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Fungal keratitis (FK) is a refractory keratitis caused by excessive inflammation and fungal damage. Excessive inflammation can lead to tissue damage and corneal opacity, resulting in a poor prognosis for FK. Oxymatrine (OMT) is a natural alkaloid, which has rich pharmacological effects, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammation. However, its antifungal activity and the mechanism of action in FK have not been elucidated. This study confirmed that OMT suppressed Aspergillus fumigatus growth, biofilm formation, the integrity of fungal cell and conidial adherence. OMT not only effectively reduced corneal fungal load but also inflammation responses. OMT lessened the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages in FK. In addition, OMT up-regulated the expression of Nrf2 and down-regulated the expression of IL-18, IL-1β, caspase-1, NLRP3 and GSDMD. Pre-treatment with Nrf2 inhibitor up-regulated the expression of IL-1β, IL-18, caspase-1, NLRP3 and GSDMD supressed by OMT. In conclusion, OMT has efficient anti-inflammatory and antifungal effects by suppressing fungal activity and restricting pyroptosis via Nrf2 pathway. OMT is considered as a potential option for the treatment of FK. • Oxymatrine alleviated the severity of mouse fungal keratitis. • Oxymatrine exerted antifungal effects to suppress A. fumigatus growth. • Oxymatrine lessened infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages in mouse fungal keratitis. • Oxymatrine suppressed the excessive inflammatory response by inhibiting pyroptosis via Nrf2 pathway during fungal infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FeO x /MnO y decorated oxidized CNTs catalysts were prepared. • The catalytic efficiency depended on the oxidation of CNTs and the ratio of Fe/Mn. • The multivalent states of Fe and Mn ensured the high catalytic activity. • SO 4 −, HO· and O 2 − were the ROS for pollutants oxidation in CNTs-Fe-Mn/PMS system. In this work, the FeO x /MnO y decorated oxidized carbon nanotubes (CNTs-Fe-Mn) composites were synthesized and used as catalysts to activate peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for organic pollutants degradation. The catalytic ability of the CNTs-Fe-Mn catalyst was strongly correlated with the oxidation of CNTs and the molar ratio of Fe/Mn. When the CNTs was oxidized by 30 wt% HNO 3 and the modified molar ratio of Fe/Mn was 0.5, the 30%-CNTs-Fe-Mn-0.5 showed highest efficiency for rhodamine B (RhB) degradation via activating PMS, and the removal rate of 95% was achieved in 60 min at room temperature in 15 mg L−1 RhB solution with catalyst dosage of 0.1 g L−1. Fe and Mn multivalent oxide species coexisted were randomly distributed on the outer surface and encapsulated into the channels of oxidized CNTs in the 30%-CNTs-Fe-Mn-0.5 catalyst. The XPS results of catalysts before and after reaction proved that the redox cycles between the multivalent states of Fe and Mn ensured the superior catalytic activity of the 30%-CNTs-Fe-Mn-0.5 for PMS activation. The radical quenching tests and D 2 O experiments confirmed that SO 4 −, HO· and O 2 − radicals were the main reactive oxidized species for the oxidation of pollutants in the 30%-CNTs-Fe-Mn-0.5/PMS system. In addition, the influences of operation parameters including initial pH, pollutant concentration, catalyst dosage, and PMS dosage on catalytic degradation were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The binding characteristics of phenanthrene with dissolved organic matter (DOM) were studied by the excitation emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy with parallel factor analysis in four types of land use which derived from forest (F), meadow (M), cropland (C), and greenhouse (G). The results showed that the humification degree and binding characteristics of phenanthrene with DOM were distinct differences in the four soils. The binding capacities of humic-like components with phenanthrene were stronger than those of protein-like components. The log K derived from the Stern-Volmer equation significantly correlated with the humification degree of DOM ( p < 0.05) in different types of land use. Besides, correlation analysis demonstrated that the potential binding index (Fk) obtained from the modified Stern-Volmer model was a more accurate parameter to describe the combination degree of DOM with phenanthrene than log K , which presented a decrease order of C > F > M > G. Therefore, the environmental impact of phenanthrene in different types of land use could be assessed deeply based on the Fk and DOM concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose the three-dimensional (3D) phononic crystal-based coupled resonator waveguides (PnCCRWs) for the guidance of acoustic waves along complex routes. The proposed 3D PnC exhibits a complete acoustic band-gap. The point defect mode with a frequency in the band-gap is achieved via the introduction of a point defect into the perfect PnC. The 3D PnCCRWs are constructed by appropriately setting the PnC point defects in the designed paths. These PnC point defects interact with the neighboring ones, which leads to the propagation of the acoustic wave