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• A L. lactis expressing VP1 protein of DHAV-3 was successfully constructed. • Effective cellular and humoral immunity was induced in the immunized mice. • Effective cellular and humoral immunity was induced in the immunized ducklings. • The immunized ducklings were effectively protected from natural infection of DHAV-3. Duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV) is the major pathogen of duck viral hepatitis, which has caused great economic losses to duck breeding industry. As an effective delivery tool for protein antigens, Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) has been successfully used to stimulate mucosal and systemic immune response. In this study, a recombinant L. lactis named NZ3900-VP1 was constructed, which could express VP1 protein of DHAV type 3 (DHAV-3) by using a nisin-controlled expression (NICE) system. The animal experiment in both mice and ducklings were performed to detect the immune response and protection effect of oral vaccination by the recombinant L. lactis. The results showed that oral vaccination with L. lactis NZ3900-VP1 significantly induced specific anti-VP1 IgG antibodies and mucosal secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) of DHAV-3 in mice and ducklings, and cytokines including interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Notably, the ducklings vaccinated with L. lactis NZ3900-VP1 were effectively protected when facing natural infestation of DHAV-3, which indicated that the recombinant L. lactis could serve as an effective vaccine to prevent DHAV-3 infection in ducklings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To achieve high thermal conductivity of polymer-based composites at low filler loading is still a challenge because of the insufficient contact area and incomplete thermal percolation pathway. In this work, PVDF composite membrane with high thermal conductivity is fabricated using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as fillers. Surface modification promotes the uniform dispersion of CNT-POSS in PVDF matrix and enlarges the contact area. Through the thermal analysis of the CNT-COOH/PVDF and CNT-POSS/PVDF composites, the results indicate that the nucleation effect of CNTs increases the crystallinity of the pure PVDF from 42.9% to 51.2%. In addition, the addition of POSS nanoparticles to the CNT-PVDF composites significantly improves its thermal stability, mechanical and thermal conductivity properties. The CNT-POSS/PVDF composite membrane with 15 wt% CNT-POSS presents an extremely high thermal conductivity of 1.12 W/m·K (vs. 0.15 W/m·K for pure PVDF) and exhibits great superiority in comparison with the thermally conductive PVDF-based composites reported before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial event during non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) invasion and metastasis. However, the mechanisms involved in NSCLC EMT have not been fully clarified. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and human biliverdin reductase (hBVR) are reported to contribute to EMT in several diseases. Here, we show that compared with transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), HGF is an important cell factor for EMT in NSCLC cell lines A549 and H460. Met protein, HGF receptors, and hBVR were found to be highly expressed and positively correlated with EMT in NSCLC tissue sections. In addition, HGF and hBVR induced a decrease in epithelial protein marker expression and an increase in mesenchymal protein marker expression as well as increased cellular migration and invasion, indicating that both HGF and hBVR mediate EMT in A549 and H460 cell lines. Furthermore, HGF-induced EMT and migration and invasion in both cell lines was inhibited by si-hBVR. Taken together, our data show that HGF induces EMT in NSCLC through the hBVR pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi 2 Se 3 nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted wide interests in biological and medical applications. Layer-like Bi 2 Se 3 with high active surface area is promising for free radical scavenging. Here, we extended the medical applications of Bi 2 Se 3 NPs further to in vivo protection against ionizing radiation based on their superior antioxidant activities and electrocatalytic properties. It was found that Bi 2 Se 3 NPs can significantly increase the surviving fraction of mice after exposure of high-energy radiation of gamma ray. Additionally, the Bi 2 Se 3 NPs can help to recover radiation-lowered red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts and platelet levels. Further investigations revealed that Bi 2 Se 3 NPs behaved as functional free radical scavengers and significantly decreased the level of methylenedioxyamphetamine. In vivo toxicity studies showed that Bi 2 Se 3 NPs did not cause significant side effects in panels of blood chemistry, clinical biochemistry and pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in the development of the invasive and metastatic potentials of breast cancer cells during progression. Human biliverdin reductase (hBVR), an enzyme in the heme metabolism pathway, is involved in hypoxia-induced renal tubular EMT. However, whether hBVR contributes to the EMT of breast cancer remains unclear. Here, we used breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, T-47D) and normal breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A) to explore the potential role of hBVR in the EMT of breast cancer. Western blot, RT-PCR and immunofluorescence were employed to test the expression and location of hBVR in the cell lines. Small interfering RNA of hBVR (si-hBVR) was used to knockdown the expression of hBVR, and U0126 was applied to inhibit the ERK1/2 signaling in MCF-7, T-47D cells. We found that hBVR highly expressed in MCF-7 and T-47D cells compared with MCF-10A cells, and had different cellular locations between them. Our results revealed that EMT occurred in tissues from breast cancer patients and breast cancer cell lines. However, the EMT in MCF-7 and T-47D cells was suppressed by si-hBVR and U0126. Furthermore, the expression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 was down-regulated by si-hBVR. In addition, hBVR regulated EMT through the ERK1/2 signaling, but bilirubin, which is a product of hBVR in the heme metabolism pathway in breast cancer, did not. Taken together, these findings provide new evidence that hBVR plays an important role in promoting