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This work is devoted to Poisson stable (including stationary, periodic, quasi-periodic, Bohr almost periodic, Bohr almost automorphic, Birkhoff recurrent, almost recurrent in the sense of Bebutov, Levitan almost periodic, pseudo-periodic, pseudo-recurrent) solutions for stochastic functional evolution equations (SFEEs) with infinite delay. First, we prove the existence of bounded mild solutions for SFEEs with infinite delay. Then, according to the relationship between the solution and (drift and diffusion) coefficients, we obtain such Poisson stable solutions. Because the solutions of the delay equations are not Markov, we employ the solution maps in some phase space as a viable alternative for studying further asymptotic properties, and we also discuss Poisson stable solution maps and their asymptotic stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ANKRD11 gene encodes for the large nuclear protein essential for multiple system development including the nervous system. However, the molecular basis for the proper nuclear localization of ANKRD11 has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we have identified a functional bipartite nuclear localization signal (bNLS) between residues 53 and 87 of ANKRD11. Using biochemical approaches, we discovered two major binding sites in this bipartite NLS for Importin α1. Through site-directed mutagenesis and functional analysis, we further found that this bipartite NLS is sufficient for nuclear import of overexpressing GFP in HeLa cells and necessary for nuclear localization of ANKRD11. Importantly, our study provides a possible pathogenic mechanism for certain clinical variants located within the bipartite nuclear localization signal of ANKRD11. • ANKRD11 N-terminus binds to Importin α1 via a bipartite region. • The region is a functional bipartite NLS in ANKRD11 with a long linker. • Disruption of the interaction impairs the nuclear localization of ANKRD11. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We introduce the Q (s) -index ind Γ for a symplectic orthogonal group Q (s) and Q (s) invariant subset Γ of R 2 n and prove that ind S 2 n − 1 = n. Using this fact, we study multiple rotating periodic orbits of Hamiltonian systems. For an orthogonal matrix Q , a Q -rotating periodic solution z (t) has the form z (t + T) = Q z (t) for all t ∈ R and some constant T > 0. According to the structure of Q , it can be periodic, anti-periodic, subharmonic, or just a quasi-periodic one. Under a non-resonant condition, we prove that on each energy surface near the equilibrium, the Hamiltonian system admits at least n Q -rotating periodic orbits, which can be regarded as a Lyapunov type theorem on rotating periodic orbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paraquat (PQ) poisoning leads to irreversible fibrosis in the lungs with high mortality and no known antidote. In this study, we investigated the effect of the SET and MYND domain containing 2 (SMYD2) on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and its potential mechanisms. We established an in vivo PQ-induced PF mouse model by intraperitoneal injection of PQ (20 mg/kg) and in vitro PQ (25 μM)-injured MLE-12 cell model. On the 15th day of administration, tissue injury, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice were evaluated using various methods including routine blood counts, blood biochemistry, blood gas analysis, western blotting, H&E staining, ELISA, Masson staining, and immunofluorescence. The findings indicated that AZ505 administration mitigated tissue damage, inflammation, and collagen deposition in PQ-poisoned mice. Mechanistically, both in vivo and in vitro experiments revealed that AZ505 treatment suppressed the PQ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by downregulating GLI pathogenesis related 2 (GLIPR2) and ERK/p38 pathway. Further investigations demonstrated that SMYD2 inhibition decreased GLIPR2 methylation and facilitated GLIPR2 ubiquitination, leading to GLIPR2 destabilization in PQ-exposed MLE-12 cells. Moreover, rescue experiments conducted in vitro demonstrated that GLIPR2 overexpression eliminated the inhibitory effect of AZ505 on the ERK/p38 pathway and EMT. Our results reveal that the SMYD2 inhibitor AZ505 may act as a novel therapeutic candidate to suppress the EMT process by modulating the GLIPR2/ERK/p38 axis in PQ-induced PF. [Display omitted] • SMYD2 inhibition ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis in mice after PQ intoxication. • SMYD2 inhibition reverses EMT process in vivo and in vitro. • GLIPR2 is a novel non-histone target of SMYD2. • SMYD2 inhibition alleviates pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting GLIPR2/ERK/p38 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pressure overload induced cardiac remodeling is associated with a complex spectrum of pathophysiological mechanisms. As inflammatory cells, macrophages maintain a critical position in mechanical stress-induced myocardial remodeling. HMGB1 is a highly conserved, ubiquitous protein in various types of cells whose biological roles are closely dependent on subcellular sites. However, whether HMGB1 expressed in macrophages performs the protective or pathological responses in cardiac remodeling is unknown. In this study, we generated the myeloid-specific HMGB1 knockout mice and detected the effects of macrophage HMGB1 in response to pathophysiological stress. Our data showed HMGB1 in macrophages played a protective role against the pressure overload induced cardiac pathophysiology. The deletion of HMGB1 in macrophages gains more differentiation of M1-type pro-inflammatory macrophage during the mechanical stress-induced myocardial remodeling, thereby aggravating the inflammatory response in whole heart, resulting in accelerated deterioration of cardiac function. Moreover, in vitro data also validated HMGB1 got involved in the process of macrophage polarization. Macrophages without HMGB1 are more inclined to differentiate into M1 during the stretch process. In summary, the present results indicated that loss of HMGB1 in macrophages can exacerbate heart failure through increased differentiation of pro-inflammatory macrophages and enhanced inflammatory response. • HMGB1 in macrophage nucleus played a protective role against the pressure overload induced cardiac pathophysiology. • Deleting HMGB1 in macrophages gains more differentiation of M1 macrophage and expression of inflammatory genes after TAC. • Macrophages without nuclear HMGB1 are more inclined to differentiate into M1 macrophage during the in vitro stretch process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Enhancing the interfacial dispersion and suspension stability is crucial for magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH) 2) nanomaterials in the long-term deacidification of paper-based cultural relics. However, because of the low specific surface area and the poor solvent compatibility of as-prepared large-sized Mg(OH) 2 , it often tends to agglomerate and settle down during the usage and storage, that is harmful for paper protection due to its unevenly deacidification and nonuniformly distribution on paper cellulose. Herein, we propose a feasible preparation of colloidal Mg(OH) 2 ultrathin nanoflakes with high dispersion stability via a simple one-step surfactant-assisted strategy. The surfactant acts as both a structure-direct agent to confine the growth of Mg(OH) 2 with rich active sites and a surface modifier to enhance its solvent adaptability and dispersion stability, avoiding the common fussy procedure with additional steric stabilizer. Owing to the evenly interaction with free acid species therein and the uniformly distribution on the paper fiber as alkaline reserve, the as-obtained Mg(OH) 2 presents the superior paper protection performance characterized by its safer pH of 7.29 for the original aged paper (pH = 5.03) and the excellent long-term anti-acidification effect with competitive pH of 5.47 after accelerated-aging at 105 °C for 5 months. Furthermore, Mg(OH) 2 nanoflakes with surfactant-modified structure also endue them as an improved flame retardant for multifunctional paper protection. The protection with Mg(OH) 2 has little effect on the paper surface properties and cellulose crystallinity, in line with the principle of least intervention. This work will put forward a feasible way toward colloidal Mg(OH) 2 nanoflakes with excellent paper protection performance, shedding light on the development of emerging protection materials for paper-based cultural relics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The laccase mediator system (LMS) with a broad substrate range has attracted much attention as an efficient approach for water remediation. However, the practical application of LMS is limited due to their high solubility, poor stability and low reusability. Herein, the bimetallic Cu/ZIFs encapsulated laccase was in-situ grown in poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) polymer matrix. The PVA-Lac@Cu/ZIFs hydrogel was formed via one freeze-thawing cycle, and its catalytic stability was significantly improved. The mediator was further co-immobilized on the hydrogel, and this hierarchically co-immobilized ABTS/PVA-Lac@Cu/ZIFs hydrogel could avoid the continuous oxidation reaction between laccase and redox mediators. The co-immobilized LMS biocatalyst was used to degrade malachite green (MG), and the degradation rate was up to 100 % within 4 h. More importantly, the LMS could be recycled synchronously from the dye solutions and reused to degrade MG multiple times. The degradation rate remained above 69.4 % after five cycles. Furthermore, the intermediate products were detected via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and the potential degradation pathways were proposed. This study demonstrated the significant potential of utilizing the MOF nanocrystals and hydrogel as a carrier for co-immobilized LMS, and the effective reuse of both laccase and mediator was promising for laccase application in wastewater treatment. [Display omitted] • Cu/ZIFs encapsulated laccase was in-situ grown in the PVA polymer matrix. • The LMS was co-immobilized by MOF/hydrogel, enhancing catalytic stability. • PVA-Lac@Cu/ZIFs exhibit over 