energy along the designated PnCCRWs. Notably, the interaction between the neighboring PnC point defects can be well described by the tight-binding model. The waveguiding ability is demonstrated numerically and experimentally for three different PnCCRWs integrated in the same PnC structure. In addition, the viscothermal effect on the transmission properties of the PnCCRWs is also investigated. The proposed 3D PnCCRWs exhibit their flexibility, which may stimulate additional design rules for complex 3D phononic circuits. • The design of phononic crystal-based coupled resonator waveguides is proposed. • The waveguiding along 3D complex routes is verified numerically and experimentally. • The tight-binding model describes the interaction between phononic crystal defects. • The viscothermal effect on the transmission property is investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anxiety is a multidimensional construct that includes stable trait anxiety and momentary state anxiety, which have a combined effect on our mental and physical well-being. However, the relationship between intrinsic brain activity and the feeling of anxiety, particularly trait and state anxiety, remain unclear. In this study, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) (amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo)) to determine the effects of intrinsic brain activity on stable inter-individual trait anxiety and intra-individual state anxiety variability in a cross-sectional and test–retest study. We found that at both time points, the trait anxiety score was significantly associated with intrinsic brain activity (both the ALFF and ReHo) in the right ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and ALFF of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex/anterior midcingulate cortex (dACC/aMCC). More importantly, the change in intrinsic brain activity in the right insula was predictive of intra-individual state anxiety variability over a 9-month interval. The test–retest nature of this study's design could provide an opportunity to distinguish between the intrinsic brain activity associated with state and trait anxiety. These results could deepen our understanding of anxiety from a neuroscientific perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to elucidate the effects of copper exposure on the immune system and lipid metabolism of the Japanese scallop, Mizuhopecten yessoensis . Transcriptional levels of differentially expressed genes (DEGs)in M. yessoensis digestive gland tissue were analyzed using the deep-sequencing platform Illumina HiSeq™ 2000. In total, 841 and 877 genes were identified as significantly up- or down-regulated, respectively. In addition, significant enrichment analysis identified 3 gene ontology terms and 15 pathways involved in the response to copper exposure. Analysis of transcripts related to the immune response revealed a complex pattern of innate recognition receptors, including toll-like receptors, NOD-like receptors and downstream pathway effectors, including those involved in apoptosis. Furthermore, genomic analysis revealed that genes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interactions were enriched in Cu-exposed scallop glands. These results will provide a resource for subsequent gene expression studies regarding heavy metal exposure and the identification of copper-sensitive biomarkers for the aquaculture of M. yessoensis . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Serum retinol binding protein 4 levels play critical roles in the early diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of diabetic kidney disease. In this paper, an liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry approach for the absolute quantification of serum RBP4 with high sensitivity and specificity was presented. Following series of procedures including denaturation, reduction, alkylation and trypsin digestion, the signature peptides of RBP4 were separated on the HPLC system by gradient elution. Quantitative analysis was achieved by a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer under multiple reaction monitoring in the positive ion (ESI+) mode. The calibration range was from 6.25 to 125 mg/L (R2 > 0.993), the lower limit of quantification was 2.50 mg/L, and the lower limit of detection reached 0.0150 mg/L. In the study, the accuracy ranged from 94.6% to 107%, and the relative standard deviation of intra-assay and inter-assay imprecision was less than 5%. The method was demonstrated to realize sensitive and reliable absolute quantification of serum RBP4 conforming to guidelines for bioanalytical method validation. Serum sample was first preprocessed to remove high abundance proteins. After series of procedures including denaturation, reduction, alkylation, proteins were disassembled and further digested to produce peptides by trypsin. Subsequently, the sample was subjected to solid phase extraction and internal standard was added. Finally, the sample was submitted to LC-MS/MS analysis. [Display omitted] • RBP4 is a biomarker reflecting renal impairment. • An LC-MS/MS method was developed for absolute quantification of serum RBP4. • The method is more sensitive, accurate and specific