EMT in human breast cancer through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway, and hBVR may be a therapeutic target for this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) has been recognized as a major reason for the pulmonary artery remodeling (PAR) in pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). However, the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways involved in the EndoMT remain undefined. In the present study, we have confirmed that EndoMT was occurred in pulmonary arteries of rats induced by hypoxia and monocrotaline and in hypoxic pulmonary artery endothelial cells (PAECs). Moreover, hypoxia increased the expression of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and decreased the expression of neprilysin (NEP), which contributed to the hypoxia-induced EndoMT of PAECs. Furthermore, a reciprocal regulation of PDGF-B and TGF-β1 induced by decreasing NEP promoted the EndoMT of PAECs under hypoxia, which was a novel molecular mechanism to reveal the EndoMT participating in PAR. More importantly, imatinib, a PDGF receptor antagonist, relieved PAR and EndoMT in PAH rats. Thus, our results identify a novel mechanism to reveal the formation of EndoMT in PAH, and imply that imatinib may serve as a new therapeutic approach for treatment of the third cardiovascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis, is the most common bone disorder worldwide characterized by low bone mineral density, leaving affected bones vulnerable to fracture. Bone homeostasis depends on the precise balance between bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone matrix formation by mesenchymal lineage osteoblasts, and involves a series of complex and highly regulated steps. Bone homeostasis will be disrupted when the speed of bone resorption is faster than bone formation. Based on various regulatory mechanisms of bone homeostasis, a series of drugs targeting osteoporosis have emerged in clinical practice, including bisphosphonates, selective estrogen receptor modulators, calcitonin, molecular-targeted drugs and so on. However, many drugs have major adverse effects or are unsuitable for long-term use. Therefore, it is very urgent to find more effective therapeutic drugs based on the new pathogenesis of osteoporosis. In this review, we summarize novel mechanisms involved in the pathological process of osteoporosis, including the roles of gut microbiome, autophagy, iron balance and cellular senescence. Based on the above pathological mechanism, we found promising drugs for osteoporosis treatment, such as: probiotics, alpha-ketoglutarate, senolytics and hydrogen sulfide. This new finding may provide an important basis for elucidating the complex pathological mechanisms of osteoporosis and provide promising drugs for clinical osteoporosis treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis and limited methods to predict patient survival. Immune cells infiltrating tumors are known to impact tumor progression. Here, we analyzed the phenotype and function of dendritic cells (DCs), and the frequency of IL-10-producing regulatory B cells (Breg) and Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Treg) in different stages of N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced rat HCC in order to understand their roles in this disease. 4 weeks following DEN treatment, no significant differences in CD80 and CD86 expression were found on DCs from HCC rats and normal rats but 12 and 16 weeks following DEN treatment, the expression of CD80, CD86 and MHCII on DCs of HCC rats was significantly decreased. We also found that the frequency of IL-10-producing Breg and CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + Treg in HCC rats was obviously increased during all of these three stages. In addition, the bone-marrow derived DCs (BMDCs) from HCC rats displayed lower ability in activating T cells and an increase in IL-10 secretion. No differences in IL-12 level and endocytosis ability were found on BMDCs from HCC rats and normal rats. Our results suggest that the dysfunction of DCs and the increase of IL-10-producing Breg and Foxp3 + Treg might play important roles in HCC progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The effects of TGF-β on dendritic cells (DCs) in the tumor microenvironment are not well-understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of TGF-β on the induction of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression in DCs and the underlying mechanism, and we further investigated the influence of the DCs with PD-L1 expression altered by TGF-β on T-cell immunity. We determined that TGF-β increased the expression of PD-L1 and signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) in DCs in both a time- and dose-dependent manner, and the expression of PD-L1 was decreased significantly after STAT3 blockade. In addition, TGF-β-treated DCs induced the apoptosis of T cells and increased the percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of T cells against mice hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Hepa) was obviously suppressed. These results suggest that PD-L1 may play an important role in TGF-β-induced immune dysfunction, which finally results in a failure in the anti-tumor responses, and the TGF-β–STAT3–PD-L1 signaling pathway may contribute to novel therapeutic targets for the tumor based on DCs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive condition in which remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature plays an important role. The vascular remodeling involves pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation and apoptosis, which is affected by several arachidonic acid metabolites. 15-oxo-Eicosatetraenoic acid (15-oxo-ETE) is one of the metabolites. However, the biological role of 15-oxo-ETE in PASMCs remains unknown. Here we show evidence for the modulation of PASMC apoptosis by 15-oxo-ETE. We found that 15-oxo-ETE increased rat and human PASMC viability. Consistently, 15-oxo-ETE attenuated nuclear fragmentation and DNA strand breaks, decreased caspase-3 activity, reduced mitochondrial depolarization, and increased Bcl-2 expression. Interestingly, the anti-apoptotic effect of 15-oxo-ETE was lost when the Akt intracellular signaling pathway was blocked. Taken together, we have established that 15-oxo-ETE protects PASMCs against apoptosis through the Akt pathway. These results suggest that 15-oxo-ETE seems to be a potential agent for PAH controls by preventing unwanted PASMC death. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Particulate matter (PM) exposure increased the risk of hospital admission and was related to symptoms of schizophrenia (SCZ). However, there are limited studies on the relationship between PM exposure and SCZ relapse risk, and the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. We designed an air purification intervention study under a 16-day real air purifier scenario and another 16-day sham air purifier scenario, with a 2-day washout period. Twenty-four chronic stable male patients were recruited. The oxidative stress biomarkers were measured including serum catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO). The relapse risk was evaluated by the early signs scale (ESS). Linear mixed effect models were fitted to establish the associations between PM exposure and ESS and oxidative stress. Mediation model was performed to explore the mediation effect of oxidative stress on the PM-ESS association. Higher concentrations of PM 2.5 /PM 10 exposure were associated with an elevated risk of relapse of SCZ. For each 10 μg/m3 in PM 2.5 concentration, the scores of ESS and subscales of incipient psychosis (ESS-IP), depression/withdrawal (ESS-N), anxiety/agitation (ESS-A), and excitability/disinhibition (ESS-D) were increased by 4.112 (95% CI: 3.174, 5.050), 1.516 (95%CI: 1.178, 1.853), 1.143 (95%CI: 0.598, 1.689), 1.176 (95%CI: 0.727, 1.625) and 0.238 (95%CI: 0.013, 0.464), while logCAT, SOD and T-AOC were reduced by 0.039 U/ml (95% CI: 0.017, 0.060), 1.258 U/ml (95% CI: 0.541, 1.975), and 0.076 mmol/l (95% CI: 0.026, 0.126). In addition, pathways of "PM 2.5 →T-AOC→ESS-A″ and "PM 2.5 →T-AOC→ESS-D″ were found, with significant T-AOC mediated effects 15.70% (P = 0.02) and 52.99% (P = 0.04). Our findings suggest that PM may increase the risk of anxiety, depression, excitability, and incipient psychosis behaviors in SCZ patients, while reducing the function of the antioxidant system. The decrease of T-AOC may medicate the PM-ESS association in SCZ. [Display omitted] • Higher levels of PM 2.5 /PM 10 exposure were related with elevated risk of relapse of schizophrenia. • Exposure to PM 2.5 /PM 10 decrease the function of antioxidant system especially the level of T-AOC. • T-AOC decrease might play the mediated role on the PM-schizophrenia relapse risk association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: 15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), one of many important metabolic products of arachidonic acid (AA) catalyzed by 15-lipoxygenase, plays an important role in pulmonary vascular smooth muscle remodeling. We have previously shown its unsubstituted effects on the apoptotic responses of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs), but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly manifested. Previous studies have shown that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays an important protective role against sepsis-induced pulmonary apoptosis. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine whether 15-HETE anti-apoptotic process is mediated through the iNOS pathway in rat PASMCs. To test this hypothesis, we studied the contribution of iNOS to the 15-HETE induced anti-apoptotic responses using cell viability measurement, Western blot, mitochondrial potential analysis, nuclear morphology determination and TUNEL assay. Our results showed that both exogenous and endogenous 15-HETE up-regulated iNOS protein and mRNA expression and 15-HETE enhanced the cell survival, attenuated mitochondrial depolarization, up-regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and procaspase-3 in PASMCs under serum-deprived condition. These effects were reversed by iNOS inhibitor SMT or l-canavanine. Taken together, our data indicates that iNOS is a novel signaling transduction pathway, which is necessary for the effects of 15-HETE in protection PASMCs from apoptosis and may be an important mechanism underlying the treatment of pulmonary artery hypertension and also provides a novel therapeutic insight in future. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Air pollution may alter the composition of gut microbiome and subsequent liver-related metabolic disorders. Schizophrenia was often accompanied by liver dysfunction. But it was still unclear whether air pollutants affected liver function in patients with schizophrenia through gut microbiome. We aimed to clarify the impacts of long-term air pollutants on the gut microbiome and liver function in schizophrenia and to evaluate the intermediary effect of microbiome. Schizophrenia patients were recruited then serum biochemical indicators were tested. Air pollutant exposure in the previous year was retrospectively estimated by inverse distance weighting. The associations among air pollutants, gut microbiome, and liver function indicators in schizophrenia were estimated. Then the mediating effect of gut microbiome was further explored. The results showed that nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), carbonic oxide (CO), ozone (O 3), particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 μm (PM 10), and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) explained 2.68%–10.77% of the variation in gut microbiome composition (order level) in schizophrenia (all P < 0.05). Network correlation analysis indicated that air pollutants and liver function indicators were mainly related to Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Proteobacteria in schizophrenia. Long-term NO 2 exposure significantly increased the levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) in schizophrenia. Coriobacteriales mediated 13.98% and 49.56% (all P < 0.05) of the associations of long-term NO 2 with GGT and GPT, respectively. To conclude, long-term NO 2 exposure is positively associated with liver dysfunction in schizophrenia, in which gut microbiome plays an intermediary role. The two pathways, "NO 2 -Coriobacteriales-GGT" and "NO 2 -Coriobacteriales-GPT", would provide scientific evidence for the intervention of schizophrenia with liver dysfunction. [Display omitted] • Air pollutants were associated with the gut microbiome variation in schizophrenia. • Coriobacteriales played an intermediary role in " NO2-liver function" pathways. • "NO2-Coriobacteriales-GGT" and "NO2-Coriobacteriales-GPT" pathways were suggested. • Coriobacteriales had diagnostic value in schizophrenia with liver dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mounting