Search

In order to obtain a uniform and effectively toughened poly (lactic acid) film by blending with low content of poly (ethylene octene) (POE) with high elasticity, the tailored interfacial intermolecular interaction and entanglement between the two phases of the PLA/POE blend was innovatively constructed via the facile reactive melt blending process through the reaction of the epoxy/anhydride groups grafted on the POE chains with the end groups of PLA chains (PLA/GPOE-MPOE). It was observed that POE domains were embedded tightly in PLA matrix with a fuzzy interface and abundant interface transition area, and the impact fractured surface of the blend showed an obvious plastic deformation with less occurrence of fibrillation of PLA matrix or interfacial de-bonding. Compared with neat PLA and directly blended PLA/POE blends, the PLA/GPOE-MPOE blend exhibited much higher complex viscosity/storage modulus, much lower tanδ values in the terminal region, and obvious strain-hardening behavior. The deviation in viscoelastic behavior of PLA/GPOE-MPOE from linear PLA indicated the enhanced molecular entanglement between the long-branched chains, resulting in an enhancement of the stretching ability during biaxial drawing of the blend. Uniform PLA/GPOE-MPOE films with draw ratio as high as 7 × 7 were obtained through biaxial stretching, which showed much higher tensile strength and the elongation at break than that of neat PLA and PLA/POE film. This work provides a facile method for fabricating toughening PLA films with application potentials.

Our study aimed to investigate the associations between DEHP exposure and serum thyroid hormone levels in 347 adolescents and young adults. We measured DEHP metabolites including mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP), mono(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), and mono(2-carboxymethyl)hexyl phthalate (MCMHP) in their urine. Total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone and the mRNA levels of thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin (TG), sodium iodide symporter (NIS), thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1), and paired box gene 8 (PAX-8) in serum were measured. The results of statistical analysis showed that urinary DEHP metabolites were generally negatively associated with TT4 levels in serum. In the males, the FT4 levels showed positive associations with urinary MEHP, MECPP, MCMHP, and ∑DEHP. The mRNA level of TG was significantly positively correlated with the levels of MECPP, MCMHP, and ∑DEHP, while the levels of TTF-1 and PAX-8 mRNA were significantly positively correlated with the levels of DEHP metabolites. Taken together, DEHP may affect the synthesis of TG by altering the normal transcription of TTF-1 and PAX-8, leading to decreased TT4 levels in Chinese adolescents.

Poly(ethylene glycol) diamine 1,1’-disubstituted ferrocene was utilized as a size-com-plementary site to synthesize lower coverage pseudopolyrotaxanes (pPRs) from self-assemblies with β- and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs). After end-capping β-CD pPRs using N-(triphenylmethyl)glycine (Trt-Gly-OH), an exact β-CD [3]polyrotaxane (PR) was created. However, an unexpected γ-CD [2]PR and a predictive chain folded stranded γ-CD pPR were identified from end-capped γ-CD pPRs. After end-capping a β-CD pPR self-assembled from β-CDs with amine terminated PEG containing ferrocene as a site-complementary site using Trt-Gly-OH, an exact β-CD [3]PR is invariably created. However, an unexpected γ-CD [2]PR and a predictive chain folded stranded γ-CD pPR are identified from end-capping γ-CD pPRs with Trt-Gly-OH.

In this study, an N-chloramide-modified reactive copolymer, chlorinated poly (4-vinylbenzenesulfonamide-co-methyl methacrylate) (PVMCl), was designed and synthesized for rapid and efficient detoxif...

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) is an additive manufacturing technology in which a fused filament is deposited in a controlled manner over or adjoining previous deposited filaments, leading to construction of a structural part. This study aims to characterise the extent of fusion bonding between individual filaments using printed single-layer films, which helps understand the process–structure–property relationship, optimising process parameters (i.e. deposition speed and extrusion temperature) involved in the FFF process. For a brittle polylactic acid (PLA) and a ductile polypropylene (PP), single-layer double-edge notched tensile (DENT) specimens with sharp cracks parallel to the deposition direction was fabricated using FFF of different extrusion temperatures (from 200 °C to 260 °C) and deposition speeds (from 30 mm/s to 90 mm/s). The fracture toughness (Kc), defined as the critical stress intensity factor at the critical load for brittle fracture of PLA and the specific essential work of fracture (we), as an indicator of the fracture toughness for ductile fracture of PP, were characterised. The results demonstrate that this methodology proved to be an effective tool to identify the effects of process parameters on fusion bonding in the FFF process, showing the strong sensitivity of fracture toughness, either KC for PLA or we for PP, to the extent of fusion bonding between individual filaments.

NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis is a proinflammatory programmed cell death pathway, which plays a vital role in functional outcomes after stroke. We previously described the beneficial effects of curcumin against stroke-induced neuronal damage through modulating microglial polarization. However, the impact of curcumin on microglial pyroptosis remains unknown. Here, stroke was modeled in mice by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 60 minutes and treated with curcumin (150 mg/kg) intraperitoneally immediately after reperfusion, followed by daily administrations for 7 days. Curcumin ameliorated white matter (WM) lesions and brain tissue loss 21 days poststroke and improved sensorimotor function 3, 10, and 21 days after stroke. Furthermore, curcumin significantly reduced the number of gasdermin D+ (GSDMD+) Iba1+ and caspase-1+Iba1+ microglia/macrophage 21 days after stroke. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with ATP treatment was used to induce pyroptosis in primary microglia. Western blot revealed a decrease in pyroptosis-related proteins, e.g., GSDMD-N, cleaved caspase-1, NLRP3, IL-1β, and IL-18, following in vitro or in vivo curcumin treatment. Mechanistically, both in vivo and in vitro studies confirmed that curcumin inhibited the activation of the NF-κB pathway. NLRP3 knocked down by siRNA transfection markedly increased the inhibitory effects of curcumin on microglial pyroptosis and proinflammatory responses, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, stereotaxic microinjection of AAV-based NLRP3 shRNA significantly improved sensorimotor function and reduced WM lesion following curcumin treatment in MCAO mice. Our study suggested that curcumin reduced stroke-induced WM damage, improved functional outcomes, and attenuated microglial pyroptosis, at least partially, through suppression of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, further supporting curcumin as a potential therapeutic drug for stroke.

Morin is a natural compound isolated from moraceae family members and has been reported to possess a range of pharmacological activities. However, the effects of morin on bone-associated disorders and the potential mechanism remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the anti-osteoclastogenic effect of morin in vitro and the potential therapeutic effects on ovariectomy (OVX)-induced osteoporosis in vivo. In vitro, by using a bone marrow macrophage-derived osteoclast culture system, we determined that morin attenuated receptor activator of nuclear factor (NF)-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast formation via the inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), NF-κB and calcium pathways. In addition, the subsequent expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1) and c-fos was significantly suppressed by morin. In addition, NFATc1 downregulation led to the reduced expression of osteoclastogenesis-related marker genes, such as V-ATPase-d2 and Integrin β3. In vivo, results provided that morin could effectively attenuate OVX-induced bone loss in C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that morin suppressed RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis via the NF-κB, MAPK and calcium pathways, in addition, its function of preventing OVX-induced bone loss in vivo, which suggested that morin may be a potential therapeutic agent for postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment.

BACKGROUND Exposure to a maternal high-fat diet (HFD) predisposes offspring to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to explore whether milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) supplementation during suckling exerts a long-term protective effect on hepatic lipid metabolism in adult offspring exposed to maternal HFD. METHODS We fed 5-week-old female C57BL/6J mice either a HFD (60% kcal fat) or control diet (CD; 16.7% kcal fat) for 3 weeks before mating, as well as throughout gestation and lactation. After delivery, male offspring from HFD dams were supplemented with 1 g/(kg body weight·day) MFGM (HFD + MFGM group) or the same volume of vehicle (HFD group) during suckling. Male offspring from CD dams were also supplemented with vehicle during suckling (CD group). All offspring were weaned onto CD for 8 weeks. Histopathology, metabolic parameters, lipogenic level, oxidative stress, and mitochondria function in the liver were analyzed. A 1-way ANOVA and a Kruskal-Wallis test were used for multi-group comparisons. RESULTS As compared to the CD group, the HFD group had more lipid droplets in livers, and exhibited ∼100% higher serum triglycerides, ∼38% higher hepatic triglycerides, ∼75% higher serum aspartate aminotransferase, and ∼130% higher fasting blood glucose (P

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber/zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA)-samarium methacrylate (Sm(MA)3) rare earth complex as seals were prepared via in-situ formation of Sm(MA)3 to partially rep...

