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This study aimed to examine the trends in stroke mortality among young and middle-aged adults in China. Data were obtained from the China national vital registration system. Significant changes in mortality were assessed by Joinpoint regression. Age-period-cohort analysis was used to explain the reasons for the changes. Future mortality and counts were predicted by the Bayesian age-period-cohort model. Between 2002 and 2019, a total of 6,253,951 stroke mortality in young and middle-aged adults were recorded. The age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) of women showed a downward trend. The annual percent changes (APC) were –3.5% (–5.2%, –1.7%) for urban women and –2.8% (–3.7%, –1.9%) for rural women. By contrast, the AAMRs per 100,000 for rural men aged 25–44 years continued to rise from 9.40 to 15.46. The AAMRS for urban men aged 25–44 years and urban and rural men aged 45–64 years did not change significantly. Between 2020 and 2030, the projected stroke deaths are 1,423,584 in men and 401,712 in women. Significant sex and age disparities in the trends of stroke mortality among young and middle-aged adults were identified in China. Targeted health policy measures are needed to address the burden of stroke in the young generation, especially for rural men, with a focus on the prevention and management of high risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the association between blood pressure and all-cause mortality in Shanxi, China. The '2002 China Nutrition and Health Survey' baseline data in Shanxi province was used. A retrospective investigation was performed in 2015. The effects of SBP and DBP on the all-cause mortality were analyzed using the Cox regression model. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by the sex and age groups. The follow-up rate was 76.52% over 13 years, while the cumulative mortality rate for all participants was 917.12/100,000 person-years. The mortality rose with an increasing SBP (χ2 trend = 270.537, P < 0.001) or DBP level (χ2 trend = 57.240, P < 0.001). After adjustment for the confounding factors, a significant association between mortality and high SBP (≥ 160 mmHg) and high DBP (≥ 100 mmHg), with adjusted HR ranging from 1.405- to 2.179-fold for SBP and 1.550- to 2.854-fold for DBP, was noted. Significant HRs for most DBP subgroups were found in > 60-year-old participants. Males with DBP ≥ 100 mmHg had a significantly higher mortality, with an HR (95% CI) of 2.715 (1.377–5.351). Adults with SBP > 160 mmHg and DBP > 100 mmHg had a higher mortality risk. Sex and age difference was noted in both DBP and mortality risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the association of waist circumference (WC) with all-cause mortality among Chinese adults. The baseline data were from Shanxi Province of 2002 China Nutrition and Health Survey. The death investigation and follow-up visit were conducted from December 2015 to March 2016. The visits covered up to 5,360 of 7,007 participants, representing a response rate of 76.5%. The Cox regression model and floating absolute risk were used to estimate hazard ratio and 95% floating CI of death by gender and age groups (≥ 60 and < 60 years old). Sensitivity analysis was performed by excluding current smokers; participants with stroke, hypertension, and diabetes; participants who accidentally died; and participants who died during the first 2 years of follow-up. This study followed 67,129 person-years for 12.5 years on average, including 615 deaths. The mortality density was 916 per 100,000 person-years. Low WC was associated with all-cause mortality among men. Multifactor-adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were 1.60 (1.35–1.90) for WC < 75.0 cm and 1.40 (1.11–1.76) for WC ranging from 75.0 cm to 79.9 cm. Low WC (< 70.0 cm and 70.0–74.9 cm) and high WC (≥ 95.0 cm) groups had a high risk of mortality among women. The adjusted HR s of death were 1.43 (1.11–1.83), 1.39 (1.05–1.84), and 1.91 (1.13–3.22). WC was an important predictor of death independent of body mass index (BMI). WC should be used as a simple rapid screening and predictive indicator of the risk of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed to report the development, the reliability and validity of the Chinese Children Physical Activity Questionnaire (CCPAQ) which was designed for the assessment of physical activity pattern in young population in China. The CCPAQ was administered for two times in 119 children (mean age 13.1 ± 2.4 years; boys 47%) to examine reliability by using intraclass correlation coefficients. Validity was determined in 106 participants by agreement with the CCPAQ measures and the objective method, the ActiGraph accelerometer. Data on physical activity pattern including time spent on different intensities and total physical activity, sedentary behavior as well as physical activity energy expenditure were used to assess the validity with Spearman's correlation coefficient and the