety warning of LIBs is a prerequisite for the widely applications of power battery and large-scale energy storage systems. As reported, hydrogen (H2) could be generated due to the reaction of lithium metal and polymers inside the battery. The generation of H2 is some time earlier than the “thermal runaway”. Therefore, the rapid detection of trace hydrogen is the most effective method for early safety warning of LIBs. Resistive hydrogen sensors have attracted attention in recent years. In addition, they could be placed inside the LIB package for the initial hydrogen detection. Here, we overview the recent key advances of resistive room temperature (RT) H2 sensors, and explore possible applications inside LIB. We explored the underlying sensing mechanisms for each type of H2 sensor. Additionally, we highlight the approaches to develop the H2 sensors in large scale. Finally, the present review presents a brief conclusion and perspectives about the resistive RT H2 sensors for early safety warning of LIBs.

Chinese milk vetch (CMV) is a leguminous green manure that is commonly cultivated in paddy fields and can partially substitute synthetic nitrogen fertilizer. However, the impacts of incorporating CMV on CH4 and N2O emissions are still a subject of controversy. Therefore, we conducted a field experiment over three years to investigate emissions under different substitution ratios: urea only (CF); incorporating a traditional amount of CMV (MV); and with incorporation ratios of 1/3 (MV1/3), 2/3 (MV2/3), and 4/3 (MV4/3) of MV for partial urea substitution. Compared with CF, MV2/3, MV, and MV 4/3 resulted in increased yields. MV and MV4/3 reduced N2O emissions but increased CH4 emissions by 28.61% and 85.60% (2019), 32.38% and 103.19% (2020), and 28.86% and 102.98% (2021), respectively, resulting in an overall increase in total global warming potential (except for MV in 2021). MV2/3 exhibited a low greenhouse gas intensity value ranging from 0.46 to 0.47. Partial least-squares-path model results showed that CH4 and N2O emissions were influenced by substitution ratios, which indirectly regulated the gene abundances of mcrA and nosZ. Overall, the impact of CMV on CH4 and N2O emissions was determined by substitution ratios. MV2/3, which involved partial substitution of synthetic N fertilizer with 15.0 t ha−1 of CMV, resulted in improved rice productivity without increasing CH4 and N2O emissions, making it a recommended approach in the study area.

Abstract Background Mandibular condylar osteochondroma (OC) could lead to facial morphologic and functional disturbances, such as facial asymmetry, malocclusion, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. However, after condylar OC resection, the inaccurate reposition of the neocondyle still needs to be solved. The purpose of this study was to explore the feasibility of the condylar osteotomy and repositioning guide to reposition the neocondyle in the treatment of patients with severe deformity secondary to condylar OC. Results Three patients with severe deformity secondary to OC of the mandibular condyle were enrolled in this study. With the aid of condylar osteotomy and repositioning guide, condylar OC resection and repositioning were carried out, and the accuracy and stability of these guides were evaluated. All patients healed uneventfully, and no facial nerve injury and condylar ankylosis occurred. Compared with the computerized tomography scans in centric relation before surgery and 3 days after surgery, the results showed that the facial symmetry was greatly improved in all the patients. Also, after the superimposition of the condylar segments before surgery and 3 days after surgery, the postoperative reconstructed condyles had a high degree of similarity to the reconstruction of the virtual surgical planning. Observed from the sagittal and coronal directions, the measurements of condylar positions were very close to those of virtual surgical planning. Moreover, it also showed stable results after a 1-year follow-up. Conclusions For patients with severe deformity secondary to condylar OC, condylar osteotomy, and repositioning guide was expected to provide a new option for the improvement of facial symmetry and occlusal relationship.

To realize parameter feedback optimization of tunnel construction in water-rich areas, a feedback analysis method for tunnel parameters under fluid–solid coupling conditions was established based on an intelligent optimization algorithm. Firstly, the numerical calculation model was established and solved using the fluid–solid coupling model. In orthogonal design analysis, the displacement of surrounding rock and pore water pressure distribution in different rock mass parameter combinations were obtained, and the learning samples needed for machine learning were established. The input group was surrounding rock displacement and pore water pressure, and the output was rock mass parameters. Then, the Gaussian process algorithm was used to obtain the nonlinear mapping relationship contained in the learning samples. A differential evolution algorithm was used to optimize the critical parameters involved in this process. Furthermore, according to the established regression model and the measured displacement and pore water pressure in the research area, differential evolution was used again to optimize the rock mass parameters and obtain the parameter feedback analysis results. Finally, the inversion values were compared with the actual measured values, and the reliability of the surrounding rock parameters obtained from the feedback analysis was verified, providing an effective method for obtaining surrounding rock parameters for similar projects.