than immunoassay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The bivalve Mizuhopecten yessoensis has been greatly impacted by marine pollutants in northern China. To elucidate the toxicological mechanism of copper exposure on the immune system, we investigated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and transcript abundance in M. yessoensis gill tissue using the deep-sequencing platform Illumina HiSeq™ 2000. In total, 1312 and 2237 genes were identified as significantly up- or down-regulated, respectively. In addition, significant enrichment analysis identified 9 GO terms and 38 pathways involved in the response to copper exposure. The analysis of immune-related transcripts revealed a complex repertoire of innate recognition receptors, including toll-like receptors, NOD-like receptors and RIG-like receptors. Downstream pathway effectors, such as apoptotic, lysosomal and C-type lectin transcripts, were also analyzed. These results will provide a resource for subsequent gene expression studies regarding heavy metal exposure and the identification of copper-sensitive biomarkers to monitor the aquaculture of M. yessoensis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with increased morbidity and mortality is a worldwide healthcare challenge closely associated with cigarette smoking (CS). Currently, there is no effective therapeutic strategy to control inflammation in COPD patients. The present study tested the protective effects of (−)-Epicatechin (EC), a type of flavonoid, on CS-induced COPD and the underlying mechanism. Also, EC repressed the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improved human bronchial epithelial cell viability after cigarette smoke extract (CSE) treatment. Further studies demonstrated that EC promotes ubiquitin-mediated Keap1 degradation by upregulating tripartite motif-containing protein 25 (TRIM25) expression and enhances the nuclear localization of Nrf2 protein. Also, EC dramatically inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and reduces the CSE-induced pyroptosis, as indicated by decreasing lactate dehydrogenase release and the number of caspase-1-positive cells. Importantly, Nrf2 knockdown reversed the protective effect of EC on human bronchial epithelial cells, at least partially. Consistent with the results in vitro, EC inhibits the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and relieves the CS-induced lung inflammation, as evident from decreased interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 secretion in a COPD rat model. In conclusion, this study revealed the protective effect of EC on experimental COPD rats and elucidated the mechanism of EC promoting Nrf2 activity, which might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for COPD. A schematic model depicts that (−)-Epicatechin attenuates lung inflammation via Nrf2 dependent inhibition of ROS-NLRP3 mediated pyroptosis in the rat COPD model. [Display omitted] • (−)-Epicatechin repress cigarette smoke extract induced oxidative stress by activating Nrf2. • (−)-Epicatechin promores TRIM25-dependent degradation of Keap1. • (−)-Epicatechin can improve cigarette smoking-induced lung inflammation in rats via inhibiting ROS/NLRP3 axis. • Nrf2 knockdown or inhibition abolished the protein effect of (−)-Epicatechin on lung tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food dyes, or color additives, are often added into foods, cosmetics and beverages during processing to improve the sensory attributes of the final products. However, the toxicity of tartrazine (TZ), one of the most common azo-dyes, is still unclear, and needs to be ascertained by further study. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of TZ consumption on health by using a teleost, crucian carp (Carassius auratus) as the experimental fish. TZ consumption (1.4, 5.5 and 10 mg/kg bwt/day) could cause severe histopathological and cellular alterations in intestine and liver. The height of intestinal villus, thickness of intestinal muscle, and microvilli density were also affected. With the increasing of TZ concentrations, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and GSH-Px), exhibited a decreasing trend, while the contents of MDA elevated. Upregulations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (il6 and tnfα), anti-inflammatory cytokines (il8, and il10) and other immune related genes (complement component 3 (c3), lysozymes (lyz), β-defensin 3 (defb3)), were observed after TZ uptake. In addition, TZ consumption also affected the community structure of the microbiota in the intestine of crucian carp. The amount of some probiotic bacteria (Roseomonas, Rhodococcus and Bacillus) and the bacteria (Bacteroides and Clostridium), producing short chain fatty acids, were significantly reduced, and some pathogenetic microorganisms (e.g. Bdellovibrio and Shewanella) were significantly increased after TZ uptake. In summary, the data in the present study indicate that TZ consumption, even at a low concentration, may lead to adverse effects on fish health. Therefore, in aquaculture, it is necessary to be informed about the hazardous effects of TZ, and more attentions should be focused on using natural substitutes. [Display