Bland-Altman plots. The reliability coefficient of the CCPAQ ranged from 0.63-0.93 (Intra-class correlation coefficient). Spearman's correlation coefficient for validity of time spent on total physical activity and sedentary behavior were all 0.32 (P < 0.001), and for physical activity energy expenditure was 0.58 (P < 0.001). Time spent on moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and light physical activity showed a relatively low correlation with the accelerometer (rho = 0.20, P = 0.040; rho = 0.19, P = 0.054). The CCPAQ appears to be a promising and feasible method to assess physical activity pattern in Chinese children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is recognized as a significant risk factor for diabetes and hypertension. The present study aimed to examine the associations between adults' obesity risk and childhood and parental obesity. A total of 204 children aged 6-17 years were recruited in 2002 with an average follow-up period of 13.2 years. Height and body weight were measured by trained staffs. Overweight and obesity were defined based on the Chinese standard for children and adults. T-test, analysis of variance, and Chi-square analysis were used for single factor analysis. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to perform multifactor analysis. The percentage of non-obese children who grew up to be non-obese adults was 62.6%, and that of obese children who grew up to be obese adults was 80.0%. There was a significant association between childhood body mass index (BMI) and adulthood BMI with a β regression coefficient of 3.76 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36-6.16], and between childhood obesity and adulthood obesity with an odds ratio of 5.76 (95% CI : 1.37-24.34). There was no statistical difference between parental obesity at baseline and children's adulthood obesity, after adjustment of confounders. Male participants and those aged 10.0-13.0 years had a higher risk of adulthood obesity with odds ratios of 2.50 (95% CI : 1.12-5.26) and 3.62 (95% CI : 1.17-11.24), respectively. Childhood obesity is an important predictor of adulthood obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To in vestigate potential gender differences in the odds of overweight/obese, weight-related perceptions, and behaviors among Chinese school children. Methods Height, weight, and a survey of weight-related perceptions and behaviors were measured in a nationally representative survey of 12,811 children in primary schools in China. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess gender differences, adjusting for confounders. Results Boys had higher odds of being overweight/obese compared to girls within both urban [adjusted odds ratio ( OR ) 2.30, 95% CI 2.00 to 2.65] and rural areas ( OR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.20). Girls reported healthier diets (e.g., daily vegetables OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.85) whereas boys consumed fried food ( OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.38) and sugar-sweetened drinks more often ( OR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.65). Gender differences included higher odds of boys perceiving themselves as overweight if they had more highly educated mothers ( OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.68), less educated fathers ( OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.99), and if they frequently consumed carbonated drinks ( OR = 1.48, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.05). Conclusion Childhood obesity prevention in China should be gender-focused, particularly for boys who reported an unhealthier diet but were less likely to see they were fat, even though more boys were overweight or obese than girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flower bug Orius sauteri (Poppius) is commonly used as an effective biocontrol agent for controlling small pest populations in greenhouses in China. The impact of two temperature and photoperiod regimes (26 °C, L16:D8 h; 21 °C, L8:D16 h) on the life table of O. sauteri was studied in the laboratory using an age-stage, two-sex life-table method. The results showed that the low-temperature short-photoperiod regime resulted in significant increases of the developmental times of the egg, the first to fifth nymphal stages, and the total preadult stage. Female adult longevity was significantly increased, whereas male adult longevity was significantly decreased, under this regime. Furthermore, the adult preoviposition period (APOP), the total preoviposition period (TPOP), and the sex ratio were all increased under this regime. Fecundity decreased, whereas the mean generation time ( T ) increased, as temperature and photoperiod decreased. The intrinsic rate of increase ( r ), finite rate of increase ( λ ), and net reproductive rate ( R o ) all increased as the temperature decreased under diapause induction. Based on the estimated data, the higher r value (0.06 d − 1 ) occurred under the 26 °C, L16:D8 h regime, compared with 0.03 d − 1 , under the 21 °C, L8:D16 h regime. Thus, the results showed that reproductive diapause slowed O. sauteri population growth, about 50% reduction based on r . There is significant interest in using O. sauteri as a biological control agent against non-diapausing small pests, such as thrips, in greenhouses under short photoperiods. However, based on the current results, managers should consider maintaining a high temperature and long photoperiod to prevent reproductive diapause induction in O. sauteri . Such conditions should not have a detrimental effect on the greenhouse crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new stilbeno-phenylpropanoids, gnetumonins A−C ( 1 − 3 ) and (−)-gnetucleistol F ( 4 ), together with two known compounds, gnetupendin A and (+)-gnetofuran A, were isolated from the caulis of Gnetum montanum Markgr. (Gnetaceae). The structures of those new compounds were established by extensive analysis of MS, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic data. The relative configurations of 1 − 3 were elucidated by means of the analysis of shielded effect correlating their key 1 H NMR shift changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to describe changes in waist circumference (WC) and prevalence of abdominal obesity over a period of 10 years among Chinese adults in different socio-economic status (SES). Methods Data derived from the China Nutrition and Health Surveillance during 2002 and 2010-2012. We calculated the mean WC and the prevalence of abdominal obesity by gender, place of residence, SES indicators (education, income, and marital status), and body mass index (BMI) categoriesand used pooled t -tests to assess the differences between the two time periods. Results 26.0% of men and 25.3% of women had abdominal obesity in 2010-2012. The age-adjusted mean WC increased by 2.7 cm among men and 2.1 cm among women; the age-adjusted prevalence of abdominal obesity increased by 7.7% among men and 5.3% among women. The rising trends were observed in all subgroups except for a negative growth in high-income women. People living in rural areas with low education and income and with a BMI of 18.5 to 23.9 kg/m 2 had a greater absolute and relative increase in WC. People living in rural areas with low income had a greater relative increase in abdominal obesity. Conclusion The mean WC and prevalence of abdominal obesity among Chinese adults have increased during the past 10 years. Gender differences were noted using various SES indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is one of the very few Drosophila species which are able to lay eggs and feed on healthy ripening fruit. Adults and larvae are all able to obtain the nutrition in the decaying food, which will generate many microorganisms. However, the relationship between D. suzukii and microorganism is poorly understood. In this study, 13 species of fungi were identified in an artificial diet fed by D. suzukii . Short-term and continuously life table experiments were conducted to determine the impact of three of these fungus species including Geotrichum candidum , Talaromyces minioluteus and Actinomucor elegans on the growth and development of Drosophila suzukii . Results revealed that, compared to the control, G. candidum , T. minioluteus and A. elegans increased the mortality of D. suzukii adults in the short time, while extended the developmental time of pupal D. suzukii by 18.00%, 16.22% and 26.44%, respectively in the life table experiment. T. minioluteus reduced the total longevity of D. suzukii by 15.52%, while A. elegans enhanced the total longevity by 25.96%. G. candidum and A. elegans increased the fecundity by more than two folds. T. minioluteus elongated the mean generation time ( T ) by 31.34%, whereas G. candidum shortened it by 15.26% but increased the net reproductive rate ( R 0 ) by 217.76%, intrinsic rate of increase (r) by 88.89% and finite rate of increase (λ) by 9.17%. It was concluded that G. candidum and A. elegans significantly had the beneficial effect on the growth and reproduction of D. suzukii , however, T. minioluteus had the negative effect on D. suzukii . Our results could provide a new integrated pest management strategy for D. suzukii which would be discussed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sphere-mapping algorithm called sector mapping is introduced to map sector images to the sphere of an eyeball. The proposed sector-mapping algorithm is evaluated and compared with the plane-mapping algorithm adopted in previous work. A simulation that maps an image of concentric circles to the sphere of the eyeball and an analysis of the difference in distance between neighboring points in a plane and sector were used to compare the two mapping algorithms. A three-dimensional model of a whole retina with clear retinal detachment was generated using the Visualization Toolkit software. A comparison of the mapping results shows that the central part of the retina near the optic disc