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Hadoop is a popular computing framework designed to deliver timely and cost-effective data processing on a large cluster of commodity machines. It relieves the burden of the programmers dealing with distributed programming, and an ecosystem of Big Data solutions has developed around it. However, Hadoop's job execution time can greatly depend on its runtime configurations and resource selections. Given the more than 100 job configuration settings provided by Hadoop, and diverse resource instance options in a cloud or virtualized computing environment, running Hadoop jobs still requires a substantial amount of expertise and experience. To address this challenge, we apply a deep neural network to predict Hadoop's job time based on historical execution data, and propose optimization methods to reduce job execution time and cost. The results show that our prediction method achieves almost 90% time prediction accuracy and clearly outperforms three other state-of-the-art regression-based prediction methods. Based on the time prediction, our proposed configuration search method and job scheduling algorithm successfully shorten the execution time of a single Hadoop job by more than a factor of 2 and reduce the time of processing a batch of Hadoop jobs by 40%∼65%. • We aim to optimize the performance and cost of running Hadoop MapReduce workload in a cloud environment with on-demand resources. • We propose a deep learning approach to predict the execution time of MapReduce jobs under any given resource allocation and Hadoop configuration setting. • We proposed a 2-step approximate search algorithm for finding the optimal resource allocation and execution configuration of individual job, and a 2D variable size bin packing algorithm for maximize overall resource utilization. • The experiment results show that our prediction method achieved almost 90% of time prediction accuracy and clearly out-performed three other state-of-art machine learning prediction methods. • Our optimization strategies successfully shorten the execution time of a single Hadoop job by more than a factor of 2 and reduce the time of processing a batch of Hadoop jobs by 40%∼65%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sufu, a traditional fermented soybean product, known for its cheese-like texture, has not been extensively studied regarding the mechanisms responsible for the formation of this unique texture in sufu gels. In order to explore this phenomenon, an analysis was conducted on the texture, physicochemical properties, and microstructure of sufu gels fermented by mucor racemosus at different intervals. The findings indicated no significant difference in water holding capacity (WHC) of sufu gel at 0 h, 24 h, and 48 h, but a notable increase in WHC was observed at 72 h and 96 h (p<0.05). The hardness of sufu gel at 72 h and 96 h was found to be low, with values of 4.8 ± 0.56 N and 4.99 ± 0.54 N, respectively, indicating a soft texture of sufu. The peak of protease activity at 48 h was 38.19 U/g. Following fermentation for 24 h and 48 h, the secondary structure of sufu gel was predominantly composed of β-sheet, while α-helix was the primary secondary structure at 72 h and 96 h. Analysis using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis revealed the network-like structures present in sufu gel. These findings offer valuable insights for enhancing gel properties and sensory characteristics. • Protease activity reached the peak value at 48 h. • Mucor racemosus fermentation changed the secondary structure of sufu gels. • Sufu gels fermented at 48 h possessing the smoothest and flattest surface. • The density of sufu gels were gradually increasing from 0 h to 96 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of NO 3 −-N to N 2 is of great significance for zero discharge of industrial wastewater. Pd–Cu hydrogenation catalysis has high application prospects for the reduction of NO 3 −-N to N 2 , but the existing form of Pd–Cu, the Pd–Cu mass ratio and the H 2 evolution rate can affect the coverage of active hydrogen (*H) on the surface of Pd, thereby affecting N 2 selectivity. In this work, mesoporous carbon (MC) is used as support to disperse Pd–Cu catalyst and is applied in an in-situ electrocatalytic H 2 evolution system for NO 3 −-N removal. The Pd–Cu particles with the average size of 6 nm are uniformly encapsulated in the mesopores of MC. Electrochemical in-situ H 2 evolution can not only reduce the amount of H 2 used, but the H 2 bubbles can also be efficiently dispersed when PPy coated nickel foam (PPy/NF) is used as cathode. Moreover, the mesoporous structure of MC can further split H 2 bubbles, reducing the coverage of *H on Pd. The highest 77% N 2 selectivity and a relatively faster NO 3 −-N removal rate constant (0.10362 min−1) can be achieved under the optimal conditions, which is superior to most reported Pd–Cu catalytic systems. The prepared catalyst is further applied to the denitrification of actual deplating wastewater. NO 3 −-N with the initial concentration of 650 mg L−1 can be completely removed after 180 min of treatment, and the TN removal can be maintained at 72%. [Display omitted] • Pd–Cu nanoparticles are uniformly encapsulated in mesoporous carbon. • The catalyst is combined with in-situ electrochemical H 2 evolution for NO 3 −-N removal. • Mesoporous structure is beneficial for reducing *H coverage on the surface of Pd. • The possibility of N–N coupling increases and 77% N 2 selectivity is finally achieved. • The system has been successfully applied to the TN removal of deplating wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floods result in substantial damage throughout the world every year. Accurate predictions of floods can significantly alleviate casualties and property losses. However, due to the complexity of hydrology process especially in a city with complicated pipe network, the accuracy of traditional flood forecasting models suffer from the performance degradation with the increasing of required prediction period. In the work, based on the collected historical data of Xixian City, Henan Province, China, using the Internet of Things system (IoT) in 2011-2018, a Bidirectional Gated Recurrent Unit (BiGRU) multi-step flood prediction model with attention mechanism is proposed. In our model, the attention mechanism is used to automatically adjust the matching degree between the input features and output. Besides, we use a bidirectional GRU model, which can process the input sequence from two directions of time series (chronologically and antichronologically), then merge their representations together. Compared with the prediction model using Long Short Term Memory (LSTM), our method can generate better prediction result, as can be seen from the arrival time error and peak error of floods during multi-step predictions. • A BiGRU multi-step flood prediction model based on attention mechanism was proposed. • Model tests were designed and compared with relevant models based on LSTM neural network. • The results show that the model has smaller deterministic coefficient and RMSE. • Within the allowable error range, the prediction accuracy of our model can reach 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The investigation of high-efficiency electrodes is essential for the energy conversion/storage devices. In this work, mesoporous two-dimensional Ni-Co hydroxide nanosheets stabilized by BO 2 - (denoted as (Ni x Co y)(OH) 2 /Co(BO 2) 2) are prepared via a facile and cost-effective procedure to circumvent the shortage of nickel hydroxide, viz. poor conductivity and fast phase transition. The (Ni x Co y)(OH) 2 /Co(BO 2) 2 materials have high specific surface area and plenty of exposed active sites. As electrode, the optimized (Ni 0.5 Co 0.5)(OH) 2 /Co(BO 2) 2 delivers a remarkable specific capacity of 2257 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 with superior rate capability (2071 F g−1 at 20 A g−1). Moreover, the asymmetric supercapacitors assembled by (Ni 0.5 Co 0.5)(OH) 2 /Co(BO 2) 2 and active carbon provides high energy density (56.5 Wh kg−1 at 0.8 kW kg−1) and excellent cyclic stability (maintaining 98% of initial capacity over 10 000 cycles), demonstrating the promising potential of (Ni 0.5 Co 0.5)(OH) 2 /Co(BO 2) 2 in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a prevalent chronic microvascular complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Understanding the progressive etiology of DN is critical for the development of effective health policies and interventions. Recent research indicated that polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) contaminate our diets and accumulate in various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and muscles. In this study, ten-week-old db/db mice and db/m mice were fed. Besides, db/db mice were divided into two groups: PS-MPs group (oral administration of 0.5 µm PS-MPs) and an H 2 O group, and they were fed for three months. A type II diabetes model was established using db/db mice to investigate the effects of PS-MPs on body weight, blood glucose level, renal function, and renal fibrosis. The results demonstrated that PS-MPs significantly exacerbated various biochemical indicators of renal tissue damage, including fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and blood uric acid. Additionally, PS-MPs worsened the pathological alterations and degree of fibrosis in renal tissue. An increased oxidative stress state and elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were identified. Furthermore, PS-MPs significantly enhanced renal fibrosis by inhibiting the transition from epithelial cells to mesenchymal cells, specifically through the inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. The expression levels of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), Caspase-1, and cleaved Caspase-1, which are inflammasome proteins, were significantly elevated in the PS-MPs group. The findings suggested that PS-MPs could aggravate kidney injury and renal fibrosis in db/db mice by promoting NLRP3/Caspase-1 and TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathways. These findings