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Growing evidence has revealed the impacts of exposure to fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) and dysbiosis of gut microbiota on neuropsychiatric disorders, but the causal inference remains controversial due to residual confounders in observational studies. This study aimed to examine the causal effects of exposure to PM 2.5 on 4 major neuropsychiatric disorders (number of cases = 18,381 for autism spectrum disorder [ASD], 38,691 for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD], 67,390 for schizophrenia, and 21,982 cases for Alzheimer's disease [AD]), and the mediation pathway through gut microbiota. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed, in which genetic instruments were identified from genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The included GWASs were available from (1) MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit (MRC-IEU) for PM 2.5 , PM coarse , PM 10 , and NO X ; (2) the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) for ASD, ADHD, and schizophrenia; (3) MRC-IEU for AD; and (4) MiBioGen for gut microbiota. Multivariable MR analyses were conducted to adjust for exposure to NO X , PM coarse , and PM 10. We also examined the mediation effects of gut microbiota in the associations between PM 2.5 exposure levels and neuropsychiatric disorders, using two-step MR analyses. Each 1 standard deviation (1.06 ug/m3) increment in PM 2.5 concentrations was associated with elevated risk of ASD (odds ratio [OR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–2.02), ADHD (1.51, 1.15–1.98), schizophrenia (1.47, 1.15–1.87), and AD (1.57, 1.16–2.12). For all the 4 neurodevelopmental disorders, the results were robust under various sensitivity analyses, while the MR-Egger method yielded non-significant outcomes. The associations remained significant for all the 4 neuropsychiatric disorders after adjusting for PM coarse , while non-significant after adjusting for NO X and PM 10. The effects of PM 2.5 exposure on ADHD and schizophrenia were partially mediated by Lachnospiraceae and Barnesiella , with the proportions ranging from 8.31% to 15.77%. This study suggested that exposure to PM 2.5 would increase the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, partially by influencing the profile of gut microbiota. Comprehensive regulations on air pollutants are needed to help prevent neuropsychiatric disorders. • Mendelian randomization showed causal effects of PM 2.5 on neuropsychiatric disorders. • PM 2.5 exposure markedly increased risks for 4 major neuropsychiatric disorders. • The effects of PM 2.5 exposure remained significant after adjusting for PMcoarse. • Alterations in gut microbiota profile could be an underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microplastic pollution in freshwater system is gradually becoming more severe, which has led to increasing attention on the distribution and potential harmful effects of microplastics. Moreover, microplastics may have an impact on river ecology and pose risks to ecosystems. Therefore, it is important to reveal this process. This study aimed to explore correlations between microplastics and free-living microorganisms in an urban drinking water source of Xiangjiang River by using multivariate statistical analysis. The results indicated that the abundance of microplastics (size 50 μm to 5 mm) in surface water and sediments ranged from 0.72 to 18.6 (mean ± SD: 7.32 ± 2.36) items L−1 and 26.3–302 (150 ± 75.6) items kg−1 dry weight (dw), respectively, suggesting potential microplastic pollution despite the protected status as a drinking water source. Higher microplastic abundances were observed in urban areas and the downstream of wastewater plants, with mostly granular shape, transparent and black color as well as 50–100 μm in size. The multivariate statistical analysis presented that the abundance of microplastics is not significantly correlated with water indicators, due to the complexity of the abundance data. The water indicators showed an obvious correlation with microplastics in colors of transparent and black, and smaller sizes of 50–100 μm. This is also true for microplastics and microorganisms in water and sediment. Proteobacteria was the main prokaryote in water and sediments, being positively correlated with 50–100 μm microplastics; while Chloroplastida was the dominated eukaryotes, presenting a weak correlation with smaller-size microplastics. Overall, when considering the properties of microplastics such as shape, color and size, the potential correlations with water indicators and microorganisms were more evident than abundance. This study provides new insights into the multivariate statistical analysis, explaining the potential correlations among microplastic properties, microorganisms and environmental factors in a river system. [Display omitted] • The microplastic abundance showed weak correlation with water indicators and microorganisms. • Microplastics that were black/transparent and of smaller size exhibited a more significant association with microorganisms. • Microplastic shapes presented little correlation with microorganisms. • The correlations were revealed by multivariate statistics between microplastic compositions and microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothesis of paternal origins of health and disease (POHaD) indicates that paternal exposure to adverse environment could alter the epigenetic modification in germ line, increasing the disease susceptibility in offspring or even in subsequent generations. p,p′-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) is an anti-androgenic chemical and male reproductive toxicant. Gestational