Due to the requirement of significant manpower and material resources for the crashworthiness tests, various modelling approaches are utilized to reduce these costs. Despite being informative, finite element models still have the disadvantage of being time-consuming. A data-driven model has recently demonstrated potential in terms of computational efficiency, but it is also accompanied by challenges in collecting an amount of data. Few-shot learning is a perspective approach in addressing the problem of insufficient data in engineering. In this paper, using a novel hybrid data augmentation method, we investigate a deep-learning-based few-shot learning approach to evaluate and optimize the crashworthiness of multi-cell structures. Innovatively, we employ wide and deep neural networks to develop a surrogate model for multi-objective optimization. In comparison with the original results, the optimized result of the multi-cell structure demonstrates that the mean crushing force (Fm) and specific energy absorption (SEA) are increased by 17.1% and 30.1%, respectively, the mass decreases by 4.0%, and the optimized structure offers a significant improvement in design space. Overall, this proposed method exhibits great potential in relation to the crashworthiness analysis and optimization for multi-cell structures of the high-speed train.

Lavandula angustifolia was used to treat flus and fevers, joint swelling and pain in Uighur medicine. This study aimed to investigate antioxidant, antit anti-inflammatory and antalgic noids content (530.1mg/g rutin/g dry extract) with stronger DPPH scavenging abilities and reduciactivities of total flavonoids from Lavandula angustifolia (LTF). Results indicated that LTF possesses the highest total flavong power. Some flavonoids separated from LTF, and their DPPH scavenging abilities as follows: rosmarinic acid (2, near to Vit C) >luteolin (3) >apigenin (4) >luteolin 7-O-β-Dglucoside (5) >apigenin 7-O-β-D-glucoside (6) >luteolin 7-O-β-D-glucuronide (7). LTF significantly decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in D-galactose induced aging model compared to the control group (P<0.05), as well as significantly increased plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities (P<0.05). Moreover, 17.4, 34.8 and 69.6 mg/kg doses of LTF were exhibited significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in a dose dependent manner (P<0.05). Cytotoxicity of LTF on Bel-7402 and Hela cell lines were showed by MTT assay also. These results verified traditional usage of this plant and suggested also that LTF is worth developing and studying further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the traditional model cannot sufficiently reflect the multifield coupling problem, this paper established an elastoplastic stress-seepage-damage analysis model considering the seepage field, stress field, and damage field. Simultaneously, the elastoplastic damage model involves many parameters and is difficult to determine. An inverse analysis program is compiled based on the differential evolution algorithm, and the surrounding rock damage parameters are inverted. Finally, the elastoplastic stress-seepage-damage coupling program and the damage parameter displacement back analysis program is compiled using C++ language. Then, the program is used to calculate the coupling problem of tunnel elastoplastic stress-seepage-damage. The results show that the proposed elastoplastic damage constitutive model can well describe the mechanical behavior of rock. The computational procedure can also simulate practical engineering problems, which can provide specific guidance for site construction.

Rock blasting often has an irreversible impact on the surrounding environment and threatens the safety of life and property. Therefore, accurate prediction of blast-induced ground vibration (BIGV) is a prerequisite for safe construction. In view of the fact that traditional blasting peak particle velocity (PPV) empirical formulas cannot be accurately predicted, this study selected 88 sets of blasting monitoring data, based on distance from the blast-face, maximum charge per delay, total charge, hole depth, spacing, burden, stemming length, and powder factor being used as input variables and PPV being used as output variable to characterize BIGV. First, a nonlinear mapping relationship between input variables and output variable is established through the Gaussian process (GP). The differential evolution algorithm (DE) is used to optimize the hyperparameters σf, σn, and l of the GP, and a blasting PPV model based on the DE-GP is constructed. The proposed model is compared with the empirical formulas, least square support vector machine (LSSVM), artificial neural network (ANN), and GP model, and its prediction performance is evaluated by statistical indicators such as root mean square error (RMSE). Finally, the cosine amplitude method (CAM) is used to analyze the sensitivity of blasting parameters. The results show that the DE-GP algorithm for blasting vibration velocity prediction has higher precision and accuracy, which is significantly better than other models, and is the closest to the measured PPV. Distance from the blast-face, total charge, and maximum charge per delay have a greater impact on the prediction of PPV, while stemming length and powder factor have a smaller impact on the prediction of PPV. The DE-GP model proposed by this research has certain reference value for the prediction and control of PPV in blasting construction.

