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Abstract: Mapping the quantitative relationship between structure and function in the human brain is an important and challenging problem. Numerous volumetric, surface, regions of interest and voxelwise image processing techniques have been developed to statistically assess potential correlations between imaging and non-imaging metrices. Recently, biological parametric mapping has extended the widely popular statistical parametric mapping approach to enable application of the general linear model to multiple image modalities (both for regressors and regressands) along with scalar valued observations. This approach offers great promise for direct, voxelwise assessment of structural and functional relationships with multiple imaging modalities. However, as presented, the biological parametric mapping approach is not robust to outliers and may lead to invalid inferences (e.g., artifactual low p-values) due to slight mis-registration or variation in anatomy between subjects. To enable widespread application of this approach, we introduce robust regression and non-parametric regression in the neuroimaging context of application of the general linear model. Through simulation and empirical studies, we demonstrate that our robust approach reduces sensitivity to outliers without substantial degradation in power. The robust approach and associated software package provide a reliable way to quantitatively assess voxelwise correlations between structural and functional neuroimaging modalities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Both T-helper 17 cells (Th17) and CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Treg) play important roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. However, the relationship between Th17 and Treg cells and their dynamic variations in psoriasis remain unclear. In this study, we found that both Th17 and FoxP3+ Treg cells were increased in psoriasis patients both in the peripheral circulation and skin tissue lesions and were positively correlated with disease severity. The ratio of Th17 to Treg cells in skin tissue lesions was inversely correlated with PASI scores, while it was positively correlated with PASI scores in the circulation. IL-17 secretion by CD4+ T cells was not regulated by Treg cells, even though Treg cells exhibited significant inhibition on CD4+ T cells proliferation and IFN-γ production. These findings provide new information regarding the association between Th17 and Treg cells, which will further our understanding of the pathogenesis of psoriasis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: GNA1946, a conserved outer membrane lipoprotein from Neisseria meningitidis, has been identified as a candidate antigen for an urgently needed broad-spectrum meningococcal vaccine. It has been predicted to be a periplasmic receptor in the d-methionine uptake ABC transporter system. The crystal structure of GNA1946 was solved by the single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) method to a resolution of 2.25Å, and it reveals a Venus flytrap-like structure. GNA1946 consists of two globular lobes connected by a hinge region. Surprisingly, the structure showed an l-methionine bound within the cleft between the lobes. A comparison of GNA1946 with two other outer membrane lipoproteins, the l-methionine-binding Tp32 from Treponema pallidum and the dipeptide GlyMet-binding protein Pg110 from Staphylococcus aureus, revealed that although these three proteins share low sequence similarities, there is a high degree of structural conservation and similar substrate-binding frameworks. Our results reveal that GNA1946 is an l-methionine binding lipoprotein in the outer membrane, and should function as an initial receptor for ABC transporters with high affinity and specificity. The GNA1946 structure reported here should provide a valuable starting point for the development of a broad-spectrum meningococcal vaccine. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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

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

Abstract: A membrane-bound pyrroloquinoline quinine (PQQ)-dependent d-sorbitol dehydrogenase (mSLDH) in Gluconobacter oxydans participates in the oxidation of d-sorbitol to l-sorbose by transferring electrons to ubiquinone which links to the respiratory chain. To elucidate the kinetic mechanism, the enzyme purified was subjected to two-substrate steady-state kinetic analysis, product and substrate inhibition studies. These kinetic data indicate that the catalytic reaction follows an ordered Bi Bi mechanism, where the substrates bind to the enzyme in a defined order (first ubiquinone followed by d-sorbitol), while products are released in sequence (first l-sorbose followed by ubiquinol). From these findings, we proposed that the native mSLDH bears two different substrate-binding sites, one for ubiquinone and the other for d-sorbitol, in addition to PQQ-binding and Mg2+-binding sites in the catalytic center. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is caused by the deficient activity of l-methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, which is a vitamin B12 (or cobalamin, Cbl)-dependent enzyme. MMA due to the effect of insufficient Cbl metabolism is classified into three forms (cblA, cblB, and cblH). Recently, the genes responsible for cblA and cblB were identified as MMAA and MMAB, respectively. The MMAA protein likely transports Cbl into the mitochondria for adenosylcobalamin synthesis, while the MMAB protein appears to be an adenosyltransferase. We performed a mutation analysis of 10 unrelated Japanese patients with vitamin B12-responsive MMA. Seven patients had mutations in MMAA, whereas the other three patients showed no disease-causing substitutions in either MMAA or MMAB. Five novel mutations were identified in MMAA (R22X, R145X, L217X, R359G, and 503delC). The 503delC mutation was observed in five of the seven MMAA patients, suggesting that the mutation is prevalent in Japanese patients. This finding may facilitate the DNA diagnosis of vitamin B12-responsive MMA within the Japanese population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Propionic acidemia (PA) is an inborn error of organic acid metabolism caused by a deficiency of propionyl-CoA carboxylase. This enzyme is composed of two non-identical subunits, α and β, which are encoded by the PCCA and PCCB genes, respectively. An enzyme deficiency can result from mutations in either PCCA or PCCB. To elucidate the mutation spectrum in Japanese patients, we have performed a mutation analysis of 30 patients with PA, which included nine previously reported patients. The study revealed that 15 patients were α-subunit deficient and 15 patients were β-subunit deficient. Seven novel mutations were found (IVS18 − 6C > G, 1746G > A, C398R, G197E and IVS18 + 1G > A in the PCCA; A153P and IVS9 + 1G > T in the PCCB). Among these Japanese patients with α-subunit deficiencies, 923–924insT, IVS18 − 6C > G, and R399Q mutations were frequent and the total allelic frequency of these three mutations combined was 56% (17/30). This is in sharp contrast to the mutation spectrum found in Caucasian patients, where no prevalent mutations have been identified. Among the β-subunit deficiencies, there were three frequent mutations; R410W, T428I, and A153P, whose allelic frequencies were 30, 26.7, and 13.3%, respectively. In conclusion, a limited number of mutations are predominant in both PCCA and PCCB genes among Japanese patients with propionic acidemia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

SM22α is a kind of 22-kDa protein which is exclusively expressed in smooth muscle containing tissues of the vertebrates. Here we report molecular cloning of a novel zebrafish SM22α gene. The full length of zebrafish SM22α cDNA is 1296 bp and it encodes a polypeptide of 201 amino acids which shares 69.2%, 69.7%, 69.2%, 67.2%, and 61.2% overall identity with human, mouse, rat, chicken, and bovine SM22α, respectively. Characterization of zebrafish SM22α genomic sequence reveals that it spans 7.7 kb and contains five exons and four introns. The expression pattern of SM22α in zebrafish embryonic development is studied by whole-mount in situ hybridization. Strong expression is observed in vascular, gut, swim bladder, branchial arches, and fin epidermis. Furthermore, we carry out gene knock-down by antisense morpholino oligonucleotide, which results in disappearance of yolk extension, caudal fin aberrance, and deficiency of circulation system in zebrafish embryo. Cross-section of SM22α-deficient embryo suggests that SM22α may play roles in smooth muscle cell morphology transform. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The odor compound from Periploca sepium Bunge, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde (HMB), is an allelochemical agent and is one of the least investigated isomers of vanillin. In this study, we used label-free quantitative proteomics analysis technology to investigate the effect of HMB on the protein expression of Humulus scandens (Lour.) Merr. leaves in July 2019 on Guiyang. A total of 269 proteins of 624 identified proteins were differentially expressed, among which 21.18% of the proteins were up-regulated and 32.71% down-regulated. These proteins were classified into 11 cell components and more than 20% of differentially expressed proteins were located in cell membrane and chloroplast. Functional classification analysis showed that 12 molecular functions were altered upon HMB treatment, and the ratio of catalytic activity was the highest (19.53%). At least 12 biological functions were affected, which involved small molecule metabolic processes, organic substance metabolic processes, gene expression, and photosynthesis. Our data provide resources and insights into the biochemical mechanism by which HMB kills weeds. [Display omitted] • Two-hydroxy-4-methoxy-benzaldehyde (HMB) was isolated from Periploca sepium Bunge. • A total of 269 proteins of tested leaves were 21.18% of up-regulated and 32.71% of down-regulatedy. • Over 20% of differentially expressed proteins were located in the cell membrane and chloroplast. • The differentially proteins were altered upon HMB treatment. • Twelve biological functions were affected by HMB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three novel structural diversiform lead(II) complexes, formulated as [Pb(HDBB)(dppz)] (1), [Pb(HDBB)(H 2 O)]·H 2 O(2), [Pb 4 Na(DBB) 3 (o -phen) 3 ](3), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions based on 4-(3,5-dicarboxylatobenzyloxy) benzoic acid (H 3 DBB) and two N-donor ligands: dipyrido (3,2-a:2′,3′-c) phenazine (dppz) and 1,10-phenanthroline (o -phen). Structural analyses reveal complex 1 possesses 1D double-helical ladder-like chain sharing a common axis, and then the π···π interactions between adjacent dppz ligands give rise to supramolecular architecture. 