80 % of initial activity after 8 reaction cycles. • The PVA/ABTS-Lac@Cu/ZIFs was efficient for MG dye degradation practically 100 %. • The co-immobilized LMS could recycle synchronously from dye solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stoichiometric genome-scale metabolic network models (GEMs) have been widely used to predict metabolic phenotypes. In addition to stoichiometric ratios, other constraints such as enzyme availability and thermodynamic feasibility can also limit the phenotype solution space. Extended GEM models considering either enzymatic or thermodynamic constraints have been shown to improve prediction accuracy. In this paper, we propose a novel method that integrates both enzymatic and thermodynamic constraints in a single Pyomo modeling framework (ETGEMs). We applied this method to construct the EcoETM (E. coli metabolic model with enzymatic and thermodynamic constraints). Using this model, we calculated the optimal pathways for cellular growth and the production of 22 metabolites. When comparing the results with those of i ML1515 and models with one of the two constraints, we observed that many thermodynamically unfavorable and/or high enzyme cost pathways were excluded from EcoETM. For example, the synthesis pathway of carbamoyl-phosphate (Cbp) from i ML1515 is both thermodynamically unfavorable and enzymatically costly. After introducing the new constraints, the production pathways and yields of several Cbp-derived products (e.g. L-arginine, orotate) calculated using EcoETM were more realistic. The results of this study demonstrate the great application potential of metabolic models with multiple constraints for pathway analysis and phenotype prediction. • E. coli metabolic model i ML1515 with enzymatic and thermodynamic constraints. • Pyomo multi-constraints modeling formulation framework and open-source code. • Various variability analysis to identify the bottleneck reactions and key enzymes. • More reliable pathway analysis results due to more favorable arrangement of reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The G4 helicase BsPif1 possesses independent binding sites for both ssDNA and G4. • ssDNA translocation driven by ATP hydrolysis, exerts a pulling force on G4 unwinding. • There is a distinct G4 binding region that play a critical role in G4 unwinding. • A novel theoretical framework for the G4 development mechanism within Pif1 helicases. The G-quadruplex (G4) is a distinct geometric and electrophysical structure compared to classical double-stranded DNA, and its stability can impede essential cellular processes such as replication, transcription, and translation. This study focuses on the Bs Pif1 helicase, revealing its ability to bind independently to both single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and G4 structures. The unfolding activity of Bs Pif1 on G4 relies on the presence of a single tail chain, and the covalent continuity between the single tail chain and the G4′s main chain is necessary for efficient G4 unwinding. This suggests that ATP hydrolysis-driven ssDNA translocation exerts a pull force on G4 unwinding. Molecular dynamics simulations identified a specific region within Bs Pif1 that contains five crucial amino acid sites responsible for G4 binding and unwinding. A "molecular wire stripper" model is proposed to explain Bs Pif1′s mechanism of G4 unwinding. These findings provide a new theoretical foundation for further exploration of the G4 development mechanism in Pif1 family helicases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb), a naturally occurring element, is redistributed in the environment mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Pb pollution is a crucial public health problem worldwide due to its adverse effects. Environmental bacteria have evolved various protective mechanisms against high levels of Pb. The pbr operon, first identified in Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34, encodes a unique Pb(II) resistance mechanism involving transport, efflux, sequestration, biomineralization, and precipitation. Similar pbr operons are gradually found in diverse bacterial strains. This review focuses on the pbr -encoded Pb(II) resistance system. It summarizes various whole-cell biosensors harboring artificially designed pbr operons for Pb(II) biomonitoring with fluorescent, luminescent, and colorimetric signal output. Optimization of genetic circuits, employment of pigment-based reporters, and screening of host cells are promising in improving the sensitivity, selectivity, and response range of whole-cell biosensors. Engineered bacteria displaying Pb(II) binding and sequestration proteins, including PbrR and its derivatives, PbrR2 and PbrD, for adsorption are involved. Although synthetic bacteria show great potential in determining and removing Pb at the nanomolar level for environmental protection and food safety, some challenges must be addressed to meet demanding application requirements. [Display omitted] • The pbr operon varies among diverse bacteria and mediates the detoxification of lead (Pb). • Bacterial biosensors harboring artificial pbr operon can sense bioavailable Pb(II). • Designed bacteria employing members of the pbr operon are powerful in Pb(II) biosorption. • Synthetic bacteria based on natural pbr operons have been emerging to tackle Pb pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A NIR fluorogenic probe Cy-PITC with mitochondrially-targeted ability has been elaborately developed by the novel analyte-replacement strategy. • NIR probe Cy-PITC showed excellent performances for ClO−/HClO including ultrafast response time (within 5 s) and ultralow LOD (2.28 nM). • NIR probe Cy-PITC was triumphantly applied in the fluorescence imaging of exogenous/endogenous mitochondrial ClO−/HClO inside living cells. • NIR probe Cy-PITC was successfully employed for early diagnosis of ClO−/HClO-related rheumatoid arthritis joint tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food safety can be seriously threatened by the existence of both aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in milk and corresponding products. The importance of intestine integrity in preserving human health is widely understood in vitro, but the fundamental processes by which AFM1 and OTA cause disruption of the intestinal barrier are as yet unknown, especially in vivo. Based on the analysis of the whole transcriptome of BALB/c mice, the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation network was obtained in the current study. Each of 12 mice were separated into five treatments: saline solution treatment, 1.0% DMSO vehicle control treatment, 3.0 mg/kg b.w. individual AFM1 treatment (AFM1), 3.0 mg/kg b.w. individual OTA treatment (OTA), and combined mycotoxins treatment (AFM1 +OTA). The study period lasted 28 days. The jejunum tissue was collected for the histological assessment and whole transcriptome analysis, and the whole blood was collected, and determination of serum biochemical indicators. The phenotypic results demonstrated that AFM1 and OTA caused intestinal barrier disruption via an increased apoptosis level and decreased expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins. The ceRNA network demonstrated that AFM1 and OTA induced cell apoptosis through activating the expression of DUSP9 and suppressing the expression of PLA2G2D , which were regulated by differentially expressed microRNAs (DEmiRNAs) (miR-124-y, miR-194-z, miR-224-x, and miR-452-x) and differentially expressed long non-coding RNAs (DElncRNAs) (FUT8 and GPR31C). And AFM1 and OTA decreased TJ proteins via inhibiting the expression of PAK6 , which was regulated by several important DEmiRNAs and DElncRNAs. These DE RNAs in intestinal integrity were involved in MAPK and Ras signaling pathway. Overall, our findings expand the current knowledge regarding the potential mechanisms of intestinal integrity disruption brought on by AFM1 and OTA in vivo. [Display omitted] • AFM1 and OTA induced a disrupted intestinal barrier in vivo. • An intestinal barrier-related ceRNA network were conducted. • The disrupted intestinal barrier was related with an increased apoptosis level and decreased tight junction proteins level. • The MAPK and Ras signaling pathway was involved in the intestinal toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of phenol from wastewater is crucial for environmental protection. Biological enzymes, such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP), have shown great potential in the degradation of phenol. In this research, we prepared a hollow CuO/Cu 2 O octahedron adsorbent with a carambola matrix shape through the hydrothermal method. The surface of the adsorbent was modified by silane emulsion self-assembly, where 3-aminophenyl boric acid (APBA) and polyoxometalate (PW 9) were combined with silanization reagents and grafted onto the surface. The adsorbent was then molecularly imprinted with dopamine to obtain boric acid modified polyoxometalate molecularly imprinted polymer (Cu@B@PW 9 @MIPs). This adsorbent was used to immobilize HRP, which served as a biological enzyme catalyst from horseradish. The adsorbent was characterized, and its synthetic conditions, experimental conditions, selectivity, reproducibility, and reusability were evaluated. The maximum adsorption amount of HRP under optimized conditions was 159.1 mg g−1, as determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). At pH 7.0, the immobilized enzyme showed a high efficiency of up to 90.0% in removing phenol, after 20 min of reaction with 25 mmol L−1 H 2 O 2 and 0.20 mg mL−1 Cu@B@PW 9 @HRP. Growth tests of aquatic plants confirmed that the adsorbent reduced harm. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) tests revealed that the degraded phenol solution contained about fifteen phenol derivatives intermediates. This adsorbent has the potential to become a promising biological enzyme catalyst for dephenolization. The horseradish peroxidase was immobilized on the boric acid modified polyoxometalate molecularly imprinted polymer to establish a biocatalytic enzyme system. A catalytic oxidation system was constructed using hydrogen peroxide, providing a new method for removing phenol from wastewater (Cu@B: Boric acid modified CuO/Cu 2 O; PW 9 : polyoxometalate; HRP: Horseradish peroxidase; Cu@B@PW 9 : Boric acid and polyoxometalate modified CuO/Cu 2 O; Cu@B@PW 9 @MIPs: boric acid modified polyoxometalate molecularly imprinted polymer). [Display omitted] • A novel boric acid modified polyoxometalate molecularly imprinted polymer have been successfully prepared. • Adsorbent can immobilize horseradish peroxidase (HRP) from plant horseradish. • Measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), the adsorbent have excellent kinetic properties. • The method has a good removal effect on phenol, which can effectively reduce toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interleukin (IL)-22 regulates host defense. This study investigated the predominant IL-22-producing cell subsets under HBV associated immune stages. We found circulating IL-22-producing CD3 + CD8- T cells were significantly increased in immune active (IA) stage than those in immunotolerant stage, inactive carrier and healthy controls (HCs). The plasma IL-22 level was higher in IA and HBeAg-negative CHB compared to HCs. Importantly, CD3 + CD8- T cells were identified as the predominant source of plasma IL-22 production. Up-regulated IL-22-producing CD3 + CD8- T cells obviously correlated with the grade of intrahepatic inflammation. The proportions of IL-22-producing CD3 + CD8- T cells were significantly down-regulated after 48 weeks of Peg-interferon treatment, and the differences were of great significance in patients with normalize ALT levels at 48 weeks, rather than those with elevated ALT levels. In conclusion, IL-22 might play a proinflammatory function in. chronic HBV infected patients with active inflammation and Peg-interferon treatment could attenuate the degree of liver inflammation through down-regulating IL-22-producing CD3 + CD8- T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of transglutaminase (TG) and glucose oxidase (GOX) on the water distribution, rheological properties, and microstructure of dough after freeze-thaw cycles were studied. The results showed that, when TG (1%, w/w) and GOX (0.006%, w/w) were added to the dough simultaneously, the syneresis rate of the dough after 8 freeze-thaw cycles reduced by 12.9%, and the extensibility and maximum resistance of the frozen dough increased by 9.6 mm and 14.7 g, respectively. Moreover, the G′ and G″ values of the frozen dough were significantly increased, and the hardness and freezable water content were reduced by 60.1% and 2.9%, respectively. The LF-NMR analysis showed that the tightly bound water content increased by 4.9%, and the semi-bound water content decreased by 4.0%. The number of free sulfhydryl groups in the dough treated with the two enzymes decreased by 16.3 μmol/g. Fourier IR revealed that the content of α-helix increased by 3.1%, β-sheet increased by 5.8%, and β-turn decreased by 4.8%. Scanning electron microscope images indicated that the gluten network of the two enzyme-treated dough remained uniform and dense after multiple freeze-thaw disruptions. [Display omitted] • Enzymes inhibited the migration of water in the frozen dough. • Enzymes mitigated the deterioration of dough quality during freeze-thaw cycles. • The combination of enzymes had a higher effect on delaying the deterioration of frozen dough quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of molybdenum in the form of CoMoO 4 nanoparticles has led to the success of M 0.3 NCP@NF as an excellent multifunctional self-supported electrocatalyst for HER, OER and UOR. [Display omitted] The sluggish kinetics of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and substantial barriers in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) significantly impede its application in hydrogen production. To address this issue and enhance energy efficiency in hydrogen generation, we explored a high-activity alkaline HER catalyst while concurrently coupling it with the urea oxidation reaction (UOR). In this work, we designed and synthesized porous molybdenum (Mo)-modulated nickel-cobalt bimetallic phosphide nanoarrays (M 0.3 NCP@NF). This multifunctional self-supported electrocatalyst demonstrates superior performance in HER, OER, and UOR. The introduction of Mo, in the form of CoMoO 4 nanoparticles, promotes interfacial electron transfer to reduce the electron density around the cations in phosphides, enhancing the kinetics and intrinsic activity. Furthermore, the morphological changes induced by Mo accelerate both electron and mass transfer processes. Density functional theory and operando electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicate that Mo introduction optimizes the interaction with HER intermediate H*, facilitating the conversion to a high-valent active intermediate for OER and accelerating UOR kinetics. Benefiting from dual optimization of morphology and structure, the as-prepared M 0.3 NCP@NF electrocatalyst demonstrates outstanding HER, OER, and UOR performances. Notably, a full urea electrolysis device powered by M 0.3 NCP@NF operates with a cell voltage of only 1.53 V to achieve a current density of 100 mA cm−2. which is 240 mV lower than that of conventional water electrolysis, demonstrating the competitive potential of our approach for efficient and energy-saving hydrogen production, along with simultaneous urea wastewater remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study utilizes the environmental tax reform in China as a quasi-natural experiment to investigate the effect of environmental taxes on income inequality. In January 2018, the Environmental Protection Tax Law (EPTL) came into effect in China, provinces began to collect environmental taxes in accordance with the law. We find that the reform contributes to lower within-firm wage inequality. The reform leads to declines in executive compensation and increases in worker wages. We further find that tax enforcement, environmental regulations, fiscal stress and tax competition vary the relationship between the reform and wage inequality. Heterogeneity analyses show that the effect is greater in non-state-owned firms, small firms, and firms with higher board shareholdings. Extensive robustness tests corroborate our inferences. This paper verifies the effectiveness of environmental regulation in enhancing social welfare, and is beneficial for assessing the welfare effects of environmental regulation more accurately. The findings can also help the government reduce obstacles in the implementation of environmental taxes, and further enhance the effectiveness of the EPTL. [Display omitted] • Environmental taxes contribute to lower income inequality. • The reform results in lower executive compensation and higher worker wages. • Tax enforcement varies the effect of environmental taxes. • Fiscal stress and tax competition influence the effectiveness of the reform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The zoonotic pathogen avian influenza A H5N8 causes enormous economic losses in the poultry industry and poses a serious threat to the public health. Here, we report the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the worldwide prevalence of birds. We filtered 45 eligible articles from seven databases. A random-effects model was used to analyze the prevalence of H5N8 in birds. The pooled prevalence of H5N8 in birds was 1.6%. In the regions, Africa has the highest prevalence (8.0%). Based on the source, village (8.3%) was the highest. In the sample type, the highest prevalence was organs (79.7%). In seasons, the highest prevalence was autumn (28.1%). The largest prevalence in the sampling time was during 2019 or later (7.0%). Furthermore, geographical factors also were associated with the prevalence. Therefore, we recommend site-specific prevention and control tools for this strain in birds and enhance the surveillance to reduce the spread of H5N8. • Potential risk factors of global transmission of H5N8 in birds were assessed. • Africa was the region with the highest prevalence of H5N8 in birds. • The incidence of H5N8 in birds was also impacted by different geographical and climatic conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The codling moth Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) is a major invasive pest of pome fruits and walnuts worldwide. Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) and abamectin (AM) have been frequently used in C. pomonella control, but control of this pest is very difficult because shortly after hatching, larvae of this insect bore tunnels and hide inside host plant fruit. In this study, a simulated field spray bioassay method was developed against neonate larvae of C. pomonella and concentration-response bioassays were conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of the neonate larvae to LCT and AM. Exposure of neonate larvae to sublethal concentration (LC 30) of LCT or AM significantly reduced the survival rate of larvae (4th and 5th instars), lowered the mean weight of larvae and pupae, and decreased the daily maximal number of eggs laid and the total number of eggs laid (fecundity) per female. The sublethal effects, including reduced body mass, mean fecundity and net reproductive rate, extended mean generation time, and shortened oviposition period, were also found in transgenerational offspring. Furthermore, the transgenerational maternal effects were more obvious for AM than LCT, in comparison to the control. Additionally, the estimated population size was decreased by exposure to LC 30 of LCT and AM, and the observed reduction of fecundity and population size within and across generations was likely the result of the downregulation of the reproduction-related vitellogenin gene (CpVg) after exposure to LC 30 of LCT and AM. These results provide a better understanding of the overall effects of LCT and AM on C. pomonella and the transgenerational effects which should be taken into consideration when using insecticides in order to control C. pomonella. [Display omitted] • Developed a simulated field spray bioassay method against neonate larvae of C. pomonella. • Exposure of neonate larvae to sublethal concentrations of insecticides has negative effects on key life history traits and reproduction. • The sublethal effects were found in transgenerational offspring, including reduced weight and fecundity, extended generation time, and