evidence shows that dietary fiber (DF) alleviates lipid metabolism disorders in humans and animals by regulating the gut microbiota. However, its action mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Flammulina velutipes (F. velutipes) as an edible mushroom is widely cultivated in China and has medicinal values. As a by-product of F. velutipes , the mycorrhizae are rich in high-quality DF and therefore can be used to prepare F. velutipes DF (Fv-DF). The objective of this research aimed to explore whether and how Fv-DF attenuates lipid metabolism disorders in obese mice through the gut microbiota. Here, an obese mice model induced by high-fat diet was established to analyze the effect of Fv-DF supplementation on the lipid metabolism disorders and gut microbiota. The results showed that Fv-DF administration significantly reduced the weight gain, triglycerides and total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and markedly increased the activity of enzymes related to scavenging ability of oxygen free radicals. The gut microbiota sequencing exhibited that the Fv-DF supplementation increased the level of gut beneficial bacteria, such as Prevotellaceae UCG-001 and Alloprevotella. Western blot analysis revealed the phosphorylated adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (p -AMPKα) was up-regulated, indicating that AMPK signaling pathway was activated. The activated pathway down-regulated the fatty acid synthase level to decrease lipid synthesis and up-regulated the carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 level to increase lipid degradation. Altogether, Fv-DF supplementation alleviates lipid metabolism disorders in obese mice by regulating the gut microbiota-mediated AMPK signaling pathway. [Display omitted] (1) Fv-DF reduced the weight gain and improved physiological indexes in obese mice. (2) Fv-DF improved the abundance and composition of gut microbiota. (3) The changed microbiota activated AMPK signaling pathway. (4) AMPK pathway activation may be a major contributor to alleviate obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Use multimodal functional imaging data. • Explore abnormalities in goal-directed and habitual-learning in patients with OCD. • Abnormal brain regions of goal-directed is associated with duration of illness. • Abnormal brain regions of goal-directed can distinguish the duration of illness. It is increasingly evident that structural and functional changes in brain regions associated with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) are often related to the development of the disease. However, limited research has been conducted on how the progression of OCD may lead to an imbalance between goal-directed and habit-learning systems. This study employs resting-state functional imaging to examine the relationship between illness duration and abnormal brain function in goal-directed/habitual-learning systems. Demographic, clinical, and multimodal fMRI data were collected from participants. Our findings suggest that, compared to healthy controls, individuals with OCD exhibit abnormal brain functional indicators in both goal-directed and habit-learning brain regions, with a more pronounced reduction observed in the goal-directed regions. Additionally, abnormal brain activity is associated with illness duration, and the abnormalities observed in goal-directed regions are more effective in distinguishing different courses of OCD patients. Patients with different durations of OCD have functional abnormalities in the goal-directed and habitual-learning brain regions. There are differences in the degree of abnormality in different brain regions, and these abnormalities may disrupt the balance between goal-directed and habitual-learning systems, leading to increasing reliance on repetitive behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PPy based microwave absorbers with elaborate structures were successfully synthesized via the facile chemical oxidization polymerization method. • The dielectric behaviors and microwave absorption capability can be modulated through the PPy structure due to the improved conductive network and increased interface. • The obtained PPy powder demonstrates superior microwave absorption properties with a minimum reflection loss of −46.73 dB and an effective absorption bandwidth of 6.51 GHz. Intrinsically conductive polymers are expected as an advanced microwave absorption material due to their adjustable dielectric characteristics and low density. In this investigation, polypyrrole (PPy) with spherical aggregation and nanofiber structures were successfully synthesized by chemical oxidation polymerization strategy. The impact of reaction conditions on the structure, morphology, size, and chemical constituents has been investigated. The results indicate that the strong interfacial interaction between dopamine and pyrrole monomer leads to the formation of nanofibers. Because of the synergistic effect of favorable impedance matching, improved dielectric loss, and conductive loss, the PPy aggregations with nanosized particles exhibit outstanding absorption capability. At 6.32 GHz, the minimum reflection loss even reaches -46.73 dB. The effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) covers a broad frequency range of 6.51 GHz. Our work provides a versatile strategy for PPy-based materials with elaborately structural design to achieve excellent and modulated microwave absorption capability. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The curing characteristics of low molecular weight melamine-urea–formaldehyde (LMW-MUF) resin-impregnated wood (RIW) were studied. • With the increase in LMW-MUF resin solution concentration, the resin curing reaction in RIW was more difficult. • Due to the wood steric hindrance, the resin curing reaction in RIW was slower than the LMW-MUF resin solution itself. • The time–temperature-curing degree function of LMW-MUF resin solution in RIW was fitted during the curing process. The curing characteristics of low molecular weight melamine-urea–formaldehyde (MUF) resin within impregnated wood during the drying process remain unclear, making the setting and optimization of the drying process highly challenging. As a result, drying efficiency and drying quality of resin-impregnated wood (RIW) are limited. This study explores the effects of resin solution concentration (moisture content) and wood on resin curing characteristics to facilitate the development and optimization of the drying