had implications for elucidating the role of PS-MPs in DN progression, underscoring the necessity for additional research and public health interventions. [Display omitted] • Polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) exacerbate renal fibrosis and kidney damage in mice with diabetes. • Polystyrene microplastics contribute to the EMT process in diabetic mice by activating the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. • Polystyrene microplastics trigger pyroptosis through the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway in diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limited population studies on the neurodevelopmental effects of bisphenol F (BPF), a substitute for bisphenol A. Furthermore, the role of placental estradiol as a potential mediator linking these two factors remains unclear. To examine the association between maternal prenatal BPF exposure and infant neurodevelopment in a prospective cohort study and to explore the mediating effects of placental estradiol between BPF exposure and neurodevelopment in a nested case-control study. The prospective cohort study included 1077 mother-neonate pairs from the Wuhu city cohort study in China. Maternal BPF was determined using the liquid/liquid extraction and Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method. Children's neurodevelopment was assessed at ages 3, 6, and 12 months using Ages and Stages Questionnaires. The nested case-control study included 150 neurodevelopmental delay cases and 150 healthy controls. Placental estradiol levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Generalized estimating equation models and robust Poisson regression models were used to examine the associations between BPF exposure and children's neurodevelopment. In the nested case-control study, causal mediation analysis was conducted to assess the role of placental estradiol as a mediator in multivariate models. In the prospective cohort study, the pregnancy-average BPF concentration was positively associated with developmental delays in gross-motor, fine-motor, and problem-solving (OR total ASQ : 1.14(1.05, 1.25), OR gross-motor : 1.22(1.10, 1.36), OR fine-motor : 1.19(1.07, 1.31), OR problem-solving : 1.11(1.01, 1.23)). After sex-stratified analyses, pregnancy-average BPF concentration was associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental delays in the gross-motor (OR gross-motor :1.30(1.12, 1.51)) and fine-motor (OR fine-motor : 1.22(1.06, 1.40)) domains in boys. In the nested case-control study, placental estradiol mediated 16.6% (95%CI: 4.4%, 35.0%) of the effects of prenatal BPF exposure on developmental delay. Our study supports an inverse relationship between prenatal BPF exposure and child neurodevelopment in infancy, particularly in boys. Decreased placental estradiol may be an underlying biological pathway linking prenatal BPF exposure to neurodevelopmental delay in offspring. [Display omitted] ● Prenatal BPF exposure was associated with infant neurodevelopmental delays. ● Prenatal BPF exposure was associated with neurodevelopmental delays in boys. ● Placental estradiol mediated the effects of BPF exposure on neurodevelopment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defect and interfacial engineering are employed to design and construct a novel CZS/CoPPi-M composite photocatalyst, which exhibits excellent photocatalytic H 2 production activity. [Display omitted] Photocatalysts with highly efficient charge separation are of critical significance for improving photocatalytic hydrogen production performance. Herein, a cost-effective and high-performance composite photocatalyst, cobalt-phosphonate-derived defect-rich cobalt pyrophosphate hybrids (CoPPi-M) modified Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S is rationally devised via defect and interface engineering, in which the co-catalyst CoPPi-M delivers a strong interaction with host photocatalyst Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S, rendering Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S/CoPPi-M with a remarkably improved efficiency of charge separation and migration. Besides, Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S/CoPPi-M exhibits a hydrophilic surface with ample access to electrons and a strong reduction ability of electrons. Benefiting from these advantages, the integration of defect-rich cobalt pyrophosphate and Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S enables Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S/CoPPi-M−5% with high photocatalytic H 2 production rate of 6.87 mmol g−1h−1, which is 2.46 times higher than that of pristine Cd 0.5 Zn 0.5 S, and the notable apparent quantum efficiency (AQE) is 20.7% at 420 nm. This work provides a promising route for promoting the photocatalytic performance of non-precious hybrid photocatalyst via defect and interface engineering, and advances energy-generation and environment-restoration devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass, as a continuously available raw material, is widely used to produce hard carbon. However, many researchers have ignored the natural special morphology of biomass and the influence of oxygen on the sodium storage performance. Here, we use the cilia of the setaria viridis as the precursor to obtain a fiber-like oxygen-doped hierarchical porous hard carbon (SVC). The sodium storage mechanism of SVC is studied by controlling the pyrolysis temperature. Studies have shown that the natural fibrous structure and vertical holes of SVC can provide channels for the rapid penetration of electrolyte. The appropriate nanocrystal size affords commodious circumstances for the insertion of Na+. More importantly, the increase in carbonization temperature will change the bonding mode of carbon and oxygen, promote the rupture of single bonds and retain the existence of double bonds, which is beneficial to the improvement of coulombic efficiency and reversible capacity. The hybrid sodium storage mechanism composed of insertion behavior and capacitance behavior promotes SVC to have higher reversible capacity (285.4 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1) and excellent rate performance (90.7 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1). This research provides some new ideas for the study of hard carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoplastics (NPs) and Microplastics (MPs) pollution has become a severe threat to the planet and is a growing concern. However, their effects on male reproductive toxicity remain poorly understood. In this study, a series of morphological analyses were completed to explore the influence of NPs and MPs exposure on the testis in mice. After 12-weeks exposure, although both NPs and MPs exposure can lead to reproductive toxicity, compared with NPs exposure, exposure to MPs leads to a more significant increase in reproductive toxicity dependent on some particle size. Moreover, increased reproductive toxicities, including increased spermatogenesis disorders, and sperm physiological abnormality, oxidative stress, testis inflammation was more associated with MPs group than NPs group. Ultra-pathological structure observed by transmission electron microscopy indicated that both NPs and MPs have different effects on spermatogonia, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. Exposure to MPs resulted in decreased Sertoli cell numbers and reduced Leydig cell area, and showed no effects on differentiation of Leydig cells by the expression level of the Insulin-Like factor 3 (INSL3) in Leydig cells. Transcriptomic sequencing analysis provided valuable insights into the differential effects of NPs and MPs on cellular processes. Specifically, our findings demonstrated that NPs were predominantly involved in the regulation of steroid biosynthesis, whereas MPs primarily influenced amino acid metabolism. This study demonstrates the effect of adult-stage reproductive toxicity in mice after exposure to NPs and MPs, which will deep the understanding of the NPs and MPs induced toxicity. [Display omitted] • MPs had stronger reproductive toxicities than NPs in male mice. • Exposure to NPs and MPs causes testis damage. • Exposure to MPs resulted in decreased numbers and damage of Sertoli cells. • Exposure to MPs led to reduced area of Leydig cells and showed no effects on differentiation of Leydig cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Various Oxides supported Pd-Cu are synthesized and NO 3 R performances are compared. • The dispersion of Cu2+ on the surface of supports affects the particle size of Pd-Cu. • The Cu+ active sites formed by electrons providing on nearby V O present in TiO 2. • The Cu+ formed on γ -Al 2 O 3 by attracting electrons from Pd0 to Cu2+. • Cu+ based sites are vital to effective NO 3 − adsorption and electrons attraction. Supported Pd-Cu NO 3 − reduction (NO 3 R) under H 2 atmosphere is considered as a promising way to achieve NO 3 − removal directly in water through converting into N 2 , which is a harmless product in environment. However, desirable NO 3 R kinetics and N 2 selectivity remain challenges. In this research, 2.5 wt% Cu and 10 wt% Pd are loaded on various oxides supports and combine with electrolytic in-situ H 2 generation for NO 3 R. Pd 10% Cu 2.5% /TiO 2 demonstrates a faster NO 3 R rate constant than Pd 10% Cu 2.5% / γ -Al 2 O 3 and even greater than Pd 10% Cu 2.5% /CeO 2. Pd 10% Cu 2.5% / γ -Al 2 O 3 obtains better N 2 selectivity than the other two. Crucially, the oxygen vacancies (V O) existing in TiO 2 and CeO 2 can reduce the nearby Cu2+ to Cu+, also Cu2+ can attract electrons from Pd0 to form Cu+ on the γ -Al 2 O 3 surface. Verified by experiments and density functional (DFT) calculations, these Cu+ based active sites on the surface of substrates are vital for effective NO 3 − adsorption and high N 2 selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• MALDI-TOF MS system was the first time used in the study of serum peptide after E. coli BSI. • Using the KNN model to aid in the diagnosis of bacterial BSI. • TRF, SAA1 and C3 would be the new cytokines for the diagnosis of BSI. Bacterial bloodstream infection (BSI) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality, which is a widespread and uncontrolled inflammatory response. There are some cytokines for the auxiliary diagnosis, such as procalcitonin (PCT), C reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), which are not sufficient. This study was aimed to explore a new method of diagnosing bacterial BSI and to find some new biomarkers that could differentiate bloodstream infected patients from healthy people. An animal model was used to find relevant changes of peptides in the serum and was validated in clinical samples. Mice (25–27 g) were randomized to infection with Escherichia coli ATCC25922 or phosphate buffer saline. The serum samples were purified by weak cation exchange beads and the serum peptide profiling was established by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Statistical analysis and diagnostic modeling were conducted on BioExplorer. Amino acid sequences of the candidate peptides were identified by nano-liquid chromatography electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry and relevant proteins were recognized on the Uniprot database. The identified proteins were confirmed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on clinical samples. Five peptide peaks (m / z 1941, 2924.1, 3962.1, 4126.9 and 5514) were found as candidate biomarkers for E. coli infection, and the diagnostic model discriminated E. coli infected patients from healthy controls with an accuracy of 92.2%. Peptide peaks m / z 1941, 2924.1 and 4126.9 were identified as the fragments of Serotransferrin (TRF), Complement C3 and Serum amyloid A-1 protein (SAA1), respectively, but only C3 and SAA1 showed significant difference in clinical samples. MALDI-TOF MS could be a new method to find the changes of serum peptides after infection, C3 and SAA1 could be new biomarkers in diagnosing BSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Neuroinflammation involving the activation of microglia and astrocytes constitutes an important and common mechanism in epileptogenesis. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a calcium-permeable, non-selective cation channel that plays pathological roles in various inflammation-related diseases. Our previous study demonstrated that Trpm2 knockout exhibits therapeutic effects on pilocarpine-induced glial activation and neuroinflammation. However, whether TRPM2 in microglia and astrocytes plays a common pathogenic role in this process and the underlying molecular mechanisms remained undetermined. Here, we demonstrate a previously unknown role for microglial TRPM2 in epileptogenesis. Trpm2 knockout in microglia attenuated kainic acid (KA)-induced glial activation, inflammatory cytokines production and hippocampal paroxysmal discharges, whereas Trpm2 knockout in astrocytes exhibited no significant effects. Furthermore, we discovered that these therapeutic effects were mediated by upregulated autophagy via the adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in microglia. Thus, our findings highlight an important deleterious role of microglial TRPM2 in temporal lobe epilepsy. • Trpm2 knockout in microglia rather than astrocytes attenuates neuroinflammation and epileptogenesis. • Trpm2 knockout in microglia suppresses glial activation and neuroinflammation by upregulating autophagy. • Trpm2 knockout in microglia upregulates autophagy and attenuates inflammation via recruitment of the AMPK/mTOR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distributed training is needed to shorten the training time of deep neural networks. However, the communication overhead often hurts performance efficiency, especially in a distributed computing environment with limited network bandwidth. Hence, gradient compression techniques have been proposed to reduce communication time. But, compression also has the risk of causing lower model accuracy and longer training time due to compression loss and compression time. As a result, compression may not consistently achieve desired results, and there are limited discussions on when and which compression should be used. To address this problem, we propose a performance-driven hybrid compression solution. We make three main contributions. (1) We describe a hybrid compression strategy that chooses the compression method for individual model gradients. (2) We build an offline performance estimator and an online loss monitor to ensure the compression decision can minimize training time without sacrificing mode accuracy. (3) Our implementation can be imported to existing deep learning frameworks and applicable to a wide range of compression methods. Up to 3.6x training performance speedup was observed compared to other state-of-the-art methods. • Our goal is to constrict a better compression strategy for training a DNN model in distributed computing environment. • Our proposed compression strategy is fine-grained, hybrid and performance-driven. • Our method is built based on an offline performance estimator, an online loss monitor, and a linear search time optimization algorithm. • Our approach is implemented as a lightweight library that can be imported to existing deep learning frameworks. • Our evaluations show that we achieved up to 3.6x training performance speedup compared to other compression methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of pesticides performs a vital role in safeguarding crop yields and quality, providing the opportunity for multiple pesticides to co-exist, which poses a significant potential risk to human health. To assess the toxic effects caused by exposures to individual pesticides (chlorpyrifos, carbofuran and acetamiprid), binary combinations and ternary combinations, individual and combined exposure models were developed using HepG2 cells and the types of combined effects of pesticide mixtures were assessed using concentration addition (CA), independent action (IA) and combination index (CI) models, respectively, and the expression of biomarkers related to oxidative stress, apoptosis and cell necrosis was further examined. Our results showed that both individual pesticides and mixtures exerted toxic effects on HepG2 cells. The CI model indicated that the toxic effects of pesticide mixtures exhibited synergistic effects. The results of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and apoptosis assay revealed that the pesticide mixture increased the release of LDH and apoptosis levels. Moreover, our results also showed that individual pesticides and mixtures disrupted redox homeostasis and that pesticide mixtures produced more intense oxidative stress effects. In conclusion, we have illustrated the enhanced combined toxicity of pesticide mixtures by in-vitro experiments, which provides a theoretical basis and scientific basis for further toxicological studies. [Display omitted] • Co-existence of multiple pesticides poses potentially greater risk to human health. • CI model showed that the toxic effects of pesticide mixtures exhibited synergistic effects. • Individual pesticides and mixtures disrupted various biological processes on HepG2 cells. • Pesticide mixtures have a synergistic effect on the expression of multiple biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposed a theoretical prediction method and mechanism investigation for the extraction of antibiotics and dyes from aqueous media using terpenoid-based deep eutectic solvents (DESs). Firstly, Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) approach was applied to predict selectivity, capacity and performance index in the extraction of 15 target compounds including antibiotics (tetracyclines, sulfonamides, quinolones, β-lactams) and dyes by 26 terpenoid-based DESs, and thymol-benzyl alcohol shows promising theoretical selectivity and extraction efficiency for the target compounds. Moreover, the structures of both hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors (HBD) have an impact on the predicted extraction performance, which can be improved by tailoring those candidates with higher polarity, smaller molecular volume, shorter alkyl chain length and the presence of aromatic ring structures, etc. According to the predicted molecular interactions revealed by σ-profile and σ-potential, the DESs with HBD ability can promote the separation process. Furthermore, reliability of proposed prediction method was confirmed by experimental verification, indicating that the trends of theoretical extraction performance index were similar with the experimental results by using actual samples. At last, the extraction mechanism was evaluated by quantum chemical calculations based on visual presentations, thermodynamic calculations and topological properties; and the target compounds showed favorable energies of solvation to transfer from aqueous phase to DESs phase. The proposed method has been proved with potential to provide the efficient strategies and guidance for more applications (e.g., microextraction, solid phase extraction, adsorption) with similar molecular interactions of green solvents in environmental research. • An intact methodology was developed to improve efficiency for DES studies. • Theoretical study method was combined COSMO-RS and quantum calculations. • Terpenoid-based DESs with H-bond donor ability were found most suitable. • Theoretical predicted results accorded with those from experiments well. • Both selectivity and separation efficiency were focused with effective strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) can potently suppress type I interferon production and escape from innate immune responses. PRRSV nonstructural protein 1α (Nsp1α) can inhibit IFN-β and NF-κB gene promoter activities, but the precise mechanisms are largely unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that PRRSV Nsp1α interacted with the host E3 ubiquitin ligase ankyrin repeat and SOCS box–containing 8 (ASB8). Specifically, porcine ASB8 promoted K63–linked ubiquitination and increased stability of Nsp1α and boosted PRRSV replication. Moreover, we found that ASB8 was phosphorylated at the N-terminal Ser-31 by host IκB kinase β (IKKβ). In turn, ASB8 facilitated K48–linked ubiquitination and degradation of IKKβ via