shortened oviposition period. • Transgenerational maternal effects were more obvious for abamectin than lambda-cyhalothrin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider rotating periodic solutions of the Hamiltonian system x ˙ = J H ′ (t , x) , x ∈ R 2 N , having the form x (t + T) = Q x (t) , ∀ t ∈ R , for some T > 0 and a symplectic orthogonal matrix Q. We study the system under a general twist condition: the nonlinear term H ′ (t , x) is required to be of linear growth but not necessarily to be asymptotically linear at infinity. The twist is reflected in the difference of the generalized Morse index at the origin and at infinity. By combining a finite dimensional reduction method, Morse theory and minimax principle, we establish the existence and multiplicity of nontrivial rotating periodic solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effect of ultrasonic, heating, and enzymatic treatments on the structural and emulsifying attributes of walnut protein isolate (WNPI) was assessed and compared. Ultrasonic, heating, and enzymatic treatments all effectively improved WNPI's emulsifying capacity and stability, especially ultrasonication. Ultrasonication (400 W, 30 min) obviously made WNPI's structure looser and more unfolded, in turn led to 1.57-fold and 2.67-fold increase in EAI and ESI of WNPI, respectively. Besides, the exposure of WNPI′ hydrophobic groups induced by sonication, reflected in a 3.64-fold increase in WNPI's surface hydrophobicity, may also contributes to the increase of WNPI's emulsifying properties. Furthermore, the emulsion stabilized by UT-WNPI exhibited the best lipid and protein oxidative stabilities during storage at 55 °C for 7 days. Compared to emulsion stabilized by the untreated WNPI, hydroperoxide, TBARS, and protein carbonyl contents in the emulsion stabilized by UT-WNPI decreased by 46.92%, 40.74%, and 33.89%, respectively. Our results clarify ultrasonication is the best for improving the emulsifying properties of walnut protein, thereby broadening walnut protein's application in the emulsified food. [Display omitted] • Developing walnut protein as a potential emulsifier in the food industry. • The sonicated walnut protein exhibited the best emulsifying properties. • The sonicated walnut protein stabilized emulsion had the best oxidative stability. • The sonication converted walnut protein's α-helix into random coil. • The sonication improved walnut protein's surface hydrophobicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Synthesis of ROS-responsive camptothecin prodrugs containing allyl phenyl selenides (CPTSe1-CPTSe7). • CPTSe1-CPTSe7 showed good selectivity for tumor cells over normal cells. • CPTSe1 was more stable than CPT-B. • CPTSe1 enabled real-time monitoring of CPT release and H 2 O 2 detection in tumor cells. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive prodrugs have received significant attention due to their capacity to target tumors to relieve the side effects caused by chemotherapy. Herein, a series of novel H 2 O 2 -activated theranostic prodrugs (CPTSe1-CPTSe7) were developed containing allyl phenyl selenide moieties as H 2 O 2 acceptors. Compared with conventional boronate ester-based prodrug CPT-B , CPTSe1 was more stable in human plasma and showed a more complete release of camptothecin (CPT) in H 2 O 2 inducing experiment. The selectively activated fluorescence signals of CPTSe1 in tumor cells make it useful for real-time monitoring of CPT release and H 2 O 2 detection. Furthermore, excellent selectivity of CPTSe1 was achieved for tumor cells over normal cells. Our results provide a new platform for the development of H 2 O 2 -responsive theranostic prodrugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic cardiovascular complication is a common systemic disease with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. We hypothesise that exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs-exos) can rescue these disorders and alleviate vascular remodeling in diabetes. Morphological, non-targeted metabolomics and 4D label-free proteomics techniques were used to analyze the aortas of db/m mice as normal control group (NCA), saline treated db/db mice (DMA), and hUCMSCs-exos treated db/db mice (DMTA), and to clarify the molecular mechanism of the protection of hUCMSCs-exos in vascular remodeling from a new point of view. The results showed that 74 metabolites were changed significantly in diabetic aortas, of which 15 were almost restored by hUCMSCs-exos. In proteomics, 30 potential targets such as Stromal cell-derived factor 2-like protein 1, Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor, Peroxisomal membrane protein and E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase MYCBP2 were detected. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway-based analysis showed that Central carbon metabolism in cancer and Galactose metabolism pathway were up-regulated to near normal by hUCMSCs-exos in metabolomics, with janus associated kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway displayed in proteomics. According to bioinformatics and integrated analysis, these targeted molecules of hUCMSCs-exos to attenuate the vascular remodeling were mainly associated with regulation of energy metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular communications. This study provided a reference for the therapy of diabetes-induced cardiovascular complications. [Display omitted] • Diabetic cardiovascular complication is a common systemic disease worldwide. • Metabolomics and proteomics are used to identify potential markers and mechanisms. • Exosomes from mesenchymal stem cells alleviate aortic remodeling in diabetic mice. • JAK-STAT signaling is enriched by proteomics in exosomes interference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pine nut oil (PNO) was gelled by solvent exchange and absorption methods through soy protein-tannic acid covalent hydrogel. The current study aimed to compare the in vitro digestion of oleogels prepared by different methods: solvent exchange (network oleogel [SNO] and particulate oleogel [SPO]) and absorption methods (AO), and probe the effect of oleogelation on oxidation. Results showed that the preparation affected the physicochemical properties of oleogels; during in vitro digestion, lipolysis was delayed for the oleogels as compared to that for PNO, and the extent of lipolysis followed the order of AO > SNO > SPO > PNO. The fatty acid profile in the micelle fraction demonstrated enhanced solubilization of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), especially pinolenic acid. During storage, oleogels had lower peroxide, thiobarbituric acid, and conjugated diene values than PNO, indicating superior oxidation stability. Thus, this work provides valuable directions for designing a delivery system to facilitate UFAs digestion and improve the oxidation stability of PNO. [Display omitted] • Tannic acid modified-soy protein can structure liquid oil. • Lipolysis kinetic during gastrointestinal tract digestion was affected by oleogel preparation. • Oleogel could increase bioavailability of unsaturated fatty acid. • Oleogel could improve the oxidative stability of pine nut oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sixteen male participants were enrolled in a randomized crossover control study involving three sleep-deprivation sessions. • The study investigated the effect of modafinil on working memory decline caused by sleep deprivation, by studying ERPs. • Modafinil may effectively improve the decline in pronunciation-related working memory after sleep deprivation. We aimed to explore whether modafinil mitigates the working memory decline induced by 36 h of acute total sleep deprivation (36-h TSD). Sixteen healthy male participants were enrolled in a randomized double-blind crossover control study involving three sleep-deprivation sessions. Participants were administered 400 mg of placebo, caffeine, or modafinil during these sessions. Behavior and EEG data were recorded while participants performed pronunciation-related working memory tasks. Behavioral indicators showed that, compared with placebo, modafinil improved the accuracy of pronunciation-related working memory tasks and reduced the response time. Compared with before sleep deprivation, the amplitudes of the event-related potentials (ERPs) increased in the N2 component and decreased in the P3 component after sleep deprivation in the placebo condition. In the caffeine condition, the amplitude of the P3 component decreased, the latency of the N2 component was prolonged, and the N2 amplitude remained unchanged. In the modafinil condition, the P3 latency was shortened, and no significant difference was found in the amplitude of the N2 or P3 ERPs; no significant difference was recorded in the N2 latency. Modafinil (400 mg) effectively ameliorated the decline in pronunciation-related working memory after 36-h TSD, suggesting that it may effectively counteract cognitive decline caused by acute sleep deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural odour compounds could be a potential alternative to synthetic herbicides. The odour compound of Periploca sepium Bunge, named 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde (HMB), is a herbicidal compound. However, its herbicidal mechanism is unclear. In this experiment, the physiological and biochemical indices, ultrastructure, and photosynthetic function of the leaves of Humulus scandens (Lour.) Merr. treated by HMB were assessed to elucidate the herbicidal mechanism. The results of physiological and biochemical indices are as follows: First, after 4 h of treatment with 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL, the damage rates in the membrane permeation assay were 74.7% and 89.1%, respectively. Second, compared to the negative control group, multiple physiological and biochemical indices of the two treated groups were changed, including catalase content (−18.5 and −26.5 ng/mL), superoxide dismutase content (−27.4 and −56.6 ng/mL), peroxidase content (382.0 and 880.0 ng/mL), reactive oxygen species content (16.7 and 27.2 ng/mL), malondialdehyde content (8.9 and 25.2 nmol/g), and water potential values (0.2 and 0.3 MPa), except for the photosynthetic pigment contents (chlorophyll a, b, and