2 features 2D (4,4) network based on 1D double-stranded slight helixes chains and the bridging of DBB ligands. For 3 , a 3D framework arises from a hexagonal unit with the trinuclear central groups. The structural diversity from 1D to 3D of these complexes might be attributed to the coordination of auxiliary ligands. Solid-state fluorescence properties for these crystalline materials are also presented. Three novel lead (II) complexes was obtained based on 4-(3,5-dicarboxylatobenzyloxy) benzoic acid and two chelated N-donor ligands under hydrothermal condition. The structural diversity comes from the different coordination fashions of lead ions and DBB3− ligands and the existing of N-donor ligands. All the fluorescence analyses of complexes 1–3 exhibit the ligand-based luminescence. Image 1 • Three novel lead (II) complexes based on 4-(3,5-dicarboxylatobenzyloxy) benzoic acid and two chelated N-donor ligands. • The structural diversity from 1D ladder-like chain, 2D network to 3D framework. • The characteristic luminescence of Pr3+ ion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has great potential for rapid detection of trace levels of pesticides in food. Scientists have much interested in this analytical technique due to its sensitivity, rapid detection, simplicity, and low cost. However, most of researchers are only focusing on the detection of a single pesticide residue. In this paper, we firstly report the simultaneous detection of two pesticide residues in tobacco leaves by using composite SERS substrate of SiO 2 @Ag nanoparticles. The entire analysis time is less than 10 min. The detection results show satisfactory linearity in the range of 0.1–25 mg/kg and 1–25 mg/kg with the limit of detection of 0.1 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg for carbendazim and flumetralin in tobacco samples, respectively. The recovery rates of carbendazim and flumetralin in the tobacco leaves are 85.2 ∼ 112.12 % and 90.38 ∼ 113.42 %, respectively. The detection results also show good uniformity and reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation(RSD) value of 4.4 % between substrates. Our reported substrate combined with portable Raman spectrometer provides a powerful tool for simultaneous detection of multiple pesticide residues for food safety. • Simultaneous detection of mixed pesticide residues in tobacco using SERS method. • A portable Raman spectrometer was used for rapid detection of pesticide residues. • The compact islandshaped silver nanoparticles provide an abundance of "hot spots". • The QuEChERs method was used to effectively remove impurities from tobacco leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schematic illustration of the treatment and mechanism of PIOVV nanoparticles complexes target colorectal cancer Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignancy with insidious onset and diagnostic challenges, highlighting the imperative for innovative therapeutic approaches to enhance theranostic outcomes. In this study, we elucidate the unique temperature-resistant properties of oncolytic vaccinia virus (OVV), which can synergistically target tumors under photothermal conditions. Capitalizing on this characteristic, we harness the potential of OVV by surface-loading it with indocyanine green (ICG) and encapsulating it within a platelet membrane (PLTM), resulting in the creation of PLTM-ICG-OVV (PIOVV). This innovative complex seamlessly integrates virotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT). The morphology, size, dispersion stability, optical properties, and cellular uptake properties of PIOVV were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro and in vivo experiments reveal PIOVV's remarkable specificity for cancer cells, effectively inducing apoptosis and suppressing proliferation of CT26 cell. In mouse models, PIOVV exhibits enhanced fluorescence at tumor sites, accompanied with prolonged blood circulation. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, PIOVV significantly impedes tumor growth. This pioneering strategy holds immense potential for advancing phototherapy, oncolytic virology, drug delivery, and tumor-specific targeting, particularly in the context of CRC theranostics. [Display omitted] Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy with insidious onset and diagnostic challenges, highlighting the need for therapeutic approaches to enhance theranostic outcomes. In this study, we elucidated the unique temperature-resistant properties of the oncolytic vaccinia virus (OVV), which can synergistically target tumors under photothermal conditions. To capitalize on this characteristic, we harnessed the potential of the OVV by surface-loading it with indocyanine green (ICG) and encapsulating it within a platelet membrane (PLTM), resulting in the creation of PLTM-ICG-OVV (PIOVV). This complex seamlessly integrates virotherapy, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT). The morphology, size, dispersion stability, optical properties, and cellular uptake of PIOVV were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed specificity of PIOVV for cancer cells; it effectively induced apoptosis and suppressed CT26 cell proliferation. In mouse models, PIOVV exhibits enhanced fluorescence at tumor sites, accompanied by prolonged blood circulation. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, PIOVV significantly inhibited tumor growth. This strategy holds the potential for advancing phototherapy, oncolytic virology, drug delivery, and tumor-specific targeting, particularly in the context of CRC theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Although photothermal therapy (PTT) is effective at killing tumor cells, it can inadvertently damage healthy tissues surrounding the tumor. Nevertheless, lowering the treatment temperature will reduce the therapeutic effectiveness. In this study, we employed 2,2′-((2Z,2′Z)-((4,4,9,9-Tetrahexyl-4,9-dihydro-s-indaceno[1,2- b :5,6- b ']dithiophene-2,7-diyl)bis(methanylylidene))bis(3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene-2,1-diylidene)) dimalononitrile (IDIC), a molecule possessing a conventional acceptor–donor-acceptor (A-D-A) structure, as a photothermal agent (PTA) to facilitate effective mild photothermal therapy (mPTT). IDIC promotes intramolecular charge transfer under laser irradiation, making it a promising candidate for mPTT. To enhance the therapeutic potential of IDIC, we incorporated quercetin (Qu) into IDIC to form IDIC-Qu nanoparticles (NPs), which can inhibit heat shock protein (HSP) activity during the process of mPTT. Moreover, IDIC-Qu NPs exhibited exceptional water dispersibility and passive targeting abilities towards tumor tissues, attributed to its enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. These advantageous properties position IDIC-Qu NPs as a promising candidate for targeted tumor treatment. Importantly, the IDIC-Qu NPs demonstrated controllable photothermal effects, leading to outstanding in vitro cytotoxicity against cancer cells and effective in vivo tumor ablation through mPTT. IDIC-Qu NPs nano-system enriches the family of organic PTAs and holds significant promise for future clinical applications of mPTT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new method for assay of hSMUG1 in real-time using molecular beacon is reported. hSMUG1 could be detected linearly in the range from 0.67 nM to 10.05 nM and the detection limit is 0.168 nM. In addition, this method was applied to detect the activity of hSMUG1 in tumor cells and study kinetics. The probe with low background signal has been shown to be suitable for the real-time monitoring of hSMUG1 activity, making this a promising method of high-throughput clinical sample analysis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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

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

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

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

In the present paper, without Rüssmann's nondegenderate condition we show the persistence of KAM invariant tori. Using this theorem we obtain the persistence of invariant tori for degenerate systems rising from restricted three-body problems, especially, for Lagrange equilibrium position L2 with certain degeneracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Multilayered wrinkled C 3 N 4 nanosheets is obtained via thermal-control synthesis. • The catalyst displays excellent selectivity, recycling stability, long-term durability, notable generality. • Cocatalysis of O 2 − and 1O 2 results in the unprecedented activity in sulfide oxidation. • The electron photoexcitation is valid under the competitive formation of charge carriers and excitons. Incorporating visible light into sulfide oxidation is an emerging desirable strategy to produce versatile sulfoxides. We introduce the design and synthesis of multilayered wrinkled C 3 N 4 nanosheets and demonstrate their unprecedented sulfide oxidation activity. Due to the wrinkled surfaces with a large S BET (208.6 m2g−1), wrinkled C 3 N 4 nanosheets exhibit a sensitive optical response, facilitating the electron photoexcition. Layer structure confinement enables robust e−-h+ interactions and valid photoexcited excitons formation, allowing rapid 1O 2 reactive species production. Integrating the sensitive optical response with robust e−-h+ interactions, photoexcited electrons and excitons are jointly produced, giving large yields of ⋅O 2 − and 1O 2 reactive species that are conductive to O 2 − and 1O 2 cocatalysis with an activity that is up to 33-fold that of bulk C 3 N 4. In the cocatalysis mechanism, both O 2 − and 1O 2 , can produce peroxysulfoxide intermediates, resulting in target sulfoxides. This is the first report on sulfide oxidation via O 2 − and 1O 2 cocatalysis and a promising study on catalyst exploitation for high-efficiency and high-selectivity production process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Abstract Triclosan (TCS) contaminant has aroused wide concerns due to the high risk of converting into toxic dioxin in aquatic environments. During the wastewater treatment process, considerable amounts of TCS are accumulated in activated sludge but the mechanisms are still unclear. Especially, roles of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), the main components of activated sludge, in TCS removal have never been addressed. In this work, the binding properties of loosely-bound EPS (LB-EPS) and tightly-bound EPS (TB-EPS) of activated sludge to TCS are investigated by fluorescence quenching approach. The influences of aquatic conditions including solution pH, ionic strength and temperature on the interactions between EPS and TCS are explored. Possible interaction mechanisms are discussed as well as the corresponding environmental implication. Results