the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway, resulting in remarkable inhibition of I-kappa-B-alpha (IκBα) and of p65 phosphorylation, consequently suppressing NF-κB activity. Our results provide evidence that PRRSV Nsp1α hijacks up-regulated host ASB8 to escape from intrinsic antiviral immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Coordination polymers (CPs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been widely used in the preparation of hollow micro-/nanomaterials as templates and precursors. Herein, the mesoporous Ni 2 CoS 4 were prepared by means of a two-step hydrothermal strategy from new-type Ni/Co-nicotinate CPs-based bricks. The as-preparede Ni 2 CoS 4 electrode displays a high capacity (1466.8 F g−1 at 1 A g−1) and 70.1% capacity retention after 2000 cycles. The asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device was assembled by using Ni 2 CoS 4 as positive electrode and activated carbon (AC) as negative electrode, and the energy density of Ni 2 CoS 4 //AC ASC can reach 37.8 Wh kg−1 at the power density of 1066.8 W kg−1. Meawhile, the Ni 2 CoS 4 //AC ASC also shows long-term stability up to 113.7% after 10,000 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performances indicate that as-obtained mesoporous Ni 2 CoS 4 can be a promising candidate as electrode material for supercapacitors. Graphical abstract The mesoporous Ni 2 CoS 4 were prepared from new-type Ni/Co-nicotinate CPs-based bricks and exhibited excellent electrochemical performance as electrode material for supercapacitor. fx1 Highlights • Mesoporous Ni 2 CoS 4 were prepared from coordination polymer precursor. • Ni 2 CoS 4 electrode shows high specific capacitance. • Ni 2 CoS 4 //AC ASC device displays excellent energy density. • Ni 2 CoS 4 //AC ASC shows long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide mixtures can often be found on crops and in the natural environment due to the usage of multiple pesticides in crop production. However, the toxicity of pesticides is mostly evaluated individually but not jointly. Many studies have pointed out that pesticide mixture may have elevated toxicity compared with its individual counterpart, therefore, it is important to quantify the change in toxicity. Such quantification can provide invaluable information for environmental and ecological risk assessment, and further support risk management to develop appropriate means to mitigate the risk. The objective of this study is to quantify the ecotoxicity of pesticide mixtures composed of different combinations of four pesticides (i.e., Acetemiprid, Carbendazim, Chlorpyrifos, Cyhalothrin) to (1) understand if the co-presence of multiple pesticides will affect the toxicity and (2) to quantitatively approximate the change in toxicity. We first conducted acute toxicity testing and avoidance response testing using earthworms to obtain dose-response data for two different endpoints; then the benchmark dose (BMD) methodology was applied to estimate the toxicity values for the active ingredients of these four pesticides and their mixtures. The BMD analysis results suggest that the ecotoxicity of the active ingredients of the pesticides is very likely to increase when two or more pesticides are used simultaneously, highlighting the importance to consider toxicity of mixtures in the regulatory decision making process. This study demonstrates that the benchmark dose methodology can be a useful tool to quantify the toxicity of chemical mixtures and support cumulative risk assessment accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In natural ecosystems, organisms are commonly exposed to chemical mixtures rather than individual compounds. However, environmental risk is traditionally assessed based on data of individual compounds. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the individual and combined effects of four pesticides [fenobucarb (FEN), chlorpyrifos (CPF), clothianidin (CLO), acetochlor (ACE)] and one heavy metal chromium [Cr(Ⅵ)] on the earthworm ( Eisenia fetida ) using avoidance behavior as an endpoint. Our results indicated that CLO had the highest toxicity to E. fetida , followed by Cr(Ⅵ), while FEN showed the least toxicity. Two mixtures of CPF+CLO and Cr(Ⅵ)+CPF+CLO+ACE exhibited synergistic effects on the earthworms. The other two quaternary mixtures of CLO+FEN+ACE+Cr(Ⅵ) and Cr(Ⅵ)+FEN+CPF+ACE at low concentrations also displayed synergistic effects on the earthworms. In contrast, the mixture of Cr(Ⅵ)+FEN had the strongest antagonistic effects on E. fetida . Besides, the quinquenary mixture of Cr(Ⅵ)+FEN+CPF+CLO+ACE also exerted antagonistic effects. These findings highlighted the importance to evaluate chemical mixtures. Moreover, our data strongly pointed out that the avoidance tests could be used to assess the effects of combined effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study capitalized on coal and oil facility retirements to quantify their potential effects on fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) concentrations and cardiorespiratory hospitalizations in affected areas using a generalized synthetic control method. We identified 11 coal and oil facilities in California that retired between 2006 and 2013. We classified zip code tabulation areas (ZCTA) as exposed or unexposed to a facility retirement using emissions information, distance, and a dispersion model. We calculated weekly ZCTA-specific PM 2.5 concentrations based on previously estimated daily time-series PM 2.5 concentrations from an ensemble model, and weekly cardiorespiratory hospitalization rates based on hospitalization data collected by the California Department of Health Care Access and Information. We estimated the average differences in weekly average PM 2.5 concentrations and cardiorespiratory hospitalization rates in four weeks after each facility retirement between the exposed ZCTAs and the synthetic control using all unexposed ZCTAs (i.e., the average treatment effect among the treated [ATT]) and pooled ATTs using meta-analysis. We conducted sensitivity analyses to consider different classification schemes to distinguish exposed from unexposed ZCTAs, including aggregating outcomes with different time intervals and including a subset of facilities with reported retirement date confirmed via emission record. The pooled ATTs were 0.02 μg/m3 (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.25 to 0.29 μg/m3) and 0.34 per 10,000 person-weeks (95%CI: −0.08 to 0.75 per 10,000 person-weeks) following the facility closure for weekly PM 2.5 and cardiorespiratory hospitalization rates, respectively. Our inferences remained the same after conducting sensitivity analyses. We demonstrated a novel approach to study the potential benefits associated with industrial facility retirements. The declining contribution of industrial emissions to ambient air pollution in California may explain our null findings. We encourage future research to replicate this work in regions with different industrial activities. • We examined the impact of facility closures on air pollution and hospitalizations. • We used a generalized synthetic control method to control for confounding. • We observed no change in average weekly fine particulate matter due to closure. • We observed no change in average weekly hospitalizations due to closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although humans and animals are usually exposed to combinations of toxic substances, little is known about the interactive toxicity of mycotoxins and farm chemicals. Therefore, we can not precisely evaluate the health risks of combined exposure. In the present work, using different approaches, we examined the toxic impacts of zearalenone and trifloxystrobin on zebrafish (Danio rerio). Our findings showed that the lethal toxicity of zearalenone to embryonic fish with a 10-day LC 50 of 0.59 mg L−1 was lower than trifloxystrobin (0.037 mg L−1). Besides, the mixture of zearalenone and trifloxystrobin triggered acute synergetic toxicity to embryonic fish. Moreover, the contents of CAT, CYP450, and VTG were distinctly altered in most single and combined exposures. Transcriptional levels of 23 genes involved in the oxidative response, apoptosis, immune, and endocrine systems were determined. Our results implied that eight genes (cas9 , apaf-1 , bcl-2 , il-8 , trb , vtg1 , erβ1 , and tg) displayed greater changes when exposed to the mixture of zearalenone and trifloxystrobin compared with the corresponding individual chemicals. Our findings indicated that performing the risk assessment based on the combined impact rather than the individual dosage response of these chemicals was more accurate. Nevertheless, further investigations are still necessary to reveal the modes of action of mycotoxin and pesticide combinations and alleviate their effects on human health. [Display omitted] • Trifloxystrobin had a higher acute toxicity on zebrafish than zearalenone. • Zearalenone in combination with trifloxystrobin presented synergistic toxicity. • CYP450 was a crucial detoxifying enzyme of trifloxystrobin and zearalenone mixture. • Oxidative stress was a toxic mechanism for trifloxystrobin mixed with zearalenone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) may pollute drinking water, accumulate in the food chain, and release toxic chemicals that may cause a variety of diseases. The detrimental effects of MPs on kidney injury and fibrosis under long-term accumulation have not been fully documented. In this study, mice were exposed to MPs with three different diameters (80 nm, 0.5 µm, and 5 µm) to investigate the detrimental influences of MPs on the kidney. The results showed that MPs of different diameters caused varying degrees of injury to the murine kidney. MPs exposure can induce an inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis in the kidney and induce kidney injury, which ultimately promotes kidney fibrosis. Furthermore, transcriptome data revealed that chronic exposure to MPs could alter the expressions of multiple genes related to immune response (80 nm) and circadian rhythm (0.5 µm, and 5 µm). Overall, our data provide new evidence and potential research for investigating