Thyroid‐associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is a serious, progressive, vision‐threatening and difficult‐to‐treat organ‐specific autoimmune disease. The course, therapeutic effects and prognosis of moderate to severe TAO vary greatly. High‐dose intravenous glucocorticoid (IVGC) therapy is considered a first‐line treatment for active moderate‐to‐severe TAO, but there is still insufficient evidence regarding the treatment duration. Long‐term IVGC therapy can influence the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and bone. This study was designed to compare changes in metabolic and immunological indexes as well as the magnetic resonance imaging apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of the extraocular muscles after 4 and 12 weeks of IVGC therapy. Forty‐eight patients with active moderate‐to‐severe TAO were included in this retrospective cohort study. Metabolism and immunological indexes were measured before and after therapy. The ADC and clinical activity score (CAS) were used to evaluate the efficacy of treatment in these patients. We found that the patients in the 12‐week group had increased fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.004), glycated hemoglobin (p = 0.028), total cholesterol (p

Qi-Xing Tian,1,* Zhi-Hui Zhang,1,* Qing-Lin Ye,1 Shen Xu,1 Qian Hong,1 Wei-Yang Xing,1 Lei Chen,1 De-Xin Yu,1 De-Xiang Xu,2,3 Dong-Dong Xie1 1Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People’s Republic of China; 3Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: De-Xiang XuDepartment of Toxicology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 138 6674 1832Email xudex@126.comDong-Dong XieDepartment of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, People’s Republic of ChinaTel +86 138 6670 0010Email xiedd_urology@163.comPurpose: Gram-negative bacteria are usually found in prostate cancer (PCa) tissues. This study aims to investigate the role of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a glycolipid compound found in the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria, on the migration and invasion of PCa cells, and to evaluate the protective effect of melatonin.Materials and Methods: DU145, PC-3 and LNCaP cells were incubated with LPS in the presence or absence of melatonin. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to analyze migration and invasion of PCa cells. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to assess the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. Co-IP was used to analyze β-catenin ubiquitination.Results: Our results showed that LPS promoted migration and invasion of PCa cells. In addition, LPS stimulated inflammatory reaction and induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PCa cells by activating several TLR4 downstream pathways. Specifically, LPS promoted NF-κB/IL-6/STAT3 signal transduction. In addition, LPS upregulated phosphorylation levels of cytoplasmic AKTSer473 and GSK-3βSer9. Moreover, LPS induced phosphorylation of GSK-3βSer9 in the “disruption complex”, and then inhibited phosphorylation and ubiquitination of cytoplasmic β-catenin, leading to β-catenin nuclear translocation. Interestingly, melatonin inhibited invasion and migration not only in LPS-stimulated but also in LPS-unstimulated PCa cells. Melatonin suppressed PCa cells migration and invasion by blocking EMT mediated by IL-6/STAT3, AKT/GSK-3β and β-catenin pathways.Conclusion: This study provides evidence that melatonin inhibits migration and invasion through blocking multiple TLR4 downstream EMT-associated pathways both in LPS-stimulated and -unstimulated PCa cells. Our results provide new insights into the role of bacterial infection in PCa metastasis and a potential therapeutic agent.Keywords: β-catenin, EMT, lipopolysaccharide, melatonin, prostate cancer

Metallothionein (MT1M) belongs to a family of cysteine-rich cytosolic protein and has been reported to be a tumor suppressor gene in multiple cancers. However, its role in esophageal carcinoma carcinogenesis remains unclear. In this study, MT1M expression was correlated with tumor type, stage, drinking and smoking history, as well as patient survival. We also studied the regulation and biological function of MT1M in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). We have found that MT1M is significantly downregulated in ESCC tissues compared with adjacent non-cancer tissues. Furthermore, restoration of expression by treatment with the demethylation agent A + T showed that MT1M downregulation might be closely related to hypermethylation in its promoter region. Over-expression of MT1M in ESCC cells significantly altered cell morphology, induced apoptosis, and reduced colony formation, cell viability, migration and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, a superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) activity assay and protein analysis, we verified that the tumor-suppressive function of MT1M was at least partially caused by its upregulation of ROS levels, downregulation of SOD1 activity and phosphorylation of the SOD1 downstream pathway PI3K/AKT. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that MT1M was a novel tumor-suppressor in ESCC and may be disrupted by promoter CpG methylation during esophageal carcinogenesis.

