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[Display omitted] • The ultrathin RhIr NSs/NF was prepared by a simple and mild one-pot aqueous strategy at room temperature. • The unique sheet-like architectures provided large ECSA and exposed high-density active sites. • The self-supported RhIr NSs/NF had excellent HER activity and stability for the HER over a wide pH range. The development of low-cost and high-efficiency electrocatalysts is very important for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water splitting system. Herein, ultrathin rhodium-iridium nanosheets were facilely in-situ grown on nickel foam (RhIr NSs/NF) by a one-pot aqueous strategy at room temperature. The sheet-like structures with the film thickness of 78 nm were identified by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The catalyst showed greatly high HER features in both 1.0 M KOH and 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 with the overpotentials of 15 and 14 mV to achieve 10 mA cm−2, respectively, surpassing most Pt-free catalysts. Also, the RhIr NSs/NF exhibited amazing catalytic stability during the long-term operation. This study offers a facile and rational pathway for design and synthesis of advanced HER electrocatalysts for energy conversion devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing earth-rich and high-efficiency nonprecious metal catalysts is critical but extremely challenging for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Herein, a simple room-temperature sulfuration method was developed for in situ synthesis of walnut kernel-like iron-cobalt-nickel sulfide nanosheets on nickel foam (FeCoNiS x /NF). The unique nanosheets exposed abundant active sites and provided large electrochemically active surface area. The as-built FeCoNiS x /NF exhibited high OER performances with the small overpotentials of 231 and 268 mV to afford 10 and 50 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH, respectively, coupled with a small Tafel slope of 55 mV dec−1. Furthermore, the FeCoNiS x /NF acted as the anode towards overall water electrolysis with acceptable results, where commercial Pt/C dropped on the NF worked as the cathode. This study provides some valuable insights for rational construction of nonprecious electrocatalysts in electrochemical energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing cost-effectiveness and superior electrocatalysts is crucial to improve the efficiency of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in water splitting system. Hence, flower-like phosphorus doped Ni 3 S 2 /CoFe 2 O 4 arrays (P-Ni 3 S 2 /CoFe 2 O 4 /NF) were generated on three-dimensional (3D) nickel foam (NF) via the two-step hydrothermal treatment and subsequent phosphorization. Additionally, a series of control experiments were conducted to investigate the formation mechanism. By virtue of the unique 3D configurations and multi-compositions, the as-prepared catalyst exhibited greatly improved OER performance in 1.0 M KOH solution, with the overpotential of only 254 mV at 50 mA cm−2 and low Tafel slope of 54.43 mV dec−1. This study provides a feasible approach for preparing advanced electrocatalyst in energy conversion and storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring advanced nanocatalysts are of importance for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolyte (e.g. 1.0 M KOH). Herein, porous iridium-palladium-plumbum wire-like nanonetworks (IrPdPb WNNs) were prepared by a facile one-pot aqueous method with octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol (NP-40) as the structure-director. The resultant IrPdPb WNNs exhibited superior HER performance in the alkaline electrolyte, such as ultra-low overpotential (21 mV) to drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2, small Tafel slope (66 mV dec−1), and high exchange current density (4.87 mA cm−2), surpassing commercial Pt/C. This study provides a simple strategy for synthesis of advanced multi-metallic electrocatalysts in energy storage and conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Inefficient arsenic methylation capacity has been associated with developmental delay in preschool children. Selenium has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that protect experimental animals from chemically induced neurotoxicity. The present study was designed to explore whether plasma selenium levels affects arsenic methylation capacity related to developmental delay in preschool children. A case-control study was conducted from August 2010 to March 2014. All participants were recruited from the Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Teaching Hospital. In total, 178 children with a developmental delay and 88 children without a delay were recruited. High-performance liquid chromatography-linked hydride generator and atomic absorption spectrometry were used to determine urinary arsenic species, including arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonic acid (MMAV), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV). Plasma selenium levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. As results, plasma