omitted] • Tartrazine of low dose could cause severe histopathological and cellular alterations in crucian carp. • Tartrazine uptake led to oxidative stress and inflammatory response. • Tartrazine could induce gut microbiota dysbiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyramid-core lattice sandwich structures (PCLSSs) have been widely used in various engineering fields due to their high stiffness-to-density ratio. Although the advantages of such structures are obvious, the rather poor vibration isolation property restricts their applications. In the present work, we develop the chessboard-designed and gradient PCLSSs in order to improve their out-of-plane vibration isolation performance. The numerical results are obtained by the finite element method (FEM). Our results show that the chessboard-designed PCLSS has a lower and wider band-gap for the out-of-plane vibration than the classical PCLSS. The effects of the geometry and material parameters on the band-gap are analyzed. A gradient PCLSS with the core radius varying linearly is proposed. Compared to the classical PCLSS, the gradient PCLSS can expand the frequency range of the band-gaps significantly while maintains the high stiffness-to-density ratio. Moreover, the spatial gradient of the pyramid-core is utilized to realize the rainbow trapping and the nonreciprocal transmission of the elastic flexural waves. The novel meta-designed PCLSSs show potential applications where both a good vibration isolation and a high stiffness-to-density ratio are needed.0 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on fish, juvenile Chinese rare minnows (Gobiocypris rarus) were exposed to 0.1, 0.5, or 2.0 mg/L neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid, nitenpyram, and dinotefuran) for 60 days. The endpoints, including oxidative stress and DNA damage, were determined. The results of oxidative stress assays showed that SOD activities were significantly increased in the 2.0 mg/L imidacloprid and 0.5 mg/L nitenpyram and dinotefuran treatments (p < 0.05). CAT activity was significantly increased with 0.1 mg/L nitenpyram (p < 0.05), whereas it was significantly decreased in the 0.1 and 2.0 mg/L dinotefuran treatment groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, MDA content was significantly decreased in all imidacloprid treatments and in the 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L dinotefuran treatments (p < 0.05); however, it was significantly increased in the 0.1 mg/L nitenpyram treatment (p < 0.05). GSH content was significantly increased at all treatments except for the 0.5 mg/L dinotefuran treatment (p < 0.05). The transcript expression results showed that gstm mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L imidacloprid, and gstp1 mRNA expression was significantly inhibited by all nitenpyram treatments (p < 0.05). In addition, ugt1a mRNA expression was significantly inhibited in the 0.5 mg/L nitenpyram treatment (p < 0.05). The results of the DNA damage assay showed that tail moments were significantly increased by the 2.0 mg/L imidacloprid treatment (p < 0.01), while tail DNA was significantly increased by 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L imidacloprid, 2.0 mg/L nitenpyram and all dinotefuran treatments (p < 0.01). Moreover, olive tail moments were significantly increased by the 0.5 and 2.0 mg/L imidacloprid and 2.0 mg/L dinotefuran treatments (p < 0.01). Therefore, our oxidative stress and DNA damage findings demonstrated that imidacloprid and nitenpyram could cause adverse effects on juvenile rare minnows. Image 1 • Experiment studied chronic hepatotoxicity of imidacloprid, nitenpyram and dinotefuran in juvenile Chinese rare minnow. • Experimental results show that imidacloprid and nitenpyram could cause adverse effects on liver of juvenile rare minnows. • The toxicity of imidacloprid and nitenpyram had obvious dose-dependent effects on DNA damage of liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A control method based on the non-simplified equations of motion of the lattice sandwich structures with considering the effects of the sensors and actuators is established. • The effects of active feedback control on the band-gaps of the pyramidal core lattice sandwich structures based on the non-simplified equations of motion are investigated. • The results show that the proposed simple control strategy is sufficiently accurate, highly efficient and can significantly expand the band-gaps. In this paper, we propose a simple active adaptive feedback (AAF) control strategy to enhance the vibration mitigation and isolation properties of the conventional pyramid-core lattice sandwich structures (PSSs) and the modified chessboard-designed pyramid-core lattice sandwich structures (CPSSs) via the lead zirconate titanate (PZT) ceramic patches. The proposed simple AAF control strategy is based on the active feedback (AF) control by relating the AF control parameters to the frequency. Firstly, the effects of the AF control parameters on the band structures are analyzed. Subsequently, the mathematical expressions of the frequency-dependent AAF control parameters are derived by the curve fitting technique. The results show that the