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To achieve highly efficient extraction of phosphorus (P) and comprehensive utilization of phosphate tailings, a two-stage leaching-precipitation method was proposed. Phosphate tailings primarily consisted of dolomite, fluorapatite, and quartz. During the first-stage leaching, the large majority of dolomite was selectively dissolved and the leaching efficiency of Mg reached 93.1 % at pH 2.0 and 60 °C. The subsequent second-stage leaching of fluorapatite was performed and the P leaching efficiency was 98.8 % at pH 1.5 and 20 °C, while the quartz remained in the residue. Through two-stage leaching, a stepwise leaching of dolomite and fluorapatite was achieved. After chemical precipitation, calcium phosphate with a high purity of 97.9 % was obtained; and the total recovery efficiency of P exceeded 98 %. The obtained calcium phosphate can be a raw material in the phosphorus chemical industry, while the Mg-rich leachate and the final quartz-rich residue have the potential for Mg extraction and the production of mortars or geopolymers, respectively. The two-stage leaching-precipitation process could significantly reduce the leaching costs, and enhance the reaction rates. It is expected to realize a volume reduction and efficient resource utilization of the phosphate tailings by using this sustainable and promising solution. • A new method of P extraction and utilization of phosphate tailings was proposed. • A stepwise dissolution of dolomite and fluorapatite was achieved. • High-grade calcium phosphates were recovered from the phosphate tailings. • CaHPO 4 and Ca 10 (PO 4) 6 (OH) 2 were obtained at pH 6.0 and 8.0, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A layout plane is a closed loop surrounded by layout keypoints. • The wall structure can be parametrization as an undirected graph. • Layout keypoint prediction is relative to human pose estimation. • Cuboid room assumption is limited in real life. Room layout estimation aims to predict the spatial structure of a room from a single image. Most existing methods relying on 2D cues are suitable for cuboid rooms, but non-cuboid rooms. 3D layout estimation methods can reconstruct 3D models of general rooms, but they are trained with depth information on high collection costs, consume large computation resources, and run slowly. This paper considers an undirected graph representation method of the general room layouts, which includes cuboid and non-cuboid rooms consisting of a single ceiling, a single floor, and multiple walls. To this end, we first predict the positions of the layout vertices and then use the network automatically learn the connection relationship between the vertices. The final layout is obtained through a simple layout inference post-processing algorithm. The experimental results both on cuboid and non-cuboid datasets validate the effectiveness and efficiency of our method. The code is available at https://github.com/Hui-Yao/2D-graph-layout-estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate tailing is an extremely fine by-product during phosphate ore flotation. Due to the large quantities and relatively higher P 2 O 5 content, the phosphate tailings have been considered as a potential P resource, compared to other P-bearing wastes. Besides, phosphate tailings also contain a large amount of available components, such as Ca, Mg, and Si. To explore a low-cost and efficient process for the utilization of phosphate tailings, the hydrochloric acid leaching-precipitation method was employed to recover phosphorus. The P in phosphate tailings can be selectively dissolved into leaching liquor, followed by the precipitation of calcium phosphates from the leaching liquor through pH adjustment. The results showed that P was predominantly concentrated in fluorapatite and its dissolution ratio increased with the decrease in pH. At pH 1.0, the P dissolution efficiency from phosphate tailings reached 96.3%, along with the majority of Mg and Ca. However, Si was hardly dissolved. It demonstrated that almost all the fluorapatite and dolomite were dissolved while the quartz was difficult to dissolve. Dolomite was more preferentially dissolved than fluorapatite. Increasing temperature contributed to the dissolution of dolomite while suppressing fluorapatite dissolution. The residue containing 87.9% SiO 2 (quartz) and only 0.25% P 2 O 5 has the potential as a building material. As the pH increased to 7.0, the collected precipitate consisted of 34.18% P 2 O 5 and 56.10% CaO, which can serve as a source of a slow-released phosphate fertilizer. The highly efficient utilization of phosphate tailings was achieved via this process. • Selective leaching of P from phosphate tailings can be achieved by HCl solution. • Calcium phosphates are obtained from