carotene). Furthermore, the results of transmission electron microscopy showed that the organelles in the mesophyll tissue cells disappeared and severe plasmolysis led to cell atrophy after 4 h of treatment. There were fewer starch granules after 24 h of treatment, but there was no obvious abnormality in the upper and lower epidermal cells. The results of photosynthetic function showed that in the light response, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and stomatal limitation value of the tested leaves were lower than those of the negative control group by 26.6 μmol·m−2·s−1, 7.7 mmol·m−2·s−1, 0.9 mol·m−2·s−1, and 0.2, respectively. However, the intercellular CO 2 concentration (Ci) increased and was higher than the air CO 2 concentration. In the CO 2 response, the Pn, Tr and Gs of the tested leaves first increased and then decreased, but the Ci value continuously increased and finally reached 1727.5 μmol·mol−1. It is obvious that HMB may have inhibited the effect on the photosynthetic system of the tested leaves. Overall, HMB killed the weeds by destroying the structure and multiple physiological functions of the tested leaves. [Display omitted] • The odor compound from Periploca sepium Bunge, named 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde (HMB), is an herbicidal compound. • HMB have significantly affected the leaf physiology of Humulus scandens (Lour.) Merr. • The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results showed that the organelles in the mesophyll cells of leaves disappeared. • The results of photosynthetic function showed that HMB have inhibited net photosynthetic rate (Pn) of test leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A NMR method having the multiple-targeting signal selectivity was developed. • Optimal control was used to efficiently prepare singlet order of multiple-spin system. • Several targeted molecules and/or chemical groups were probed simultaneously. Selectively probing specific molecules in complex mixtures with nuclear magnetic resonance promises new insights into molecular structures or molecular interaction. Such a study often can be further facilitated when two or more objects in chemical moieties of interest can be precisely targeted. Herein, we proposed a novel method to implement the multiple-targeting signal selection by optimal control of the spin singlets of two or more targeted spin systems from one or more molecules. This method can endow the conventional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), magnetic resonance image (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectrum (MRS) with the multiple-targeting signal selectivity to selectively probe several targeted molecules and/or chemical groups simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel high birefringence hollow-core anti-resonant THz PCF based on COC is proposed. • The cladding of the fiber is composed of four node-less sector-type tubes. • A high birefringence window from 0.7 to 1.18 THz is obtained. • At 0.83 THz, the lowest transmission loss of 0.172 dB/m and birefringence of 1.06 × 10−3 is realized. • A flatten dispersion and an excellent bending performance are obtained. A novel high birefringence hollow-core anti-resonant terahertz photonic crystal fiber based on cycloolefin copolymer (COC) is proposed. The cladding of the fiber is composed of four sector-type tubes with node-less structure. The properties of birefringence, confinement loss, effective material absorption loss, and power fraction are analyzed by using the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. The numerical simulation results show that a high birefringence window (B >8×10−4) in the frequency range of 0.7–1.18 THz is obtained when the tube thickness is 0.09 mm. At 0.83 THz, the lowest transmission loss of 0.172 dB/m is attained, and the corresponding birefringence is 1.06×10−3. In addition, the bending loss and dispersion characteristics of the proposed fiber are investigated. It is found that a flatten and low dispersion in the frequency range of 0.7–1.47 THz, and an excellent bending performance in the y -direction with critical bending radius of 22 cm are obtained simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In contrast to conventional cancer treatment, in personalized cancer medicine each patient receives a specific treatment. The response to therapy, clinical outcomes, and tumor behavior such as metastases, tumor progression, carcinogenesis can be significantly affected by the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment (TME) and interpersonal differences. Therefore, using native tumor microenvironment mimicking models is necessary to improving personalized cancer therapy. Both in vitro 2D cell culture and in vivo animal models poorly recapitulate the heterogeneous tumor (immune) microenvironments of native tumors. The development of 3D culture models, native tumor microenvironment mimicking models, made it possible to evaluate the chemoresistance of tumor tissue and the functionality of drugs in the presence of cell-extracellular matrix and cell-cell interactions in a 3D construction. Various personalized tumor models have been designed to preserving the native tumor microenvironment, including patient-derived tumor xenografts and organoid culture strategies. In this review, we will discuss the patient-derived organoids as a native tumor microenvironment mimicking model in personalized cancer therapy. In addition, we will also review the potential and the limitations of organoid culture systems for predicting patient outcomes and preclinical drug screening. Finally, we will discuss immunotherapy drug screening in tumor organoids by using microfluidic technology. • In personalized cancer medicine, each patient receives a specific treatment. • The tumor microenvironment and interpersonal differences can affect treatment. • Organoid culture systems fully recapitulate the tumor microenvironments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a widespread environmental pollutant that is a threat to humans and livestock and remains a global concern to public health. It has negative effects on both humans and animals that are in a continuously exposed environment. The compromised intestinal barrier caused by OTA has aroused widespread concern. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of OTA-induced tight junction (TJ) protein damage and the relevant components of the intestinal barrier through in viv o whole transcriptome analysis combined with in vitro functional verification. Bioinformatics analysis in OTA-treated Balb/c mice demonstrated that regulated TJ protein related mRNAs were perturbed, and activated the WNT/Ca2+ signaling pathway possibly regulated by key lncRNAs and miRNAs. Competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network analysis revealed that lncRNA Zeb1 regulated FZD4 binding with WNT5a to release Ca2+ by targeting miR-1258-x and reduced the expression of TJ proteins, thus damaging the function of the intestinal barrier. An in vitro experiment with Caco-2 cells verified that an increase in Ca2+ level was involved in OTA-induced decreases in the expression of TJ proteins. Taken together, these results will help to identify targets in the intestinal barrier that are compromised by OTA, and will provide the basis for preventing the associated hazard and risk. [Display omitted] • In vivo whole transcriptome combined with in vitro verification was firstly performed to profile the mRNAs and ncRNAs changes response to OTA treatment. • OTA induced TJ proteins damage through WNT/Ca2+ signaling pathway, vitro verification proved that WNT/Ca2+ signal cascade did play a key role in regulating expression of TJ proteins. • lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network expounding the compromised TJ proteins of OTA are constructed based on the data of the whole transcriptome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A luminous Zn-MOF(1), formulated as [Zn 2 (3-DBB) (1,4-bib) 1.5 (Ac)]·H 2 O (3-H 3 DBB ​= ​3-(3,5-dicarboxylato benzyloxy) benzoic acid and 1,4-bib ​= ​1,4-bis (1-imidazoly)benzene) has been prepared hydrothermally. Structural analysis shows that Zn ions linked by 3-DBB3- into 2D brick-wall-like double layer-like structure, further assembling 3D framework by 1,4-bib pillared ligands. The Zn-MOF has been discovered to selectively detect Dy3+ by the luminescent enhancement with the detection limit (LOD) of 1.16 ​× ​10−5 ​M, and is highly selective and sensitive to nitrobenzene (LOD:1.40 ​× ​10−6 ​M) and aniline (LOD:2.03 ​× ​10−7 ​M) as well. The theoretical calculation and absorption spectra results verify the correctness of organic solvents detection. Therefore, the material might be used as a multi-response luminescent sensor. [Display omitted] A luminous 3D Zn-MOF is assembled by the 1,4-bib-pillared ligands with 2D brick-wall-like double layer-like structure and prepared hydrothermally. The Zn-MOF has been discovered to high selectively detect Dy3+, and is highly selective and sensitive to nitrobenzene and aniline as well. The theoretical calculation and absorption spectra results verify the correctness of nitrobenzene detection. Therefore, the Zn-MOF might be used as a multi-response luminescent sensor. • A luminous Zn-MOF based on a flexible 3-(3,5-dicarboxylato benzyloxy) benzoic acid and a long N-donor ligand. • The excellent fluorescent properties of Zn-MOFs in solid state or in aqueous solution. • Highly sensitively detection for Dy3+, and to nitrobenzene and aniline as well in aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cigarette seriously affects human health, and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), considered as cigarette substitutes, become popular as its contribution to quit smoking. But scientific evidence about the absolute safety of e-cigarette is insufficient. Previous studies also have indicated that different dosages of cigarette can lead to different biological effects. Thus, the impact of cigarette at toxicological dose such as IC50 compared with that of e-cigarette are highly needed. In this study, we investigated the effects of cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) at toxicological dose compared with e-cigarette smoke condensate (ECSC) in equivalent nicotine