proposed simple AAF control strategy is sufficiently accurate, highly efficient and can significantly expand the band-gaps compared to the conventional AF control, hence leading to improved vibration mitigation and isolation properties of the PSSs and CPSSs. The proposed simple AAF control strategy provides a simplified and generalized method to enhance the vibration mitigation and isolation properties of the lightweight lattice sandwich structures (LSSs) while maintaining their high stiffness-to-density ratio, which may offer various potential applications in engineering sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal keratitis (FK) is an infectious keratopathy can cause serious damage to vision. Its severity is related to the virulence of fungus and response of inflammatory. Rosmarinic acid (RA) extracted from Rosmarinus officinalis exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of RA on macrophage autophagy and its therapeutic effect on FK. In this study, we demonstrated that RA reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokine, lessened the recruitment of inflammatory cells in FK. The relative contents of autophagy markers, such as LC3 and Beclin-1, were significantly up-regulated in RAW 264.7 cells and FK. In addition, RA restored mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of macrophage to normal level. RA not only reduced the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) but also mitochondria ROS (mtROS) in macrophage. At the same time, RA induced macrophage to M2 phenotype and down-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α. All the above effects could be offset by the autophagy inhibitor 3-Methyladenine (3-MA). Besides, RA promote phagocytosis of RAW 264.7 cells and inhibits spore germination, biofilm formation and conidial adherence, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for RA in FK. • RA reduced the severity of keratitis and proinflammatory cytokine expression in vivo. • RA up-regulated the autophagy in RAW 264.7 cells and infected corneas. • 3-MA significantly counteracted the effects of RA on ameliorating FK. • RA reduced the ROS and mtROS in infected RAW 264.7 cells. • RA induced M2 phenotype of macrophage and exhibited antifungal property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• IGF3 was expressed in the ovarian follicles of spotted steed at different stages of development. • IGF3 promotes GVBD rates in the late-vitellogenic follicles of spotted steed. • IGF3 treatment stimulated steroidogenesis-related genes and ovarian maturation related genes expression. As a new member of the insulin-like growth factors (Igfs), Igf3 was reported to play a vital role in fish reproduction. However, in spotted steed, the function of Igf3 remains largely unknown. In the present study, we identified and characterized Igf3 gene in spotted steed. Structural analysis showed that Igf3 contained five domains (B, C, A, D, E) and six conserved cysteine residues. The expression of Igf3 mRNA and protein were increased during ovary development and peaked in the maturation stage. The subcellular localization of IGF3 was highly expressed in granulosa cells and theca cells. Furthermore, recombinant IGF3 protein was produced and in vitro treatment with ovarian follicles significantly promoted the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) rates of spotted steed follicles. The mRNA expression of cdc2 and cyclinB genes were significantly increased after IGF3 treatment, which were main components of maturation promoting factor (MPF). In addition, transcription levels of 3β-hsd, 20β-hsd, Cyp17a and Cyp19a1a were also changed. Taken together, these findings suggest that Igf3 is essential for ovary steroidogenesis and maturation in spotted steed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solute carrier 15 family (Slc15) are membrane proteins that utilize the proton gradient and negative membrane protential for the transmembrane transporter of di-/tripeptide and peptide-mimetic molecules, in addition, they also play important roles in immunoreaction. In this study, 10 Slc15 genes were identified in the common carp genome database. Comparative genomics analysis showed considerable expansion of the Slc15 genes and verified the four-round whole genome duplication (WGD) event in common carp. Phylogenetic analysis revealed all Slc15 genes of common carp were clustered into orthologous groups indicating the highly conservative during evolution. Besides, the tissues and temporal expression examined by RT-PCR and qRT-PCR showed that most of the Slc15 genes had a narrow tissue distribution and exhibited tissue-specific expression patterns. Expression divergences were observed between these copies proving function divergence after the WGD. Then, we investigated the dietary supplementation effects of three Lactococcus lactis strains on the expression of Slc15 genes in common carp infected by A. hydrophila to find an effective way to treat aquatic diseases. Almost all of the Slc15 genes had an increased expression trend in the early post-challenge stage, and reached the highest expression level at 12h post-challenge. Then, the expression level showed a bluff descent at the last two