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[Display omitted] • A new graphdiyne based metal-free catalyst was successfully synthesized. • The catalyst triggered highly catalytic performances toward hydrogen evolution. • The unique nanostructure guaranteed the fast proton-electron transfer during HER. • The alkyne-alkene transition induced the excellent catalytic activity of TAGDY. Graphdiyne-based metal-free catalysts demonstrate outstanding performances in electrocatalysis. In order to accurately understand the activity origin of metal-free electrocatalytic hydrogen production at the atomic level, we have successfully designed and prepared a new metal-free catalyst of 1,2,4-triamino-graphdiyne (TAGDY). Structural characterizations showed that TAGDY has unique nanostructure, which guarantees the fast proton-electron transfer during the catalytic process. Experimental studies revealed that TAGDY possesses excellent electrocatalytic activities and long-term durability towards hydrogen evolution in acidic conditions, better than the most reported metal-free electrocatalysts. Density functional theory calculations and Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the interaction of (H++e−) pair with alkyne bond induces the transition between C C and C C in TAGDY, which effectively enhanced the catalytic activities of initial inert carbon sites. Combination of theory and experiment as well as the structural characterization, a new level of knowledge for the activity origin and catalytic mechanism of graphdiyne-based metal-free electrocatalysts are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The carbon dioxide (dry) reforming of methane (DRM) (CH 4  + CO 2  → 2CO + 2H 2 ) on La and La 2 O 3 modified Ni(1 1 1) has been investigated theoretically. As promoters, La and La 2 O 3 strengthen the adsorption of the intermediates compared with pure Ni(1 1 1). The strong adsorption of CO 2 on La 2 O 3 modified Ni(1 1 1) deforms La 2 O 3 , and the complex intermediate CO 2 (La 2 O 2 -O) is formed. The CO 2 (La 2 O 2 -O) participates in the DRM reaction and reduces the carbon deposition on the catalyst surface. For La and La 2 O 3 modified Ni(1 1 1), the reactions of CH 4  + CO 2  → CH + 3H + CO + O → CHO + 3H + CO → 2CO + 2H 2 and CH 4  + CO 2  + La 2 O 3  → CH + CO 2 (La 2 O 2 -O) + 3H → CHO + CO 2 (La 2 O 2 ) + 3H → 2CO + 2H 2  + La 2 O 3 are the most favorable pathways for DRM, respectively. Both the density functional study and microkinetic analysis support that compared with pure Ni(1 1 1), La and La 2 O 3 modified Ni(1 1 1) improve the reaction both thermodynamically and kinetically. The carbon deposition is suppressed on La 2 O 3 modified Ni(1 1 1) due to the lower rate in the reaction CH → C + H, compared with La modified Ni(1 1 1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminate is generally used as a flocculant in water and wastewater treatment processes, but the residual aluminum (Al) may have toxic effects on aquatic organisms when the concentration accumulates beyond a threshold level. The in situ and laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the impact of residual Al on submerged macrophytes in West Lake, Hangzhou, China, which receives Al flocculant-purified water diverted from the Qiantang River. The responses of Vallisneria natans and Hydrilla verticillata were investigated based on their morphological and physiological parameters in pot culture and aquarium simulation experiments. In the pot culture experiments, the biomass, seedling number, plant height, stolon number, stolon length, and root weight were significantly higher at a site located 150 m from the inlet compared with those at a site located 15 m from the inlet ( P < 0.05), thereby indicating that the residual Al significantly inhibited the morphological development of V. natans and H. verticillata . The variations in the chlorophyll-a, protein, and malondialdehyde contents of the two species in both the pot culture and aquarium simulation experiments also demonstrated that the two submerged macrophytes were stressed by residual Al. V. natans and H. verticillata accumulated 0.052–0.227 mg of Al per gram of plant biomass (fresh weight, mg/g FW) and 0.045–0.205 mg Al/g FW in the in situ experiments, respectively, where the amounts of Al were significantly higher in the plants in the treatment aquaria during the laboratory experiments than those in the controls. These results may have important implications for the restoration of submerged macrophytes and ecological risk assessments in Al-exposed lakes. It is recommended that the Al salt concentration used for the control of lake eutrophication should be reduced to an appropriate level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2-amino-3-methyl-imidazole [4,5-f] quinoline (IQ) is a compound generated during the Maillard reaction while heating protein-rich foods and has been classified as a class 2A possible human carcinogen that has attracted ongoing public concern. However, the formation mechanism of IQ remains unknown. Herein, we investigated the formation mechanism of IQ in the Maillard reaction model system under various reaction conditions (temperature, time, and pH). The results showed that various conditions significantly influenced the precursors, reactive carbonyl species, and IQ formation (P < 0.05). There was regularity between IQ and various conditions, and the R 2 in the fitting curves were between 0.90 and 0.99. To further explore the relationship between IQ and various conditions, a partial least squares (PLS) prediction model was constructed. The model indicates that temperature is a significant contributor to the formation of IQ during the Maillard reaction. Further analysis indicated that crotonaldehyde plays a vital role. Crotonaldehyde could promote IQ formation at low addition levels but inhibit its formation at high addition levels. Possible effects of crotonaldehyde on the formation of IQ were proposed. Overall, this research will help to identify more effective ways to reduce the formation of IQ in meat products, which can improve their safety for human consumption. [Display omitted] • The formation of IQ in the Maillard reaction model system was studied. • The regularity between the formation of IQ and various conditions was proposed. • The partial least squares (PLS) model was constructed for the prediction of IQ formation. • The effects of crotonaldehyde during the formation of IQ were illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrogallic acid (PA) is used in various industrial and consumer products. The molecular mechanisms underlying PA’s toxicity was not fully understood. In this study, toxicity of PA on Microcystis aeruginosa with reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation as an end point was investigated. The results showed an increase in the percentage of cells with loss of membrane integrity and enhanced intracellular ROS production. Exposure to 50 mg L −1 PA for 48 h caused the highest percentage of loss of membrane integrity (56.7%) , and a 2.54-fold higher intracellular ROS level compared to control. Further investigation revealed that PA caused a dose-dependent increase in DNA strand breaks (DSB) of M. aeruginosa at exposure concentration from 2 to 50 mg L −1 . The incubation of cells with ROS scavengers ascorbic acid, N-acetyl- l -cysteine (NAC) and tocopherol markedly alleviated the level of PA-induced DSB. Analysis of PA autoxidized products in culture solution showed that PA was quickly converted to purpurogallin (PG), and PG was further autoxidized to other polyphenolic compounds. PA and PG might participate a futile redox cycle, which mediated ROS production in M. aeruginosa. These results suggested DNA strands and cell membrane were two targets of ROS induced by PA , and oxidative damage was an important mechanism for the toxicity of PA against M. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) can facilitate in situ delivery of zero-valent iron (ZVI) nanoparticles in contaminated aquifer. This work investigated transport of CMC-stabilized ZVI nanoparticles (CMC-Fe) using column breakthrough experiments and model simulations. The nanoparticles (18.1±2.5nm) were transportable through four saturated model porous media: coarse and fine glass beads, clean sand, and sandy soil. The transport data were interpreted using both classical filtration theory and a modified convection–dispersion equation with a first-order removal rate law. At full breakthrough, a constant concentration plateau (C e /C 0) was reached, ranging from 0.99 for the glass beads to 0.69 for the soil. While Brownian diffusion was the predominant mechanism for particle removal in all cases, gravitational sedimentation also played an important role, accounting for 30% of the overall single-collector contact efficiency for the coarse glass beads and 6.7% for the soil. The attachment efficiency for CMC-Fe was found to be 1–2 orders of magnitude lower than reported for ZVI nanoparticles stabilized with other commercial polymers. The particle removal and travel distance are strongly dependent on interstitial flow velocity, but only modestly affected by up to 40mM of calcium. Simulation results indicate that once delivered, 99% of the nanoparticles will be removed by the soil matrix within 16cm at a groundwater flow velocity of 0.1m/day, but may travel over 146m at flow velocity of 61m/day. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: DNA synthesis during S-phase and upon DNA repair is accompanied by chromatin assembly. The chromatin assembly factor CAF-1 has been biochemically well-characterized to deposit histones onto newly synthesized DNA. To gain insights into the in vivo functions of CAF-1 in Drosophila, we generated null mutants of the largest subunit of dCAF-1, dCAF-1-p180. We show that, unlike CAF-1 mutant yeast, dCAF-1-p180 mutant flies are hemizygous lethal. Removal of maternal dCAF-1-p180 activity by germline clones blocks oogenesis. Tissue-specific deletion of dCAF-1-p180 in the eye primordia disrupts eye development. In addition, reduction of dCAF-1-p180 activity suppresses gene silencing at heterochromatin and antagonizes Polycomb-mediated cell fate determination. Furthermore, heterozygous dCAF-1-p180 mutant flies display an increased sensitivity to γ-irradiation and a reduced efficiency in recombinational double strand break (DSB) repair. Our experiments also show that human hCAF-1-p150 can rescue the dCAF-1-p180 mutant flies, demonstrating a functional conservation of eukaryotic CAF-1 activities in vivo. Together, our results establish that dCAF-1-p180 is an essential gene for Drosophila development and further underscore the importance of dCAF-1 in regulating gene expression and DNA repair in vivo. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Novel ferulic acid derivatives with oxadiazole were designed and synthesized. • The synthesized compounds showed significantly antiviral activity. • Compound 6 h can intensify the activities of some defensive enzymes. • 6 h regulates phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and chloroplast function. • Some of the synthesized compounds could be used as potential elicitors. A series of new ferulic acid derivatives bearing an oxadiazole ether was synthesized by introducing a structure of oxadiazole into trans -ferulic acid via an ether linkage. The synthesized target compounds were evaluated in vivo for their anti-TMV (tobacco mosaic virus) activity, which indicated that some synthesized compounds displayed strong activity for controlling TMV. For protective activity, compounds 6f and 6 h had the most activities of 65% and 69.8% at 500 mg L-1, respectively. Compounds 6a , 6b , 6e , 6f and 6 h showed > 60% curative activities at 500 mg L-1. Preliminary proteomics analysis showed that compound 6 h could regulate the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway and chloroplast function. These results indicated that synthesized novel ferulic acid derivatives could be used for controlling TMV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Compound 9d with memantine as a cap structure exhibits balanced anti-NMDAR and HDAC activity. • The structural activity relationship is explained in detail. • HDAC inhibitors of isohydroxamic showed a strong protective effect against hydrogen peroxide damage. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been indicated important roles in neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Herein, a series of novel compounds that contain a memantine moiety were designed to target HDACs and N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor (NMDAR) which are related to the treatment of AD. Biological characterization established that compound 9d exhibited a balanced inhibitory activity on NMDAR and HDACs. This compound is relatively selective to HDAC6 with IC 50 of 0.18 μM and also maintains comparable activity on NMDAR (K i = 0.59 μM) as memantine. Functionally, treatment with 9d increased the level of AcTubulin in MV4-11 cells and rescued PC-12 cells from H 2 O 2 -induced cytotoxicity with EC 50 of 0.94 μM. Studies in mice also demonstrated that compound 9d efficiently penetrates the blood brain barrier to reach the brain tissue. Collectively, the results strongly encourage further development of 9d as a potential therapeutic agent for AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Twenty-eight derivatives were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. • Some compounds were found to potently inhibit both AChE and HDAC. • Compounds exhibited potential Cu2+ chelating properties, and HDAC isoform inhibition selectivity. • Compound A10 could serve as apromising candidate analogs as AD therapeutics. In order to develop multitarget-directed ligands as potential treatments for Alzheimer's disease, twenty-eight new tacrine-hydroxamate derivatives were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. As expected, most of the compounds exhibited inhibitory activities against cholinesterases (ChEs) and histone deacetylase (HDACs). Among the tested compounds, A10 showed not only potent and selective inhibition on AChE at sub-nanomolar potency (AChE IC50 = 0.12 nM, BChE IC50 = 361.52 nM) but also potent inhibition on HDAC (IC 50 = 0.23 nM). Moreover, A10 exhibited inhibitory activity on Aβ 1-42 self-aggregation as well as disaggregation activity on pre-formed Aβ fibrils. Furthermore, A10 exhibited antioxidant activity and metal chelating properties. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that A10 is a pan-inhibitor of HDACs and a mixed-type inhibitor for AChE. It shown that A10 is a BBB penetrant by online prediction. Taken together, the results indicate that A10 can serve as a lead compound to develop promising candidate analogs as AD therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The restoration of submerged plants is critical for the reconstruction of eutrophic lake ecosystems. The growth of submerged plants is influenced by many factors. For the first time in this study, the effects of silicate-mineral maifanite supplement on the growth, physiological and phytochemical process of Vallisneria spiralis (V. spiralis) were investigated by an outdoor PVC barrel experiment, to provide a technical reference for further applications in