Trametes villosa Laccase (TVL) was immobilized through physical adsorption on SBA-15 mesoporous silica and the immobilized TVL was used in the oxidative coupling of trans-resveratrol. Higher loading and activity of the immobilized enzyme on SBA-15 were obtained when compared with the free enzyme. The effects of reaction conditions, such as buffer type, pH, temperature and substrate concentration were investigated, and the optimum conditions were screened and resulted in enzyme activity of up to 10.3 µmol/g·h. Furthermore, the oxidative couplings of the derivatives of trans-resveratrol were also catalyzed by immobilized TVL. The immobilized TVL was recyclable and could maintain 78% of its initial activity after reusing it four times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A force-indentation contact model is presented for the dynamic contact loading of elastoplastic particle and plate to incorporate the material’s strain-rate-dependent plasticity, built theoretically from the well-known Hertz contact law and Hill’s solution for elastic and elastoplastic quasi-static contacts. A theoretical relation of the relative impact velocity and plastic strain rate is introduced to solve the model’s parameters. A Johnson–Cook strain rate dependence is included into the model to consider dynamic effects. We validate the model using finite element analysis and show that the model can accurately simulate the force-indentation relation. The impact responses of plate simulated by applying the model combined with a substructure technique are validated using finite element analysis and laboratory test. With the aid of the model, a significant decrease in contact pressure during fully plastic indentation and the independence of dynamic contact-loading path upon loading rate are observed.

Leaf senescence plays a vital role in nutrient recycling and overall capacity to assimilate carbon dioxide. Cotton premature leaf senescence, often accompanied with unexpected short-term low temperature, has been occurring with an increasing frequency in many cotton-growing areas and causes serious reduction in yield and quality of cotton. The key factors for causing and promoting cotton premature leaf senescence are still unclear. In this case, the relationship between the pre-chilling stress and Alternaria alternata infection for causing cotton leaf senescence was investigated under precisely controlled laboratory conditions with four to five leaves stage cotton plants. The results showed short-term chilling stress could cause a certain degree of physiological impairment to cotton leaves, which could be recovered to normal levels in 2-4 days when the chilling stresses were removed. When these chilling stress injured leaves were further inoculated with A. alternata, the pronounced appearance and development of leaf spot disease, and eventually the pronounced symptoms of leaf senescence, occurred on these cotton leaves. The onset of cotton leaf senescence at this condition was also reflected in various physiological indexes such as irreversible increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) content and electrolyte leakage, irreversible decrease in soluble protein content and chlorophyll content, and irreversible damage in leaves' photosynthesis ability. The presented results demonstrated that chilling stress acted as the key predisposing factor for causing A. alternata infection and leading to cotton leaf senescence. It could be expected that the understanding of the key factors causing and promoting cotton leaf senescence would be helpful for taking appropriate management steps to prevent cotton premature leaf senescence.

Mesoporous anatase TiO2 micro-nanometer composite structure was synthesized by solvothermal method at 180°C, followed by calcination at 400°C for 2 h. The as-prepared TiO2 was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR). The specific surface area and pore size distribution were obtained from N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, and the optoelectric property of the mesoporous TiO2 was studied by UV-Vis absorption spectrum and surface photovoltage spectra (SPS). The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by photodegradation of sole rhodamine B (RhB) and sole phenol aqueous solutions under simulated sunlight irradiation and compared with that of Degussa P-25 (P25) under the same conditions. The photodegradation preference of this mesoporous TiO2 was also investigated for an RhB-phenol mixed solution. The results show that the TiO2 composite structure consists of microspheres (∼0.5–2 μm in diameter) and irregular aggregates (several hundred nanometers) with rough surfaces and the average primary particle size is 10.2 nm. The photodegradation activities of this mesoporous TiO2 on both RhB and phenol solutions are higher than those of P25. Moreover, this as-prepared TiO2 exhibits photodegradation preference on RhB in the RhB-phenol mixture solution.