the harm of MPs to kidney of mammals and even humans. [Display omitted] • Modify the langrage, and correct grammar mistakes. • Modify the logic in the results, discussion, and conclusion sections. • Analysis the hub genes, and emphasis the similar and different of the RNA-seq data among different sized MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the deep learning schemes have been well investigated for improving the driving safety and efficiency in the transportation systems. In this paper, a probabilistic model named as CPGN (Collision Prediction model based on GA-optimized Neural Network) for decision-making in the rear-end collision avoidance system is proposed, targeting modeling the impact of important influential factors of collisions on the occurring probability of possible accidents in the Internet of Vehicles (IoV). The decision on how to serve the chauffeur is determined by a typical deep learning model, i.e., the BP neural network through evaluating the possible collision risk with V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure) communication, V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) communication and GPS infrastructure supporting. The proper structure of our BP neural network model is deeply learned with training data generated from VISSIM with multiple influential factors considered. In addition, since the selection of the connection coefficient array and thresholds of the neural network has great randomness, a local optimization issue is readily occurring during the modeling procedure. To overcome this problem and consider the ability to efficiently find out a global optimization, this paper chooses the genetic algorithm to optimize the coefficient array and thresholds of proposed neural network. For the purpose of enhancing the convergence speed of the proposed model, we further adjust the studying rate according to the relationship between the actual and predicated values of two adjacent iterations. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed collision risk evaluation framework could offer rationale estimations to the possible collision risk in car-following scenarios for the next discrete monitoring interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Many multi-center epidemiological studies have robustly examined the acute health effects of exposure to low concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) on cardiovascular mortality in developed counties. However, data limitations have resulted in few related studies being conducted in developing counties with high levels of PM 2.5 exposure. In recent years, people in China with a heavy cardiovascular disease burden have been exposed to particularly high levels of PM 2.5 . Objective We conducted a multi-county time series study investigating the acute effects of PM 2.5 on the increased risk of cardiovascular death across China, and explored subpopulations susceptible to PM 2.5 exposure. Methods Appling a county-specific Poisson regression in 30 Chinese counties, we estimated PM 2.5 effects on all-cause mortality and cause-specific mortality of cardiovascular health for 2013–2015. We also considered PM 2.5 effects on several subpopulations, including males, females, and three age groups (< 65, 65–74 and > 74 years old). We pooled the county-specific results across China using a random effects meta-analysis by cause and by subpopulation. Results We found a 0.13% (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.04–0.22) increase in all-cause mortality, a 0.12% increase (95% CI, 0.001–0.25) increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD), a 0.42% (95% CI, 0.03–0.81) increase in AMI, a 0.17% (95% CI, −0.04–0.40) increase in coronary heart disease, and a 0.13% (95% CI, −0.12–0.33) increase in stroke in association with a 10-μg/m 3 increase in PM 2.5 concentrations on the same day. The magnitudes of the associations were less than those reported in developed counties with lower PM 2.5 levels. A vulnerable effect on all-cause mortality was observed in the elderly population (older than 65 years) and on CVD in males. Conclusions This study showed the positive magnitude of PM 2.5 effects with high exposure on all natural, CVD, and cause-specific mortality and on the susceptible populations in China. The findings complemented evidence related to exposure-mortality relationships at the higher end of short-term exposure to PM 2.5 on a global scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A europium coordination polymer constructed by the 4′-(4-carboxyphenyl)− 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligand (HL), namely, [EuL(CH 3 COO)Cl] n ( 1 ), has been prepared by the solvothermal method. Compound 1 was structurally characterized by the elemental analysis, FT-IR, powder X-ray diffractions (PXRD), thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 displays a novel linear chain structure, which further extends to the 3D supramolecular structure via π ··· π and hydrogen bonds interactions. The luminescent properties of 1 were investigated in detail, which exhibit the fluorescent sensing for detecting Fe 3+ , CrO 4 2- , and Cr 2 O 7 2- ions in aqueous solution, respectively. In addition, 1 shows high sensitive and selective sensing for CrO 4 2- and Cr 2 O 7 2- anions with the great quenching efficiency. Furthermore, the luminescent sensing mechanisms of differentiating analytes are explored in detail. It is worth noting that there exists the weak interaction between Fe 3+ ions and carboxylate oxygen atoms of CH 3 COO – groups through XPS characterization, resulting in the high quenching effect of 1 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series of chiral 3d-4f heterometallic MOFs based on a multidentate terpyridyl carboxylic acid ligand have been synthesized under the solvothermal conditions, namely, [LnZnL(CO 3 ) 2 (H 2 O)] n (Ln = Eu ( 1 ), Gd ( 2 ), Dy ( 3 ), Ho ( 4 ), Er ( 5 ), Tm ( 6 ), Yb ( 7 ), Lu ( 8 )) (HL = 4′-(4-carboxyphenyl)−2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine). Compounds 1 – 8 were structurally characterized by the elemental analyses, infrared spectra, and single crystal X-ray diffractions. Compounds 1–8 exhibit the chiral interpenetrating 3D frameworks. Interestingly, 1 can serve as the luminescent sensor to detect nitrobenzene molecules with high sensitivity. The investigations on CD spectra of single crystals clearly assigned the Cotton effect, indicating that there exist two chiral enantiomers of 1 – 8 in the course of crystallization. The magnetic properties of 2 and 7 were exploited, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As commonly used pesticides, chlorpyrifos (CPF), fenobucarb (FEN), clothianidin (CLO) and acetochlor (ACE) are widely applied on crops worldwide. In this study, the combined toxicities of their binary, ternary and quaternary mixtures were evaluated using the earthworm Eisenia fetida as test organism. Mixture toxicities were studied using the combination index (CI) method and visualized by isobolograms, and then data were compared with traditional concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) models. Two binary mixtures of CPF+FEN and FEN+ACE, two ternary mixtures of CPF+CLO+FEN and CPF+FEN+ACE, and quaternary mixture of CPF+FEN+ACE+CLO exhibited a clear synergistic effect. The CI method was compared with the classical models of CA and IA, indicating that the CI method could accurately predict the combined toxicities of the chemicals. The results indicated that it was difficult to predict combined effects of these pesticides from mode of action alone because of existence of complicated synergistic and antagonistic responses. More attention should be paid to the potential synergistic effects of chemicals interactions, which might cause serious ecological problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive salt intake can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension. Effect of different methods of salt substitution on lipid oxidation and volatile compounds formation by fermented restructured hams was studied. Sensory ratings of 30% KCl+70% NaCl (w/w) and 25% k-lactate+75% NaCl (w/w) showed higher odor scores than 100% NaCl. HS-SPME-GC-MS results indicated that nonanal (fatty), 2-decenal, 2-methyl-butanoic acid methyl ester, 2-pentyl-furan (fruity), benzeneacetaldehyde (flora rose & sweet), linalool (floral aroma), linalyl acetate, eugenol, and 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom aroma) were the main contributors to this discrepancy. Furthermore, these compounds were mainly related to the degradation of lipids. The increase in the activity of critical enzymes affecting lipid degradation, such as acidic and neutral lipase, LOX, further led to an increase in fatty acid content in the salt substitution group. Correlation analysis demonstrated that unsaturated fatty acids such as C20:4n6, C20:6n3, and C18:2n6c were the main precursors to specific flavors of salt substitution. Therefore, this study has a guiding significance for producing healthy, low-salt, restructured ham with excellent organoleptic acceptability. Impact of different salt substitutions on the decomposition of lipids and volatile flavor compounds in recombinant duck ham. A simplified version of the experiment was carried out in this study. [Display omitted] • Developed a low-salt duck reconstituted ham with excellent flavor. • More potentially characteristic odor-active compounds found in low-salt ham. • Enzyme activity plays an essential role in flavor formation differences. • Some fatty acids were identified as precursors of differential flavor substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For urban agglomerations in the bay area, which concentrate multiple environmental elements and intense anthropogenic activities, comprehensive control of nitrogen pollution is particularly challenging due to diverse cross-media migration and transformation forms of nitrogen pollutants. Existing studies on urban nitrogen metabolism mainly focused on quantification of nitrogen flux, without systematic consideration of physiochemical changes of nitrogen between environmental media. This study conducted a dynamic