aquatic ecological restoration. The results show that the maifanite could significantly promote the growth of V. spiralis. Specifically, the biomass, height, number of leaves, leaf width, root length, and root activity of V. spiralis in the maifanite-supplemented group were better than those of the control (P < 0.05). Moreover, the modified maifanite group performed better than the raw maifanite group (P < 0.05). The photosynthetic pigment, root activity, and the malondialdehyde and peroxidase activity of the maifanite-treated V. spiralis were better than those of the control to some extent. It was found that maifanite contained abundant major and trace elements, which are required for the growth of V. spiralis. It is concluded that maifanite is beneficial to the growth of V. spiralis and can be further applied to the ecological restoration of eutrophic lakes. Image 1 • The effect of maifanite on the physiological and ecological process of V. spiralis. • Maifanite could significantly promote the growth of V. spiralis. • Diversity and richness of microbial communities in maifanite group were more. • Major and trace elements in maifanite were critical for the growth of V. spiralis. • Maifanite can be applied to ecological restoration projects in eutrophic lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic pieces with size less than 5 mm that have entered and polluted the environment. While many investigations including several critical reviews on MPs in the environment have been conducted, most of them are focused on their occurrences in marine environment. Current understanding on the occurrences, behaviors, and impacts of MPs in the terrestrial environment is far from complete. A systematic review of the literature was thus conducted to promote the research on MPs in the environment. This work is designed to provide a comprehensive overview that summarizes current knowledge and research findings on environmental occurrences, fate and transport, and impacts of MPs. In addition to discussing the occurrences, characteristics, and sources of MPs in the ocean, freshwater, sediments, soils, and atmosphere, the review also summarizes both the experimental and modeling data of the environmental fate and transport of MPs. Research findings on the toxic effects, bioaccumulation, and bioavailability of MPs in the environment are also covered in this critical review. Future perspectives are discussed as well. Image 1 • Occurrences, characteristics, and sources of MPs in various environmental media are reviewed. • Experimental and modeling data of the environmental fate and transport of MPs are summarized. • Toxic effects, bioaccumulation, and bioavailability of MPs in the environment are discussed. • Existing knowledge gaps and future research directions are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water diversion has been widely utilized to enhance lake water quality and mitigate cyanobacterial blooms. However, previous studies have mainly focused on investigating the effects of water diversion on water quality or aquatic ecological health. Consequently, there is limited research investigating the combined impact of water diversion on the water quality and the ecological health of eutrophic lakes, and whether the WQI and phytoplankton assemblages demonstrate similar patterns following water diversion. In this study, the effects of water diversion on the ecosystem health of eutrophic lakes were comprehensively evaluated based on the WQI indices and phytoplankton assemblages during the NWDP-21 and WDP-22. The results showed that the annual mean of WQI increased from 52.02 to 54.36 after water diversion, which improved the water quality of the lake, especially NH 3 –N and TN decreased by 58.6% and 15.2%, respectively. The phytoplankton assemblages changed significantly before and after water diversion, and we observed that the total biomass of phytoplankton decreased by 12.3% and phytoplankton diversity indices (Shannon-Wiener diversity, Pielou evenness, and Simpson index) increased by 8.6%–8.9% after water diversion, with an improvement in the connectivity and stability of the phytoplankton. Notably, enhanced adaptations of rare sub-communities for resource use in water diversion environments, and water diversion inhibited the dispersal ability of dominant functional groups, and the effects of hydrological disturbances on the structure of phytoplankton assemblage favored the ecological health of eutrophic lakes. VPA analysis further reveals that water diversion alters the drivers of phytoplankton functional group biomass and phytoplankton diversity. The results of the PLS-PM analysis clarify that water diversion indirectly impacts the total phytoplankton biomass and phytoplankton diversity primarily by modifying light availability. Significant correlations are observed between the dominant functional groups biomass and diversity indices of WQI. The trends in changes observed in water quality indices and phytoplankton following water diversion align with the evaluation of water ecological health. This study provides valuable guidance