indicate that binding processes of EPS to TCS are exothermic mainly driven by the enthalpy changes. The proteins components in EPS dominate the interactions between EPS and TCS by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction. The binding strength could be improved under the condition of weak alkaline and relative high ionic strength. Generally, LB-EPS exhibit stronger binding ability to TCS than TB-EPS under neutral environment, playing more crucial roles in the binding process. This work highlights the important contributions of EPS to TCS removal, that is beneficial to comprehensively understand the migration of TCS in activated sludge system. Graphical abstract Image Highlights • EPS of activated sludge could bind with TCS spontaneously. • The proteins components of EPS dominate the binding process. • LB-EPS play more crucial roles in the binding process compared to TB-EPS. • TCS could be released from EPS with environmental variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, we study the persistence of invariant tori in nearly integrable multiscale Hamiltonian systems with highorder degeneracy in the integrable part. Such Hamiltonian systems arise naturally in planar and spatial lunar problems of celestial mechanics for which the persistence problem connects closely to the stability of the systems. We introduce multiscale nondegenerate condition and multiscale Diophantine condition, comparable to the usual Diophantine condition. Using quasilinear KAM method, we prove a multiscale KAM theorem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Airborne particulate matter (PM) pollution has become a serious threat to human health, thus it is highly desired for a high-filtration-performance and good-wearing-comfort face mask. Herein, a highly breathable and thermal comfort filter medium consisting of electret polyethersulfone/barium titanate nanofibrous membrane (PES/BaTiO 3 NFM) integrated on a nonwoven polypropylene substrate was developed. Benefiting from the high porosity and optimized injection charge energy, the PES/BaTiO 3 membrane was endowed with a good air permeability of 743 mm s −1 , a modest water vapor permeability of 6.24 kg m −2  d −1 , and an enhanced charge storage stability. In addition, the electret PES/BaTiO 3 NFM1.5 medium with a low basis weight of 4.32 g m −2 still shows a high filtration efficiency of 99.99% and a low pressure drop of 67 Pa after being treated at 200 °C for 45 min, which is better than that of commercial media. Moreover, 3D simulation based on the characters of composite membrane was processed to graphically express the airflow distribution during the filtration process. Significantly, the NFM1.5 with a high infrared (IR) transmittance of 93.4% led to an effective radiative cooling to human body radiation. This multifunctional fibrous medium design may provide new insights into the development of environmental adaptive protection materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six axis force/torque sensors with characteristics of high precision, high reliability, and high dynamic, have become one of the major bottlenecks restricting the development of the robot. Aiming at the existing decoupling problem of piezoelectric six axis force/torque sensor with four point support structure, this paper presents the research and application on static decoupling method. Firstly, initial experimental data for decoupling of piezoelectric six axis force/torque sensor is obtained by making a calibration experiment. And then, experimental data are analyzed according to evaluate indicator. The linear decoupling algorithm based on the least square (LS) method is performed. Fusion decoupling algorithm based on Least Square Support Vector Machine Regression (LSSVR) is adopted to optimize multi-dimensional nonlinear characteristics of sensor output. The mapping relation between input and output of the sensor is identified. After LSSVM fusion algorithm decoupling, the maximum nonlinear error and cross coupling error are 0.89%, and 0.1%, respectively. The results show that the decoupling of LSSVR fusion algorithm can reduce the nonlinear error and cross coupling error of the fabricated piezoelectric six axis force/torque sensor. It has important significance to improve the measurement accuracy of robot force feedback with piezoelectric six axis force/torque sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present paper, we consider a class of resonant Hamiltonian systems x ′ = J H x ( t , x ) in R 2 N . We will use saddle point reduction, Morse theory combining the technique of penalized functionals to obtain the existence of nontrivial rotating periodic solutions, i.e., x ( t + T ) = Q x ( t ) for any t ∈ R with T > 0 and Q an symplectic orthogonal matrix. In the case: Q k ≠ I 2 N for any positive integer k , such a rotating periodic solution is just a quasi-periodic solution. Moreover, if H is even in x , we will give the multiplicity of nontrivial rotating periodic solutions by using two abstract critical theorems and previous techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The removal of high-concentration rhodamine B (RhB) wastewater was investigated in a three-dimensional electrochemical reactor (3DER) packed with granular activated carbon (GAC) particle electrodes. Response surface methodology (RSM) coupled with grey relational analysis (GRA) was used to evaluate the effects of voltage, initial pH, aeration rate and NaCl