level. Nicotine content of CSC and ECSC were determined by UPLC. Human lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were exposed to 0–32 μg/ml of CSC and ECSC for 24 h to determine IC50 of cell viability and morphological assessment. Inflammation, apoptosis, cell cycle analysis and RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis were performed to characterize the differences between CSC and ECSC. We found that acute exposure of BEAS-2B cells to CSC at IC50 leaded to morphological change, inflammatory cytokines production and cell apoptosis, while ECSC did not exert such cell effects in equivalent nicotine level. The transcriptome analysis showed that differentially expressed genes in CSC were far more than that in ECSC, and mainly enriched in the category of cell cycle, DNA repair, cancer, and metabolic related pathways. Such cell cycle arrest was further experimentally confirmed. These results suggested that toxicological dose of ECSC might be much higher than that of CSC. Based on equivalent nicotine content, an acute exposure to CSC had significant impacts on cell effects and gene expression profile compared to ECSC. Our results provided a reference for the safety studies of conventional cigarette and e-cigarette. • IC50 of cell viability or toxicological dose of ECSC might be much higher than those of CSC. • An acute exposure to CSC had significant impacts on cell effects and gene expression profile compared to ECSC. • We provided a good reference for the safety studies of conventional cigarette and e-cigarette. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dewatering is the first step in the subsequent treatment and disposal of food waste digestate (FWD). However, FWD is difficult to dewatering. In this study, persulfate was synergistic oxidized by ozone to improve digestate dewaterability. The optimal conditions was at pH = 3, O 3 ＝40 mg/g TS and PDS＝0.1 g/g TS, under which the reductions in the normalized capillary suction time (NCST) and bound moisture (BM) of the FWD were 89.97% and 65.79%, respectively. Hydrophilic functional groups (oxygen- and nitrogen-containing groups) and hydrophilic protein molecular structures were decomposed by the reactive species of sulfate radical (SO 4 ·-) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) generated in the ozone-persulfate oxidation process, disrupting the binding between EPS and water molecules. The contributions of SO 4 ·- and ·OH to digestate dewaterability were 42.51% and 28.55%. In addition, the introduction of H+ reduced electrostatic repulsion and contributed to the condensation of digestate flocs. The environmental implication assessment and economic analysis suggested that the O 3 /PDS oxidation process was cost-effective and has a low environmental implication when applied to the FWD dewaterability improvement process. These results can serve as a reference for the management of FWD and further improvement of FWD treatment and disposal efficiency. [Display omitted] • Ozone was effective in PDS activation for digestate dewaterability improvement. • Protein in ECPS were effectively decomposed at the presence of active radicals. • SO 4 ·- was the dominated radical species in ozone-persulfate oxidation process. • Acidic conditions can accelerate the formation of SO 4 ·-. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NiFe(OH)F@NiFe 1-x S, NiCo(OH)F@NiCo 1-x S, CoFe(OH)F@CoFe 1-x S autogenous heterostructure on Ni foam are constructed through hydrothermal and the following electrodeposition route. This work authenticates the feasibility of developing autogenous heterostructure electrocatalysts for the production of hydrogen and oxygen in alkaline and seawater. [Display omitted] • The M I M II (OH)F@M I M II1-x S autogenous heterostructure on Ni foam are constructed successfully. • The heterostructure modulates local electronic environment and generates hydroxyl oxides with high electrocatalytic activity. • The core–shell structure and the neat morphology favors the exposure of more active sites. • The M I M II (OH)F@M I M II1-x S demonstrate outstanding overpotential for HER and OER in alkaline and simulated seawater. • This work develops autogenous heterostructured electrocatalysts for the production of hydrogen and oxygen. Constructing heterostructure is considered as one of the most promising strategies to reveal high efficiency hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. Nevertheless, it is highly challenging to obtain stable interfaces and sufficient active sites via conventional method. In addition, Ni, Co and Fe elements share the valence electron structures of 3d6-84s2, the appropriate integration of these metals to induce synergistic effect in multicomponent electrocatalysts can enhance electrochemical activity. Herein, in this work, the M I M II (OH)F@M I M II1-x S (NiFe(OH)F@NiFe 1-x S, NiCo(OH)F@NiCo 1-x S, CoFe(OH)F@CoFe 1-x S) autogenous heterostructure on nickel foam are constructed. As a result, NiFe(OH)F@NiFe 1-x S-0.05, NiCo(OH)F@NiCo 1-x S-0.05, and CoFe(OH)F@CoFe 1-x S-0.05 demonstrate outstanding overpotential for HER (70 mV, 90 mV, 81 mV at −10 mA cm−2) and OER (370 mV, 470 mV, 370 mV at 10 mA cm−2) in alkaline electrolyte, while the overpotential for HER is 176 mV, 189 mV, 167 mV at −10 mA cm−2 and corresponding OER is 290 mV, 390 mV, 300 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in simulated seawater, respectively. In addition, the NiFe, NiCo, CoFe-based electrolyzer acquire favorable overall water splitting activity in alkaline (1.72 V, 1.87 V, 1.66 V) and simulated seawater (1.73 V, 1.75 V, 1.69 V) at 10 mA cm−2. Overall, the above results authenticate the feasibility of developing autogenous heterostructure electrocatalysts for providing hydrogen and oxygen in alkaline and simulated seawater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For Hamiltonian systems with high-order degenerate perturbation, we study the persistence of resonant invariant tori, where the resonant tori might be elliptic, hyperbolic or mixed types. As a consequence, we prove a quasiperiodic Poincaré theorem at high degeneracy. This answers a long standing conjecture on the persistence of resonant invariant tori in general situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (ADH1) is an alcohol-oxidizing enzyme with poorlydefined biology. Here we report that ADH1 is highly expressed in kidneys of mice with lethal endotoxemia and is transcriptionally upregulated in tubular cells by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimuli through TLR4/NF-κB cascade. The Adh1 knockout (Adh1 KO) mice with lethal endotoxemia displayed increased susceptibility to acute kidney injury (AKI) but not systemic inflammatory response. Adh1 KO mice develop more severe tubular cell apoptosis in comparison to Adh1 wild-type (Adh1 WT) mice during course of lethal endotoxemia. ADH1 deficiency facilitates the LPS-induced tubular cell apoptosis in a caspase-dependent manner. Mechanistically, ADH1 deficiency dampens tubular mitophagy that relies on PINK1-Parkin pathway characterized by the reduced membrane potential, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of fragmented mtDNA to cytosol. Kidney-specific overexpression of PINK1 and Parkin by adeno-associated viral vector 9 (AAV9) delivery ameliorates AKI exacerbation in Adh1 KO mice with lethal endotoxemia. Our study supports the notion that ADH1 is critical for blockade of tubular apoptosis mediated by mitophagy, allowing the rapid identification and targeting of alcohol-metabolic route applicable to septic AKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genomic characterization of emerging pathogens is critical for unraveling their origin and tracking their dissemination. Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is a rapidly emerging pathogen in Asia including China. Although the first Lumpy skin disease (LSD) outbreak was reported in 2019, the origin, transmission, and evolutionary trajectory of LSDV in China have remained obscure. The viral genome of a circulating LSDV strain in China, abbreviated LSDV/FJ/CHA/2021, was sequenced using the next-generation sequencing technique. The morphology and cytoplasmic viral factory of these LSDV isolates were observed using transmission electron microscopy. Subsequently, the genomic characterization of this LSDV isolate was systematically analyzed for the first time using the bioinformatics software. The current study revealed that several mutations in the genome of LSDV isolates circulating in China were identified using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) analysis, an instrument to evaluate for continuous adaptive evaluation of a virus. Furthermore, phylogenomic analysis was used to identify the lineage using the whole genome sequences of 44 LSDV isolates. The result revealed that the isolates from China were closely similar to that of the LSDV isolates from Vietnam, which are divided into a monophyletic lineage sub-group I. The SNPs and Simplot analysis indicate no significant occurrence of the recombinant event on the genome of LSDV isolates in China. Notably, the live virus challenge experiment demonstrated that the pathogenic characterization of this LSDV isolate belongs to a virulent strain. Collectively, we gain the first insight into the evolutionary trajectory, spatiotemporal transmission, and pathogenic characterization of circulating LSDV in China. This study provides a unique reference for risk assessment, guiding diagnostics, and prevention in epizootic and non-epizootic areas. • The viral genome of LSDV/FJ/CHA/2021 was sequenced for using the NGS technique. • Several mutations in the genome of LSDV isolates circulating in China were identified. • The isolate from China was closely similar to that of the LSDV isolates from Vietnam. • The SNPs and Simplot analysis indicate no significant occurrence of the recombinant event on the genome of LSDV isolates in China. • The pathogenic characterization of this isolate belongs to a virulent strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel liquid nitrogen quenching treatment is creatively proposed to induced lattice tensile strain of nitrogen/fluorine co-doping Fe 3 O 4 nanocubes assembled on the discarded chrysanthemum tea derived porous carbon as the potential