simulation of nitrogen cross-media metabolism in urban agglomeration over 30 consecutive years, and recognized the types, quantities, and trends of cross-media transfer of nitrogen pollution as well as pollution control paths based on ecological network analysis and scenario analysis. Taking the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as the case, results show that during its fast-urbanized stage in 1989–2018, more than 25% of the total nitrogen pollution emissions were transferred from other media. The higher degree of imbalance between the socioeconomic system and the soil in the nitrogen metabolic network emphasizes the increased pressure and necessity of pollution control of nitrogen in the solid state with urban development. Promoting fertilizer reduction and sludge land use are priority paths for collaborative control of cross-media nitrogen pollution. The study provides methods to systematically analyze the features of cross-media transfer of nitrogen pollution at the city level, and accordingly propose paths aiming at sustainable urban nitrogen management with multi-media integrity and synergy. [Display omitted] • Cross-media transfer of nitrogen (N) pollution in urban agglomeration is simulated. • More than 25% of N pollution emissions were transferred from other media. • Pollution control of N in the solid state is highlighted with urban development. • Combination of the four measures can reduce 38.6 Gg/a of cross-media N pollution. • Propose ways to enhance collaborative control of multi-media N pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) is known to affect a large proportion of COVID-19 survivors. Robust study design and methods are needed to understand post-COVID-19 diagnosis patterns in all survivors, not just those clinically diagnosed with PCC.Methods: We applied a case-crossover Phenome-Wide Association Study (PheWAS) in a retrospective cohort of COVID-19 survivors, comparing the occurrences of 1,671 diagnosis-based phenotype codes (PheCodes) pre- and post-COVID-19 infection periods in the same individual using a conditional logistic regression. We studied how this pattern varied by COVID-19 severity and vaccination status, and we compared to test negative and test negative but flu positive controls.Results: In 44,198 SARS-CoV-2-positive patients, we foundenrichment in respiratory,circulatory, and mental health disorders post-COVID-19-infection. Top hits included anxiety disorder (p = 2.8e-109, OR = 1.7 [95 % CI: 1.6-1.8]), cardiac dysrhythmias (p = 4.9e-87, OR = 1.7 [95 % CI: 1.6-1.8]), and respiratory failure, insufficiency, arrest (p = 5.2e-75, OR = 2.9 [95 % CI: 2.6-3.3]). In severe patients, we found stronger associations with respiratory and circulatory disorders compared to mild/moderate patients. Fully vaccinated patients had mental health and chronic circulatory diseases rise to the top of the association list, similar to the mild/moderate cohort. Both control groups (test negative, test negative and flu positive) showed a different pattern of hits to SARS-CoV-2 positives.Conclusions: Patients experience myriad symptoms more than 28 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but especially respiratory, circulatory, and mental health disorders. Our case-crossover PheWAS approach controls for within-person confounders that are time-invariant. Comparison to test negatives and test negative but flu positive patients with a similar design helped identify enrichment specific to COVID-19. This design may be applied other emerging diseases with long-lasting effects other than a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Given the potential for bias from observational data, these results should be considered exploratory. As we look into the future, we must be aware of COVID-19 survivors' healthcare needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Depressive symptoms have a significant impact on the quality-of-life among the oldest old (aged ≥ 80 years) in the population. Current research on the association of blood mercury with depressive symptoms has mainly targeted the general population. However, it is unclear whether this association is present in the oldest old. We used data from the Healthy Aging and Biomarker Cohort Study carried out in 2017–2018, with 1154 participants aged ≥ 80 years eligible for analysis. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to detect blood mercury (Hg) levels, while the CES-D10 depression scale was used to assess depressive symptoms. The association between blood mercury levels and depressive symptoms was investigated using log-binomial and Poisson regression models. We also used restricted cubic splines (RCS) to assess the linear or nonlinear association of blood mercury with depressive symptoms scores. The 1154 participants ranged in age from 80 to 120 years, while the geometric mean of blood mercury concentration was 1.01 μg/L. After adjustment for covariates, log-binomial and Poisson regression analyses revealed a statistically significant, positive association of blood mercury with depressive symptoms. In comparison to the first tertile, the adjusted relative risks of blood mercury and the presence of depressive symptoms in the second and third tertiles were 1.55 (1.20–1.99) and 1.45 (1.11–1.90), respectively. The RCS model showed a linear association between blood mercury level and depressive symptoms scores. In conclusion, among the oldest old, we demonstrated that blood mercury levels were positively associated with depressive symptoms. Further surveys, especially cohort studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm these results. • First large-scale study of blood Hg and depressive symptoms in the oldest old. • Elevated blood Hg level is associated with higher risk of depressive symptoms. • There is a linear association of blood Hg with depressive symptoms scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead (Pb) is a widespread environmental contaminant, associated with a higher risk of functional impairment that can lead to frailty in older adults. However, few studies focused on the association of Pb exposure with frailty among the oldest old (aged ≥ 80 years). In this study, we aimed to assess the associations of Pb with frailty and its components in the oldest old. The included individuals were the oldest old aged ≥ 80 years who participated in a 2017 cross-sectional survey of the Healthy Aging and Biomarkers Cohort Study. Frailty was ascertained by the frailty index, which was created based on health deficits. We used logistic regression models to estimate the association of blood Pb with frailty and its components. The geometric mean and median of blood Pb were 38.51 μg/L and 36.27 μg/L among the oldest old, respectively. Compared with the first quartile of blood Pb, participants in the fourth quartile had higher risk of frailty and its components, the ORs are 1.71 (1.22–2.41), 1.99 (1.35–2.94), 1.91 (1.25–2.93), 1.57 (1.13–2.17) and 1.43 (1.05–1.96), for frailty, ADL disability, IADL disability, functional limitations, and hearing loss in the oldest old, respectively. There was a significant interaction between blood Pb and frailty in different age groups. In conclusion, our findings provide preliminary evidence that higher blood Pb may increase the risk of frailty among the oldest old by increasing the risk of disability in four physical functions: disability in ADL, disability in IADL, functional limitations, and hearing loss. • Blood Pb was associated with the risk of frailty among the oldest old. • Higher blood Pb may increase the risk of frailty by four physical functions. • The association of blood Pb with frailty was more prominent in octogenarian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important alternative to bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol AF (BPAF) is widely used and can be detected in multiple human biological samples. However, there are few studies on neurotoxicity of BPAF at present. In particular, no epidemiological studies have investigated BPAF in relation to depressive symptoms in adolescents. Here, our study aimed to evaluate the associations between serum BPAF concentrations and depressive symptoms in adolescents. A nested case-control study within an ongoing longitudinal prospective adolescent cohort that was established in Huaibei, China was conducted. A total of 175 participants who had new-onset depressive symptoms (cases) and 175 participants without depressive symptoms (controls) were included. Serum BPAF concentrations was measured using ultra – high – performance liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry. The associations between BPAF exposure and the risk of depressive symptoms in adolescents were assessed using conditional logistic regression. The dose-response relationship between BPAF level and depressive symptoms was estimated using restricted cubic spline analyses. In this study, the detection rate of serum BPAF was 100%, and the median (interquartile range, IQR) serum BPAF concentration was 5.24 (4.41 – 6.11) pg/mL in the case group and 4.86 (4.02 – 5.77) pg/mL in the control group (P = 0.009). Serum BPAF exposure was a risk factor for depressive symptoms (odds ratio (OR)= 1.132, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.013 – 1.264). After adjustment for all for confounders, compared with the low – exposure group, the high – exposure group had a 2.806-fold increased risk of depressive symptoms (OR=2.806, 95% CI: 1.188 – 6.626). Stratified analysis by sex revealed that males were more vulnerable to BPAF exposure than females. After adjustment for all confounders, compared with the low-exposure group, the relative risk of depressive symptoms in the high-exposure group was 3.858 (95% CI: 1.118 – 12.535) for males, however, no significant association between BPAF exposure and depressive symptoms was found in females. In addition, there was a marked linear association between BPAF exposure and the risk of depressive symptoms in the total population and in males. The adolescents in this study were widely exposed to low levels of BPAF. A significant positive association was found between serum BPAF levels and the risk of depressive