p,p′-DDE exposure could impair reproductive development and fertility in male offspring. However, the effect of paternal p,p′-DDE exposure on fertility in male offspring remains uncovered. From postnatal day (PND) 35 to 119, male rats (F0) were given 10 mg/body weight (b.w.) p,p′-DDE or corn oil by gavage. Male rats were then mated with the control females to generate male offspring. On PND35, the male offspring were divided into 4 groups according whether to be given the high-fat diet (HF): corn oil treatment with control diet (C-C), p,p′-DDE treatment with control diet (DDE-C), corn oil treatment with high-fat diet (C-HF) or p,p′-DDE treatment with high-fat diet (DDE-HF) for 35 days. Our results indicated that paternal p,p′-DDE exposure did not affect the male fertility of male offspring directly, but decreased sperm quality and induced testicular apoptosis after the high-fat diet treatment. Further analysis demonstrated that paternal exposure to p,p′-DDE and pre-pubertal high-fat diet decreased sperm Igf2 DMR2 methylation and gene expression in male offspring. Hence, paternal exposure to p,p′-DDE and pre-pubertal high-fat diet increases the susceptibility to male fertility impairment and sperm Igf2 DMR2 hypo-methylation in male offspring, posing a significant implication in the disease etiology. • Paternal p,p′-DDE exposure didn't affect spermatogenesis of male offspring directly. • p,p′-DDE and high-fat diet impaired spermatogenesis in male offspring. • p,p′-DDE and high-fat diet decreased sperm Igf2 DMR2 methylation in male offspring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In past decades, China has experienced substantial economic growth and industrialization. However, the effects of vast development of China on Hg input to the nearby oceans are still unclear. In this study, four representative 210Pb-dated sediment cores were collected in the central and southern part of Bohai sea to investigate vertical changes of Hg contents and explore the relationship between the Hg deposition and pollution history in this region utilizing a large amount of information available. The results indicated that Hg median concentrations of sediment core B62, B66, JQ17 and HZ24 were 0.043 mg/kg, 0.054 mg/kg, 0.033 mg/kg and 0.018 mg/kg respectively, among which, B66 in Yellow river estuary and B62 in central part of Bohai Sea had higher concentrations and HZ24 in Bohai Strait had a lower concentration. 210Pb profile appeared as a three segments model in the core B62, but as many steps of decay with depth in B66. For HZ24, 210Pb activity only fluctuated with depth without any discernible trend. Sedimentary rates of these cores decreased as follows: B66＞B62＞JQ17＞HZ24. Vertical distributions of Hg concentrations in sediment cores were totally different from each other. Hg concentrations in sediment core B62 experienced an initial fluctuation followed by a decreasing trend, while sediment core HZ24 almost showed the uniform decreasing trends from the surface to the bottom. There were three segments of variation in sediment cores JQ17: initial fluctuation followed by an obviously decreasing tendency and then a converted variation from surface to bottom. Hg contents changes in core B62 might reflect the additive effects from atmospheric deposition at a larger scale and the river-delivered sediment accumulation, while Hg vertical changes in B66 mainly had a close relationship with the input of Yellow river. The converted variation at the bottom section in sediment cores JQ17 was inferred to have some relationship with the Chengbei platform construction in the corresponding periods. Highlights • Hg median content in each sediment core was 0.043, 0.054, 0.033 and 0.018 mg/kg. • Hg vertical distribution in B66 had relationships with input of Yellow river. • Hg change in B62 reflected additive effect of atmospheric deposition ＆river input. • Hg profile showed uniform rising trends in HZ24 from bottom to surface. • Inversion of Hg distribution in Q17 was related with platform construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The staggering complexity of the genome controls for developmental processes is revealed through massively parallel cis-regulatory analysis using new methods of perturbation and readout. The choice of combinations of these new methods is tailored to the system, question and resources at hand. Our focus is on issues that include the necessity or sufficiency of given cis-regulatory modules, cis-regulatory function in the normal spatial genomic context, and easily accessible high throughput and multiplexed analysis methods. In the sea urchin embryonic model, recombineered BACs offer new opportunities for consecutive modes of cis-regulatory analyses that answer these requirements, as we here demonstrate on a diverse suite of previously unstudied sea urchin effector genes expressed in skeletogenic cells. Positively active cis-regulatory modules were located in single Nanostring experiments per BAC containing the gene of interest, by application of our previously reported "barcode" tag vectors of which> 100 can be analyzed at one time. Computational analysis of DNA sequences that drive expression, based on the known skeletogenic regulatory state, then permitted effective identification of functional target site clusters. Deletion of these sub-regions from the parent BACs revealed module necessity, as simultaneous tests of the same regions in short constructs revealed sufficiency. Predicted functional inputs were then confirmed by site mutations, all generated and tested in multiplex formats. There emerged the simple conclusion that each effector gene utilizes a small subset of inputs from the skeletogenic GRN. These inputs may function to