schedule for RIW. Poplar wood (Populus tomentosa) impregnated with 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% MUF resin solutions were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optimum curing temperature was obtained by extrapolation. Kinetic parameters of curing reaction of resin-impregnated wood were calculated using the Kissinger differential method, Ozawa integral method, and Crane equation. Subsequently, the function of curing time–temperature-curing degree of MUF RIW was obtained. The peak temperature shifts to a higher temperature with increased RIW moisture. The optimum curing temperatures of the four RIW samples were 103.50, 98.05, 91.34, and 84.28 °C, respectively, while their corresponding apparent curing reaction activation energies were 117.58, 91.92, 81.34, and 63.38 kJ/mol, respectively. The relationship between curing degree and curing time under 50, 60, 70, and 80 °C isothermal conditions was simulated based on the kinetic parameters of resin curing. Additionally, the complete curing time of RIW with different moisture contents was estimated under different isothermal conditions. Parametric analysis and calculation based on the kinetic model of curing reaction showed that the moisture and wood hinder the curing and cross-linking of the resin, and the curing time increases with moisture content. This study could provide data support for the drying of RIW. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen doped quaternary metal sulfide Cu 6 Fe 2 SnS 8 (CFTS) was prepared by magnetic grinding. The mechanochemical method has the advantage of simple synthesis of non-metallic doped polymetallic sulfides, and there is no solvent involved in the reaction process, which is very environmentally friendly. Non metallic doping can form electron capture centers on semiconductors, suppress the recombination of photo generated electron hole pairs, and extend electron lifetime. Moreover, doping N element into the CFTS lattice will lead to the formation of new energy states, thereby narrowing the energy band gap. The characterizations of XPS and EDS have proven the successful doping of N element into CFTS. In addition, the photocatalytic mechanism and the stability of the N-doped CFTS (N-CFTS) were studied through active substance capture experiments and cyclic experiments. The experimental results indicate that ·O 2 − is the main active substance in the degradation of MB by N-CFTS. After multiple cyclic experiment, the N-CFTS catalytic material still exhibits good crystal structure and photocatalytic stability. This photocatalytic material has great potential for applications in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation. [Display omitted] • Nitrogen doped Cu 6 Fe 2 SnS 8 prepared by magnetic grinding. • No liquid is involved in the synthesis process. • More than 85% methylene blue dye degradation effect. • Narrowing the energy band gap by Doping N element. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multifunctional conductive hydrogel was assembled as strain sensor to attach on human body for monitoring various human activities. [Display omitted] • Multifunctional PAA/SC/P(AM-co-AA)/Al3+ conductive hydrogel was developed using one-pot free radical polymerization. • The hydrogel achieves excellent mechanical strength, high conductivity, robust adhesion, and rapid self-healing ability. • The hydrogel sensor can accurately monitor and precisely distinguish different human movements. Conductive hydrogels have been widely applied in various electronics, such as artificial skin, flexible devices, and implantable bioelectronics. However, it is still a challenge to develop high-performance hydrogel with high conductivity without compromising the toughness, stretchability, self-healing, and adhesion properties. Herein, inspired by the mussel-adhesion mechanism, an adhesive hydrogel that simultaneously achieves high conductivity (27.0 S·m−1), ultra stretchability (strain > 3700%), and strong toughness (1930 kJ·m−3) was developed by incorporating polydopamine (PDA)/sodium caseinate (SC) cross-linked network into the poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (P(AM-co-AA))/Al3+ network. Due to the abundant metal coordination and hydrogen bonds in the network, the obtained hydrogel displayed rapid self-healing capability (healing efficiency, HE > 97%) and excellent fatigue resistance. Moreover, the introduction of PDA-SC cross-linked network endowed the hydrogels with robust adhesion (36.5 kPa for pigskin) and high conductivity. The conductive hydrogel was assembled into a strain sensor, which demonstrated prominent sensing performance with a wide detection range (∼2500%), high sensitivity (gauge factor (GF) of 23.7), fast response time and reliable repeatability. The hydrogel strain sensor can be attached on human body to distinguish and monitor both large and subtle movement signals. The developed conductive hydrogel strain sensor is expected to have promising applications in wearable devices, human–machine interaction, and electrical skin, and to extend for use in other portable and wearable energy related devices with multifunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Integrating excellent mechanical and electrochemical properties into conductive hydrogel sensors are very valuable. • A general method is proposed for fabricating anisotropic hydrogels via tensile remodeling followed by ion crosslinking. • Highly oriented structure greatly improves its mechanical and sensing capabilities. • Tensile stress and conductivity of parallel-oriented hydrogels are increased to 47.26 MPa and 292.64 mS/m. • Anisotropic hydrogel sensors can monitor human movements and combine with Morse code for information transmission. Combining superior mechanical and electrochemical capabilities into conductive hydrogel sensors has attracted considerable attention in the field of flexible electronics. However, traditional hydrogels with randomly oriented polymer networks often exhibit isotropic mechanical and electrical properties, whereas the magic of anisotropy is universal in nature. Inspired by the anisotropic structure-dependent properties of muscles, this study develops a general and simple method for fabricating anisotropic ultra-high strength conducting hydrogels via tensile remodeling followed by ion coordination crosslinking. Highly oriented polymer networks of anisotropic hydrogels greatly improve their mechanical and sensing capabilities. The tensile stress and conductivity