is stretched and its edges are compressed when the plane-mapping algorithm is used. A better mapping result is obtained by the sector-mapping algorithm than by the plane-mapping algorithm in both the simulation results and real clinical retinal detachment three-dimensional reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The amount of Bradysia odoriphaga larval feeding at each developmental stage and the related morphology of salivary glands were investigated in this study. The amount of daily feeding in the third instar was greatest among all the developmental stages while the amount of cumulative feeding in the fourth-instar accounted for 53.56% of the total amount of larval feeding. The daily amount of feeding by B. odoriphaga during the whole larval stage peaked in the 8th and 14th day after hatching. The paired and transparent salivary glands of B. odoriphaga were characterized by two distinct regions: an anterior region and a posterior region. At the fourth-instar and pupal stage, the length of salivary glands decreased significantly compared with that of the third-instar, and the integrity of epithelium cytoplasm in the salivary glands also decreased markedly because of the formation of cytoplasmic vacuoles and degradation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. We concluded that the decrease of daily feeding amount in the last instar was related to the structural change of salivary gland closely. The function of salivary glands in B. odoriphaga was mainly secretion of silk and cocooning-like materials during the last larval instar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To estimate the prevalence of elevated blood pressure (EBP) in Chinese children and identify individual and family factors associated with EBP. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in 2010 using stratified cluster sampling. Participants' blood pressure was measured, and their parents completed a questionnaire on personal and family characteristics. Prevalence and correlates of EBP were assessed. Results Among a total of 24,333 participants, 20.2% of boys and 16.3% of girls had EBP. The prevalence of EBP increased with the ascending trend of waist circumference, Waist-to-height ratio, and body mass index. The adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for obese boys and girls were 2.50 and 2.97, respectively. Fewer urban boys (16.2%) had EBP than rural boys (21.7%). Boys with a family history of hypertension were 12% more likely to have EBP. Children whose mothers received a college education tended to have lower likelihood of EBP; with an aPR was 0.85 among boys and 0.78 among girls. Conclusion EBP is common among obese students and those who have a family history of hypertension. A negative association between mothers' education levels and EBP risk in children was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine/reproductive/metabolic disorder. The etiology of PCOS is complex and has been linked to low-grade chronic inflammation. Local inflammation of the ovary affects ovulation and induces or aggravates systemic inflammation. PCOS patients demonstrated significantly higher concentrations of circulating inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophilic granulocytes, monocytes and Th17 cells than women without PCOS, while the percentage of Treg cells was lower. Inflammatory factors, such as serum CRP, hs-CRP, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-18, IL-23, TNF-α, α-1 acid glycoprotein,monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and adipokines and their paralogs, including chemerin, C1q and TNF-related 6 (C1QTNF6), were also found to be significantly increased in the peripheral blood of PCOS patients. Levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10, IL-17E, IL-27, IL-35 and IL-37, TGF-β, omentin-1, Secreted frizzled-related protein5 (SFRP5) were significantly lower. An analogous situation occurs locally in the ovary. Some vital inflammatory cells and cytokines may initially be released from the ovary and then enter the circulation. The systemic inflammation underlying PCOS is thought to interact with obesity, insulin resistance (IR) and hyperandrogenism. Traditional Chinese medicine, multitargeted treatment, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant medicine, and lifestyle modification can benefit PCOS women by alleviating inflammatory responses. • PCOS patients present both systemic and ovarian inflammation. • PCOS is related to an imbalance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cells and cytokines listed in the text. • Inflammation, obesity, hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance can exaggerate the impact of each other in the pathogenesis of PCOS. • In the future, research on validated treatments may still be mainstream, and confirmation of the ovarian microenvironment profile will be of great importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• In SPICE simulations of PIN diodes and IGBT devices using multi-node