leachate by the precipitation method. • The obtained precipitate can be used as a slow-released phosphate fertilizer. • The residue mainly composed of quartz has the potential to be a building material. • A method for resource utilization of phosphate tailings was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Macrophages in the gut originate from the embryo and the circulation. • Gut macrophages can be anatomically classified into mucosal and muscularis subsets. • Macrophages function as multitaskers in the gut inflammation and fibrosis. • Anti-fibrotic macrophages regulate the regression of gut fibrosis. Intestinal macrophages are heterogenous cell populations with different developmental ontogeny and tissue anatomy. The concerted actions of intestinal macrophage subsets are critical to maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, the dysregulation of macrophages following tissue injury or chronic inflammation could also lead to intestinal fibrosis, with few treatment options in the clinic. In this review, we will characterize the features of intestinal macrophages in light of the latest advances in lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing technology. The roles of macrophages in distinct stages of intestinal fibrosis would be also elaborated. Finally, based on the reciprocal interaction between macrophages and intestinal fibrosis, we will propose the potential macrophage targeting anti-intestinal fibrosis therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

β-thalassemia is associated with multiple hematological and cerebrovascular symptoms linked to a hypercoagulable state that has not been fully replicated in animal models for the development of stroke treatments. Herein we compared the physiological properties and responses to transient cerebral hypoxia-ischemia (tHI) between six-month-old wildtype and heterozygous Th3/+ mice, a model of non-transfusion-dependent β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI). We found that Th3/+ mice developed microcytic anemia, splenomegaly, higher platelet counts, and increased platelet-erythrocyte plus erythrocyte-leukocyte aggregates. Furthermore, Th3/+ mice showed diminished cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) and cortical oxygen saturation under repetitive hypercapnic challenges. When subjected to a sub-threshold tHI insult, platelets and leukocytes in Th3/+ mice adhered to the cerebrovascular wall or formed aggregates, while their counterparts flew through smoothly in wildtype mice. Subsequently, Th3/+ mice showed increased fibrin deposition around cerebral blood vessels and larger infarction than wildtype mice, especially in female Th3/+ mice. Collectively these results showed that Th3/+ mice mimic key clinical features and a propensity to thromboembolism in β-TI patients. The hypercoagulable state in Th3/+ mice is likely caused by multiple hematological and CVR anomalies that are similar, but are not identical to those in the mouse model of sickle cell anemia. As such, we suggest that Th3/+ mice are a useful model to study the pathological mechanisms and prophylactic stroke treatments in thalassemia patients. • Th3/+ mice show platelet- and erythrocyte-aggregation and a hypercoagulable state. • Th3/+ mice show hematological anomalies typical for β-thalassemia intermedia. • Th3/+ mice show accelerated cerebral blood flow and impaired CVR to hypercapnia. • Th3/+ mice show increased sensitive to cerebral hypoxia/ischemia-induced thrombosis. • Th3/+ mice are a useful model to develop therapies of thrombosis in thalassemia patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic ethanol exposure (CEE) is associated with greater neurodegenerative effects and an increased risk of depression disorder. The AMPAR is thought to be involved in depression and a reduction in its GluA1 subunit was observed in the mouse hippocampus after CEE. AMPAkines are positive allosteric modulators of the AMPA receptor and have improved depressive-like behavior. However, the role of AMPARs in CEE-induced depressive-like behavior is not clear. It is unclear whether AMPAkines, positive allosteric agonists of AMPARs, protect against ethanol-induced depression. We investigated the effects of CX516 on ethanol-induced depressive-like behavior in a mouse model. CX516 (5 mg/kg) administration alleviated 20% (m/V) ethanol-induced depressive-like behavior in mice. Furthermore, CX516 significantly diminished the inhibition of the ERK1/2-BDNF-TrkB pathway in the hippocampus of ethanol-exposed mice. In addition, CX516 attenuated the levels of pro-inflammatory (IL-6, IL-1β), apoptosis (BAX, BCL-2), and neurodegeneration (FJC) in the mouse hippocampus induced by CEE. [Display omitted] • CX516 alleviated chronic ethanol exposure (CEE)-induced depressive-like behavior. • CX516 