In this experiment, a new amphiphilic chitosan-poly(lactide) graft copolymer was synthesized and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, XRD, TGA. The obtained chitosan-poly (lactide) graft copolymer was used as the matrix material to prepare nanodroplets (NDs) encapsulating with liquid PFP by double-emulsion and solvent evaporation method. The resulting NDs were characterized by photon correlation spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The biocompatibility was explored by cytotoxicity assay, cell migration assay and blood biochemistry analysis. The experiments of ultrasonic imaging in vitro and in vivo were carried out with a B-mode clinical ultrasound imaging system. The results of FI-IR and 1H-NMR confirmed the successful grafting reaction of polylactic acid(PLLA) to chitosan with a graft rate of 365%. The average size of the NDs was 101.1 ± 2.7 nm, with the polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.127 ± 0.020, and the zeta potential was −31.8 ± 1.5 mV. From the TEM results, NDs were highly dispersed and had a spherical shape with a distinct capsule structure. The NDs exhibited good stability during storage at 4°C. The NDs solution with different concentrations did not affect cell growth and showed good biocompatibility in cytotoxicity, cell migration and blood biochemistry studies. Under the irradiation of ultrasonic waves, the NDs formed an ultrasonic high signal, which could significantly enhance the ultrasound imaging of tumor tissue in vivo. Taken together, the NDs hold great potential for ultrasound imaging as a nanosized contrast agent.

For achieving a well-miscible and highly enhanced polyethylene/ultrahigh-molecular-weight polyethylene (PE/UHMWPE) blend, which is an important blend for polyolefin materials with wide applications, tailored bonded interfacial intermolecular entanglement between the two phases was innovatively constructed via a facile reactive melt process through reaction between epoxy and carboxyl groups grafted onto polymer chains. The UHMWPE phase with obvious decreasing size and distribution was tightly embedded in a PE matrix, and the interfacial transition area increased dramatically, leading to forming a homogeneous and miscible blend. Meanwhile, the viscoelasticity and molecular entanglement density were improved remarkably, indicating an enhanced interfacial intermolecular diffusion, and a tight and robust dual network structure with covalent linkage and intermolecular entanglements was constructed in the blend. Obvious deformation with regular striation and many pulling-out UHMWPE fibrils were observed on an impact-fractured surface, and mechanical strength/toughness of the blend was remarkably enhanced. Furthermore, the wear rate and the friction coefficient were reduced significantly, and the worn surface presented smooth and flat features, confirming highly improved mechanical and tribological properties of the blend. This work provided a facile method to fabricate an enhanced PE/UHMWPE blend with application potential.

Jianchang Qian,1,* Sihui Yin,1,* Lin Ye,1 Zhe Wang,2 Sheng Shu,1,3 Zhenxin Mou,1,3 Mingjiang Xu,1 Nipon Chattipakorn,4 Zhiguo Liu,1 Guang Liang1,3,5 1Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 3School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China; 4Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand; 5Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Guang Liang; Zhiguo LiuChemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86-577-86699396Email wzmcliangguang@163.com; lzgcnu@163.comAim: Elevated inflammatory signaling has been shown to play an important role in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). We previously developed a new anti-inflammatory compound LG4. In the present study, we have tested the hypothesis that LG4 could prevent DKD by suppressing inflammation and identified the underlying mechanism.Methods: Streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetic mice were used to develop DKD and evaluate the effects of LG4 against DKD. To identify the potential targets of LG4, biotin-linked LG4 was synthesized and subjected to proteome microarray screening. The cellular mechanism of LG4 was investigated in HG-challenged SV40MES13 cells.Results: Although LG4 treatment had no effect on the body weight and blood glucose levels, it remarkably reversed the hyperglycemia-induced pathological changes and fibrosis in the kidneys of T1DM mice. Importantly, hyperglycemia-induced renal inflammation evidenced by NF-κB activation and TNFα and IL-6 overexpression was greatly ameliorated with LG4 treatment. Proteosome microarray screening revealed that JNK and ERK were the direct binding proteins of LG4. LG4 significantly reduced HG-induced JNK and ERK phosphorylation and subsequent NF-κB activation in vivo and in vitro. In addition, LG4 did not show further anti-inflammatory effect in HG-challenged mesangial cells with the presence of JNK or ERK inhibitor.Conclusion: LG4 showed renoprotective activity through inhibiting ERK/JNK-mediated inflammation in diabetic mice, indicating that LG4 may be a therapeutic agent for DKD.Keywords: indole-2-carboxamide derivative, diabetic kidney disease, inflammation, MAPK, NF-κB

