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[Display omitted] • Fe 2 TiO 5 /NiCo-LDH composite photoelectrode exhibits dual role as heterojunction and co-catalyst. • The effect of surface state on charge transfer is systematically discussed. • Fe 2 TiO 5 /NiCo-LDH photoelectrode expands application in photoelectrochemistry for sulfide oxidation reaction. The Fe 2 TiO 5 photoelectrode is limited in photoelectrochemical field (PEC) due to the slow charge transfer kinetics, short carrier diffusion distances and low separation efficiency. Hence, the Fe 2 TiO 5 /NiCo-LDH photoelectrodes with dual roles of co-catalyst and heterojunction are constructed, in which the photogenerated carriers are effectively separated and the conductivity is enhanced. At the same time, the surface state of the Fe 2 TiO 5 -based photoanode is modulated by the co-catalyst, which drives charge transfer into the electrolyte. With the synergistic effect of inhibiting photogenerated carrier complexation and accelerating charge transfer, the OER photocurrent density of Fe 2 TiO 5 /NiCo-LDH photoelectrode is enhanced to 2.42 mA/cm2, which is 3.4 folds higher than that of pristine Fe 2 TiO 5. Specifically, Fe 2 TiO 5 /NiCo-LDH photoanode exhibits good stability and photoelectrochemical performance in hydrogen sulfide oxidation reaction (SOR). Similar to the OER, the sulphur oxidation photocurrent density of Fe 2 TiO 5 /NiCo-LDH photoelectrodes is enhanced to 0.21 mA/cm2, which is 2 folds higher than that of pristine Fe 2 TiO 5. This work provides a new idea for the modification of Fe 2 TiO 5 photoanodes and also explores a pioneering demonstration for the photoelectrochemical decomposition of hydrogen sulfide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nanoscale coatings of AlO x deposited onto SiO 2 using atomic layer deposition. • Structure-reactivity relationships developed for levoglucosanol hydrogenolysis. • Brønsted/Lewis acid ratio & Al coordination vary systematically with Al 2 O 3 loading. • Lewis sites on ALD-AlO x /SiO 2 are 4-times more reactive than on γ-Al 2 O 3. • Brønsted sites are 6-times more reactive than Lewis sites on ALD-AlO x /SiO 2. Nanoscale coatings of AlO x were deposited onto SiO 2 using atomic layer deposition (ALD) to synthesize amorphous silica-alumina (SiAl) catalysts, and these catalysts were investigated for levoglucosanol (Lgol) hydrogenolysis. With decreasing Al 2 O 3 loading, the ratio of Brønsted to Lewis acid sites, measured by NH 3 -TPD and pyridine-FTIR, systematically increases, while the Al coordination, measured by solid state 27Al NMR, decreases. These structural changes correspond to an increasing mass-normalized rate of Lgol hydrogenolysis. We model the mass-normalized reaction rate as the sum of independent contributions from Brønsted and Lewis sites, showing that Brønsted acid sites on ALD-AlO x /SiO 2 catalysts have a 6-times higher turnover frequency (TOF) than Lewis acid sites on these catalysts. Additionally, Lewis acid sites on ALD-AlO x /SiO 2 catalysts (potentially related to Al(V) species) have a 4-times higher TOF than Lewis acid sites on bulk γ-Al 2 O 3. The overall mass-normalized reactivity of ALD-AlO x /SiO 2 catalysts is due to Lewis acid sites at the highest Al 2 O 3 loading, while it is predominantly due to Brønsted acid sites at the lowest Al 2 O 3 loadings. This work provides a new approach to synthesize amorphous SiAls with tunable Brønsted/Lewis acid site ratio and reveals differences in the reactivity of Brønsted and Lewis acid sites on these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hybrid Li-ion capacitor (LIC) draws more attention as novel energy storage device owing to its high power density and high energy density. Designing three-dimensional electrode materials is beneficial for improving electrochemical performance of LICs. Herein, an improved hydrothermal method combined with an ion-exchange reaction is used to manufacture oxygen vacancies (OVs)-doping TiO 2 (TiO 2-x) nanowires/nanosheets (NWS) on Ti-foil. Then TiCl 4 treatment is performed to form TiO 2-x NWS/nanocrystallines (NWSC). These-obtained hierarchical nanoarchitectures assumes enrich electro-active sites and contact areas, which can improve electron transference and structural stability. The TiO 2-x NWSC is used as binder-free anode for Li-ion battery and achieves high specific capacity (300 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate capability (102 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1) and long cycle stability (44% after 1000 cycles at 1 A g−1). LICs assembled with a TiO 2-x NWSC anode and an activated carbon cathode have an energy density of 44.2 W h kg−1 at the power density of 150 W kg−1. Therefore, the TiO 2-x NWSC is a potential candidate for high energy and high power electrochemical energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Bismuth (Bi) is a promising material as the anode for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) due to its characteristics such as reasonable price and high theoretical volumetric capacity (3800 mAh cm−3). Nevertheless, considerable drawbacks have hindered the practical applications of Bi, including its relatively low electrical conductivity and inevitable volumetric change during the alloying/dealloying processes. To solve these problems, we proposed a novel design: Bi nanoparticles were synthesized via a single-step low-pressure vapor-phase reaction and embedded onto the surfaces of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). After being vaporized at 650℃ and 10-5 Pa, Bi nanoparticles less than 10 nm were uniformly distributed in the three-dimensional (3D) MWCNT networks to form a Bi/MWNTs composite. In this unique design, the nanostructured Bi can reduce the risk of structural rupture during cycling, and the structure of the MWCMT network is beneficial in shortening the electron/ion transport path. In addition, MWCNTs can improve the overall conductivity of the Bi/MWCNTs composite and prevent particle aggregation, thus improving the cycling stability and rate performance. As an anode material for SIB, the Bi/MWCNTs composite has demonstrated excellent fast charging performance with a reversible capacity of 254 mAh/g at 20 A/g. A capacity of 221 mAh g−1 after cycling at 10 A/g for 8000 cycles has also been achieved for SIB. As an anode material for PIB, the Bi/MWCNTs composite has delivered excellent rate performances with a reversible capacity of 251 mAh/g at 20 A/g. A specific capacity of 270 mAh g−1 after cycling at 1 A g−1 for 5000 cycles has also been achieved for PIB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raspberry-like multihollow polymer microspheres were prepared by seeded swelling polymerization and decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) which acted as both reducing and stabilizing agent. Formation mechanism of the raspberry-like multihollow microsphere was discussed on the basis of water absorption of sulfonated groups in the seeded swelling polymerization. Effects of weight ratio of sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate to styrene (NaSS/St) of the seed particles, the concentration of PVP and [Ag(NH 3 ) 2 ] + ions on the properties of polymer/Ag nanocomposite microspheres were investigated by microscopic observation, nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, UV–vis absorption spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns and thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrated that the raspberry-like multihollow microspheres were successfully fabricated by controlling over the NaSS/St of the seed particles in the seeded swelling polymerization by which the fabrication of hollow structure became simple and convenient. The spherical AgNPs were loaded on the polymer microsphere by in-situ chemical reduction due to the stabilization and reduction of PVP and the attraction between sulfonated groups and [Ag(NH 3 ) 2 ] + ions. The raspberry-like multihollow polymer/Ag microspheres showed good catalytic activity and reusability in the degradation of methylene blue in the presence of NaBH 4 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hen eggs play a vital role in the human diet and their safety is critical to avoid the risk of foodborne illness for consumers. Engineered Water Nanostructures (EWNS) generated via an electrospray system is a novel and nanotechnology-based technique, which can be utilized for inactivating bacteria. The primary objective of this work was to assess this technique's effectiveness as a chemical-free and non-thermal approach for decontaminating egg surfaces and investigate its potential as an alternative to the conventional method of washing eggs. The results showed that under EWNS operating conditions of 5 min of exposure time, 1 μL/min/needle of water flow rate, and 9.0 kV/cm of electric field strength, the highest inactivation efficiency of 97.6 and 80.4% were obtained for decontaminating egg surfaces contaminated by E. coli and Salmonella spp., respectively. Results also proved no significant difference in physical properties, chemical components, and eggshell cuticle coverage of EWNS-treated eggs compared to unwashed eggs. • Engineered water nanostructures (EWNS) produced from electro spray were used to decontaminate eggshell. • Representative pathogens on eggshell were decontaminated. • EWNS do not show any impact on physical and chemical properties of treated eggs. • A chemical-free surface decontamination method was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animal buildings are an important source of particulate matter (PM) pollution. Particulate matter has been known to have both environmental and health impacts and