attenuated CEE-induced hippocampal neurodegeneration. • CX516 attenuated CEE-induced apoptosis and inflammation in hippocampus. • CX516 had limited effects on the expression of synaptic proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dual-functional ionic liquid additive, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (BMIHSO 4), is developed to tune the preferential Zn(002) crystallographic texture and simultaneously suppress the hydroxide sulfate accumulation on Zn anode by dynamically manipulating electrolyte pH-surroundings. The effective suppression of Zn dendrite growth enables a Zn symmetrical cell cycling stably to over one year. [Display omitted] Zn anodes suffer from the formation of uncontrolled dendrites aggravated by the uneven electric field and the insulating by-product accumulation in aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs). Here, an effective strategy implemented by 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulfate (BMIHSO 4) additive is proposed to synergistically tune the crystallographic orientation of zinc deposition and suppress the formation of zinc hydroxide sulfate for enhancing the reversibility on Zn anode surface. As a competing cation, BMI+ is proved to preferably adsorb on Zn-electrode compared with H 2 O molecules, which shields the "tip effect" and inhibits the Zn-deposition agglomerations to inducing the horizontal growth along Zn (002) crystallographic texture. Simultaneously, the protonated BMIHSO 4 additives could remove the detrimental OH– in real-time to fundamentally eliminate the accumulation of 6Zn(OH) 2 ·ZnSO 4 ·4H 2 O and Zn 4 SO 4 (OH) 6 ·H 2 O on Zn anode surface. Consequently, Zn anode exhibits an ultra-long cycling stability of one year (8762 h) at 0.2 mA cm−2/0.2 mAh cm−2, 3600 h at 2 mA cm−2/2 mAh cm−2 with a high plating cumulative capacity of 3.6 Ah cm−2, and a high average Coulombic efficiency of 99.6 % throughout 1000 cycles. This work of regulating Zn deposition texture combined with eliminating notorious by-products could offer a desirable way for stabilizing the Zn-anode/electrolyte interface in AZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] In recent years, branched or star-shaped Au nanostructures composed of core and protruding arms have attracted much attention due to their unique optical properties and morphology. As the clinically adapted nanoagent, prussian blue (PB) has recently gained widespread attention in cancer theranostics with potential applications in magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. In this article, we propose a hybrid star gold nanostructure（Au-star@PB）as a novel theranostic agent for T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/ photoacoustic imaging（PAI） and photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors. Importantly, the Au-star@PB nanoparticles function as effective MRI/PA contrast agents in vivo by increasing T1-weighted MR/PAI signal intensity and as effective PTT agents in vivo by decreasing the tumor volume in MCF-7 tumor bearing BALB / c mouse model as well as in vitro by lessening tumor cells growth rate. Interestingly, we found the main photothermal effect of Au-star@PB is derived from Au-star, but not PB. In summary, the hybrid structure of Au-star@PB NPs with good biological safety, significant photostability, dual imaging capability, and high therapeutic efficiency, might offer a novel avenue for the future diagnosis and treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although exposure to ambient air pollution has been associated with mental disorder, little is known about its potential effects on children and adolescents, especially in Chinese population. We aimed to reveal the relationship of air pollutants with hospital outpatient visits for child and adolescence psychiatry (HOVCAP) in Shenzhen. A case-crossover study based on time-series data was applied, and a distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was used to evaluate the non-linear and delayed effects of 4 major air pollutants (NO 2 , PM 2.5 , SO 2 and O 3) on HOVCAP. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to control the multicollinearity between covariates and to filter variables. A total of 94,660 cases aged 3–18 were collected from 2014 to 2019 in the Mental Health Center of Shenzhen. Results of pollutants at mode value (M 0) showed that in the single lag effect result, when the average daily concentration of NO 2 at 24 μg/m3, there was a significant effect on HOVCAP over lag 1, lag 4 and lag 5, respectively. The cumulative RR of NO 2 M 0 value to the outpatient visits were 1.438 (1.137–1.818) over lag 0–2, 1.454 (1.120–1.887) over lag 0–3, 1.466 (1.084–1.982) over lag 0–4, 1.680 (1.199–2.354) over lag 0–5, 1.993 (1.369–2.903) over lag 0–6, and 2.069 (1.372–3.119) over lag 