for the ecological management of the diversion project in Yilong Lake and serves as a reference for similar projects in other lakes. [Display omitted] • Variations in WQI and phytoplankton assemblages integrated to evaluate the positive ecological effects of water diversions. • Rare sub-communities more stable after water diversion. • Hydrodynamic disturbances from water diversions inhibit the dispersal ability of many phytoplankton groups. • WQI was significantly correlated with major phytoplankton functional groups and phytoplankton diversity. • The increased availability of light after water diversion indirectly affects total phytoplankton biomass and diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We simultaneously introduce P doping and Se vacancies in NiSe 2 nanosheets. • The synergistic effects of P doping and Se vacancies promote HER activities. • DFT results demonstrate the lower Gibbs free energy of adsorbed H* in A-NiSe 2 |P. • A low voltage of 1.62 V is achieved at 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting. Element doping is a general and effective approach to modify the electrocatalytic performances, but the low intrinsic activity in each electroactive site still limits the further improvements. Herein, we provide an effective strategy by simultaneously introducing P doping and Se vacancies to enhance the intrinsic activities in NiSe 2 nanosheet arrays (A-NiSe 2 |P) through Ar plasma treatment. Owing to the increased active sites and enhanced electrical conductivity, the resulted A-NiSe 2 |P shows the enhanced hydrogen evolution performances. Theoretical calculations reveal that introduction of Se vacancies plays a significant role in lowering the adsorption free energy of H* in Ni, Se and P sites, leading to promoted intrinsic activities in A-NiSe 2 |P. Further, A-NiSe 2 |P as bifunctional electrocatalysts only needs 1.62 V to reach 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting. Our study and understanding of A-NiSe 2 |P may highlight the importance of element doping and vacancies in enhancing the catalytic activities in overall water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. The burden of cancer incidence and mortality is increasing rapidly. New approaches to cancer prevention and treatment are urgently needed. Natural products are reliable and powerful sources for anticancer drug discovery. Baicalin and baicalein, two major flavones isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, a multi-purpose traditional medicinal plant in China, exhibit anticancer activities against multiple cancers. Of note, these phytochemicals exhibit extremely low toxicity to normal cells. Besides their cytotoxic and cytostatic activities toward diverse tumor cells, recent studies demonstrated that baicalin and baicalein modulate a variety of tumor stromal cells and extracellular matrix (ECM) in the tumor microenvironment (TME), which is essential for tumorigenesis, cancer progression and metastasis. In this review, we summarize the therapeutic potential and the mechanism of action of baicalin and baicalein in the regulation of tumor microenvironmental immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and ECM that reshape the TME and cancer signaling, leading to inhibition of tumor angiogenesis, progression, and metastasis. In addition, we discuss the biotransformation pathways of baicalin and baicalein, related therapeutic challenges and the future research directions to improve their bioavailability and clinical anticancer applications. Recent advances of baicalin and baicalein warrant their continued study as important natural ways for cancer interception and therapy. [Display omitted] • Natural products are reliable and powerful sources for cancer drug discovery. • Baicalin and baicalein are two major flavones isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. • Baicalin and baicalein exhibit anticancer activities against multiple cancers with extremely low toxicity to normal cells. • Baicalin and baicalein modulate tumor stromal cells and extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment. • Future research needs to reveal TID and improve the bioavailability for clinical applications of baicalin and baicalein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of raw attapulgite clay and thermally modified attapulgite clay on the growth status of submerged plant Vallisneria Spiralis (V. spiralis) and the microenvironment of sediment were first explored. The results demonstrated that the attapulgite could effectively promote the development of V. spiralis and improve plant stress resistance by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. The 10% addition of attapulgite clay increased the biomass of V. spiralis by 27%∼174%, and the promoted rate of raw attapulgite clay was 2∼5 times of modified attapulgite clay. The attapulgite increased redox potential in sediment (P < 0.05) and provided proper niches for organism propagation, further promoting the degradation of organic matter and nutrient metabolism in sediment. The value of Shannon, Chao, and Ace was 9.98, 