stages and the expression level reached the lowest at 48 h post-challenge. Slc15 genes expression is actively up-regulated when stimulated by inflammatory factors, which can "amplify" immune signals, and improve the body's defense against foreign invasion in the early stage of the inflammatory response. So activation of the Slc15 genes may be an effective way for infectious disease treatment. As expected, three strains improved the expression of Slc15 genes variously compared with the control/infection groups. The strain 3 of L. lactis had a better induction of Slc15 genes compared with strain 1 and strain 2. It might be applied as a potential activation of Slc15 genes for disease treatment and adding befitting L. lactis may be a good way to protect aquatilia from bacillosis. • This work presented the first identification of Slc15 gene family in common carp. • Comparative genomics and phylogenetic analysis showed considerable expansion of Slc15 gene family and approved the four round whole genome duplication (WGD) event in common carp. • It applied as a potential activation of Slc15 genes for disease treatment and adding befitting L. lactis maybe a good way to protect aquatilia from bacillosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to ambient particulate matter with a diameter of <2.5 μm (PM 2.5) has been linked to increases in blood pressure. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of short-term exposure to PM 2.5 on blood pressure in office workers in Beijing, China. A total of 4801 individuals aged 18–60 years underwent an annual medical examination between 2013 and 2017. Levels of air pollutants were obtained from 35 fixed monitoring stations and correlated with the employment location of each participant to predict personal exposure via kriging interpolation. Linear mixed-effects models were used to estimate the changes in blood pressure associated with PM 2.5 exposure at various lag times. After adjusting for personal characteristics and other potential confounders, each interquartile range increase in PM 2.5 was associated with a 0.413-mmHg (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.252–0.573), 0.171-mmHg (95% CI: 0.053–0.288), 0.278-mmHg (95% CI: 0.152–0.404), and 0.241-mmHg (95% CI: 0.120–0.362) increase in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, and mean arterial pressure, respectively (p < 0.05). Men, individuals previously diagnosed with hypertension, and subjects working in the northern districts of Beijing had larger changes in blood pressure, and the effect sizes were 0.477-mmHg (95% CI: 0.286–0.669), 0.851-mmHg (95% CI: 0.306–1.397, and 0.672-mmHg (95% CI: 0.405–0.940). The findings suggested that exposure to PM 2.5 had adverse effects on blood pressure, especially among males and hypertensive patients. Image 1 • Individual PM 2.5 exposure was measured by Kriging interpolation method. • Blood pressure increased significantly with elevations in PM 2.5 for lag 4–6 days. • Stronger effects were found among males and hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myostatin, through type I receptor (kinase 4, 5, ALK4/5), functions to participate in the immune system and negatively regulate muscle growth in mammals. However, the role of myostatin (mstn) in the immune system of teleosts is largely unknown. In a previous study, we cloned the mstn1 cDNA encoding myostatin in Qi river crucian carp (Carassius auratus). In the present study, we have cloned mstn2 cDNA, which was characterized and analyzed together with mstn1. Tissue distribution analysis showed that both mstn genes are expressed in numerous tissues, with mstn1 dominantly expressed in the muscle and brain, whereas mstn2 is mainly expressed in the brain. During embryogenesis, mstn1 and mstn2 exhibit different expression patterns. Both mstn1 and mstn2 expression increased stepwise in the brain at different developmental stages. Furthermore, both genes are differentially regulated during different periods of fasting/re-feeding. Following the exposure of C. auratus to polyI:C, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and Aeromonas hydrophila , both genes were upregulated in different tissues, which indicated that they might be involved in the immune response against pathogenic invasion. Blocking the Mstn signal pathway with SB-431542 (a chemical inhibitor of ALK4/5) resulted in significantly increased body length and weight. However, the mortality of SB-431542-treated fish was higher after A. hydrophila challenge. Moreover, decreased expression of lysozymes (lyz), complement component 3 (c3), β-defensin 3 (defb3), and interferon γ (ifnγ) were exhibited in treated fish, compared with the controls. Furthermore, the expression of nf-κb1 , three pro-inflammatory cytokines (il1 β , il6, and tnfα), and inflammatory cytokines (il8 and il10) were significantly increased in both the SB-431542-treated group and the control after A. hydrophila infection, suggesting that the NF-κB pathway was not suppressed in the SB-431542-treated fish. Taken together, our data suggest that both mstn1 and mstn2 play important roles in early body development, muscle growth, and the immune system by acting downstream of the NF-κB signal pathway. • Mstn1 