methods based on a moving spatial grid, the carrier number conservation is not kept in fast switching processes. • The electron and hole compensation current terms are introduced to recover the carrier number conservation. • The present simulations show that the compensation current terms are important for fast switching PIN diodes, but not very important for IGBT devices due to large gate-related capacitances. In SPICE simulations of PIN diodes and IGBT devices using finite difference method, one discretizes an undepleted N− region into several equally spaced nodes with a time-dependent distance of Δx(t), and then transforms the ambipolar diffusion equation, a time–space partial differential equation, into a set of time-dependent ordinary differential equations. However, the time-dependent property of Δx(t) destroys the carrier number conservation. In this paper, we propose an approach to correct the effect of the Δx(t) by introducing an auxiliary system. It has the same total current and the total carrier number in the undepleted N− region as the real system, but has different electron and hole current components. The difference is caused by adding compensation current terms with the equal amplitude and opposite sign to the electron and hole current terms in the auxiliary system. These compensation current terms are proportional to the boundary speed of the undepleted N− region and do not change the total current. The auxiliary system can be easily solved using SPICE behavior models and its carrier density is a good approximation to the real one. Our simulations show that the compensation current correction is important for fast switching PIN diodes, but may not be very important in IGBT devices due to their large gate-related capacitance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We describe a new method of obtaining three-dimensional (3D) images of detached retina. Twelve-slice photos of the partial retina were obtained according to the twelve positions on a clock face. Twelve sections were then cut from these photos and joined together. Each sector was resized to match nearby sectors and the complete retinal picture was then created. A sphere mapping algorithm was used to map the two-dimensional (2D) picture to a sphere, which was then used to simulate the actual eyeball. Finally, a 3D image of the entire retina with a clearly visible detached section was created by the Visualization Toolkit (VTK). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To describe the distribution of plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and explore the relationship between hsCRP and metabolic risk factors among residents living in longevity areas of China. Methods: 268 individuals aged between 40 and 59 years and 506 individuals aged over 90 years were selected from 5 longevity areas of China to participate in a cross section longitudinal cohort study. The participants were interviewed with general health related questionnaire to collect their demographic, behavioral and lifestyle data, as well as their chronic conditions, and meanwhile their physical and biomedical parameters including waist circumference (WC), blood pressure (BP), hsCRP, plasma lipids, and fasting blood glucose (FBG) were measured. Results: The median of hsCRP was 0.99 mg/L in the middle-aged group and 1.76 mg/L in the oldest old group. No significant gender difference was observed between the above two groups. Among the oldest old individuals, 36.56% had an hsCRP level >3.0 mg/L. The prevalence of high hsCRP was 16.79% in the middle-aged group. The results of stepwise multiple linear regression analyses showed that HDL-C was independently associated with ln (hsCRP) concentration in the middle-aged group, whereas ln (TG), HDL-C and FBG were correlated after adjustment for gender, study site, smoking, drinking, education and BMI in the oldest old group. Conclusion: HDL-C is a stronger predictor of elevated hsCRP than other metabolic factors in the middle-aged population. For the oldest old persons, high TG, low HDL-C, and FBG predict elevated plasma hsCRP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One-step immunochromatographic assay (ICA) has been developed using colloidal gold-labeled monoclonal antibody probe for the rapid detection of lead ions in water samples. The ICA was based on the theory of competitive reactivity, and the results can be easily judged based on the presence or absence of a red colored test line with visual detection. Under optimal conditions, this method shows high detecting sensitivity with a LOD (limit of detection) of 50 ng/ml. Stability test indicates that the immunochromatographic strips are stable for 8 weeks at room temperature. During practical application, nanometer TiO2 is used to enrich the lead ions in water samples. The ICA is successfully applied in the measurement of lead ion concentrations in local water samples, and the results are highly consistent with that of ICP-MS. Detecting lead ions with ICA can be done within 4 min and