4865.15, 5029.08 in the 10% modified attapulgite group, and 10.12, 4856.85, 4947.78 in the 20% raw attapulgite group, respectively, indicating that the attapulgite could increase the microbial diversity and abundance in sediment. Additionally, the nutrient elements, such as Ca, Na, S, Mg, K, Zn, and Mo, that dissolved from attapulgite may also promote the V. spiralis growth. This study provided an environment-friendly approach to facilitating submerged macrophyte restoration in the eutrophic lake ecosystem. [Display omitted] • Effects of attapulgite on V. spiralis growth and sediment microenvironment. • Attapulgite can improve the sediment microenvironment. • Attapulgite can effectively promote the growth of V. spiralis. • Sediment microenvironment was important to plant growth. • Elements dissolved from attapulgite may also promote the plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The input of agro-pollutants, such as microplastics and nanopesticides, on farmlands is widespread and may facilitate biological invasions in agroecosystems. Here, the effects of agro-pollutants that promote invasion of congener species is studied by examining the growth performance of native Sphagneticola calendulacea and its invasive congener, S. trilobata , when grown in a native only, invasive only and mixed community. Sphagneticola calendulacea naturally occurs in croplands in southern China, while S. trilobata was introduced to this region and has since naturalized, encroaching onto farmland. In our study, each plant community was subjected to the following treatments: control, microplastics only, nanopesticides only, and both microplastics and nanopesticides. The effects of the treatments on soils of each plant community were also examined. We found that aboveground, belowground, and photosynthetic traits of S. calendulacea were significantly inhibited by the combined microplastics and nanopesticides treatment in the native and mixed communities. The relative advantage index of S. trilobata was 69.90% and 74.73% higher under the microplastics only and nanopesticides only treatments respectively compared to S. calendulacea. Soil microbial biomass, enzyme activity, gas emission rates, and chemicals in each community were reduced when treated with both microplastics and nanopesticides. Yet, soil microbial biomass of carbon and nitrogen, CO 2 emission rates and nitrous oxide rates were significantly higher (56.08%, 58.33%, 36.84% and 49.95% respectively) in the invasive species community than in the native species community under microplastics and nanopesticides. Our results suggest that the addition of agro-pollutants to soils favors the more resistant S. trilobata and suppresses the less tolerant S. calendulacea. Soil properties from the native species community are also more impacted by agro-pollutants than substrates supporting the invasive species. Future studies should explore the effects of agro-pollutants by comparing other invasive and native species and considering human activities, industry, and the soil environment. • Plant performance of invasive and native species in response to agro-pollutants. • Invasive S. trilobata had higher competitive ability in response to agro-pollutants. • Increase in soil microbial biomass in the invasive community favoured S. trilobata. • Increase in soil gas emission may increase the invasion of S. trilobata in farmlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While the associations among ambient pollutants and various pregnancy complications are well documented, the effect of ambient pollutants on intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) has not been examined. This study aimed to explore the effects of ambient pollutants and sunshine duration on ICP. The study enrolled 169,971 pregnant women who delivered between 2015 and 2020 in two hospitals. The associations between ICP and exposure to ambient pollutants and sunshine duration, averaged throughout different periods (including the 3 months before conception, 1st trimester and 2nd trimester), were estimated using a generalized linear model. The interaction effects of ambient pollutants and sunshine duration on ICP were estimated. The fitted curves for ICP incidence were similar to the temporal trends of PM 2.5 , PM 10 , SO 2 , CO and NO 2 but not that of O 3. The risk of ICP was significantly elevated following a 10-μg/m3 increase in PM 2.5 (aOR [adjusted odds ratio] = 1.057, 95% CI [confidence interval]: 1.017–1.099) and PM 10 (aOR = 1.043, 95% CI: 1.013–1.074) and a 1-h decrease in sunshine duration (aOR = 1.039, 95% CI: 1.011–1.068) during the 3 months before conception. In the second trimester, a 1-μg/m3 increase in the concentration of SO 2 was associated with an increased risk of ICP (aOR = 1.011, 95% CI: 1.001–1.021). Increased concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 had interactive effects with reduced sunshine duration during the 3 months before conception on increasing the risk of ICP. Exposure to PM 2.5 and PM 10 during the 3 months before conception and exposure to SO 2 in the second trimester were