selenium concentration was significantly inversely associated with the odds ratio (OR) of developmental delay. Plasma selenium concentration was positively associated with arsenic methylation capacity [percentage of inorganic arsenic and percentage of MMAV (MMAV%) decreased, and percentage of DMAV (DMAV%) increased]. High plasma selenium concentration and high DMA% significantly and additively interacted to decrease the OR of developmental delay; the OR and 95% confidence interval were 0.40 (0.18–0.90). This is the first study to show a combined dose-response effect of plasma selenium concentration and that efficient arsenic methylation capacity decreased the OR of developmental delay in preschool children. Highlights • Plasma selenium concentration was significantly inversely associated with the odds ratio of developmental delay. • Increases in plasma selenium concentration increased the arsenic methylation capacity. • High plasma selenium concentration and high DMA% significantly and additively interacted to decrease the OR of developmental delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Berberine showed non-cytotoxicity ranges from 0.5 to 4 μM in HT22 cells. • Berberine reduced apoptosis induced by Aβ 25–35 protected HT22 cells from the neurotoxicity. • ROS inhibition of Berberine. • Berberine inhibited ROS production and protected mitochondria via inhibition of ΔΨmt loss and Cyt C permeation. • Berberine showed antioxidant effect in Aβ 25–35 -induced HT22 cells via activating Nrf2/HO‐1 and inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathways. Neuronal apoptosis has been found to have a pivotal role in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Berberine (BBR), a potent antioxidant, occurs in plants such as Berberis , Phellodendron chinense , and Hydrastis canadensi s. In this study, a neuronal apoptotic model was established in vitro using HT22 cells induced by Aβ 25-35 to explore whether BBR contributes to protecting neurons against Aβ 25-35 -induced neurotoxicity, as well as its potential mechanisms. BBR was applied to HT22 cells for 1 h prior to exposing the cells to Aβ 25-35 for 24 h. A CCK-8 assay was utilized to assess cell viability, and Annexin V − fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)/propidium iodide and Hoechst 33342 fluorescence staining were used to measure the rate of cell apoptosis. Existing scientific literature was also reviewed to further determine the effects of BBR on ROS production and mitochondrial function in HT22 cells. Furthermore, the expressions of proteins, including cytochrome C , cleaved caspase-3, p-p65, p65, and Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidant axis were assessed by Western blotting. The data indicated that BBR markedly improved cell viability, inhibited apoptosis and intracellular ROS levels, improved mitochondrial membrane potentials, decreased the rate of p-p65/p65, cytochrome C , and cleaved caspase-3, and intensified the activity of Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidants in HT22 cells. Overall, the findings indicated that BBR provides a certain level of neuroprotectiveness in HT22 cells exposed to Aβ 25–35 via relieving oxidative stress, as well as by restraining the mitochondrial pathway of cellular apoptosis. In addition, the restraint of NF-κB activity and sensitization of the Nrf2/HO‐1 antioxidant axis, which together are intimately involved in the neuroprotection of BBR, may be possible mechanisms accounting for its effectiveness against Aβ 25–35 in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective, randomized controlled study investigated the effects of short-term interactive video game playing among children with developmental delays participating in traditional rehabilitation treatment at a rehabilitation clinic. One hundred and one boys and 46 girls with a mean age of 5.8 years (range: 3 to 12 years) were enrolled in this study. All patients were confirmed to suffer from developmental delays, and were participating in traditional rehabilitation treatment. Children participated in two periods of 4 weeks each, group A being offered intervention of eight 30-minute sessions of interactive video games in the first period, and group B in the second, in addition to the traditional rehabilitation treatment. The physical, psychosocial, and total health of the children was periodically assessed using the parent-reported Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory-Generic Core Scales (PedsQL); and the children’s upper extremity and physical function, transfer and basic mobility, sports and physical functioning, and global functioning were assessed using the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument. Parental impact was evaluated using the PedsQL-Family Impact Module for family function, PedsQL-Health Satisfaction questionnaire for parents’ satisfaction with their children’s care and World Health Organization-Quality of Life-Brief Version for quality of life. Compared with the baseline, significant improvements of physical function were observed in both groups (5.6 ± 19.5, p = 0.013; 4.7 ± 13.8, p = 0.009) during the intervention periods. No significant improvement of psychosocial health, functional performance, or family impact was observed in children with developmental delays. Short-term interactive video game play in conjunction with traditional rehabilitation treatment improved the physical health of children with developmental delays. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of the chemical reaction of H2O with three stabilized Criegee intermediates (stabCI-OO, stabCI-CH3-OO and stabCIx-OO) produced via the limonene ozonolysis reaction has been investigated using ab initio and DFT (Density Functional Theory) methods. It has been shown that the formation of the hydrogen-bonded complexes is followed by two different reaction pathways, leading to the formation of either OH radicals via water-catalyzed H migration or of α-hydroxy hydroperoxide. Both pathways were found to be essential sources of atmospheric OH radical and H2O2 making a significant contribution to the formation of secondary aerosols in the Earth's atmosphere. The activation energies at the CCSD(T)/6-31G(d) + CF level of theory were found to be in the range of 14.70-21.98 kcal mol-1 . The formation of a-hydroxy hydroperoxide for the reaction of stabCIx-OO and H2O with the activation energy of 14.70 kcal mol-1 is identified as the most favorable pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infrared (IR) therapy is used for pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). However, IR's effects on the cardiovascular system remain uncertain. Therefore, we investigated the local and systemic cardiovascular effects of monochromatic IR therapy on patients with knee OA in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Seventy-one subjects with knee OA received one session of 40 min of active or placebo monochromatic IR treatment (with power output of 6.24W, wavelength of 890 nm, power density of 34.7mW/cm2 for 40min, total energy of 41.6 J/cm2 per knee per session) over the knee joints. Heart rate, blood pressure, and knee arterial blood flow velocity were periodically assessed at the baseline, during, and after treatment. Data were analyzed by repeated-measure analysis of covariance. Compared to baseline, there were no statistically significant group x time interaction effects between the 2 groups for heart rate (P = 0.160), blood pressure (systolic blood pressure: P = 0.861; diastolic blood pressure: P = 0.757), or mean arterial blood flow velocity (P = 0.769) in follow-up assessments. The present study revealed that although there was no increase of knee arterial blood flow velocity, monochromatic IR therapy produced no detrimental systemic cardiovascular effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring high-performance and stable transition metal electrocatalysts is prerequisite for boosting overall water splitting efficiency. In this study, iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) co-doped three-dimensional (3D) Ni 3 S 2 nanoflowers were in situ assembled by many inter-connected 2D nanosheets on nickel foam (NF) via hydrothermal and sulfuration treatment. By virtue of the introduced Fe and Mn elements and unique flower-like structures, the as-prepared catalyst displayed high activity and stability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), coupled with a small Tafel slope (63.29 mV dec−1) and a low overpotential of 216 mV to reach the current density of 30 mA cm−2. This study would shed some lights for facile synthesis of exceptional OER catalyst by tailoring the electronic structure and doping transition metal(s). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Supervised therapeutic exercise has a beneficial effect in patients with knee osteoarthritis. • Active video game playing had the same effect as therapeutic exercise for pain. • Active video game playing improved balance, physical functional performance and physical health as compared with therapeutic exercise. • Active video game playing may be an alternative supplementary therapy to therapeutic exercise. Active video games (AVGs) have become popular and have been investigated for their therapeutic purposes. However, the effect of AVGs on patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) remains uncertain. We aimed to compare the effects of AVGs with those of traditional therapeutic exercise on patients with knee OA. This was a prospective single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants (n = 80) with knee OA were allocated to the AVGs group (n = 40) or therapeutic exercise group (n = 40). Both groups received treatment 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and secondary outcome measures were the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Vision, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, physical functional performance (including time for 10-m walking and for ascending and descending stairs), Biodex Stability System, Chronic Pain Grade Questionnaire, and Work Ability Index. The patients were evaluated at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after treatment, and 1 and 3 months after treatment completion. Both groups showed significant time effect in the pain subcategory of the WOMAC (P = 0.047). However, we found no significant group × time interaction effect between the groups at any follow-up assessments for pain (P = 0.066), stiffness (P = 0.284), or physical function (P = 0.179) for the WOMAC. Among the secondary outcomes, we found significant group × time effects favoring the AVG group in dynamic balance (P = 0.020), and physical functional performance including 10-m walking time (P = 0.002) and stair ascent time (P = 0.005), and the physical domain of health (P = 0.032). Therapeutic exercises and playing AVGs similarly improved the pain of patients with knee OA; however, playing AVGs improved dynamic balance, physical functional performance, and physical health more than therapeutic exercises did. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whether age has any impact on the risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains controversial. Therefore, we aimed to objectively compare the risk of LN metastasis between elderly and young patients so as to justify for age-different extent of surgical resection for treating these patients. We retrospectively collected clinical data of patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy with systematic hilar and mediastinal LN dissection for clinical stage IA peripheral NSCLC from January 2015 to December 2018. Both multivariate logistic regression analysis and propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis were applied to compare the risk of LN metastasis between elderly (>65 years old) and young (≤65 years old) patients. We finally included a total of 590 patients for analysis (142 elderly patients and 448 young patients). In the analysis of unmatched cohorts, young patients tended to have higher rates of hilar/intrapulmonary LN (13.4% VS 9.2%) and mediastinal LN metastasis (10.5% VS 6.3%) than elderly patients. In the multivariate analysis, age was found to be an independent predictor of both hilar/intrapulmonary (Odds ratio(OR) = 2.065, 95%confidence interval(CI): 1.049–4.064, P = 0.036) and mediastinal (OR = 2.400, 95%CI: 1.083–5.316, P = 0.031) LN metastasis. Moreover, in the analysis of well-matched cohorts generated by PSM analysis, young patients had significantly higher rates of hilar/intrapulmonary (18.8% VS 9.4%, P = 0.039) and mediastinal LN metastasis (17.1% VS 6.0%, P = 0.008) than elderly patients. Therefore, age remains to be an independent predictor of LN metastasis in early-stage NSCLC and age-different extent of surgical resection may be justified for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic inflammation is the cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a vital role in the inflammation process and is associated with the regulatory effects of NLRP3 gene polymorphisms. This study evaluated the association between NLRP3 gene polymorphisms and CKD, and further explored whether the association of environmental metals with CKD varied by the NLRP3 genotypes. A total of 218 CKD patients and 427 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited in this clinic-based case–control study. Patients were identified as having CKD if their estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and stage 3–5 for at least 3 months. We examined the genotypes of fifteen common ssingle-nucleotide polymorphisms in NLRP3 genes. Concentrations of total urinary arsenic were examined by summing of urinary inorganic arsenic species. Concentrations of selenium, cadmium, and lead were measured from blood samples. Associations between NLRP3 polymorphisms, environmental metals exposure, and CKD were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression while controlling for confounders. We observed that the odds of carrying NLRP3 rs4925650 GA/AA genotypes, NLRP3 rs1539019 CA/AA genotypes, and NLRP3 rs10157379 CT/TT genotypes were significantly higher among CKD cases compared to controls, with the adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) were 1.54 (1.01–2.36), 1.56 (1.04–2.33), and 1.59 (1.05–2.38), respectively. The significant multiplicative interactions were identified between high levels of blood lead and NLRP3 rs4925650 GA/AA genotypes; high levels of blood cadmium or low levels of plasma selenium and the NLRP3 haplotype (rs4925648, rs4925650, rs12048215, and rs10754555) C-A-A-C multiplicatively interacted to increase the risk of CKD. Our results imply that NLRP3 polymorphisms may play an important role in the development of environmental metals exposure related CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• 3D Rh/Rh 2 P nano-flake assemblies have large active area and structure stability. • The P cooperation significantly facilitates water dissociation and hydrogen release. • The unique assembly has abundant interfaces with optimized electronic structures. • The catalyst exhibit improved performances for hydrogen evolution reaction. ga1 Nowadays, the application of electrochemical water splitting is seriously hindered by sluggish hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in alkaline electrolyte. To overcome this issue, three-dimensional (3D) Rh/Rh 2 P nano-flake assemblies (Rh/Rh 2 P-NFAs) were successfully synthesized via partial phosphating in this study. The efficient corporation of P effectively facilitated the adsorption and desorption processes of protons and thus created abundant Rh/Rh 2 P heterointerfaces in the Rh/Rh 2 P-NFAs. By virtues of the large active area, fine-modulated electronic structures and improved electrical conductivity, the Rh/Rh 2 P-NFAs only require the overpotentials of 19.5 mV and 13.4 mV to achieve 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH and 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 solutions, respectively, outperforming most of the previous electrocatalysts. Also, the Rh/Rh 2 P-NFAs also exhibit amazing electrocatalytic stability during the long-term testing, making it a promising candidate for the HER in both alkaline and acidic media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models are important vehicles for studying the effect of infectious elements such as Pertussis toxin (PTx) on disease processes related to acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) or multiple sclerosis (MS). PTx has pleotropic effects on the immune system. This study was designed to investigate the effects of PTx administered intracerebroventricularly (icv) in preventing downstream immune cell infiltration and demyelination of the spinal cord. Methods and Findings: EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice with MOG35-55. PTx icv at seven days post MOG immunization resulted in mitigation of clinical motor symptoms, minimal T cell infiltration, and the marked absence of axonal loss and demyelination of the spinal cord. Integrity of the blood brain barrier was compromised in the brain whereas spinal cord BBB integrity remained intact. PTx icv markedly increased microglia numbers in the brain preventing their migration to the spinal cord. An in vitro transwell study demonstrated that PTx inhibited migration of microglia. Conclusion: Centrally administered PTx abrogated migration of microglia in EAE mice, limiting the inflammatory cytokine milieu to the brain and prevented dissemination of demyelination. The effects of PTx icv warrants further investigation and provides an attractive template for further study regarding the pleotropic effects of infectious elements such as PTx in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations with developmental delays and to explore the association of these concentrations with the health status of children. This study recruited 89 children with developmental delays and 89 age- and sex-matched children with typical development. Their health status was evaluated using the Pediatric Quality of Life (PedsQL) Inventory for health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument for function. Family function was also evaluated. Blood lead, mercury, and cadmium concentrations were measured using inductively coupled mass spectrometry. The children with developmental delays had a considerably poorer HRQOL, lower functional performance and family function, and a higher blood lead concentration than those with typical development. The blood lead concentration had a significantly positive association with developmental delays [odds ratio (OR) = 1.54, p < 0.01] in a dose-response manner, and it negatively correlated with PedsQL scores (regression coefficient: −0. 47 to −0.53, p < 0.05) in all the children studied. The higher blood cadmium concentration showed a significantly positive association with developmental delays (OR = 2.24, for >1.0 μg/L vs. <0.6 μg/L, p < 0.05). The blood mercury concentration was not associated with developmental delays and health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case-control study identified the association between the arsenic methylation capacity and developmental delays and explored the association of this capacity with the health status of children. We recruited 120 children with developmental delays and 120 age- and sex-matched children without developmental delays. The health status of the children was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI). The arsenic methylation capacity was determined by the percentages of inorganic arsenic (InAs%), monomethylarsonic acid (MMAV%), and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAV%) through liquid chromatography and hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Developmental delays were significantly positively associated with the total urinary arsenic concentration, InAs%, and MMAV%, and was significantly negatively associated with DMAV% in a dose-dependent manner. MMAV% was negatively associated with the health-related quality of life (HRQOL; −1.19 to −1.46, P < 0.01) and functional performance (−0.82 to −1.14, P < 0.01), whereas DMAV% was positively associated with HRQOL (0.33-0.35, P < 0.05) and functional performance (0.21-0.39, P < 0.01-0.05) in all children and in those with developmental delays. The arsenic methylation capacity is dose-dependently associated with developmental delays and with the health status of children, particularly those with developmental delays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]