is very useful for the rapid onsite testing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Immunoassays for quantitative measurement of environmental heavy metals offer several advantages over other traditional methods. To develop an immunoassay for lead, Balb/c mice were immunized with a lead-chelate-protein conjugate to allow maximum exposure of the metal to the immune system. Three stable hybridoma cell lines were obtained through spleen cells fusion with Sp2/0 cells. One cell line, 2A11D11, produced mAbs with preferential selectivity and sensitivity for Pb-DTPA than DTPA, exhibiting an affinity constant of 3.34 ± 0.24 × 109 M−1. Cross reactivity (CR) with other metals were below 1%, except for Fe(III) with a CR less than 5%. This quantitative indirect ELISA for the lead ion was used to detect environmental lead content in local water sources; importantly, the results from the immunoassay were in excellent agreement with those from ICP-MS. Development of immunoassays for metal ions may thus facilitate the detection and regulation of environmental pollution. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The preparation of hollow zeolite with a large cavity structure to improve the accessibility to the active sites of catalyst is of great significance. A thin-walled Ti-rich hollow Titanium silicalite-1 (TS-1) Nanobox was synthesized by dissolution-recrystallization using Silicalite-1 (S-1) as the parent zeolite and (NH 4) 2 SO 4 as the dual-function crystallization-mediating agent. The wall thickness of the zeolite is about 30 nm, the hollow percentage (the ratio of the cavity area in the middle of the zeolite to the overall area of the zeolite) can reach 0.57, and the Si/Ti ratio is 39.63. The formation mechanism of hollow TS-1 was studied. As the parent zeolite, S-1 is easier to dissolve than TS-1, making it easier for the hollow zeolite to get a complete cavity. When the molar ratio of (NH 4) 2 SO 4 /TEOS reaches 0.25, the dissolution rate matches the crystallization rate best, and a perfect hollow structure is obtained. The pH of the initial gel is the key factor for the hollow structure. The catalytic activity and stability were tested by 1-hexene epoxidation. The conversion of 1-hexene using HTS-1#S0.25 as the catalyst is much higher than that using hollow TS-1 prepared by the conventional method as the catalyst. HTS-1#S0.25 remains a high oxidation activity and high selectivity after five recycle experiments. In addition, the type of anion also has a great influence on the reactivity. This method can provide a new idea for the preparation of hollow TS-1. Two hollow structures under the action of (NH 4) 2 SO 4 (a), the mechanism of HTS-1 formation (b) and HTS-1 using (NH 4) 2 SO 4 as the crystallization-mediating agent (c). [Display omitted] • A Ti-rich TS-1 Nanobox is synthesized by dissolution-recrystallization. • pH is a key factor affecting the competition between dissolution and crystallization. • (NH 4) 2 SO 4 is the dual-functional crystallization-mediating agent. • Silicalite-1 is used as parent zeolite for the synthesis of hollow TS-1. • The material has the high activity for 1-hexene epoxidation reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, twenty aromatic and branched aliphatic polyketides, including seven previously undescribed butenolide derivatives, piterriones A–G and one known analogue, along with twelve known altenusin derivatives, were isolated from the isopod-associated fungus Pidoplitchkoviella terricola. Their structures were elucidated by analysis of NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometry data, and their absolute configurations were determined by Mosher's method, microscale derivatization, and comparison of their specific rotations and ECD spectra. Dihydroaltenuene B exhibited mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC 50 value of 38.33 ± 1.59 μM, which was comparable to that of the positive control, kojic acid (IC 50 = 39.72 ± 1.34 μM). A molecular-docking study disclosed the hydrogen bonding interactions between the 3-OH and 4′-OH of dihydroaltenuene B and the His244, Met280 and Gly281 residues of tyrosinase. Seven undescribed butenolide derivatives, piterriones A–G were isolated from isopod-associated fungus Pidoplitchkoviella terricola. Dihydroaltenuene B exhibited mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory activity. [Display omitted] • Seven undescribed butenolide derivatives were isolated from the fungus Pidoplitchkoviella terricola. • Their absolute configurations were determined by Mosher's method and microscale derivatization. • This is the first report of the dihydroaltenuene B showing tyrosinase inhibitory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical Fe-doped MFI/MCM-41 composites (Fe-HMZs) were one-pot hydrothermal synthesized by partial transformation strategy using conventional CTAB as a dual-functional template. The hierarchical Fe-doped MFI/MCM-41 composites possess ordered mesopores and crystallized MFI structure. The effect of