Zoning texture in sphalerite has been described in many studies, although its genesis and ore formation process are poorly constrained. In this investigation, we compare the in situ trace element and isotopic composition of colour-zoned sphalerites from Nayongzhi, South China, to explain the zoning growth process. Petrographic observations identified two broad types of zoned sphalerite, core–rim (CR) and core–mantle–rim (CMR) textures. Each zoned sphalerite displays two or three colour zones, including brown core, light colour bands and/or pale-yellow zones. In situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry trace-element analyses show that the three colour zones display variable trace-element compositions. Brown cores exhibit distinctly high Mn, Fe, Co, Ge, Tl and Pb concentrations, whereas pale-yellow and light colour zones have elevated Ga, Cd, Sn, In and Sb concentrations. Copper, Sb, In and Sn show slight variations between pale-yellow and light zones, the latter having higher In and Sn, but lower Cu and Sb abundances. Given the low concentration range of Pb, Ge, Tl, Mn Sb, Cd, etc., the colour of sphalerite is attributed mainly to Fe compositional variation. The δ34S values of sphalerite from Nayongzhi range from +22.3 to +27.9‰, suggesting reduced sulfur was generated by thermochemical sulfate reduction of marine sulfate in ore-hosted strata. Single-crystal colour-zoned sphalerite exhibits intracrystalline δ34S variation (up to 4.3‰), which is attributed to the δ34S composition of H2S in the original fluid. The lack of correlation between trace elements and δ34S values indicates episodic ore solution influxes and mixes with the reduced sulfur-rich fluid derived from the aquifers of the ore-hosted strata, which play a key role in the formation of the zoned Nayongzhi sphalerite. In conclusion, in situ trace element and S isotope studies of zoned sphalerite crystals might provide insight into the ore-forming process of MVT deposits.

Conversion-type NiO material is attractive due to its high theoretical capacity, and yet it displays inadequate reaction sites, a huge volume expansion, and a sluggish ions/electrons’ transport rat...

Herein, we construct Co1–x–yNixZny(CO3)0.5(OH)·0.11H2O nanoneedles–NiCo-layered double hydroxide (NiCo-LDH) nanosheet hierarchical architecture on vulcanized Ni foam (Ni3S2-NF) based on a multistep...

Understanding structural responses of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to external stimuli such as the inclusion of guest molecules and temperature/pressure has gained increasing attention in many applications, for example, manipulation and manifesto smart materials for gas storage, energy storage, controlled drug delivery, tunable mechanical properties, and molecular sensing, to name but a few. Herein, neutron and synchrotron diffractions along with Rietveld refinement and density functional theory calculations have been used to elucidate the responsive adsorption behaviors of defect-rich Zr-based MOFs upon the progressive incorporation of ammonia (NH3) and variable temperature. UiO-67 and UiO-bpydc containing biphenyl dicarboxylate and bipyridine dicarboxylate linkers, respectively, were selected, and the results establish the paramount influence of the functional linkers on their NH3 affinity, which leads to stimulus-tailoring properties such as gate-controlled porosity by dynamic linker flipping, disorder, and structural rigidity. Despite their structural similarities, we show for the first time the dramatic alteration of NH3 adsorption profiles when the phenyl groups are replaced by the bipyridine in the organic linker. These molecular controls stem from controlling the degree of H-bonding networks/distortions between the bipyridine scaffold and the adsorbed NH3 without significant change in pore volume and unit cell parameters. Temperature-dependent neutron diffraction also reveals the NH3-induced rotational motions of the organic linkers. We also demonstrate that the degree of structural flexibility of the functional linkers can critically be affected by the type and quantity of the small guest molecules. This strikes a delicate control in material properties at the molecular level.