only adjust expression levels or in some cases necessary for expression. Since we know the GRN architecture upstream of the effector genes, we could then conceptually isolate and compare the wiring of the effector gene driver sub-circuits and identify the inputs whose removal abolish expression. Highlights • Recombineered BAC clones are useful for rapid gene regulatory network analysis. • High throughput methods using BACs quickly reveal cis-regulatory function. • BAC reporters can assess the necessity or sufficiency of cis-regulatory modules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are widely used as flame retardants and plasticizers in the world. The use of OPEs has increased rapidly due to the prohibition of polybrominated diphenyl ethers. However, OPEs are mainly added to various materials by physical mixing, they are therefore easy to be released into the environment through volatilization, leaching, and abrasion during their production, use, transportation, and after disposal. Dust, as an important medium for human exposure to OPEs, has attracted extensive attention. Here, this article reviewed the current knowledge on the physiochemical properties, consumptions and applications, and ecotoxicities of OPEs, also synthesized the available data on the occurrence of 13 OPEs in outdoor and indoor dust environments around the world over the past decade. The results showed that the sum of OPEs (ΣOPEs) was the highest in outdoor dust from an e-waste disposal area in Tianjin of China (range: 1390–42700 ng/g dw; mean: 11500 ng/g dw). The highest ΣOPEs was found in Japan for home dust (range: 9300–11000000 ng/g dw; mean: 266543 ng/g dw), Sweden for office dust (range: 14000–1600000 ng/g dw; mean: 360100 ng/g dw) and daycare center dust (range: 40000–4600000 ng/g dw; mean: 1990800 ng/g dw), and Brazil for car dust (range: 108000–2050000 ng/g dw; mean: 541000 ng/g dw). The use pattern of OPEs differed in different regions and countries. The exposure and risk assessment based on the data of OPEs in home dust indicated that the average daily intakes of OPEs via dust ingestion for children and adults were lower than the corresponding reference doses; and that the current human exposure to OPEs through indoor dust ingestion were not likely to pose risks to human health. Finally, the review pointed out the gaps of current research and provided the directions for further study on OPEs in dust environment. [Display omitted] • Occurrence and characteristics of OPEs in indoor and outdoor dust in the world were reviewed. • Level and risk of human exposure to OPEs via home dust ingestion on the world were evaluated. • OPEs in dust presented different compositions in different regions, reflecting different uses. • The current level and risk of human exposed to OPEs in home dust were relatively low. • Current knowledge gaps and future research directions of OPEs in dust were pointed out. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a lack of research on the effects of acute exposure to ambient sulfur dioxide (SO 2) on mortality caused by asthma, especially nationwide research in China. To explore the acute effect of exposure to ambient SO 2 on asthma mortality using nationwide dataset in China from 2015 to 2020 and further evaluate the associations in subgroups with different geographical and demographic characteristics. We used data from China's Disease Surveillance Points system with 29,553 asthma deaths in China during 2015–2020. The exposure variable was the daily mean concentrations of SO 2 from the ChinaHighSO 2 10 km × 10 km daily grid dataset. Bilinear interpolation was used to estimate each individual's exposure to air pollutants and meteorological variables. We used a time-stratified case crossover design at the individual level to analyze the exposure response relationship between short-term exposure to SO 2 and asthma mortality. Stratified analyses were carried out by sex, age group, marital status, warm season and cold season, urbanicity and region. Significant associations between short-term exposure to ambient SO 2 and increased asthma mortality were found in this nationwide study. The excess risk (ER) for each 10 μg/m3 increase in SO 2 concentrations at lag07 was 7.78 % (95 % CI, 4.16–11.52 %). Season appeared to significantly modify the association. The associations were stronger in cold season (ER 9.78 %, 95 % CI:5.82 −13.89 %). The association remained consistent using different lag periods, adjusting for other pollutants, and in the analysis during pre-Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) period. Our study indicates increased risk of asthma mortality with acute exposures to SO 2 in Chinese population. The current study lends support for greater awareness of the harmful effect of SO 2 in China and other countries with high SO 2 pollution. • The first nationwide study to explore the acute effect of SO 2 on asthma mortality. • Ambient SO 2 exposure may increase asthma mortality in China. • Season appeared to significantly modify the association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Unmodified Fe3O4 nanoparticles do not stabilize Pickering emulsions of a polar oil like butyl butyrate. In order to obtain stable emulsions, the Fe3O4 nanoparticles were modified by either carboxylic acid (RCOOH) or silane coupling agents (RSi(OC2H5)3) to increase their hydrophobicity. The influence of such surface modification on the stability of the resultant Pickering emulsions was investigated in detail for both a non-polar oil (dodecane) and butyl butyrate in mixtures with water. The stability of dodecane-in-water emulsions in the presence of carboxylic acid-coated particles decreases as the length of the alkyl group (R) and the