dosage on RhB removal and energy consumption of the 3DER. The optimal conditions were determined as voltage 7.25 V, pH 5.99, aeration rate 151.13 mL/min, and NaCl concentration 0.11 mol/L. After 30 min electrolysis, COD removal rate could arrive at 60.13% with an extremely low energy consumption of 6.22 kWh/kg COD. The voltage and NaCl were demonstrated to be the most significant factors affecting the COD removal and energy consumption of 3DER. The intermediates generated during the treatment process were identified and the possible degradation pathway of RhB was proposed. It is worth noting that 3DER also showed an excellent performance in total nitrogen (TN) removal under the optimal condition. The activated chlorine generated from chloride had great contributions to eliminate carbon and nitrogen of RhB wastewater. The treatment effluent had a good biodegradability, which was suitable for subsequent biological treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anti- Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) IgM and IgG are useful serological markers for detection of MP infection. In this study, a simultaneous quantification of MP IgM and IgG was performed by time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TRFIA). The europium-labeled anti-human IgM and samarium-labeled anti-human IgG were used as tracers, and MP IgM and IgG were recognized in serum samples. After dissociating europium and samarium ions from the immune complex, their fluorescence intensity was recorded and used to calculate the concentrations. The linear range and sensitivity of detection were 2–5500 BU/mL and 0.5 BU/mL for IgM, and 1.5–1500 BU/mL and 0.2 BU/mL for IgG, respectively. The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were 5.14% and 8.41% for IgM, and 5.44% and 8.76% for IgG, respectively. The recovery rate was 94.9–106.8% for IgM and 96.1–109.4% for IgG. The correlation rates of serum detection for 38 respiratory infected patients between dual-label TRFIA and ELISA were 0.9294 and 0.9366 for IgM and IgG, respectively. The coincidence rate between passive particle agglutination and TRFIA is 93.3%. Dual-label TRFIA is a sensitive and reliable technique for measuring MP IgM and IgG levels and could be useful for the early diagnosis of MP infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the thermal gelling properties of porcine myofibrillar protein (MP) containing flaxseed gum (FG) at different NaCl concentrations. In this work, MP-FG gels with 0.4% FG were prepared with varying NaCl concentrations (0.2–0.6 M). FG enhanced the water holding capacity (WHC) and decreased the gel strength of MP sols at different NaCl concentrations. The particle size of the MP gels increased with FG addition at a low NaCl concentration (0.2 M) but decreased under a high NaCl concentration. Dynamic rheological tests proved that the storage modulus and gelation rates of MP-FG gels were lower than those of MP gels. FG induced the partial transformation of α -helices into β -sheets in the gels under different NaCl concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that the MP-FG network became more compact with increasing NaCl concentration. These results provide novel insights into the structural–functional relationships of MP-FG gels at different NaCl concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play essential role in the progression of many tumors. Wnt/β-catenin pathway is crucial in maintaining the stemness of CSCs. (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major bioactive component in green tea, has been shown to possess anti-cancer activity. To date, the interventional effect of EGCG on lung CSCs has not been elucidated yet. In the present study, tumorsphere formation assay was used to enrich lung CSCs from A549 and H1299 cells. We revealed that Wnt/β-catenin pathway was activated in lung CSCs, and downregulation of β-catenin, abolished lung CSCs traits. Our study further illustrated that EGCG effectively diminished lung CSCs activity by inhibiting tumorsphere formation, decreasing lung CSCs markers, suppressing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Moreover, We showed that EGCG downregulated Wnt/β-catenin activation, while upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin dampened the inhibitory effects of EGCG on lung CSCs. Taken together, these results demonstrated the role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in regulating lung CSCs traits and EGCG intervention of lung CSCs. Findings from this study could provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of lung CSCs intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: Human pancreatic α-amylase (HPA) catalyzes the hydrolysis of α-d-(1,4) glycosidic linkages in starch and is one of the major therapeutic targets for type II diabetes. Several acarviostatins isolated from Streptomyces coelicoflavus var. nankaiensis previously showed more potent inhibition of HPA than acarbose, which has been successfully used in clinical therapy. However, the molecular mechanisms by which acarviostatins inhibit HPA remains elusive. Here we determined crystal structures of HPA in complexes with a series of acarviostatin inhibitors (I03, II03, III03, and IV03). Structural analyses showed that acarviostatin I03 undergoes a series of hydrolysis and condensation reactions in the HPA active site, similar to acarbose, while acarviostatins II03, III03, and IV03 likely undergo only hydrolysis