of the PVA-PAA/Fe3+ hydrogels along the parallel direction are significantly increased to 47.26 MPa and 292.64 mS/m, which are considerably greater than that of the vertical-oriented hydrogels (12.42 MPa and 169.09 mS/m). Moreover, the gauge factors (GF) of the parallel-oriented hydrogels are higher than that of the vertical-oriented hydrogels, demonstrating enhanced strain sensing performance. Anisotropic hydrogel sensors can monitor various human movements in real-time and integrate with Morse code for information decoding and transmission. This research work is expected to accelerate the burgeoning pace of conductive hydrogel sensors in soft electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) represents a promising modality that provides the possibility of non-invasively eliminating solid tumors in a site-directed manner. In light of the complexity and heterogeneity of tumors, more and more studies are attempting to combine SDT with other therapeutic methods so as to achieve better tumor treatment effect, which sheds new light on the potential of SDT-based synergistic therapeutics. Herein, the representative studies of SDT-instructed multimodal synergistic cancer therapy are comprehensively presented, such as sono-chemotherapy, sono-radiotherapy, sono-immunotherapy, and sono-chemodynamic therapy, etc., and their incorporate mechanisms are discussed in detail. The current challenges and future prospects to promote the advanced development of SDT-based nanomedicines in this burgeoning research field are highlighted. It is believed that such an emerging synergistic therapeutic modality based on SDT will play a more significant role in the field of tumor precision treatment medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multifunctional DN hydrogel was assembled as strain sensor to attach on human body for monitoring various human activities. [Display omitted] • Multifunctional ionic conductive PBS hydrogel was constructed by PVA and sodium alginate with borax as the cross-linker. • PBS hydrogel exhibited excellent stretchability, fatigue resistance, robust adhesion, and high strain sensitivity. • PBS hydrogels sensor can attach on human body for monitoring multiscale human activities. As the classical soft materials, ionic conductive hydrogels have attracted considerable attention in the field of wearable strain sensors due to their unique stretchability, satisfactory conductivity, and good conformability. However, there remains a challenge in developing ionic conductive hydrogels that possess integrated mechanical strength, self-healing capability, and adhesion performance. Herein, a multifunctional dual-network poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/borax (B)/sodium alginate (SA) ionic conductive hydrogel (PBS) was designed and constructed through a facile one-pot blending method with PVA and SA as the hydrogel matrix and borax as the cross-linker. The dynamic borate ester covalent bonds between PVA, SA and borax and hydrogen bonding between PVA and SA provided the energy dissipated center and endowed PBS hydrogel with favorable stretchability (∼950%), high toughness (122.21 kJ m−3), rapid self-healing ability, good fatigue resistance and robust adhesion performance. It can be assembled into strain sensor for its stable conductivity, high sensing sensitivity (gauge factor (GF) of 6.53), fast response time (280 ms) and excellent durability, which can be directly attached on body to accurately detect diverse human activity signals. This work is expected to provide new ideas for construction of high performance flexible sensor and to expand their application in electronic skin, wearable devices, and soft actuators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Polymeric materials with high thermal conductivity have drawn much attention in academic and industrial field recently. Due to poor dispersion and insufficient interconnection of fillers, traditional polymer composites present not only undesirable thermal conductivity but other declined properties even with high loaded thermal conductive nanofillers. In this work, the uniform and continuous network of (3-Aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane (APTMS) modified carbon nanotubes (A-CNTs) in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) was built up by using the simple casting method. Thermal conductivity of 2.15 Wm−1K−1 and tensile strength enhancement of 70% are achieved at 40 vol% A-CNTs loading compared with that of pure PVDF. The A-CNTs/PVDF composites exhibit an intensified thermal stability and sharply increased crystallinity (45.7%) compared with pure PVDF (28.5%). Moreover, for practical heat exchange experiment, the PVDF composites possess high heat transfer efficiency and long-last stability in corrosive water, which leads to the use of PVDF materials to supersede metal materials in heat transfers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Features of different modifying methods of chitin were outlined. • Impacts of modifying methods on chitin structural characteristics were explored. • Effects of structure on functional properties and applications were investigated. • Method-structure-functionality-application relationships of chitin were underlined. Chitin as the second plentiful polysaccharide has arouse widely attention due to its remarkable availability and biocompatibility. While the strong inter/intra molecular hydrogen bonds and crystallinity severely restrict its applications. Recently, multiple emerging technologies are increasingly used to modify chitin structure for the sake of obtaining excellent functional properties, as well as broadening the corresponding applications. Firstly, this review systematically outlines the features of single and combined methods for chitin modification. Then, the impacts of various modifying methods on the structural characteristics of chitin, including molecular weight, degree of acetylation and functional groups, are further summarized. In addition, the effects of these structural characteristics on the functional properties as well as its potential related applications are illustrated. The conclusion of this review provides better understanding of the relationships among the modifying methods, structure, properties and applications, contributing to chitin modification for the targeted purpose in the future study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multifunctional conductive hydrogels with good flexibility and modifiability