0–7. However, PM 2.5 , SO 2 , O 3 were not associated with HOVCAP over neither single lag effects nor cumulative effects. The RR values both shown an increase either when NO 2 increases by 10 units or when the maximum concentration of NO 2 is reached. Our study suggests that exposure to the normal air quality of NO2 in Shenzhen may associated with the risk of HOVCAP. However, PM2.5, SO2, O3 were not associated with HOVCAP. • A distributed lag non-linear model (DLNM) was used to evaluate the non-linear and delayed effects of pollutants on HOVCAP (hospital outpatient visits for child and adolescence psychiatry). • Exposure to the normal air quality of NO2 in Shenzhen may associated with the risk of HOVCAP. • The overall effect curve of NO2 on HOVCAP demonstrated an inverted U shape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using a novel green approach, with Sida acuta leaf extract as a capping and reducing agent to initiate nucleation and structure formation. The innovation of this study lies in demonstrating the originality of utilizing zinc oxide nanoparticles for antibacterial action, antioxidant potential, and catalytic degradation of Congo red dye. This unique approach harnesses eco-friendly methods to initiate nucleation and structure formation. The synthesized nanoparticles' structure and conformation were characterized using UV–vis (λ max = 280 nm), X-ray, atomic force microscopy, SEM, HR-TEM and FTIR. The antibacterial activity of the Nps was tested against Pseudomonas sp, Klebsiella sp, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli, demonstrating efficacy. The nanoparticles exhibited unique properties, with a crystallite size of 20 nm (XRD), a surface roughness of 2.5 nm (AFM), and a specific surface area of 60 m2/g (SEM). A Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) was effectively employed to accurately classify and analyze microscopic images of green-synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles. This research revealed their exceptional antioxidant potential, with an average DPPH scavenging rate of 80% at a concentration of 0.05 mg/mL. Additionally, zeta potential measurements indicated a stable net negative surface charge of approximately −12.2 mV. These quantitative findings highlight the promising applications of green-synthesized ZnO NPs in healthcare, materials science, and environmental remediation. The ZnO nanoparticles exhibited catalytic capabilities for dye degradation, and the degradation rate was determined using UV spectroscopy. Key findings of the study encompass the green synthesis of versatile zinc oxide nanoparticles, demonstrating potent antibacterial action, antioxidant capabilities, and catalytic dye degradation potential. These nanoparticles offer multifaceted solutions with minimal environmental impact, addressing challenges in various fields, from healthcare to environmental remediation. [Display omitted] • Eco-friendly production of ZnO NPs using Sida acuta leaf extract demonstrates a green synthesis approach. • ZnO NPs exhibit efficacy against major pathogens like Pseudomonas, Klebsiella, S. aureus , and E. coli. • Enhanced antioxidant capability: The presence of flavonoids in ZnO NPs aids in combating oxidative stress effectively. • Potent catalytic degradation: ZnO NPs showcase efficient degradation of Congo red dye, as proven by UV spectroscopy. • CNN application: Successful classification and analysis of synthesized ZnO NPs using a Convolutional Neural Network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Recent progress in high spatial and energy resolution characterization techniques of water molecules on metal surfaces under ultra-high vacuum condition. • In-situ spectroscopic characterization of interfacial water during electrochemical processes. • Various discoveries on how interfacial water participate in electrocatalytic reactions. Water is a fundamental substance in the natural world, playing a central role in various fields such as energy, catalysis and the environment. Broadly speaking, the diverse applications of water in different domains are all reliant on its interactions at surfaces. This mini-review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of advanced characterization techniques employed in the examination of interfacial water. Through the presentation of recent findings regarding water's behavior on various surfaces, we elucidate how these newly developed characterization methods enable precise determination of the physical and chemical properties of interfacial water. Additionally, we delve into how these discoveries enhance our comprehension of the physical and chemical processes involving water. Of particular interest is the intricate relationship between interfacial water and catalytic activity in electrocatalytic reactions. Furthermore, we