symptoms. The association was significantly modified by sex, and males were more vulnerable to BPAF exposure than females. • A nested case-control study was conducted. • Serum BPAF levels was a risk factor for depressive symptoms in adolescents. • Males were more sensitive than females. • Linear dose–response relationship was found for BPAF and depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the use of antibiotics during early life has been associated with increased risk of adipogenesis, effect of antibiotic exposure from various sources, including food or drinking water, on adiposity in children is largely unknown. To investigate associations between urinary biomarkers of multiple antibiotics and risk of adipogenesis in school children. This case-control study recruited 410 overweight/obese school children aged 6–9 years and 410 controls from Shandong and Guangdong Province, China, matched on sex, age and school. Diagnosis of overweight and obesity was based on body mass index-based criteria derived from national data. Urinary concentrations of 45 antibiotics from 8 categories (macrolides, β-lactams, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, phenicols, lincosamides, and quinoxalines), including 6 human antibiotics (HAs), 6 antibiotics preferred as HAs (PHAs), 16 veterinary antibiotics (VAs), and 17 antibiotics preferred as VA (PVAs), were measured by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to assess odds ratios (ORs) of childhood overweight/obesity in relation to urinary antibiotic concentrations. A total of 32 antibiotics were found in urine samples with an overall detection frequency of 92.93 %. Children with overweight/obesity have higher veterinary antibiotic levels than those with normal weight. Compared with undetected levels of antibiotics, the multivariable-adjusted ORs (95 % confidence interval) of overweight/obesity for high levels of antibiotics divided according to median values were 1.63 (1.02, 2.62) for florfenicol, 1.62 (1.04, 2.54) for phenicols, and 1.41 (0.97, 2.04) for sum of VAs and PVAs. These associations predominantly existed in boys and remained significant in florfenicol after FDR multiple testing correction (FDR adjusted p < 0.05). Exposure to certain antibiotic for veterinary use mainly from food or drinking water was associated with an increased risk of adipogenesis in children. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and clarify the underlying mechanisms. [Display omitted] • We performed a case-control study of antibiotic exposure and childhood adiposity. • More than 90 % of school children were exposed to at least one of 32 antibiotics. • Overweight/obese children have higher veterinary antibiotic levels than controls. • Florfenicol was associated with increased risk of adipogenesis in school children. • The observed association was sex-dependent and mainly existed in boys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of vacuum packaging (VP) combined with immersion in 5 g L−1 ascorbic acid (AsA) on the quality of fresh-cut potatoes during storage. Results indicated that VP + AsA treatment decreased the degree of browning, inhibited weight loss, maintained firmness, and reduced the levels of respiration and ethylene generation. The VP + AsA treatment suppressed the accumulation of malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species in fresh-cut potatoes, reduced the level of phenolics, and delayed the increase of glucose, fructose, and sucrose contents. An assessment of the taste and flavor of the fresh-cut potatoes was determined using electronic tongue and GC-MS. Results indicated that the VP + AsA treatment maintained both parameters (taste and flavor) of fresh-cut potatoes. Notably, most of the identified volatile compounds were products of lipid degradation, and VP + AsA treatments inhibited the aldehydes generated by the degradation of fatty acids, thus suppressing the development of rancid off-flavor in fresh-cut potatoes. The collective results indicate that the VP + AsA is a promising preservation treatment, which can be used to prolong the shelf-life of fresh-cut potatoes. A diagrammatic model of the processes in fresh-cut potatoes affected by vacuum packaging (VP) and/or ascorbic acid (AsA) during storage and potential mechanisms, and red indicates a positive effect, while green indicates a negative effect. [Display omitted] • Vacuum packaging + ascorbic acid inhibited the reactive oxygen species in potatoes. • Vacuum packaging + ascorbic acid reduced the glucose, fructose and sucrose contents. • Vacuum packaging + ascorbic acid suppressed the phenolics level of potatoes. • Vacuum packaging + ascorbic acid inhibited the main aldehyde components in potatoes. • Vacuum packaging + ascorbic acid maintained the taste and flavour of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing evidence has showed that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increases the risk of many chronic diseases. Given the close connection between aging (a major risk factor) and chronic diseases, however, very few studies have evaluated the association between PAHs and aging. Furthermore, whether modifiable healthy lifestyle could attenuate the detrimental effect of PAHs on aging remains unknown. Therefore, we conducted this study, aiming to: (1) examine the associations of urinary monohydroxy polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OH-PAHs) and lifestyle with Phenotypic Age Acceleration (PhenoAge.Accel), a novel aging measure that captures morbidity and mortality risk; and (2) evaluate the potential interaction effects of OH-PAHs and lifestyle on PhenoAge.Accel. Cross-sectional data of 2,579 participants (aged 20–84 years, n = 1,292 females) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for years 2001–2010 were analyzed. A lifestyle index was constructed based on five components (drinking, smoking, body mass index, physical activity, and diet), ranging from 0 to 5. We calculated PhenoAge.Accel using algorithms developed previously. General linear regression models were used to examine the associations. We observed strong associations of OH-PAHs and lifestyle with PhenoAge.Accel. For instance, one unit increase in ∑NAP (sum of 1- and 2-hydroxynaphthalene) was associated with 0.37 year (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26, 0.48) increase in PhenoAge.Accel. We did not observe statistically significant interaction effects between OH-PAHs and lifestyle on PhenoAge.Accel. After stratified by sex, we observed strong associations as well as statistically significant interactions of OH-PAHs and lifestyle with PhenoAge.Accel among females. In conclusion, both OH-PAHs and lifestyle were independently associated with phenotypic aging and there were statistically significant interactions between OH-PAHs and lifestyle on phenotypic aging among females. The findings highlight the importance of adherence to a healthy lifestyle to attenuate the detrimental effects of exposures to PAHs on phenotypic aging among females. • A novel phenotypic aging measure, PhenoAge.Accel, was used. • Both OH-PAHs and lifestyle were independently associated with PhenoAge.Accel. • There were interactions between OH-PAHs and lifestyle on PhenoAge.Accel in females. • Healthy lifestyle attenuates the adverse effect of PAHs on aging in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contaminants in the environment do not appear singly and usually occur as mixtures. We applied the combination index (CI)-isobologram method which allows computerized quantitation of synergism, additive effect and antagonism to determine the nature of toxicological interactions of two pesticides λ-cyhalothrin, imidacloprid, and heavy metal cadmium towards earthworm Eisenia fetida . In an artificial soil test, λ-cyhalothrin and Cd combination was slightly synergistic at low effect levels which turned into a slight antagonism above f a values of 0.6, while the binary mixtures containing imidacloprid exhibited antagonism. The presence of imidacloprid in the ternary mixture also resulted in an antagonistic effect to the earthworms. This behavior became more antagonistic in the ternary mixture in filter paper tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While associations between short-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and risk of hospitalization are well documented and evidence suggests that such associations change over time, it is unclear whether these temporal changes exist in understudied less-urban areas or differ by sub-population. We analyzed daily time-series data of 968 continental U.S. counties for 2000–2016, with cause-specific hospitalization from Medicare claims and population-weighted PM 2.5 concentrations originally estimated at 1km × 1 km from a hybrid model. Circulatory and respiratory hospitalizations were categorized based on primary diagnosis codes at discharge. Using modified Bayesian hierarchical modelling, we evaluated the temporal trend in association between PM 2.5 and hospitalizations and whether disparities in this trend exist across individual-level characteristics (e.g., sex, age, race, and Medicaid eligibility as a proxy for socio-economic status) and urbanicity. Urbanicity was categorized into three levels by county-specific percentage of urban population based on urban rural delineation from the U.S. Census. In this cohort with understudied less-urban areas without regulatory monitors, we still found positive association between circulatory and respiratory hospitalization and short-term exposure to PM 2.5 , with higher effect estimates towards the end of study period. Consistent with current literature, we identified significant disparity in associations by race, socioeconomic status and urbanicity. We found that the percentage change in circulatory hospitalization rate per 10 μg/m3 increase in PM 2.5 was higher in the 2008–2016 time period compared to the 2000–2007 period by 0.33% (95% posterior credible interval 0.22, 0.44%), 0.52% (0.33, 0.69%), and 0.67% (0.53, 0.83%) for low, medium and high tertiles of urban areas, respectively. We also observed significant differences in temporal trends of associations across socioeconomic