control measures for PM are essential. This study developed a laboratory-scale electrospray system to generate engineered water nanostructures (EWNS), which are highly-charged nano-sized water droplets, and tested the effectiveness of the EWNS in reducing livestock PM. The efficacy of the generated EWNS in reducing PM was evaluated under various electrospray settings and operating conditions using pig and poultry barn PM. The experiments were conducted using an acrylic chamber to simulate the airspace in an animal confinement area. EWNS generation rates were also determined under various electrospray settings. It was found that negative voltages generated higher numbers of EWNS. The highest reduction efficiency obtained for PM 15.0 was 75% for pig barn PM and 83% for poultry barn PM. These reduction efficiencies are comparable to those obtained by wet electrostatic scrubbers; however, the water consumption of the electrospray developed in this study was relatively low (maximum of 4 μl min−1, equivalent to a liquid–gas flow rate ratio of 6.4 × 10−5 l m−3). The results indicate that the EWNS generated by the electrospray effectively reduced the livestock PM. However, in-barn tests are required before the system can be implemented in commercial animal rearing facilities. • An electrospray was developed to generate engineered water nanostructures (EWNS). • Efficacy of the EWNS to remove particulate matter (PM) was evaluated. • Generated EWNS were effective in reducing concentrations of livestock PM. • Reductions achieved equivalent to wet electrostatic scrubbers but less water use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to bioaerosols in enclosed livestock facilities have been reported to pose health risks to workers and animals. Environment-friendly methods for reducing bioaerosol levels in enclosed animal production units could provide important environmental control options. In this study, laboratory-scale electrospray modules were developed to generate engineered water nanostructures (EWNS) to inactivate microbes. The EWNS were generated using three spray liquids (reverse osmosis (RO) water, saline water, and NaOH solution). The physicochemical properties (size, lifetime, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content) of the generated EWNS were characterised. Results showed that the average diameter of the EWNS droplets ranged from 40 to 45 nm. It was found that approximately 17% of the generated EWNS was still present after 4.5 h, and that the most predominant ROS generated was OH·. Furthermore, the efficacy of the generated EWNS in inactivating Escherichia coli was assessed under conditions relevant to livestock facilities. The electrospray modules were installed in an acrylic chamber, which was used to simulate the airspace in an animal barn. After 60-min treatment, reductions in E. coli concentrations inside the chamber were 69%, 64%, and 50% using RO water, saline water, and NaOH solution, respectively, at a ventilation rate of seven air changes per hour (ACH). At 15 ACH, the efficacy of the EWNS generated using RO water was 37%. The results show the potential of the EWNS technology as a microbial decontamination method for animal confinement buildings; however, in-barn tests are necessary before it can be fully implemented in commercial livestock barns. • An electrospray system was developed to generate nanosized EWNS. • The generated EWNS could remain airborne for hours. • The EWNS was found effective in inactivating Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lectin pathway, one of the complement cascade systems, provides the primary line of defense against invading pathogens. The serine protease of MASP-2 plays an essential role in complement activation of the lectin pathway. The C-terminal segment of MASP-2 is comprised of the CCP1-CCP2-SP domains, and is the crucial catalytic segment. However, what is the effect of CCP1-CCP2-SP domains in controlling chronic infection is unknown. In order to evaluate the potential impact of CCP1-CCP2-SP domains on tuberculosis, we constructed the human MASP-2 CCP1/2SP, CCP2SP and SP recombinant plasmids, and delivered these plasmids by DNA-DOTAP:cholesterol cationic nanolipoplexes to BCG-infected mice. After 21 days post DNA-DOTAP:chol nanolipoplexes application, we analyzed bacteria loads of pulmonary, pathology of granuloma, lymphocyte subpopulations. The C3a, C4a and MASP-2 levels in serum were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Compared to the control group that received GFP DNA-DOTAP:chol nanolipoplexes, MASP-2 CCP1/2SP DNA-DOTAP:chol nanolipoplexes treated group showed significantly enlarged pulmonary granulomas lesion (P < 0.05) and did not reduce bacteria loads in the lung tissue (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of C3a in serum were decreased (P < 0.05), the number and