coating extent increase. However, such particles are incapable of stabilizing butyl butyrate-water emulsions even when the carboxylic acid length is decreased to two. However, the silane-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles can stabilize butyl butyrate-in-water emulsions, and they also increase the stability of dodecane-in-water emulsions. Thermal gravimetric analysis indicates that the molar quantity of silane reagent is much higher than that of carboxylic acid on nanoparticle surfaces after modification, raising their hydrophobicity and enabling enhanced stability of the resultant polar oil–water emulsions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a widespread environmental pollutant and stressor. Many nocturnal insects have been shown to experience ALAN stress. However, few studies have been conducted to uncover the mechanism by which nocturnal insects respond to ALAN stress. Previous studies suggest that lysine succinylation (Ksuc) is a potential mechanism that coordinates energy metabolism and antioxidant activity under stressful conditions. Mythimna separata (Walker) (M. separata) is a nocturnal insect that has been stressed by ALAN. In this study, we quantified the relative proteomic Ksuc levels in ALAN-stressed M. separata. Of the 466 identified Ksuc-modified proteins, 103 were hypersuccinylated/desuccinylated in ALAN-stressed moths. The hypersuccinylated/desuccinylated proteins were shown to be involved in various biological processes. In particular, they were enriched in metabolic processes, reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and the neuromuscular system. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Ksuc might affect moth locomotion by intervening with and coordinating these systems under ALAN stress. These findings suggest that Ksuc plays a vital role in the moth response to ALAN stress and moth locomotion behavior and provide a new perspective on the impact of ALAN on nocturnal insect populations and species communities. [Display omitted] • First succinylomic analysis of a nocturnal insect was performed. • Ksuc was involved in ALAN stress response through metabolic processes, antioxidant system and neuromuscular system. • Ksuc might affect moth locomotion under ALAN stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ambient carbon monoxide (CO) has been linked with mortality and morbidity. Little evidence is available regarding the relation between CO and years of life lost (YLL). Using data from 48 major cities in China from 2013 to 2017, we applied generalized additive models and random effects meta-analyses to explore the effects of CO on YLL from various diseases. Stratified analyses and meta-regression were performed to estimate potential effect modifications of demographic factors, regions, meteorological factors, co-pollutants, urbanization rate, economic level and health service level. Additional life gains due to avoidable YLL under certain scenario were also evaluated. Results indicated that a 1-mg/m³ increase of CO concentrations (lagged over 0–3 d), was associated with 2.08% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.35%, 2.80%), 2.35% (95% CI: 1.39%, 3.30%), 1.47% (95% CI: -0.01%, 2.93%), 2.28% (95% CI: 1.09%, 3.47%), 2.42% (95% CI: 1.31%, 3.54%), 2.09% (95% CI: 0.47%, 3.72%) increments in daily YLL from non-accidental causes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, coronary heart disease, stroke and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respectively. These associations were robust to the adjustment of co-pollutants and varied substantially by geography and demographic characteristics. Associations were stronger in the elder people (≥65 years), females, population with low education attainment, and lived in south region, than younger people, males, high educated populations and those lived in north region. Moreover, the harmful impact of increasing CO concentration could be attenuated by city-level characteristics, including the growth of urbanization rate, gross domestic product (GDP), GDP per capita, number of hospital beds, doctors and hospitals. Finally, an estimated life of 0.081 (95% CI: -0.027, 0.190) years would be gained per deceased people if CO concentration could fall to 1 mg/m3. In conclusions, this nationwide analysis showed significant associations between short-term CO exposure and cause-specific YLL. The heterogeneity of both individual- and city-level characteristics should be considered for relevant intervention. These findings may have significant public health implications for the reduction of CO-attributed disease burden in China. • Ambient CO pollutant is significantly associated with increased cause-specific YLL. • Vulnerability on city- and individual-level characteristics should be considered. • The additional life gain by reducing CO concentration is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Few multicity studies have been conducted in developing countries to distinguish the acute effects of ambient nitrogen dioxide (NO 2) on the years of life lost (YLL) from different subtypes of stroke. We aimed to differentiate the associations between NO 2 exposure and YLL from major pathological types of stroke in China, and estimate the relevant economic loss. A time-series study was conducted to explore the associations between short-term NO 2 exposure and YLL from ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke from 2013 to 2017 in 48 Chinese cities. Daily NO 2 data and stroke mortality counts for each city were obtained from the National Urban Air Quality Real-time Publishing Platform and Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, respectively. Generalized additive models were applied to