offer insights into the challenges and prospects within this captivating field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfide-containing wastewater, characterized by its foul odor, corrosiveness, and toxicity, can endanger human health. Fluidized-bed homogeneous crystallization (FBHC) avoids the excessive sludge production commonly associated with conventional chemical precipitation methods. In this study, FBHC is used to treat sulfur-containing synthetic wastewater. Furthermore, nickel-containing wastewater was utilized as a precipitant in the system, hence the advantage of simultaneous sulfur and nickel removal from the wastewater. The operating parameters, including pH, a precipitant dosage of [Ni2+] 0 /[S2−] 0 , and cross-sectional surface loading (L S , kg/m2h) are optimized. The optimum operating conditions of pH 9.8 ± 0.3, [Ni2+] 0 /[S2−] 0 = 0.8, and L S = 1.5 kg/m2h results in total sulfur removal (TR) of 95.7% and crystallization ratio (CR) of 94.8%. The effect of organic compounds (acetic acid, oxalic acid, EDTA, and citric acid) and inorganic ions (NO 3 −, CO 3 2−, PO 4 3−, F−, and Cl−) on the nickel sulfide granulation process was discussed. [Display omitted] • Sulfide wastewater could be treated by FBHC. • The total sulfur removal achieves 95.7%. • The waste cost is 86.0% lower than chemical precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food-borne pathogens pose health challenges to consumers and are serious concerns in the food industry. Accordingly, we investigated the probiotic properties of Lactococcus lactis C15 and the biological properties of the bacteriocin it produces. The results show C15 exhibited strong gastrointestinal tolerance, excellent cell surface properties, high adhesion ability to Caco-2 cells (>90%), and good safety in vitro. The active peptide produced by C15 has inhibitory activity against pathogens, even after exposure to elevated temperatures (60–121 °C) and low pH values (pH 2–5). L. lactis C15 contains the Lactococcin B gene, which produces a nisin-like bacteriocin. Partially purified bacteriocin effectively antagonized the growth of Escherichia coli added to ultra-high temperature instantaneous sterilization (UHT) milk. The inhibition of E. coli was similar to that of the reference bacteriocin (nisin). This research aimed to provide a new strategy for food preservation that avoids traditional chemical preservatives. • A nisin-like bacteriocin inhibiting both Gram-negative/positive bacteria was isolated. • Bacteriocin showed efficacy at different pH, surfactants, and high temperatures. • Bacteriocin was identical sequences to Lact B and could inhibit E. coli in UHT milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work developed an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) sensor for detection of EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)-overexpressing tumor cell and preliminary estimation of EGFR expression. Here, EGFR antibodies as the specific antibodies for cancer cells were conjugated on magnetic gold-decorated graphene oxide nanocomposites, which were used to capture the EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells. The magnetically responsive tumor cells were enriched and immobilized on a magnetic glassy carbon electrode (mGCE) surface, leading to increased electron-transfer resistance (R et) utilized for determination of cells and preliminary evaluation of EGFR expression level. This strategy enables the enrichment, fixation and detection of tumor cells to be accomplished in a facile way. An excellent linearity in the range of 2.0 × 102 − 3.0 × 105 cell mL−1 with the detection limit of 152 cell mL−1 for MDA-MB-231 cells was obtained. Investigation on the expression levels of EGFR on various types of cells was conducted. MDA-MB-231 cells showed a distinctly higher EGFR expression, compared with MHCC97-L and L02 cells, providing the possibility for the EGFR-targeted therapy of the tumors. It is expected that the proposed sensor has the potential to be applied for cancer monitoring. A novel Au-GO-MNP-EGFR Ab based impedance sensor, which enables the enrichment, immobilization and detection of tumor cells to be accomplished in a facile way, was developed for sensitive detection of tumor cell and preliminary analysis of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression. [Display omitted] • An impedance sensor for detecting tumor cells and analyzing EGFR expression. • EGFR antibodies-coated Au-GO-MNP nanocomposites were used to capture tumor cells. • Magnetically responsive tumor cells were attracted to an mGCE surface. • Enrichment, immobilization and detection of tumor cells are integrated facilely. • EGFR expression on MDA-MB-231 cells is higher than that on L02 or MHCC97-L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]