percentage of PD1 + and Tim3 + cells subgroups were increased in BCG-infected mice after treated with MASP-2 CCP1/2SP DNA-DOTAP:chol nanolipoplexes (P < 0.05). But, there was no statistical difference in the serum C4a and MASP-2 level among DNA nanolipoplexes treated groups (P > 0.05). These findings provided experimental evidence that MASP-2 CCP1/2SP DNA nanolipoplexes shown the negative efficacy in controlling Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and displayed a potential role of down-regulating T-cell-mediated immunity in tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The role of MASP-2 is vital in the process of complement activation by the lectin pathway. It is generally considered that the functional activation of MASP-2 contribute to the infection disease development process. Aims To analyze the association between MASP-2 functional gene (rs72550870) polymorphism and the infection disease risk by a meta-analysis. Method Relevant case-control studies were identified by searching Cochrane Library, PubMed, Emabase, DOAJ, CAB Abstracts, CSA, CINAHL, EBSCO, Scopus, Global Health, Index Copernicus, CA, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases up to 10th January 2016. The data were extracted and the methodological quality of studies were evaluated. The STATA 12.0 software was used to perform statistical analysis. Results 9 studies were included. There was no significant association between masp-2 gene (p.D120G, rs72550870) polymorphism and the risk of infection disease under the allele model (G vs. A: OR = 0.89, 95%CI = 0.66–1.21)( P = 0.445>0.05) and the recessive model (AG + GG vs.AA: OR = 0.88, 95%CI = 0.65–1.20) ( P = 0.428>0.05). Conclusion This is the first comprehensive meta-analysis indicates that the MASP-2 functional gene (rs72550870) polymorphism is not associated with the infection diseases, and the key functional gene polymorphism of rs72550870 did not increase susceptibility to the infection diseases. Similarly, there were no obvious difference in subgroup analysis based on geographical areas and pathogenic microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease, which caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It typically affects the functions of the lung and causes high morbidity and mortality rates worldwide. The lectin pathway, one of the complement cascade systems, provides the primary line of defense against invading pathogens. However, what is the specific effection between tuberculosis and complement is unknown. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL), a recognition subunit, binds to arrays of carbohydrates on the surfaces of pathogens, which results in the activation of MBL-associated serine protease-2 to trigger a downstream reaction cascade of complement system. The effects of human MBL-associated serine protease-2 (hMASP-2) were assessed in a rabbit-skin model by intradermal injection of 5 × 10 6 viable BCG bacilli. The rAd-hMASP-2 accelerated the formation of liquefaction and healing of the granuloma lesions, reduced the bacteria loads of the skin nodules. The serum levels of IL-2 and IFN-γ were significantly increasing during the granuloma and liquefaction phases in the rAd-hMASP-2 group. This study suggests that hMASP-2 can induce a protective efficacy in BCG-infected rabbit skin models, which affects both the progress of lesions and the survival of the mycobacteria within them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-hollow particles have drawn extensive research interest due to their high specific areas and abundant inner voids, whereas their convenient synthesis still remains challenging. In this paper, we report a simple and convenient method based on seeded swelling polymerization to prepare the multi-hollow microspheres with enclosed surfaces and compartmentalized voids using monodisperse poly (styrene- co -sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate) microspheres as seed particles. A formation mechanism of the multi-hollow structure was proposed involving the processes of water absorption, coalescence and stabilization of water domains, immobilization of multi-hollow structure, and coverage of surface dimples. The influencing parameters on the morphology of the microspheres, including weight ratio of sodium 4-vinylbenzenesulfonate to styrene in the seed particles, dosage of the swelling monomer and the crosslinking agent were systematically investigated. The internal structure of the resultant microspheres could be tuned from solid to multi-hollow by controlling over these parameters. Multi-hollow microspheres with compartmentalized chambers, smooth surfaces and narrow size distributions were obtained as a result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resistance to Fas Ligand (FasL) mediated apoptosis plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is