estimate the cumulative effects of NO 2 in each city, and meta-analysis was used to combine the city-specific estimates. The relevant economic loss was estimated using the method of the value per statistical life year (VSLY). A 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient NO 2 concentration on the present day and previous day (lag 0–1) would lead to relatively higher increments in percentage change of YLL from ischaemic stroke (0.82%, 95% CI: 0.46%, 1.19%) than haemorrhagic stroke (0.46%, 95% CI: 0.09%, 0.84%). The association was significantly stronger in the low-education population than high-education population for ischaemic stroke. Furthermore, significantly higher association was found in South China than those in North China for both subtypes of stroke. Economic loss due to excess YLL from ischaemic stroke related to NO 2 exposure was higher than that for haemorrhagic stroke. Our study indicated higher association and economic loss of ischaemic than haemorrhagic stroke related to NO 2 exposure in China, which informed priorities for type-specific stroke prevention strategies related to NO 2 pollution and vulnerable population protection. Image 1 • Stronger association in ischaemic than haemorrhagic stroke related to NO 2 was found. • Higher association in low-than high-education population for ischaemic stroke. • Higher association in South than North China for ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the inconsistency of epidemiologic evidence for associations between maternal exposures to traffic-related metrics and adverse birth outcomes, this manuscript aims to provide clarity on this topic. Pooled meta-estimates were calculated using random-effects analyses. Subgroup analyses were conducted by study area, study design, and Newcastle-Ottawa quality score (NOS). Funnel plots and Egger's test were conducted to evaluate the publication bias, and Fail-safe Numbers (Fail-safe N) were measured to evaluate the robustness of models. From the initial 740 studies (last search, July 11, 2019), 26 studies were included in our analysis. The pooled odds ratio for the change in small for gestational age associated with per 500 m decrease in the distance to roads was 1.016 (95% CI: 1.004, 1.029). Subgroup analyses revealed significant positive associations between term low birth weight and traffic density in higher-quality literatures with higher NOS [1.060 (95% CI: 1.002, 1.121)], cohort studies [1.020 (95% CI: 1.006, 1.033)], and studies in North America [1.018 (95% CI: 1.005, 1.131)]. The buffer of traffic density made no difference in the effect size. Traffic density seemed to be a better indicator of traffic pollution than the distance to roads. Image 1 • We clarify the relationship of traffic-related metrics on adverse birth outcomes. • Significant associations were found between distance to roads and SGA. • The buffer of traffic density made no difference in the effect size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel pH-sensitive drug delivery system of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) which were modified by polydopamine (PDA) for controlled release of cationic amphiphilic drug desipramine (DES) was prepared. MSNs–DES–PDA were characterized in terms of size, size distribution, surface morphology, BET surface area, mesoporous size and pore volume, drug loading content and in vitro drug release profile. MSNs–DES–PDA had high drug loading content and pH sensitivity. The DES release profiles of MSNs–DES and MSNs–DES–PDA were totally different, and the drug release of MSNs–DES–PDA accelerated with increasing acidity. MSNs–DES–PDA can be internalized into cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that MSNs–DES–PDA had higher cytotoxicity and inhibitory effects on acid sphingomyelinase than those of free DES. This drug delivery system was beneficial for controlled release and cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have become a promising photovoltaic (PV) technology. Meanwhile, developing an electron transport layer (ETL) has been an effective way to promote the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of PSCs. Here, a 4-morpholine ethane sulfonic acid sodium salt (MES Na+) doped SnO 2 ETL is utilized in planar heterojunction PSCs. The results show that the MES Na+ doped ETL can improve the crystallinity, and absorbance of perovskite films, and passivate interface defects between the perovskite film and SnO 2 ETL. The doping effect accounts for the enhancement of conductivity and the decreasing work function of SnO 2. When 10 mg mL−1 MES Na+ was added to the SnO 2 precursor solution, the device showed the best performance Jsc, Voc, and FF of the PSCs values, which were 23.88 mA cm−2, 1.12 V and 78.69%, respectively, and the PCE was increased from 17.43% to 21.05%. This doping ETL strategy provides an avenue for defect passivation to further increase the efficiency of perovskite solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Big data mining and experiments are widely used to mine new prognostic markers. Methods: Candidate genes were identified from CROEMINE and FerrDb. Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analysis were applied to assess the association of genes with Overall survival time (OS) and Disease-free survival time (DFS) in two HCC cohorts. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Immunohistochemistry were performed in HCC samples. Results: 21 and 15 genes that can predict OS and DFS, which had not been reported before, were identified from 719 genes, respectively. Survival analysis showed elevated mRNA expression of GLMP , SLC38A6 , and WDR76 were associated with poor prognosis, and three genes combination signature was an independent prognostic factor in HCC. RT-qPCR and Immunohistochemistry confirmed the results. Conclusions: We established a novel computational process, which identified the expression levels of GLMP , SLC38A6 , and WDR76 as potential ferroptosis-related biomarkers indicating the prognosis of HCC. • In this study, we established a novel computational process to mine new prognostic markers. • we identified the expression levels of GLMP , SLC38A6 , and WDR76 as potential ferroptosis-related biomarkers indicating the prognosis of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous nucleation induced by natural organic matter (NOM) can lower the energy barrier for calcium arsenate (Ca-As) precipitation, which aids in immobilizing arsenate (AsⅤ). However, it remains unclear how certain chemical functionalities of NOM affect Ca-As nucleation at the molecular scale. By analyzing changes in the local supersaturation and/or interfacial energy, the present work investigates the Ca-As heterogeneous nucleation kinetics and mechanisms on functional-group–modified model surfaces. Mica surfaces modified by functional groups of amine (NH 2), hydroxyl (OH), or carboxyl (COOH) through self-assembled monolayers were used to investigate how chemical functionalities affect the Ca-As heterogeneous nucleation, in which the distributions of formation kinetics and size (as measured by the change in particle height) of nucleated Ca-As particles were measured by using in situ atomic force microscopy. In a parallel analysis, a quartz-crystal microbalance with dissipation was used to detect the buildup of Ca2+ and/or HAsO 4 2− ions at the solid–fluid interface. PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping and dynamic force spectroscopy using functional-group–modified tips made it possible to calculate the binding energies holding functional groups to Ca-As particles. Nucleated Ca-As particles were characterized by using Raman spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The results indicate that the height of amorphous Ca-As particles formed on a modified mica surface may be ranked in descending order as NH 2 > OH > bare mica > COOH, as determined by the buildup of Ca2+ and HAsO 4 2− ions at the solid–fluid interface and the decrease of interfacial energy due to the functional groups. These nanoscale observations and molecular-scale determinations improve our understanding of the roles played by chemical functionalities on NOM in immobilizing dissolved As through heterogeneous nucleation in soil and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Air Quality Index (AQI) has been criticized because it does not adequately account for the health effect of multi-pollutants. Although the developed Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) is a more effective communication tool, little is known about the best method to construct AQHI on long time and large spatial scales. To further evaluate the validity of existing approaches to the establishment of AQHI on both long time and larger spatial scales. By introducing 3 approaches addressing multi-pollutant exposures: cumulative risk index (CRI), supervised principal component analysis (SPCA), and Bayesian multi-pollutants weighted model (BMP), we constructed CRI-AQHI, SPCA-AQHI, BMP-AQHI and standard-AQHI on cardiovascular mortality in China from 2015 to 2019 at both the national and geographic regional levels. We further assessed the performance of the four methods in estimating the joint effect of multi-pollutants by simulations under various scenarios of pollution effect. The results of national China showed that the BMP-AQHI improved the goodness of fit of the standard-AQHI by 108.24%, followed by CRI-AQHI (5.02%), and all AQHIs performed better than AQI, consistent with 6 geographic regional results. In addition, the simulation result showed that the BMP method provided stable and relatively accurate estimations of the short-term combined effect of exposure to multi-pollutants. AQHI based on BMP could communicate the air pollution risk to the public more effectively than the current AQHI and AQI. • Short-term air pollution exposure increases mortality from cardiovascular. • All AQHIs predicted cardiovascular deaths more accurately than AQI. • BMP-AQHI communicates the air pollution risk most effectively than current AQHI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important central city in western China, Xi'an has the worst atmospheric pollution record in China and many measures have been taken to improve the air quality in the past few years. In this study, PM 2.5 samples were collected across four seasons from 2017 to 2018 in Xi'an. Organic carbon and elemental carbon, water soluble ions, and elements were monitored to assess the air quality. The average annual PM 2.5 concentration was (134.9 ± 48.1 μg/m3), with the highest concentration in winter (188.8 ± 93.2 μg/m3), and lowest concentration in summer (71.2 ± 12.1 μg/m3). The secondary generation of sulfate (SO 4 2−) and nitrate (NO 3 −) was strong in spring, and secondary organic carbon (SOC) was formed in all seasons. The compositions of PM 2.5 changed greatly during a sandstorm occurred and the Spring Festival. The sandstorm played a positive role in removing local pollutant NO 3 −, but also increased the concentration of SO 4 2−, however both the concentration of SO 4 2− and NO 3 − greatly increased by secondary generation during Spring Festival. Potential source analysis showed that during the sandstorm, pollutants were transported over a long distance from the northwest of China, whereas it was mainly from the local and surrounded emissions during the Spring Festival. Except Ca2+ and geological dust (GM), the other components in PM 2.5 