addition amount of NaOH and CTAB as well as the type of the alkali source on the formation of hierarchical Fe-MFI/MCM-41 composites have been investigated in detail. In addition, the temperature-gradient treatment plays the vital roles in the formation of MFI and the possible formation mechanism has been proposed. The obtained hierarchical Fe-HMZ-40 sample exhibits outstanding catalytic performance for phenol hydroxylation and 48% of phenol conversion as well as 89% of dihydroxybenzene selectivity could be achieved, which are ascribed to the more accessible active sites endowed by the significant diffusion ability of ordered mesopores. Compared with Fe-MCM-41 sample, the hydrothermal stability is improved because of the presence of MFI structure. Hierarchical Fe-doped MFI/MCM-41 composites (Fe-HMZs) were one-pot hydrothermal synthesized by partial transformation strategy using conventional CTAB as a dual-functional template. [Display omitted] • Hierarchical Fe-MFI/MCM-41 composites were one-pot hydrothermal synthesized. • The conventional CTAB is used as a dual-functional template. • The synthesized composite has ordered mesoporous and MFI simultaneously. • The partial transformation method is effective in the synthesis of MFI using CTAB. • The composite shows the superior catalytic performance in hydroxylation of phenol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great significance to develop a novel strategy to synthesize hollow zeolite without using mesoporogens due to its extremely short diffusion length. Ferric nitrate as a common iron source and structure direction agent has been used for synthesizing Fe-doped zeolite. However, the effect of ferric nitrate on the morphology of zeolite has not yet been elaborated. Here, we successfully synthesized hollow MFI zeolite with a framework iron-rich surface by using ferric nitrate as an iron source and seed-assistant strategy. It is the first time to propose that inorganic iron has the hollow structure-directing effect. Herein, by comparatively investigated the effect of iron content on the structure and evolution process of hollow zeolite, a novel crystallization mechanism has been proposed based on the competitive relationship between crystallization and dissolution rates. When the Si/Fe ratio reaches 25, the internal dissolution rate of seeds is faster than the surface crystallization rate of zeolite, the hollow structures are acquired. The obtained Fe-doped hollow zeolite exhibits superior catalytic performance for the reaction of phenol degradation. In this reaction, the higher effectiveness factor (η) close to 1 of Fe-doped hollow zeolite confirmed by calculations indicates its superior mass transferability. [Display omitted] • Hollow MFI zeolite with Fe-rich surface was synthesized by using Fe(NO 3) 3 and seed. • Ferric nitrate as a direct agent of hollow zeolite has been confirmed. • A mechanism was proved namely competition between crystallization and dissolution. • High content Fe (Si/Fe ratio = 25) is conducive to the formation of hollow zeolite. • Hollow Fe-MFI zeolite shows a superior catalytic activity for phenol degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Construct tetrahedral coordinated Co2+ into the framework of hollow silicate-1 zeolite using inorganic salts synthesis strategy instead of organic ligands. • The addition of an appropriate amount of inorganic ammonium salts and seeds is a necessary condition for cobalt incorporated into the framework. • Revealed the effect of inorganic ammonium salts on the channel distribution of cobalt species. The metal species embedded in specific positions within the zeolite framework and their unique microenvironment exhibit fascinating effects on catalytic performance. Herein, we incorporated tetrahedrally coordinated Co2+ into the framework of hollow silicate-1 zeolite and investigated the influence of halogen anions (Cl-, Br- and F-) in the synthesized gel on the distribution of cobalt species in the channels. The addition of an appropriate amount of inorganic ammonium salts and seeds was found to be a necessary condition for cobalt incorporated into the framework. Notably, the Cl- anions present in the synthesis gel can induce more cobalt species located at the intersection cavity of silicate-1 (β-type). Comprehensive characterization results indicate that the tetrahedrally coordinated Co2+ in the intersecting cavities of hollow zeolite appears to exhibit more efficient styrene epoxidation performance. This work presents a simple and cost-effective method to synthesize hollow cobalt-based zeolite with adjustable metal distribution in channels. By regulating the spatial distribution of cobalt species with halogens, the CS-0.1–0.5-Cl catalyst enhanced activity and selectivity in the epoxidation reaction of styrene to styrene oxide. Specifically, at a temperature of 80 °C after a reaction time of 6 h, the catalyst demonstrated a styrene oxide yield of 42.47 % and a excellent styrene oxide selectivity of 82.29 