reported to interact with FasL and is overexpressed in some malignant tumors. We sought to investigate the role of DcR3 in resistance to FasL in pancreatic cancer. We compared expression of apoptosis related genes between FasL-resistant SW1990 and FasL-sensitive Patu8988 pancreatic cell lines by microarray analysis. We explored the impact of siRNA knockdown of, or exogenous supplementation with, DcR3 on FasL-induced cell growth inhibition in pancreatic cancer cell lines and expression of proteins involved in apoptotic signaling. We assessed the level of DcR3 protein and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in tumor and non-tumor tissue samples of 66 patients with pancreatic carcinoma. RNAi knockdown of DcR3 expression in SW1990 cells reduced resistance to FasL-induced apoptosis, and supplementation of Patu8988 with rDcR3 had the opposite effect. RNAi knockdown of DcR3 in SW1990 cells elevated expression of caspase 3, 8 and 9, and reduced ERK1/2 phosphorylation ( P < 0.05), but did not alter phosphorylated-Akt expression. 47 tumor tissue specimens, but only 15 matched non-tumor specimens stained for DcR3 (χ 2 = 31.1447, P < 0.001). The proliferation index of DcR3 positive specimens (14.26 ± 2.67%) was significantly higher than that of DcR3 negative specimens (43.58 ± 7.88%, P < 0.01). DcR3 expression positively correlated with p-ERK1/2 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues (r = 0.607, P < 0.001). DcR3 enhances ERK1/2 phosphorylation and opposes FasL signaling in pancreatic cancer cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background It is generally considered that HLA-Ⅱ genes contribute to the Helicobacter pylori ( Hp ) infection and disease development process. Aims To perform a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between HLA-Ⅱgene polymorphism and host susceptibility to Hp infection. Methods Relevant cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional studies were identified by searching Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and CBM up to July 2014. The data were extracted and methodological quality of the studies were evaluated. RevMan5.0 software was used to perform statistical analysis. Results In Asian population, HLA-DQB1∗0303 acted as the protective gene in Hp infection (statistically significant pooled OR = 0.54) and the susceptible genes in Hp infection involved HLA-DQB1∗0401, HLA-DQA1∗0103 and HLA-DQA1∗0301 (statistically significant pooled OR and 95%CI were 3.34(1.93,5.77), 1.64(1.16,2.33) and 2.03(1.20,3.44) respectively). No statistically significant difference between DQB1∗0303, HLA-DQA1∗0103 and DQA1∗0301 and Hp infection in European population ( P >0.05). And no statistically significant difference ( P >0.05) in the overall effect of the association between the rest of HLA-Ⅱalleles and Hp infection. Conclusions In Asian population, the protective gene HLA-DQB1∗0303 and the susceptible genes HLA-DQB1∗0401, HLA-DQA1∗0103 and HLA-DQA1∗0301 in Hp infection were established by meta-analysis. And there was no HLA-Ⅱallele was found to associate with Hp infection among European population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect of lysozyme and Chinese liquor on the inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth and staphylococcal enterotoxin production, as well as the effect on microbiome, flavor profile, and the quality improvement of dry fermented sausages during 18 days storage were evaluated. The result of the disc diffusion method showed that 25 μL/mL of liquor (the corresponding concentration of alcohol was 10 μL/mL) and 10 mg/mL of lysozyme had a more significant (P < 0.05) effect on the inhibition of S. aureus than that of other concentrations. Lysozyme combined with liquor could significantly reduce (decrement of 2.8 log 10 CFU/g) the total S. aureus counts of sausages, and significantly inhibit staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) production. The combination treatment had the highest diversity among the four treatments. Moreover, the combination treatment promoted the formation of more volatile compounds, but the total relative content was lower than that of liquor and lysozyme treatments. There were no obvious effects on TBARS values in different treatments. The total volatile basic nitrogen in combination treated sausages was generally lower than that of other treatments. This study confirmed that the combination treatment could be an alternative to improve the safety and quality of sausages. • The synergistic effects of lysozyme and Chinese liquor were evaluated. • The combination treatment has a synergistic inhibition effect of S. aureus. • The combination treatment could increase the diversity of the bacterial community. • Liquor could contribute to the formation of volatile compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]