Heterotrophic denitrification is widely applied in wastewater treatment processes to remove nitrate. However, the ability of the heterotrophic denitrifying sludge to use inorganic matter as electron donors to perform autotrophic denitrification has rarely been investigated. In this study, we enriched heterotrophic denitrifying sludge and demonstrated its sulfur- and iron- oxidizing abilities and denitrification performance with batch experiments. Based on high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes, high diversity and abundance of sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) (e.g., Sulfuritalea, Thiobacillus, and Thiothrix) and iron (II)-oxidizing bacteria (FeOB) (e.g., Azospira and Thiobacillus) were observed. Metagenomic sequencing and genome binning results further suggested that the SOB in the heterotrophic denitrifying sludge were mainly Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria instead of Gammaproteobacteria and Epsilonproteobacteria. The similarities of potential iron-oxidizing genes with known sequences were very low (32-51%), indicating potentially novel FeOB species in this system. The findings of this study suggested that the heterotrophic denitrifying sludge harbors diverse mixotrophic denitrifying bacterial species, and based on this finding, we proposed that organic carbon and inorganic electron donors (e.g., sulfur, thiosulfate, and iron) could be jointly used in engineering practices according to the quality and quantity of wastewater to balance the cost and efficiency of the denitrification process.

Through the dual-anchoring effect, hydroxyapatite (HA) molecules were intercalated into graphene oxide (GO) layers to form a GO–PEG–HA hybrid, and PVA/GO–PEG–HA nanocomposite hydrogels were prepare...

The Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Pb-Zn metallogenic province (SYGMP) is an important region for Pb-Zn resources in China. However, considerable controversy remains as to whether the Pb-Zn deposits are Mississippi Valley Type (MVT). The Maozu deposit, a typical example of the carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn deposits in the SYGMP, occurs in the late Ediacaran Dengying Formation and its ore bodies are divided into three types: lower layer (LL), vein layer (VL), and upper layer (UL) ore bodies based on their spatial relationship. In this study, laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was used to systematically analyze the trace-element compositions of sphalerite and galena in these three ore bodies. The results show that sphalerite is characterized by Cd and Ge enrichment; Fe, Mn, and Co depletion; and local In and Sn enrichment. Most of these elements likely appear as solid solutions in sphalerite and show a wide compositional variation, which is probably related to the medium- and low-temperature mixing of the ore-forming fluids. The local enrichment of In and Sn is likely attributed to the long-distance migration of ore-forming fluids through In-Sn-bearing volcaniclastic rocks. In vs. Sn and (Cu + Sb) vs. (Ag + Ge) show strong correlations and similar element distribution in the mapped images, indicating that these elements may be incorporated into sphalerite via a coupled substitution for Zn as 2In3+ + Sn4+ + 2☐ ↔ 5Zn2+ (☐ = vacancies) and 4(Cu+ + Sb3+) + (Ge4+ + 2Ag+) + 2☐ ↔ 13Zn2+. Galena is enriched in Ag and Sb with minor Cd and Se and depleted in Bi, and most of the elements may occur as solid solutions. Ag vs. Sb in galena displays a strong positive correlation, implying the coupled substitution of Ag+ + Sb3+ ↔ 2Pb2+. Notably, the majority of the trace-element concentrations gradually decrease in the order LL → UL except Fe, Co, Cu, and Ge, while Fe, In, and Sn in sphalerite and Ag and Sb in galena have the highest concentration in the VL, indicating that the VL is a secondary migration channel for the ore-forming fluids. Furthermore, the trace-element compositions of the sulfides in the Maozu Pb-Zn deposit are consistent with the typical MVT deposit (hosted in the carbonate sequence) but are markedly different from sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX), volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) and skarn-type deposits. Based on these results, as well as the geological and geochemical characteristics of the deposit, the Maozu Pb-Zn deposit is an MVT deposit.

The extent and quality, i.e. consistency, of the fusion bonding between filaments that occurs during the fused filament fabrication (FFF) process play an important role in determining the mechanical performance of 3D printed polymeric parts. This present research is designed to quantify these parameters of the fusion bonding between individual filaments deposited during the 3D printing process. Polyamide 6 (PA6) specimens were prepared from both 3D printed single-layer and single-filament films. Also, to provide a benchmark material, 3D printed PA6 films prepared by the FFF process were further processed by using compression moulding (CM) to investigate whether the fusion bonding could be enhanced. An essential work of fracture method was employed to evaluate the fusion bonding between the filaments by determining the value of the specific essential work of fracture, we, and the associated experimental reproducibility. The higher value of we, and the relatively low degree of scatter determined for the benchmark material revealed that the extent and quality of fusion bonding attained when using only the FFF process clearly needed to be improved when parts are fabricated for practical applications. To study the effect of temperature on the fusion bonding, the structural detail and fracture surfaces of thin polymer films were studied, with the thermal history of the deposited filaments also being measured using a thermal camera.