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of economical routes for synthesis of hollow zeolites with high amount of framework iron and high effectiveness factor is of great importance. Here, we provide a one-step and free-mesoporogen strategy to synthesize high-amount Fe-doped hollow silicate-1 with various cheap organic acids or derivative salts of organic acids. The contents of iron in zeolite and zeolite framework are ca. 3.3 wt% and 2.7 wt%, respectively. The hollow structures with the surface rich in iron have also been demonstrated. The presence of organic acid anions and the content of iron salts play the vital roles in the formation of hollow structure. In addition, the evolution process of Fe-doped hollow zeolite has been also investigated. The proposed mechanism based on the Kirkendall effect involves that high-amount iron-containing zeolite nanoparticles migrate outward relative to the nanoparticles interacted with carboxylate anions and carboxylate anions. The strategy can be successfully extended to TS-1 and ZSM-5. The high-amount Fe-doped hollow silicate-1 with high effectiveness factor exhibits an excellent catalytic performance for degradation reaction at mild conditions. High-amount Fe-doped hollow MFI zeolites (silicate-1, TS-1 and ZSM-5) with the surface rich in iron were one-step synthesized using various organic acids under the Kirkendall effect. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanadium-MFI zeolites possess phenomenal potential for catalytic oxidation, while their application is constrained by vanadium content and species distribution. Here, we constructed Vanadium Silicate-1 (VS-1) with enhanced content and preferable distribution by the addition of citric acid in tandem with a temperature-program strategy. Citric acid could modulate the pH in the initial gel and coordinate with vanadium, inhibiting the hydrolysis of vanadium and promoting vanadium incorporation. Moreover, a temperature program was employed to generate unsaturated silicon species, overcoming the tendency of aggregation in vanadium precursor and further promoting vanadium insertion. Furthermore, the effects of the first-stage crystallization temperature and time on the properties of zeolite have been investigated in detail. The sample synthesized through the optimal temperature program achieved 99.9 % dibenzothiophene conversion in 2 h, 10.4 times that of conventional synthesis. To explain the excellent reaction activity, the relationship between different vanadium species and reaction results was investigated. Through linear fitting, V=O(OSi) 2 (OH) was considered as the dominant active species in oxidative desulfurization (ODS) reaction. Notably, the recycled zeolite proved good reusability, further enhancing its promising application prospect. [Display omitted] • Vanadium-rich VS-1 was prepared by citric acid assisted temperature program. • Effects of citric acid and temperature on the V microenvironment were revealed. • The dominant V species V=O(OSi) 2 (OH) in desulfurization reaction was identified. • VS-80-12 has proven to be highly active and reusable in desulfurization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Phoenixin (Pnx), a recently discovered neuropeptide, has been implicated in reproduction. Pnx mainly exists in two active isoforms, phoenixin-14 (Pnx-14) and phoenixin-20 (Pnx-20). However, little is known about the functions of Pnx in teleosts. To determine the roles of Pnx in the regulation of reproduction in Scatophagus argus , the physiological characterization of the Pnx was analyzed. During ovary development, the expression of pnx in phase IV was higher than in phase II and III in the hypothalamus. In the pituitary, pnx expression was highest in phase IV, moderate in phase III, and lowest in phase II. When hypothalamus and pituitary fragments were cultured in vitro with Pnx-14 and Pnx-20 (10 nM and 100 nM) for 6 h, the expression of GnRHR (gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor), lh (luteinizing hormone) and fsh (follicular stimulating hormone) in the pituitary increased significantly, except GnRH (gonadotropin releasing hormone) in the hypothalamus. Similarly, the expression of GnRHR , lh and fsh in the pituitary increased significantly after injecting S. argus with Pnx-14 and Pnx-20 (10 ng/g and 100 ng/g body weight (bw)), except GnRHR and fsh treated with 10 ng/gbw Pnx-20 in the pituitary and GnRHs in the hypothalamus. These results indicate that Pnx may not only stimulate the reproduction of the S. argus through the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, but also directly through the pituitary. Highlights • The hypothalamic expression of pnx in phase IV was significantly higher than in phase II and III during ovarian development. • pnx expression was highest in phase IV, moderate in phase III, and lowest in phase II in the female pituitary. • In vitro and in vivo Pnx treatments increase the expression levels of GnRHR , lh and fsh in the pituitary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]