status, sex, and age, indicating a possible widening in disparity of PM 2.5 -related health burden. This study raises the importance of considering environmental justice issues in PM 2.5 -related health impacts with respect to how associations may change over time. • Acute exposure to PM 2.5 is positively associated with hospitalization in this national US study including less-urban areas. • Higher associations were observed in high urban areas, people with lower socioeconomic status, and Blacks. • The associations increased in recent years, faster in high urban areas, people with lower socioeconomic status, and men. • Faster increases in associations in recent years indicates a widening of disparity. • Environmental justice and temporal change in associations are critical to consider in estimating PM 2.5 -related health burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As one of the main environmental pollutants and occupational hazards, nickel has been reported to have mutagenic, carcinogenic, and teratogenic properties, as well as reproductive toxicity. However, how nickel affects human reproduction is still unclear. In this study, the toxicity of nickel on human sperm and the underlying mechanisms were evaluated in vitro. We found that NiCl 2 (10, 50, and 250 μM) impaired sperm total motility and progressive motility in a dose- and time-dependent manner. In addition, sperm hyperactivation and the ability of human sperm to penetrate a viscous medium were found to be compromised after nickel exposure. Mechanically, NiCl 2 significantly inhibited the basal intracellular Ca2+ signaling. Besides, reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide, and malondialdehyde levels were increased in human sperm after exposure to different concentrations of NiCl 2. Consistently, eliminating excess ROS by N-acetyl- L -cysteine or tocopherol significantly alleviated nickel-impaired sperm motility. Taken together, these results revealed that nickel could compromise sperm functions by interfering with Ca2+ signaling and inducing excessive oxidative stress. These findings suggest that, in the high and occupational nickel exposure environments, the contribution of nickel toxicity to the males who wish to preserve their fertility is worthy of careful evaluation. ● Nickel compromised human sperm motility. ● Nickel inhibited human sperm functions, selectively. ● NiCl 2 suppressed [Ca2+] i signaling. ● NiCl2 induced oxidative stress. ● Oxidative stress involved in NiCl 2 -compromised sperm motility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to endotoxin on the reproductive performance of humans and animals in pregnancy and delivery period. Mucin is considered to play a critical role in protecting the tissue epithelium. At pregnancy period, the MUC2 expression of uterus in the High LPS group was significantly higher than that in the Control group. The glycosaminoglycans of gland cells were secreted into the uterine cavity to protect the uterus. Then, the MUC2 layer became thinner, and LPS entered the lamina propria of the uterus. The mRNA expression of tight junction proteins showed a marked drop, and morphological damage of the uterus occurred. Subsequently, the glycosaminoglycans of gland cells in the High LPS and Low LPS groups increased with the increasing LPS dose, and the damage to the endometrial epithelium was repaired in female mice at Day 5 postdelivery. A low dose of LPS activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways to increase the glycosaminoglycans particles, while a high dose of LPS inhibited the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway to decrease the glycosaminoglycans particles. Taken together, our results suggest that gland cells secreted glycosaminoglycans particles into the uterine cavity by exocytosis to increase the thickness of the mucus layer to protect the uterus and that this process was regulated by PI3K/AKT signaling pathways. • Mucopolysaccharides and MUC2 secrection were regulated by PI3K/AKT signal pathways. • The thickness of MUC2 layer take self-protection for the uterus. • The endotoxin could reduce the conception rate and survival rate of young rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface sediments from intertidal Bohai Bay were assessed using a four-step sequential extraction procedure to determine their concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) and the chemical forms in which those elements were present. The normalized ratios La/Gd and La/Yb showed that LREE contents were not significantly higher than the middle REEs or HREE contents. A negative Ce anomaly and positive Eu were observed in sand and silty sand sediments, whereas no significant Ce or Eu anomaly was found in clayey silt sediments. Residual fraction of REEs accounted for the majority of their total concentrations. Middle REEs were more easily leached than other REEs, especially in clayey silt sediment. REEs contents in the surface sediment from the intertidal Bohai Sea were consistent with data from the upper continental crust and China shallow sea sediments, indicating that they were generally unaffected by heavily anthropogenic effects from adjacent areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] We employ a self-assembly technique to fabricate macroporous graphene-based aerogels (GAs). [•] GAs have been fabricated by using carbohydrate as morphology oriented agents. [•] The carbohydrates can tailor the microstructures and physical properties of GAs. [•] The effect of different carbohydrates to form GAs was also discussed systemically. [•] All the aerogel samples showed good supercapacitor performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Ceria shells in Pd@CeO2 nanostructures are much more reducible than bulk ceria. [•] We study the effect of calcination temperature of Pd@CeO2/Si–Al2O3 catalysts. [•] Pd@CeO2/Si–Al2O3 that calcined at 773K is easily over-reduced, causing suppressed adsorption of CO on the Pd core. [•] Further calcination increases the activity and stability of Pd@CeO2/Si–Al2O3 significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticides commonly occur as mixtures in an aqueous environment, causing deleterious effects on human health and the environment. However, the mechanism underlying the combined effects on aqueous organisms remains largely unknown, especially at low concentrations. In the current study, we inspected the interactive toxicity of tebuconazole (TEB), a triazole fungicide, and bifenthrin (BIF), a pyrethroid insecticide, to zebrafish (Danio rerio) using various toxicological assays. Our data revealed that the 96 h-LC 50 (lethal concentration 50) values of BIF to fish at different life periods (embryonic, larval, juvenile, and adult periods) ranged from 0.013 (0.011–0.016) to 0.41 (0.35–0.48) mg a.i. L−1, which were lower than that of TEB ranging from 1.1 (0.88–1.3) to 4.8 (4.1–5.7) mg a.i. L−1. Combination of TEB and BIF induced synergetic acute toxicity to embryonic fish. Activities of T-SOD, POD, and GST were distinctly altered in most individual and joint administrations. Expressions of 16 genes associated with oxidative stress, cellular apoptosis, immune system, and endocrine system at the mRNA level were evaluated, and the information revealed that embryonic zebrafish were impacted by both individual compounds and their combinations. Six genes (cas9 , P53 , gr , TRα, IL-8, and cxcl-clc) exhibited greater changes when exposed to pesticide mixtures. Therefore, the joint effects induced by the pesticides at low concentrations should be considered in the risk assessment of mixtures and regulated as priorities for mixture risk management in the aqueous ecosystem. More research is needed to identify the threshold concentrations of the realistic pesticide mixtures above which synergistic interactions occur. [Display omitted] • Bifenthrin exhibited higher acute toxic effects than tebuconazole on the zebrafish. • Co-exposure of tebuconazole and bifenthrin elicited synergistic acute responses. • Synergistic oxidative stress, apoptosis and endocrine disrupting effects were observed. • Immune gene expressions (IL-8 and cxcl-clc) were significantly altered in mixtures. • Identification of single pesticides involved in synergism can benefit risk precautions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that is characterized by demyelination, axonal injury and neurological deterioration. Few medications are available for progressive MS, which is associated with neuroinflammation confined to the CNS compartment. Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) is a calcium-permeable, non-selective cation channel that plays pathological roles in a wide range of neuroinflammatory diseases; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of TRPM2 remain elusive. Here, we established a cuprizone model that presents hallmark MS pathologies to investigate the role of TRPM2 in progressive MS. We demonstrated that genetic deletion of TRPM2 yields protection from the cuprizone-induced demyelination, synapse loss, microglial activation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation and proinflammatory cytokines production and ultimately leads to an improvement in cognitive decline. Furthermore, we showed that the pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 ameliorated the demyelination, neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in the model with no additive effects on the TRPM2 KO mice. Taken together, these results indicated that TRPM2 plays important roles in regulating neuroinflammation in progressive MS via NLRP3 inflammasome, and the results shed light on TRPM2's potential role as a therapeutic target for MS. • TRPM2 KO protects from the demyelination in the cuprizone model that presents hallmark pathologies of progressive MS. • TRPM2 KO alleviates the cuprizone-induced neuroinflammation. • TRPM2 KO yields protection from the cuprizone-induced synapse loss and cognitive decline. • NLRP3 inhibition ameliorates the demyelination, neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment. • NLRP3 inhibition has no additive effects on TRPM2 KO in the cuprizone model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]