As a specific microvascular complication of diabetes, diabetic retinopathy (DR) causes severe visual impairment in patients with diabetes. The expression of microRNA‑126 (miRNA/miR‑126) has previously been found to be significantly decreased in the serum of patients with DR. In the present study, the functions of miR‑126 and its mechanisms of action in experimental diabetic retinopathy were examined in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)‑induced diabetes and in high glucose (HG)‑induced human retinal capillary endothelial cells (HRCECs). In vivo, diabetic rat models were established and the rats were intravitreally injected with lentivirus expressing rno‑miR‑126 (lenti‑miR‑126) or negative control (lenti‑NC). RT‑qPCR was used to determine the miR‑126 level in the serum and retina. Paraffin sections and retinal vasculature were used to determine the extent of retinopathy. The protein content of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and pigment epithelium‑derived factor (PEDF) in the retina was used as an auxiliary measurement of retinopathy. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were used to measure the expression of polo‑like kinase 4 (PLK4) in rat retinal tissue. In vitro, the cells were transfected with miR‑126 inhibitor or mimic and treated with the PLK4 inhibitor, CFI‑400945 fumarate. RT‑qPCR and western blot analysis were used to detect the miR‑126 level and PLK4 expression. Cell proliferation and migration were measured by EdU and Transwell assays. The diabetic rats were found to exhibit downregulated serum and retinal miR‑126 levels compared with the non‑diabetic rats. The intravitreal delivery of miR‑126 alleviated retinopathy and reduced the diabetes‑induced upregulation of PLK4 in retinal tissues. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PLK4 mRNA was the target of miR‑126. In HG‑induced HRCECs, transfection with miR‑126 mimic increased the miR‑126 level, whereas it downregulated that of its downstream target, PLK4, which was opposite to the effects exerted by the miR‑126 inhibitor. Furthermore, miR‑126 mimic and CFI‑400945 fumarate reduced the HG‑induced upregulation of PLK4 expression, as well as cell proliferation and migration. On the whole, the findings of the present study demonstrate that miR‑126 reduces experimental diabetic retinopathy and suppresses endothelial cell proliferation and migration by targeting PLK4. Thus, miR‑126 and CFI‑400945 fumarate may be therapeutic targets for DR.

Aim: To explore the biological functions and clinical significance of CAVIN2 in lung cancer. Materials & methods: Methylation-specific PCR was used to measure promoter methylation of CAVIN2. The function of CAVIN2 was tested by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, Transwell, flow cytometric analysis, acridine orange/ethidium bromide, chemosensitivity assay and xenograft assay. Results: CAVIN2 is significantly downregulated by promoter methylation in lung cancer. CAVIN2 overexpression inhibits lung cancer cell migration and invasion. Furthermore, ectopic expression of CAVIN2 inhibits cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest, which sensitizes the chemosensitivity of lung cancer cells to paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil, but not cisplatin. Conclusion: CAVIN2 is a tumor suppressor in non-small-cell lung cancer and can sensitize lung cancer cells to paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil.

BACKGROUND MicroRNA-145 (miR-145) has been shown to play a critical role in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury; however, the expression and function of miR-145 in lung I/R injury have not been reported yet. This study aimed to elucidate the potential effects of miR-145 in lung I/R injury. METHODS Lung I/R mice models and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell models were established. The expression of miR-145 and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) was measured with reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis in mouse lung tissue and cells. Artificial modulation of miR-145 and SIRT1 (downregulation) was done in I/R mice and H/R cells. Additionally, Pao2/FiO2 ratio, wet weight-to-dry weight ratio, and cell apoptosis in mouse lung tissues were determined by blood gas analyzer, electronic balance, and deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling assay, respectively. Autophagy marker Beclin 1 and LC3 expression, NF-κB acetylation levels, and autophagy bodies were detected in cell H/R and mouse I/R models by Western blot analysis. pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell apoptosis was detected with flow cytometry. RESULTS miR-145 was abundantly expressed in the lung tissue of mice and PMVECs following I/R injury. In addition, miR-145 directly targeted SIRT1, which led to significantly decreased Pao2/FiO2 ratio and increased wet weight-to-dry weight ratio, elevated acetylation levels and transcriptional activity of NF-κB, upregulated expressions of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukins-6, and Beclin 1, autophagy bodies, cell apoptosis, as well as LC3-II/LC3I ratio. CONCLUSIONS In summary, miR-145 enhances autophagy and aggravates lung I/R injury by promoting NF-κB transcriptional activity via SIRT1 expression.