increased significantly on the day of the Spring Festival. During sampling time in Xi'an, the positive matrix factorization (PMF) model analysis showed that PM 2.5 mainly came from vehicle emission, coal combustion, and biomass burning. • The average annual PM 2.5 concentration in Xi'an has increased from 2004 to 2007, and gradually decreased from 2012 to 2018. • It has higher exposure levels in wintertime in Xi'an, especially during the pollution events with seasonal variations. • NO 3 – decreased and SO 4 2– increased during the sandstorm, whereas both SO 4 2– and NO 3 – increased during the Spring Festival. • As one of the three main sources for PM 2.5 in Xi'an, the contribution of vehicle emission has elevated in the past years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant-derived essential oil (EO) has gained more and more attentions resulted from its antioxidant, antiradical, and antimicrobial properties. The ginger EO delivery system based on chitosan nano-emulsion using ultrasound (US) was constructed and the application on the quality attributes of minimally processed cantaloupe was investigated in this paper. Results demonstrated that emulsions with small particle size and excellent stability were produced under US 60% conditions. The addition of 0.5% EO in emulsions enabled the polysaccharide-based coating to maintain the quality attributes during storage of minimally processed cantaloupe. The antioxidant capacity and vitamin C content in minimally processed cantaloupe were increased by more than 56%; whereas the total soluble solids and the weight loss were declined by 6.4% and 3.7%, respectively. Furthermore, the microbial development (the total bacterial count is 2 log CFU/g, and the yeast and mold count is 2 log CFU/g) were significantly inhibited after 10 days of storage. In summary, the delivery system of EO prepared with chitosan-based emulsion effectively contributed to the quality maintenance and the shelf-life extension of minimally processed cantaloupe. • Chitosan/Essential oil (EO) nanoemulsion prepared by ultrasonic assisted method. • Emulsion with 60% ultrasonic power showed low UV transmittance and high stability. • Chitosan-based ginger EO emulsion extend the shelf-life of fresh-cut cantaloupe. • Ginger EO emulsion coating can effectively inhibit the growth of microorganisms. • 0.5% ginger EO added can effectively maintain the quality of fresh-cut cantaloupe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compound 5a was identified as a potent and selective PTP1B inhibitor with promising antidiabetic effects both in vitro and in vivo. • Novel 2,4-thiazolidinediones as uncharged PTP1B inhibitors were synthesized. • Compound 5a displayed selectivity against TC-PTP. • Compound 5a exhibited excellent antidiabetic activities in BKS db mice. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a well-validated target in therapeutic interventions for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), however, PTP1B inhibitors containing negatively charged nonhydrolyzable pTyr mimetics are difficult to convert to the corresponding in vivo efficacy owing to poor cell permeability and oral bioavailability. In this work, molecules bearing less acidic heterocycle 2,4-thiazolidinedione and hydantoin were designed, synthesized and evaluated for PTP1B inhibitory potency, selectivity and in vivo antidiabetic efficacy. Among them, compound 5a was identified as a potent PTP1B inhibitor (IC 50 = 0.86 μM) with 5-fold selectivity over the highly homologous TCPTP. Long-term oral administration of 5a at a dose of 50 mg/kg not only significantly reduced blood glucose levels, triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels but also ameliorated insulin sensitivity in diabetic BKS db mice. Moreover, 5a enhanced the insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of IRβ, IRS-1 and Akt in C2C12 myotubes. A histopathological evaluation of liver and pancreas demonstrated that 5a increased liver glycogen storage and improved islet architecture with more β-cells and fewer α-cells in diabetic mice. Thus, our work demonstrated that compound 5a could serve as a lead compound for the discovery of new antidiabetic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sulfur dioxide (SO 2) is one of the major gaseous pollutants in China and other developing countries. Few multicity studies have been done to examine the short-term effect of SO 2 on cause-specific years of life lost (YLL). This study was designed to investigate the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with SO 2 exposure. A 5-year time-series study was conducted in 48 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2017. Generalized additive models were first used to estimate the city-specific relationship. Then, random-effects meta-analyses were applied to pool the estimates. Furthermore, the roles of potential modifiers and the related economic loss estimated by the method of value per statistical life year were also evaluated. The annual mean concentration of SO 2 was 27.1 μg/m3. A 10 μg/m3 increase in 4-day moving average (lag03) of SO 2 concentration was associated with 0.83% (95% CI: 0.13%, 1.53%) relative increment in YLL from COPD, and relevant percent change of mortality was 0.78% (95% CI: 0.16%, 1.41%). Moreover, a significantly higher effect was observed in the warm season, particularly in the south region. SO 2 exposure was estimated to account for 1.89% of the total economic loss due to YLL from COPD. Our findings showed a positive association between short-term exposure to SO 2 and YLL from COPD and highlighted the importance of continuous control of SO 2 pollution to reduce corresponding attributable disease burden. • The is the first