have been sufficiently investigated with their rapid development in flexible strain sensors. However, hydrogels inevitably loss water at higher temperature and freeze at subzero temperature, leading to the deterioration of mechanical performances and conductivities, which greatly restricts their application in flexible strain sensor. Besides, it is still challenging to fabricate robust adhesion hydrogels in both water and oil environments. Herein, inspired by the nucleobase-tackified strategy, high-performance ionogels were constructed through introducing the specific nucleobase pairs, guanine (G) and cytosine (C), into the polyacrylic acid (PAA) network in ionic liquids. The synergistic effect of hydrogen bonds, coordination bonds and ion-dipole interactions provided the excellent properties for ionogels, including strong mechanical properties (fracture strength of 54.38 kPa and toughness of 216.5 kJ m−3), high stretchability (∼738%), desirable ionic conductivity (155.6 mS m−1), good antifreezing, superior non-swelling behavior as well as tight adhesiveness in aqueous, oil and salt solutions. The ionogels were assembled to strain sensor by virtue of their exceptional characteristics, which exhibited brilliant stretching sensitivity (gauge factor of 4.24), wide strain window (0–600%), fast response time (183 ms), and excellent cycle stability. Especially, the ionogel sensor was capable of sensitive and stable detecting human activities signals in subzero temperature (−20 °C) and aquatic environment. Importantly, the ionogel sensor shows tremendous application foreground in harsh environment (coldness, hotness, and underwater) due to its remarkable mechanical stability and adhesive behavior in extreme condition and provides an effective strategy to develop high-performance wearable sensors. [Display omitted] • A multi-environmentally stable ionogel was developed through a facile one-step free radical polymerization in ILs solvent. • The ionogels could maintain the superior stretchability and adhesion at lower temperature and underwater. • The ionogels showed higher sensitivity, rapid response time and long-term stability to tensile deformation. • The ionogel sensor is capable of sensitive and stable detecting human activities signals in harsh environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhibiting collagen generation is one effective method to treat liver fibrosis. Dioscin showed protective effect against liver fibrosis in our previous studies, and in the present work, SILAC-based proteomics was employed to test the underlying mechanism. A total of 121 differentially expressed proteins caused by dioscin in LX-2 cells were found, and dioscin significantly decreased the expression levels of FN, FAK1, ITGA5, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, p-mTOR/mTOR, Col1a1, Col1a2, Col2a1, Col5a1, Col6a1, and increased 2ABB level in vivo and in vitro . Thus, we elucidated that dioscin specifically suppressed collagen synthesis through modulating PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition, we found that dioscin directly targeted with ITGA5 by molecular docking assay. SiRNA and overexpression transfection tests showed that ITGA5 siRNA plus dioscin slightly altered the effect of ITGA5 siRNA, and ITGA5 DNA transfection reversed the inhibitory effect of dioscin on collagen expressions via PI3K/Akt pathway. Our data explicated that dioscin should be considered as a novel and potent ITGA5 inhibitor to suppress collagen synthesis, which can also be developed as an effective food and healthcare product against hepatic fibrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three layered sulfides ACuZnS 2 (A = K, Rb, Cs) were synthesized solvothermally by employing excess sulfur as a mineralizer. The photoelectric response experiments show that these compounds exhibit photoelectric response performance. Photocatalytic experiments reveal they have excellent photodegradation on methylene blue (MB). [Display omitted] • Three layered sulfides ACuZnS 2 (A = K, Rb, Cs) were synthesized solvothermally by employing excess sulfur as a mineralizer. • These isostructural compounds contain anionic [CuZnS 2 ] n n– layers composed of MS 4 (M = Cu/Zn) tetrahedra. • The photoelectric response experiments show that these compounds exhibit photoelectric response performance. • Photocatalytic experiments reveal they have excellent photodegradation on methylene blue (MB). By employing excess sulfur as a mineralizer, three quaternary hetero-transition metal sulfides KCuZnS 2 (1), RbCuZnS 2 (2), and CsCuZnS 2 (3) were synthesized under solvothermal conditions. These isostructural compounds crystallize in tetragonal space group I 4/ mmm and contain anionic [CuZnS 2 ] n n– layers composed of MS 4 (M = Cu/Zn) tetrahedra. The band gap values suggest that these compounds are semiconductors. The photoelectric response experiments show that these compounds exhibit photoelectric response performance. In addition, photocatalytic experiments reveal they have excellent photodegradation on methylene blue (MB). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) are well-known to show an immunosuppressive function. In this study we determine the therapeutic effects and potential mechanisms of transferred bone marrow (BM) CD11b + F4/80 + DCs on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in mice. Murine BM CD11b + F4/80 + DCs were generated under the stimulation of GM-CSF and IL-4, and the function of BM CD11b + F4/80 + DCs was identified by measuring the levels of IL-10, TGF-beta and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). BM CD11b + F4/80 + DCs were transferred to CIA mice by intravenous injections. The histopathology of joint and spleen were evaluated. T lymphocyte proliferation, Treg and Th17 subsets were analyzed. The expressions of Foxp3, Helios and RORγt in T lymphocytes co-cultured with BM CD11b + F4/80 + DCs were measured in vitro. We found that BM CD11b + F4/80 + DCs induced by GM-CSF and IL-4 could express high levels of IL-10, TGF-beta and IDO. BM CD11b + F4/80 + DCs significantly reduced the pathologic scores in joints and spleens, which correlated significantly with the reduced T lymphocyte proliferation and Th17 cell number, and with the increased Tregs number. In vitro, OVA-pulsed BM CD11b + F4/80 + DCs promoted Treg cell expansion, enhanced IL-10 and CTLA-4 protein expression, augmented Foxp3 and Helios mRNA expression, and inhibited RORγt and IL-17 mRNA expression. Taken together, BM CD11b + F4/80 + DCs are able to ameliorate the development and severity of CIA, at least partly by inducing Foxp3 + Treg cell expansion and suppressing Th17 function. The BM CD11b + F4/80 + DCs might have a promising immunotherapeutic potential for autoimmune arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Graphite oxide (GO) is used as the carbon substrates for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles–GO composite. [•] Ag can be reduced by dry plasma without solutions. [•] Ag nanoparticles are highly monodispersed with uniform size of around 2nm. [•] The Ag–GO composites show excellent antibacterial activity against E. coli. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We previously reported that 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) induced by hypoxia catalyzed the conversion of arachidonic acid (AA) into 15-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (15-HETE), which plays an essential role in the development of hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension (HPH). However, the mechanisms by which hypoxia up-regulated 15-LO are still unclear. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an oxygen-dependent enzyme regulating vascular tone and cell proliferation, was implicated in HPH and was promoted by hypoxia. Therefore, the present study was carried out to determine whether hypoxia induced the expression of 15-LO via the HO-1 pathway. To test this hypothesis, we studied the role of HO-1 in HPH and 15-LO/15-HETE expression We found increased right ventricular systolic pressure and pulmonary arteries (PAs) reactivity to vasoconstrictors as well as intima-to-media ratio of PAs in HO-1 overexpressing transgenic mice. Moreover, HO-1 up-regulated 15-LO transcription and translation as well as 15-HETE in both transgenic mice and cultured pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Results from immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry showed the interaction and colocalization of HO-1 and 15-LO. Together, these data suggest that HO-1 is an important upstream mediator in the hypoxia-induced 15-LO up-regulation during HPH. Unveiling the relevance of HO-1 signaling in PHP provides attractive treatment targets for HPH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 15-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, a predominant metabolic product of arachidonic acid (AA) catalyzed by 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO), plays an important role in hypoxic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) as a critical oxygen-sensitive transcriptional factor participates in many physiological and pathological processes including PAH. Therefore, it is possible that there may be some connections between HIF-1α and 15-LO/15-HETE in hypoxic pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells. Our results showed that HIF-1α inhibitor or siRNA reduced hypoxia-induced upregulation of 15-LO and endogenous 15-HETE, meanwhile HIF-1α expression and transcriptional activity were induced by 15-HETE under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. It suggests there exists a potential positive feedback regulatory loop between HIF-1α and 15-LO/15-HETE. Furthermore, cell viability assay and several cell apoptosis assays, including TUNEL assay, Western blot, nuclear morphology determination, mitochondrial potential analysis, indicated that blocking HIF-1α induced apoptosis, decreased cell viability and suppressed the anti-apoptosis effects of 15-HETE. Taken together, our data indicate that upregulation of 15-LO/15-HETE in response to hypoxia may be partially mediated by HIF-1α which is also regulated by 15-HETE in a positive feedback manner, and HIF-1α can effectively inhibit pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells apoptosis which leads to vascular remodeling. The feedback loop between HIF-1α and 15-LO/15-HETE would obviously reinforce hypoxia-induced anti-apoptosis effect and may become a novel target of therapy in PAH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ecological epidemiology suggests that hospital admissions for schizophrenia are associated with an increased environmental PM 2.5 , but no prospective study has verified this result, and the physiological mechanism is not clear. We used a repeated-measures design to prospectively assess the association of environmental PM 2.5 and the risk of relapse in schizophrenia, and used two linear mixed-effects models to explore possible mediating effects of immune cytokines on the premise of controlling confounders. We import the data using EpiData software, and collate and analyze of the data using R software. The increase of PM 2.5 at lag0 had the greatest impact on the relapse of schizophrenia (for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM 2.5 , the relapse risk score increased by 1.504, that is to say, odds ratio (OR) = 4.500 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.849–7.106， P < 0.001)), and cumulative effects lasted for four days with the maximum at the second day (for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM 2.5 , the relapse risk score increased by 1.301, OR = 3.673 (95% CI : 1.962–6.876， P < 0.001)). PM 2.5 exposure was statistically related to four symptom dimensions of early signs scale (ESS), and the symptoms most affected by the increased PM 2.5 were depression/withdrawal (ESS N) (OR = 1.990, 95% CI : 1.701–2.328), anxiety/agitation (ESS-A) (OR = 1.537, 95% CI : 1.340–1.763), initial psychosis (ESS-IP) (OR = 1.398, 95% CI : 1.151–1.697), and disinhibition (ESS-D) (OR = 1.235, 95% CI : 1.133–1.347). Furthermore, there are three statistically significant pathways in intermediary analysis: of PM 2.5 and relapse risk: "PM 2.5 → IL-17 → ESS", "PM 2.5 → IL-17 → ESS-A", and "PM 2.5 → IL-17 → ESS-N", and the intermediary ratio of IL-17 was 11.66%, 16.37% and 22.55%, respectively. Increased environmental PM 2.5 is a risk factor for the relapse of schizophrenia. Early relapse identification and intervention based on clinical characteristics are of great significance for timely termination of relapse and slowing down of relapse. Unlabelled Image • First prospective assessment of PM 2.5 exposure and the risk of relapse of schizophrenia. • A community-based repeated-measurement design was used. • Elevated PM 2.5 aggravated depression/withdrawal and anxiety of schizophrenia. • The imbalance of cytokine IL-17 played an intermediary role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]