electrocatalyst for optimizing hydrogen evolution. [Display omitted] In this work, the lattice tensile strain of nitrogen/fluorine co-doping ferroferric oxide (Fe 3 O 4) nanocubes assembled on chrysanthemum tea-derived porous carbon is induced through a novel liquid nitrogen quenching treatment (named as TS-NF-FO/PC X -Y, TS: Tensile strain, NF: Nitrogen/Fluorine co-doping, FO: Fe 3 O 4 , PC: Porous carbon, X: The weight ratio of KOH/carbon, Y: The adding amount of porous carbon). Besides, the electrocatalytic activity influenced by the adding amount of porous carbon, the type of dopant, and the introduction of lattice tensile strain is systematically studied and explored. The interconnected porous carbon could improve electrical conductivity and prevent Fe 3 O 4 nanocubes from aggregating. The induced nitrogen/fluorine could cause extrinsic defects and tailor the intrinsic electron state of the host materials. Lattice tensile strain could tailor the surface electronic structure of Fe 3 O 4 via changing the dispersion of surface atoms and their bond lengths. Impressively, the designed TS-NF-FO/PC 5 -0.25 delivers a low overpotential of 207.3 ± 0.4 mV at 10 mA/cm2 and demonstrates desirable reaction dynamics. Density functional theory calculations illustrate that the electron structure and hydrogen adsorption free energy (ΔG *H) are optimized by the synergistic effect among porous carbon, nitrogen/fluorine co-doping and lattice tensile strain, thus promoting hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalytic activity. Overall, this work paves the way to unravel the enhancement mechanism of HER on transition metal oxide-based materials by electronic structure and phase composition modulation strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis of waste sludge in sewage treatment can achieve a substantial reduction in solid waste and obtain sludge-based biochars with multiple functions. However, the electrochemical properties of sludge-derived biochar as electrode modification material and the electrocatalytic ability of biochar-modified electrodes are still unclear. In this study, sludge-based biochars were prepared at various pyrolysis temperatures (400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C, 700 °C, and 800 °C) and then were cast on glassy carbon electrodes to fabricate composite biochar-electrodes (GC400, GC500, GC600, GC700, and GC800). The results of elemental analysis and Raman spectra showed that sludge-based biochar prepared at higher temperatures exhibited higher aromaticity and degree of defect structures. And the results of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectra confirmed that biochar-modified electrodes prepared at higher temperatures (>600 °C) possessed better electrocatalytic activity and electrochemical stability, and their higher oxygen evolution potential than control test could improve the electrocatalytic efficiency. In the electrocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange, the removal rate with GC800 was the highest, reaching 94.49% within 240 min, and the removal rates with other composite electrodes were 90.61% (GC700) > 86.96% (GC600) > 80.32% (GC). The free radical quenching experiment revealed that the electrocatalytic degradation of methyl orange mainly depended on the indirect oxidation of hydroxyl radicals generated by electrocatalysis, accounting for 81.3% of the removal rate. The biochar-modified electrode not only greatly improved the electrocatalytic ability of the electrode for the degradation of azo dyes, but also achieved the recycling application of products after pyrolysis of sludge waste. [Display omitted] • Sludge-based biochars were prepared at various pyrolysis temperatures (400–800 °C). • Sludge-derived biochars were used as electrode modification materials. • Biochar-modified electrode (>600 °C) possessed better electrocatalytic activity. • The oxygen evolution potential of biochar-modified electrodes increased up to 1.85 V. • The removal rate of methyl orange by electrocatalysis with GC800 reached 94.49%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

KDM2A is a histone demethylase, which primarily catalyzes the demethylation of H3K36me2. Abnormal expression of KDM2A is observed in many types of cancers; however, the molecular events connected to KDM2A expression remain unclear. We report that KDM2A performs an oncogenic function in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and is robustly expressed in ESCC cells. ShRNA-mediated knockdown of KDM2A resulted in a significant inhibition of the malignant phenotype of ESCC cell lines, whereas ectopic expression of KDM2A showed the opposite effect. We also analyzed the function of KDM2A using a CRISPR-CAS9 depletion system and subsequent rescue experiment, which also indicated a cancerous role of KDM2A. Interestingly, analysis of the gene expression network controlled by KDM2A using RNA-seq revealed an unexpected feature: KDM2A could induce expression of a set of well-documented oncogenic genes, including IL6 and LAT2, while simultaneously suppressing another set of oncogenes, including MAT2A and HMGCS1. Targeted inhibition of the upregulated oncogene in the KDM2A-depleted cells led to a synergistic suppressive effect on the malignant phenotype of ESCC cells. Our results revealed the dual role of KDM2A in ESCC cells, which may have therapeutic implications. • Ablation of KDM2A attenuates the malignant phenotype of ESCC cell lines. • Augmented expression of KDM2A promotes the malignant phenotype of ESCC cells. • KDM2A activates one set of oncogenic genes and represses another set of cancerous genes simultaneously. • Inhibition of activated oncogenes generates a synergistic antitumor effect in KDM2A-deficient ESCC cells. • The dual role of KDM2A may be used to develop a combination treatment for ESCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afforestation plays a crucial role in environmental management for many countries. Yet, frequently extreme high temperature (EHT) events in arid and semi-arid regions easily cause the death of artificially planted saplings. To address this, we present a new in-situ supplementary irrigation device (SID) consisting of a rainwater catching board, a storage tank, and ceramic emitters. A continuous EHT experiment combined with the HYDRUS-2D model in North China is further conducted to investigate the soil water-heat properties of the in-situ SID and the growth performance of the planted saplings (Platycladus orientalis) under EHT. The results show that in-situ SID keeps a stable and suitable soil water-heat status in the root layer of the planted saplings under EHT. Especially, the in-situ SID with one ceramic emitter maintains the soil water moisture in a narrow and suitable range from 0.149 cm3 cm−3 to 0.153 cm3 cm−3, and reduces the maximum soil temperature by 2.7 °C compared to the traditional irrigation method. Furthermore, the in-situ SID with one ceramic emitter presents the highest average leaf water content (66.9%), new shoot (35.0 mm), and tree height (62.0 mm). The economic benefit analysis finds that the in-situ SID provides a shorter time to recover high funds and saves a large amount of irrigation water resources. Overall, this study provides an effective irrigation device for forest managers to improve the ecological service effectiveness of afforestation in areas with frequent EHT events and scarce water resources. [Display omitted] • A new supplemental irrigation device (SID) using the ceramic emitter is presented. • A HYDRUS-2D model for assessing soil water-heat status is proposed and verified. • SID creates a suitable soil water-heat status under extreme high temperature events. • SID using one ceramic emitter is recommended to promote growth of the young forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explore the nonequilibrium dynamics of ring dark solitons in a two-dimensional binary Bose–Einstein condensate with tunable Rydberg interactions by numerical simulation of the time-dependent Gross–Pitaevskii equation. Our results show that both the vortex dynamics and self-structured pattern formation show strong dependence on the periodic modulation of Rydberg interactions. For the cases without periodic modulation of the interactions, or the periodic modulation part is almost equal to the fixed part, the system exhibits exotic vortex dynamics without self-structured pattern formation. Finally, the effect of periodically varying Rydberg interactions on the lifetime of ring dark soliton is also considered. • The dynamics of ring dark soliton with tunable nonlocal Rydberg interaction is considered. • The vortex dynamics and self-structured pattern formation are predicted. • The effect of periodically varying Rydberg interactions on the lifetime of ring dark soliton is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expansion of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and abnormal glucose metabolism are present in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is one of the key glycolytic enzymes, and the underlying mechanism of PKM2-mediated Tfh cell glycolysis in SLE pathogenesis remains elusive. We analyzed the percentage of Tfh cells and glycolysis in CD4+ T cells from SLE patients and healthy donors and performed RNA sequencing analysis of peripheral blood CD4+ T cells and differentiated Tfh cells from SLE patients. Following Tfh cell development in vitro and following treatment with PKM2 activator TEPP-46, PKM2 expression, glycolysis, and signaling pathway proteins were analyzed. Finally, diseased MRL/lpr mice were treated with TEPP-46 and assessed for treatment effects. We found that Tfh cell percentage and glycolysis levels were increased in SLE patients and MRL/lpr mice. TEPP-46 induced PKM2 tetramerization, thereby inhibiting Tfh cell glycolysis levels. On the one hand, TEPP-46 reduced the dimeric PKM2 entering the nucleus and reduced binding to the transcription factor BCL6. On the other hand, TEPP-46 inhibited the AKT/GSK-3β pathway and glycolysis during Tfh cell differentiation. Finally, we confirmed that TEPP-46 effectively alleviated inflammatory damage in lupus-prone mice and reduced the expansion of Tfh cells in vivo. Our results demonstrate the involvement of PKM2-mediated glycolysis in Tfh cell differentiation and SLE pathogenesis, and PKM2 could be a key therapeutic target for the treatment of SLE. • Tfh cell glycolysis can be reduced by modulating the tetramerization of PKM2, thereby inhibiting Tfh cell differentiation. • The PKM2 activator TEPP-46 reduced the interaction between PKM2 and BCL6 in the nucleus and decreased glycolysis by inhibiting the AKT/GSK-3β pathway. • TEPP-46 effectively alleviated inflammatory damage in lupus-prone mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Cryo-EM structure of hABCB7 was solved at 3.3 Å. • AMP-PNP-Mg2+-bound human ABCB7 exhibits an inward-facing open conformation. • The main substrate-binding pocket of human ABCB7 is positively charged. • Four disease-causing missense mutations of human ABCB7 were mapped to the structure. ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 7 (ABCB7) is localized in the inner membrane of mitochondria, playing a critical role in iron metabolism. Here, we determined the structure of the nonhydrolyzable ATP analog adenosine-5′-(β-γ-imido) triphosphate (AMP-PNP) bound human ABCB7 at 3.3 Å by single-particle electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM). The AMP-PNP-bound human ABCB7 shows an inverted V-shaped homodimeric architecture with an inward-facing open conformation. One AMP-PNP molecule and Mg2+ were identified in each nucleotide-binding domain (NBD) of the hABCB7 monomer. Moreover, four disease-causing missense mutations of human ABCB7 have been mapped to the structure, creating a hotspot map for X-linked sideroblastic anemia and ataxia disease. Our results provide a structural basis for further understanding the transport mechanism of the mitochondrial ABC transporter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] It is a Holy Grail to realize the goal-oriented synthesis of zeotype crystals via direct thermodynamic/kinetic control of crystallization in the simplest inorganic system. Especially, the most commonly used counter cations (i.e., Na+ and K+) are in turn believed to play merely the role of balancing charges and stabilizing frameworks, which make the simple ion-based morphology/porosity control remain big challenges. We re-examined the role of Na+ and K+ to fine-tune the classical/nonclassical crystallization process in a seed-induced system with the simplest composition (Si/Al sources, inorganic alkali, and H 2 O), and proposed an "ion switch" strategy. By analyzing the multiple growth curves, tracking the precursor evolution, and observing epitaxial crystallization behavior, a distinctive "ion switch"-worked nonclassical mechanism was uncovered. By the "ion switch" strategy, ZSM-5 mesocrystals were fine-regulated with diverse architecture from single crystal to nanocrystallite assembly and intracrystal mesopore-enriched crystal. Such simple ions-controlled crystallization was achieved through microstructure heterogeneity of zeolitic building-blocks triggered by different counterions and their corresponding assembly behavior from oriented attachment to random deposition. Furthermore, this protocol can be extended to a wider H 2 O/SiO 2 range, mixed Na+/K+ systems, and other alkali metal ions from Li+ to Cs+, and ZSM-5 mesocrystals with extended morphologies can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Up-regulated chemerin correlates with the risk and the severity of preeclampsia. In this study, we examined impacts and underlying mechanisms by which chemerin regulates pyroptosis and trophoblast inflammation. An in vivo preeclampsia model was established in rats and trophoblasts challenged with hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) with or without exogenous chemerin were used as the in vitro model. Expressions of homeobox A9 (HOXA9), chemerin, chemerin receptor (the chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1)), activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), and markers related to NOD-like receptor pyrin-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were examined by Western blot, and in response to AMPK inhibitor, targeting CMKLR1 or HOXA9. Cell viability and death were examined by CCK-8 and Hoechst staining, respectively. Productions of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum or culture medium were measured by ELISA. Transcriptional regulation of HOXA9 on chemerin was examined by combining expressional analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays. Up-regulations of HOXA9, chemerin, CMKLR1, TXNIP, and NLRP3 inflammasome were observed in both in vivo and in vitro models of preeclampsia, which were associated with increased death of trophoblasts and productions of IL-1β and IL-18. CMKLR1 and activated-AMPK essentially mediated chemerin effects in trophoblasts. HOXA9 directly activated the transcription of chemerin. HOXA9 directly activates the transcription of chemerin, which, by activating the AMPK/TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome, promotes pyroptosis and inflammation of trophoblasts, and contributes to preeclampsia. Therefore, targeting chemerin signaling may benefit the prevention and/or treatment of preeclampsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs, less than 5 mm in size) are widely distributed in surroundings in various forms and ways, and threaten ecosystems security and human health. Its environmental behavior as pollutants carrier and the after-effects exposed to MPs has been extensively exploited; whereas, current knowledge on technologies for the separation and degradation of MPs is relatively limited. It is essential to isolate MPs from surroundings and/or degrade to safe levels. This in-depth review details the origin and distribution of MPs. Provides a comprehensive summary of currently available MPs separation and degradation technologies, and discusses the mechanisms, challenges, and application prospects of these technologies. Comparison of the contribution of various separation methods to the separation of NPs and MPs. Furthermore, the latest research trends and direction in bio-degradation technology are outlooked. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Insufficient awareness of water issues is a crucial bottleneck restricting the sustainable utilization of water resources. To accurately measure citizens' water knowledge stock and overcome the differences between scales and respondents' characteristic levels on test results, the research focuses on developing and evaluating water knowledge stock test scales. The mechanism for identifying indicators is designed based on the grounded theory, and as a result, the water knowledge stock test indicator system is derived. The data was collected by the form of survey questionnaire developed with the test indicator system. A two-parameter multidimensional item response theoretical model is constructed based on item parameter estimation, data model fitting, and item information function. The survey data and optimization model are used to optimize the water knowledge stock test scale and verify the fitting degree with the characteristics of the respondents. The test information function and standard error function indicate that the scale is most informative for individuals with characteristic levels ranging from −2 to 3, resulting in a highly reliable test effect. The research has established a measurement indicator system, methodology, and presented results that serve as a foundation for measuring the stock of water knowledge. • Grounded theory was used to identify the measurement indicators system. • A scale evaluation model based on two-parameter-multidimensional IRT is proposed. • Four items with low information or high psychological impact were removed. • The optimized scale has a reliable test effect on ordinary respondents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been reported to be a risk factor for premature death, while a high diet quality is thought to lower mortality risk. We aimed to examine whether PCBs were associated with higher all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk and whether such associations could be modified by the diet quality among US middle-aged and older adults. Included were 1259 participants aged 40 years or older from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination surveys. Exposure to PCBs was assessed in non-fasting serum samples, and mortality status was ascertained through December 31, 2019 using the public-use, linked mortality files. Diet quality was assessed using the Healthy Eating Index-2015 based on 24-h dietary recalls. Cox proportional hazard regression was applied to assess the associations of different PCB congener groups with mortality and the modifying effect by the diet quality. During a median follow-up of 17.75 years, 419 deaths occurred, including 131 from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and 102 from cancer. Serum concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs and non-dioxin-like PCBs were significantly associated with all-cause mortality, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10, 2.99) and 1.82 (1.09, 3.03) for extreme-tertile comparisons. A significant interaction was noted between dioxin-like PCBs and diet quality (P for interaction: 0.012), with a substantially more pronounced association among participants with a low diet quality (HR, 3.47; 95% CI: 1.29, 9.32), compared to those with a high diet quality (HR, 0.98; 95% CI: 0.40, 2.43). A similar weaker association was observed for total PCBs in participants with a high diet quality (P for interaction: 0.032). However, effect modifications by diet quality were not noted for the associations between different PCB groups and CVD mortality. While our findings need to be validated in other populations and mechanistic studies, they may suggest that a high quality diet could potentially attenuate the harmful effects of chronic PCB exposure. • Serum concentrations of most polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener groups were associated with higher mortality risk. • The positive association was noted predominantly among participants with low diet quality, but not among those with a high diet quality.. • Our findings may suggest that adhering to a healthy diet could potentially attenuate the harmful effects of PCB exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]