and mstn2 exhibit different tissue distribution patterns. • Both mstn genes increased stepwise in the brain at different developmental stages. • Two mstn genes were upregulated in different tissues after pathogen challenge. • Inhibition of Mstn signal pathway resulted in larger body size, but low immune defense capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A. fumigatus elevates TLR-4 expression during infection. • Quercetin inhibits A. fumigatus -induced inflammatory responses by regulating TLR-4 pathway. • Quercetin plays a protective role in mouse A. fumigatus keratitis by inhibiting fungal growth, mycelium formation, fungal spore adhesion, and macrophage infiltration. • It lays the foundation for our future research on poly(quercetin), a polymer material that fights fungi by increasing corneal penetration. To investigate the antifungal and anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin in Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) keratitis. Draize eye test was performed in mice to evaluate the toxicity of quercetin, and the antifungal effects on A. fumigatus were assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), propidium iodide uptake, and adherence assay. In fungal keratitis (FK) mouse models, immunostaining was performed for investigating toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) expression and macrophage infiltration. Real-time PCR, ELISA, and Western blot were used to evaluate the expression of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 in infected RAW264.7 cells. Cells were also treated with TLR-4 siRNA or agonist CRX-527 to investigate mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin. Quercetin at 32 μM was non-toxic to corneal epithelial and significantly inhibited A. fumigatus growth and adhesion, and also altered the structure and reduced the number of mycelia. Quercetin significantly reduced macrophage infiltration in the mouse cornea, and attenuated the expression of TLR-4 in the corneal epithelium and stroma of mice with keratitis caused by A. fumigatus. In RAW264.7 cells infected by A. fumigatus , quercetin downregulated TLR-4 along with pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. RAW cells with TLR-4 knockdown had reduced expression of factors after A. fumigatus infection, which was decreased even further with quercetin treatment. In contrast, cells with CRX-527 had elevated inflammatory factors compared to control, which was significantly attenuated in the presence of quercetin. Quercetin plays a protective role in mouse A. fumigatus keratitis by inhibiting fungal load, disrupting hyphae structure, macrophage infiltration, and suppressing inflammation response in macrophages via TLR-4 mediated signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The after-effects of rAtDCS in AD rats persisted for at least 2 months. • The expression of ChAT and GFAP still showed improvements 2 months after rAtDCS. • The after-effects of rAtDCS gradually decreased with time. Repetitive anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been shown to have distinct neuroprotective effects. Moreover, the effects of anodal tDCS not only occur during the stimulation but also persist after the stimulation has ended (after-effects). Here, the duration of the after-effects induced by repetitive anodal tDCS was investigated based on our previous studies. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: a sham group, a β-amyloid (Aβ) group (AD group) and a stimulation group (ATD group). Aβ was injected into the bilateral hippocampi of the rats in the AD and ATD groups to produce the AD model. Rats in the ATD group underwent 10 sessions of anodal tDCS, and the after-effects of repetitive anodal tDCS were evaluated by behavioral and histological analyses. A Morris water maze (MWM) was utilized on a monthly basis to assess spatial learning and memory abilities. The ATD group showed shorter escape latencies and more platform region crossings than the AD group. Hippocampal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemical analyses were carried out after the last MWM assessment. The immunohistochemistry results showed notable differences among the groups, particularly between the AD and ATD groups. This study reveals that repetitive anodal tDCS can not only improve cognitive function and memory performance but also has long-term after-effects that persist for 2 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Three zinc(II) metal-organic frameworks have been solvothermally synthesized with V-shaped 1,3-bis(1-imidazolyl)benzene (bib) and 4,4'-oxydibenzoic acid (4,4'-H 2 oba), namely {[Zn(bib)(oba)]⋅solvents} n (1), {[Zn(bib)(oba)]·2H 2 O} n (2) and {[Zn 2 (bib) 2 (oba) 2 ]⋅2EtOH⋅H 2 O} n (3). All of them are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectra and powder X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 presents a two-fold interpenetrating three-dimensional structure with 4-connected (65.8) topology. While, complexes 2 and 3 exhibit double layer cavity and double chains based two-dimensional structure, respectively. Luminescent studies indicate that 2 and 3 display selectively sensitive to electron-deficient nitroaromatic