reactions. On the basis of structural analysis combined with kinetic assays, we demonstrate that the final modified product with seven sugar rings is best suited for occupying the full active site and shows the most efficient inhibition of HPA. Our high resolution structures reported here identify first time an interaction between an inhibitor and subsite-4 of the HPA active site, which we show makes a significant contribution to the inhibitory effect. Our results provide important information for the design of new drugs for the treatment of type II diabetes or obesity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: δ-sarcoglycan, one member of the sarcoglycan complex, is a very conservative muscle-specific protein exclusively expressed in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of vertebrates. Mutations in sarcoglycans are known to be involved in limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in humans. To address the role of δ-sarcoglycan gene in zebrafish development, we have studied expression pattern of δ-sarcoglycan in zebrafish embryos and examined the role of δ-sarcoglycan in zebrafish embryonic development by morpholino. Strong expression of δ-sarcoglycan was observed in various muscles including those of the segment, heart, eye, jaw, pectoral fin, branchial arches, and swim bladder in zebrafish embryo. δ-sarcoglycan was also expressed in midbrain and retina. Knockdown of δ-sarcoglycan resulted in severe abnormality in both the cardiac and skeletal muscles. Some severe ones displayed serious morphological abnormality such as hypoplastic head, linear heart, very weak heartbeats, and runtish trunk, all dead within 5dpf. Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis showed that adaxial cells and muscle pioneers were affected in δ-sarcoglycan knockdown embryos. In addition, absence of δ-sarcoglycan protein severely delayed the cardiac development and influenced the differentiation of cardiac muscle, and the cardiac left-right asymmetry was dramatically changed in morpholino-treated embryos. These data together suggest that δ-sarcoglycan plays an important role in early heart and muscle development. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human ATP-binding cassette transporter 8 of subfamily B (hABCB8) is an ABC transporter that located in the inner membrane of mitochondria. The ABCB8 is involved in the maturation of Fe–S and protects the heart from oxidative stress. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of human ABCB8 binding with AMPPNP in inward-facing conformation with resolution of 4.1 Å. hABCB8 shows an open-inward conformation when ATP is bound. Unexpectedly, cholesterol molecules were identified in the transmembrane domain of hABCB8. Our results provide structural basis for the transport mechanism of the ABC transporter in mitochondria. • The human ABCB8 transporter was expressed using Bac-to-Bac system. • The cryo-EM structure of human ABCB8 binding with AMPPNP in inward-facing conformation with resolution of 4.1 Å. • The human ABCB8 shows an open-inward conformation when AMPPNP/ATP is bound. • Cholesterol molecules were identified in the transmembrane domain of human ABCB8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Epidemiological studies suggest that chronic periodontitis (CP) is closely associated with the incidence and progression of cognitive impairment. The present study investigated the causal relationship between CP and cognitive decline and the underlying mechanism in mice. Long-term ligature around the left second maxillary molar tooth was used to induce CP in mice. Severe alveolar bone loss and inflammatory changes were observed in gingival tissues, accompanied by progressive cognitive deficits during a 12-month period. We also observed cerebral neuronal and synaptic injury and glial activation in this mouse model of CP. Furthermore, CP mice exhibited significant dysbiosis of the oral and gut microbiota, disruption of the intestinal barrier and blood-brain barrier, increases in the serum contents of proinflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and increases in brain LPS levels, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation and proinflammatory cytokine mRNA levels. These results indicate that CP may directly induce progressive cognitive decline and its mechanism is probably related to microbiota-gut-brain axis disorders, LPS/TLR4/NF-κB signaling activation and neuroinflammatory responses in mice. Therefore, the microbiota-gut-brain axis may provide the potential strategy for the prevention and treatment of CP-associated cognitive impairment. • Chronic periodontitis (CP) mice displayed progressive cognitive deficits. • Murine CP aggravated neuronal injury and neuroinflammation. • Murine CP caused the oral and gut microbiota dysbiosis. • Murine CP induced intestinal barrier damage and inflammation. • Murine CP injured blood-brain barrier and activated TLR4 pathway in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Radioactive Cs+ is one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants. It is necessary for radioactive Cs+ management and removal. Titanium-type cesium ion sieve with a strong Ti–O bond has the advantages of structural stability, radiation resistance and no secondary contamination, which is a promising adsorbent material. In this paper, The CTO (Cs 2 Ti 6 O 13) is prepared for the first time by sol-gel and de-templating methods, and cesium ion sieves (HTO/PMMA) are further obtained with diluted HCl elution. Compared with the ionic sieves (HTO) prepared by direct sol-gel method, the adsorption capacity is improved from 224.32 mg/g to 299.15 mg/g. The prepared HTO/PMMA has a larger specific surface area (67.282 m2/g). More exchange sites are provided for the adsorption of Cs ions. Moreover, Adsorption involves the cleavage of O–H bonds and the formation of O–Cs bonds, which is a typical ion exchange reaction. A series of batch experiments are carried out. The results showed that the equilibrium adsorption capacity of HTO/PMMA is 307.69 mg/g and remained high in the interfering ion solution as well (280.38 mg/g). The pseudo second order model and Freundlich model can well describe the ion exchange process. Thermodynamic study shows that adsorption is spontaneous and exothermic, and low temperature is conducive to adsorption in H+- Cs+ exchange system. Finally, the reusability of HTO/PMMA is evaluated. The adsorption capacity did not decrease significantly after 5 cycles of use. Therefore, HTO/PMMA is expected to be an excellent material for recovering radioactive Cs+. [Display omitted] • A novel material (HTO/PMMA) for the Adsorption of Cs+. • The HTO/PMMA has a large specific surface area (67.282 m2/g). • The adsorption mechanism involves the cleavage of O–H bonds and the generation of O–Cs bonds. • The adsorption uptake remains 281.94 mg/g after 5 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robust evidence suggested that gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plays a significant role in various liver injury diseases; however, the role of gut-derived LPS in acetaminophen (APAP) overdose-induced acute liver injury remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of gut-derived LPS on APAP-induced liver injury. Our results revealed that reduction of gut-derived LPS using multiple antibiotics could significantly exacerbate APAP-induced liver injury and increase mortality in mice. By contrast, pretreatment with exogenous LPS could reverse APAP-induced liver hepatotoxicity in mice and rats. We observed that TNF-α secretion in the liver was significantly increased after LPS pretreatment. In addition, depletion of TNF-α or TNFR1 inhibited the protective effects of LPS against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, which indicated that the TNF-α/TNFR1 pathway was required to protect against APAP-induced liver injury. Mechanistically, LPS reduces oxidative stress by upregulating the expression of hepatic GSH, reducing MDA levels in liver tissues, and upregulating the expression of several antioxidant genes after APAP injection. However, the production of hepatic GSH was not enhanced in the liver tissues of rats lacking TNF-α or TNFR1 and MDA levels were not reduced after LPS and APAP co-treatment. The above results suggested LPS alleviated APAP-induced oxidative stress via the TNF-α/TNFR1 pathway. • Reduction of gut-derived LPS by antibiotics aggravated APAP-induced liver injury. • LPS pretreatment alleviated APAP-induced liver injury by suppressing oxidative stress. • LPS alleviated APAP-induced oxidative stress via the TNF-α/TNFR1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• DFT calculations were performed on selective autocatalyzed α -alkylation of ketones with alcohols. • Ketones are not only the reactants, but also are the initiators that facilitate the formation of the catalytic aldehydes. • Reaction temperature and alcohol concentration govern the production selectivity. • Dioxygen can further enhance the ketone product selectivity. Base-promoted transition-metal-free α -alkylation of ketones with alcohols is an efficient, practical, and green method for the formation of new C C bonds. Here, we present a DFT study on NaOH/KOH-promoted selective autocatalyzed α -alkylation of ketones with alcohols. For the production of alkylated alcohol, the disodium alkoxide species Na1D is the mediator, and the transformation involves four stages: (I) aldehyde formation; (II) aldol condensation; (III) chalcone reduction to generate an alkylated ketone and an aldehyde; and (IV) reduction of the alkylated ketone to produce an alkylated alcohol. Stage I only occurs at the beginning of the reaction, and the subsequent reaction proceeds via the catalytic cycle cyc-Na involving stages II, III, and IV. The energetic span and the turnover frequency (TOF) of cyc-Na are 35.2 kcal/mol and 5.7 × 10 - 7 1/s, respectively. For the production of alkylated ketone, the dipotassium alkoxide species K1D is the mediator, and the transformation includes dioxygen-assisted oxidation of alkylated alcohol (stage V) and the above four stages. Stage I only takes place initially, too, but the subsequent reaction has two selectable channels. The main channel is the catalytic cycle cyc-K consisting of stages II and III. The energetic span and the TOF of cyc-K are 29.5 kcal/mol and 8.8 × 10 - 5 1/s, respectively. The side channel involves stages II, III, IV, and V, in which the apparent activation energy (AAE) is 34.1 kcal/mol. The calculations present the TOF-determining intermediates and the TOF-determining transition state, and uncover the essence of autocatalysis and the origins of the product selectivity. One important finding is the alkylated ketone selectivity may be enhanced by adding a small quantity of aldehyde corresponding to the alcohol reactant and lowering the reaction temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]