associated with an increased ICP risk. Reduced sunshine duration had an interactive effect with increased concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 during the 3 months before conception on the occurrence of ICP. [Display omitted] • This is the first study to explore the effects of air pollutants on ICP. • Three months preconception is a sensitive exposure window for PM on ICP. • PM 2.5 and PM 10 interact with less sunshine duration to increase the risk of ICP. • Increased concentrations of SO 2 in the 2nd trimester aggregate the risk of ICP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women are vulnerable to depression during postpartum period. While several studies have shown associations between ambient air pollution exposure and depression in general population, there was few studies focused on the effect of various air pollutants on postpartum depression (PPD). This study is designed to explore the association between prenatal exposure to air pollutants and PPD, and to reveal the potential vulnerable exposure time point. The study enrolled 10,209 pregnant women who delivered between October 2019 and February 2021 in 5 participating hospitals from 3 cities in China. Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered at 6 weeks postpartum to identify PPD symptoms. Associations between PPD symptoms and exposure levels in PM 2.5 , PM 10, SO 2 , CO, NO 2 , and O 3 averaged over the whole pregnancy and each trimester were estimated using logistic regression models after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Distributed lag models (DLMs) were used to determine the relevant associations in each gestational week. The risk for developing PPD symptoms was significant following a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM 10 (aOR = 1.47, 95%CI:1.36–1.59), NO 2 (aOR = 1.63, 95%CI:1.44–1.85), and 0.1 mg/m3 increase in CO (aOR = 2.31, 95%CI: 1.99–2.69) during the whole pregnancy. Similar results were also found in exposure during each trimester of pregnancy. Besides, SO 2 exposure during the second trimester was a major risk factor for developing PPD symptoms (aOR = 1.10, 95%CI:1.03–1.18). Consistent effects were also observed in DLMs, except for PM 2.5 and O 3 , which showed no significant sensitive windows throughout pregnancy period. Exposure to PM 10 , CO, NO 2 , and SO 2 in pregnancy is associated with increased risks of developing depression at 6 weeks postpartum. Our findings reveal the importance of air pollution control for preventing maternal mental health disorders among the public. [Display omitted] • Exposure to PM10, NO2 and CO in pregnancy increased risk of developing depression at 6 weeks postpartum. •The second trimester of pregnancy was the most susceptible period for developing PPD when exposed to SO2. •Prenatal exposure to multiple ambient air pollutants may contribute to development of PPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of clay mineral bentonite on the growth process of submerged macrophyte V. spiralis and sediment microenvironment were investigated in the study for the first time, aiming to determine whether it is suitable for application in the field of ecological restoration. The growth index, and physiological and biochemical index of V. spiralis in the experiments were measured once a month, and the changes of rhizosphere microorganisms and physicochemical properties of sediments were also studied at the same time. The results demonstrated that bentonite can effectively promote the growth of V. spiralis. The treatment groups of RB1/1 and MB1/5 (the mass ratios of bentonite to sediment were 1/1 and 1/5, respectively.) showed the best V. spiralis growth promotion rates which were 18.78%, and 11.79%, respectively. The highest microbial diversity and abundance existed in group of RB10 (the mass ratio of sediment to bentonite was 10/1), in which the OTUs, Shannon, Chao and Ace were 1521.0, 5.20, 1712.26, and 1686.31, respectively. Bentonite was conducive to the propagation of rhizosphere microorganisms, and further changed the physical and chemical properties of the sediment microenvironment. The nutrient elements dissolved from bentonite may be one of the main reasons that promoted the growth of V. spirali s. The purpose of this result is to prove that bentonite can be further applied as sediment improver and growing media in ecological restoration projects in eutrophic shallow lakes. [Display omitted] • Effects of bentonite on growth process of V. spiralis and sediment microenvironment. • Bentonite can effectively promote the growth of V. spiralis. • Bentonite was conducive to the propagation of rhizosphere microorganisms. • Bentonite changed physical and chemical properties of the sediment microenvironment. • Nutrient dissolved from bentonite may be a reason promoted growth of V. spiralis. Bentonite can effectively promote the growth of V. spiralis. Bentonite was conducive to the propagation of rhizosphere microorganisms, and further changed the physical and chemical properties of the sediment microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]