multicity study to estimate acute effect of SO 2 on YLL from COPD. • There exists positive associations between short-term SO 2 exposure and increased YLL from COPD. • Stronger effect was found in the warm season, especially in south China. • A 1.89% of the total economic loss due to YLL from COPD was attributable to SO 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential impacts of daily ambient fine particulate pollution (PM 2.5) exposure on year of life lost (YLL) due to ischemic heart diseases (IHD) remain uncertain. We aimed to estimate the improvement in IHD-related life expectancy by attaining the daily air quality standards of ambient PM 2.5 in China. This study was based on daily mortality data covering 96 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2016. Regional- and national-associations between IHD-related YLLs and daily PM 2.5 were estimated by generalized additive models. We further evaluated the IHD-related avoidable YLLs with an assumption that the daily PM 2.5 was below the ambient air quality standards of World Health Organization (WHO) and China, and calculated the improvement of life expectancy by dividing the avoidable YLLs by the overall number of IHD mortality. We totally recorded 1,485,140 IHD deaths from 2013 to 2016. At the national level, we found a positive association between IHD-related YLLs and daily PM 2.5. Per 10 μg/m3 increment of four-day averaged ambient PM 2.5 related to an increase of 0.40 IHD-related YLLs (95% CI: 0.28, 0.51). By achieving the WHO's air quality guideline, we estimated that an averaged number of 1346.94 (95% CI: 932.61, 1761.27) YLLs can be avoided for the IHD deaths in each city. On average, the life expectancy can be improved by 0.15 years (95% CI: 0.11, 0.19) for each death. Our study provides a nationwide picture of the life expectancy improvements by reaching the daily PM 2.5 standards in China, indicating that people can live longer in an environment with higher air quality. • Totally 1,485,140 IHD deaths were recorded in 96 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2016. • By attaining WHO's guideline, up to 1347 YLLs might be avoided for the IHD deaths. • Life expectancy for IHD patients can be improved by 0.15 years under WHO's AQG. • Stricter PM 2.5 policy would benefit the cardiovascular health and life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term exposure to air pollution has been associated with increased lung cancer incidence and mortality. However, the short-term association between air pollution and lung cancer mortality (LCM) remains largely unknown. We collected daily data on particulate matter with diameter <2.5 μm (PM 2.5), particulate matter with diameter < 10 μm (PM 10), sulfur dioxide (SO 2), and ozone (O 3), and LCM in three of the biggest cities in China, i.e. Beijing, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, from 2013 to 2015. We first estimated city-specific relationships between air pollutants and LCM using time-series generalized linear models, adjusting for potential confounders. A classification and regression tree (CART) model was used to stratify LCM risk based on combinations of air pollutants and meteorological factors in each city. Then we pooled the city-specific associations using random-effects meta-analysis. Meta regression was used to explore if city-specific characteristics modified the air pollution-LCM association. Finally, we stratified the analyses by season, age, and sex. Over the entire period, the current-day concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in Chongqing and PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and SO 2 in Guangzhou were positively associated with LCM (Excess risk ranged from 0.72% (95% CI 0.27%–1.17%) to 6.06% (95% CI 0.76%–11.64%) with each 10 μg/m3 increment in different pollutants), but the association between current-day air pollution and LCM in Beijing was not significant (P > 0.05). When considering the environmental and weather factors simultaneously, current-day PM 2.5 , relative humidity, and PM 10 were the most important factors associated with LCM in Beijing, Chongqing, and Guangzhou, respectively. LCM risk related with daily PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and SO 2 significantly increased with the increasing annual mean temperature and humidity of the city, while LCM risk related with daily O 3 significantly increased with the increases of latitude, annual mean O 3 concentration, and socioeconomic level. After stratification, the current-day PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and O 3 during the warm season in Beijing and PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and SO 2 during the cool season in Chongqing and Guangzhou were positively associated with LCM (Excess risk ranged from 0.93% (95% CI 0.42%–1.45%) to 7.16% (95% CI 0.64%–14.09%) with each 10 μg/m3 increment in different pollutants). Male and the elderly lung cancer patients were more sensitive to the short-term effect of air pollution. Lung cancer patients should enhance protection measures against air pollution. More attentions should be paid for the high PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and O 3 during the warm season in Beijing, and high PM 2.5 , PM 10 , and SO 2 during the cool season in Chongqing and Guangzhou. • Short-term exposure to air pollution may increase the risk of lung cancer mortality. • The short-term associations between air pollutants and lung cancer mortality varied by city and season. • Daily air pollutants and weather factors had synergistic effects on daily lung cancer mortality. • Male and elder lung cancer patients were more susceptible to air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]