explosives with excellent anti-interference abilities. Graphical abstract Three zinc(II) metal-organic frameworks have been synthesized by the regulation of temperature- and solvent. Complexes 2 and 3 show selectively sensitive to electron-deficient nitroaromatic explosives with excellent anti-interference abilities. fx1 Highlights • Complexes 1 – 3 exhibit 2D/3D structures derived from V-shaped bib and H 2 oba with different conformations. • Through the change of reaction conditions, the assembly of MOFs with novel structures and interesting properties has been successfully realized. • Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit selectively sensitive to electron-deficient nitroaromatic explosives with high anti-interference abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate and effective recycling of food waste (FW) has become increasingly significant with the promotion of garbage classification in China. In this study, a novel and green process was developed to recycle FW to prepare a biodegradable composite liquid mulching film (LMF) through crosslinking with sodium alginate (SA). The solid phase of FW was obtained as the raw material after hydrothermal pretreatment to remove pathogens and salts, and to improve the reactivity of active components at a moderate temperature. The prepared LMF had a hydrophobic surface and compact structure due to the lipid in FW and the acetalization reaction and hydrogen bonds among SA, glutaraldehyde and multi-active components of FW, resulting in enhanced water vapor barrier properties. The minimum water vapor permeability of the prepared LMF reached (8.23 ± 0.05) ✕ 10−12 g cm/(cm2·s·Pa) with 1.82 wt % of plasticizer, 0.74 wt% of crosslinker and a mass ratio of HTP-FW to SA of 3.56:1. The prepared LMF showed good mechanical properties and could maintain its integrity after spraying it on the soil surface for 31 days. In addition, it could effectively prevent the loss of soil moisture and heat, promote the seed germination of Chinese cabbage and achieve 89.14% of weight loss after burying in the soil for 27 days. This study provides a high value-added route to convert the FW to a hydrophobic LMF with superior properties, which addresses not only the problem of food waste but also the pollution of plastic mulching film. • A novel and green process was developed to recycle food waste for novel hydrophobic liquid mulching film preparation. • Effect of the key parameters on the water barrier properties of the prepared LMF was optimized using RSM. • The formation mechanism and structure of the prepared LMF were clarified. • The prepared LMF showed good soil moisture retention and thermal preservation capacities. • The prepared LMF exhibited superior practical application in view of excellent integrity and degradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing evidences indicate that neuropathic pain is frequently accompanied with cognitive impairments, which aggravate the decrease in the quality of life of chronic pain patients. Furthermore, it has been shown that the activation of Glucagon-like-peptide-1receptor (GLP-1R) improved memory deficit in multiple diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke. However, whether GLP-1R activation could improve memory impairment induced by neuropathic pain and the mechanisms underlying the effect of the activation of GLP-1R on memory protection have not yet been established. The spared nerve injury (SNI) model was established as a kind of neuropathic pain. And novel-object recognition memory (hippocampus-dependent memory) was tested by the novel object recognition test (NORT). The expression levels of GLP-1, GLP-1R, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), p-AMPKThr172, nuclear factor κ B p65 (NF-κB p65), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), IL-1β p17 (mature IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and the synaptic proteins were tested in the murine hippocampus with memory deficits caused by neuropathic pain. Then, exenatide acetate (Ex-4, a GLP-1R agonist), exendin (9–39) (Ex(9–39), a GLP-1R antagonist) and Compound C dihydrochloride (CC, an AMPK inhibitor) were used to test the effects of the activation of GLP-1R in the mice with neuropathic pain. First, we uncovered that neuropathic pain could inhibit GLP-1/GLP-R axis, disturb inflammatory signaling pathway, increase the expression of IL-1β, IL-1β p17 and TNF-α, downregulate the synaptic proteins (postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) and Arc). Subsequently, we reported that Ex-4 treatment could improve recognition memory impairment, increase the ratio of p-AMPKThr172/AMPK, inhibit the phosphorylation NF-κB p65 and decrease the expression of IL-1β, IL-1β p17 and TNF-α, upregulate the levels of PSD95 and Arc. Moreover, we found that Ex(9–39) and CC treatment could abrogate the memory protection of activation of GLP-1R in mice with neuropathic pain. The results indicated that the activation of GLP-1R could improve recognition memory impairment via regulating AMPK/NF-κB pathway, improving neuroinflammation, reversing the decreased level of synaptic proteins in neuropathic pain mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]