The Maoping Pb–Zn deposit (~ 3 Mt Pb + Zn reserves with grades of 12–30 wt%) is one of the largest Pb–Zn deposits in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou (SYG) metallogenic province, which has contributed a tremendous amount of lead and zinc resources for China. To obtain a further understanding of the sources of ore-forming materials and ore genesis of the deposit, S–Pb isotopes of sulfides and C–O isotopes of ore-stage calcites were systematically collected from representative orebodies at different elevations with a Finnigan MAT-253 mass spectrometer. The calcites separated from the sulfides of the No I and No II orebodies shared identical δ13CPDB values (− 5.3 to − 0.8 ‰) and δ18OSMOW values (+ 14.5 to + 21.8 ‰) with those of the calcites in the SYG region, suggesting that CO2 in regional ore-forming fluids possibly had a homologous C–O source that originated from a ternary mixture of the dissolution of marine carbonate rocks, degassing process of the Emeishan mantle plume, and dehydroxylation of sedimentary organic matter. The No. I-1 and No. I-2 orebody was hosted in the same strata, but the sulfur source of No. I-1 orebody (+ 13.1 to + 19.0 ‰) with equilibrated sulfur fractionation (δ34Ssphalerite δ34Sgalena) were different. They were derived from the allopatry thermochemical sulfate reduction (TSR) of overlying Carboniferous sulfates in the ore-hosting strata and local TSR of sulfates in the ore-bearing Upper Devonian Zaige Formation, respectively. The narrow and uniform Pb isotopic ratios of single galena grains collected from sulfides with 206Pb/204Pb of 18.713–18.759, 207Pb/204Pb of 15.772–15.776 and 208Pb/204Pb of 39.383–39.467 indicate a well-mixed metal source(s) that consist of Proterozoic Kunyang and Huili Group basement rocks and Devonian to Middle Permian ore-hosting sedimentary rocks. Besides, the late Permian Emeishan basalts are difficult to contribute metals for regional Pb–Zn mineralization despite a closely spatial relationship with the distribution of the Pb–Zn deposit. This is supported by Pb isotopic ratios plotting above the average upper crustal Pb evolution curves and staying far away from that of the age-corrected Emeishan basalts. Hence, taking into account of the similarities in tectonic setting, ore-hosting rock, ore assemblage, wall rock alteration, ore-controlling structure, and ore-forming materials and the differences in relationship with regional magmatism, fluid inclusion characteristic and ore grade between the Maoping deposit and typical MVT Pb–Zn deposit, the ore genesis of the Maoping deposit should be an MVT like Pb–Zn deposit.

A series of mesoporous Ta and Ta-W oxides have been prepared and employed as solid acid catalysts for the dehydration of fructose and glucose to 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Solid state 31P MAS NMR spectroscopic results using trimethylphosphine (TMP) as a probe molecule show that the acid strength and the ratio of Bronsted to Lewis acid sites increase gradually with the addition of tungsten in tantalum oxide. It is found that high sugar conversion and HMF selectivity are achieved over catalyst with relatively high ratios of Bronsted to Lewis acid sites. Unexpected stoichiometric excess of formic acid relative to levulinic acid can be observed mainly because of direct decomposition of fructose over Lewis acid sites. The addition of 2-butanol leads to the increase of sugars conversion and the HMF selectivity, especially for the catalyst with high ratio of Bronsted to Lewis acid sites. Among them, Ta7W3 oxide catalyst shows 54% HMF selectivity and good reusability with the addition of 2-butanol by extracting HMF from aqueous phase and removing humins deposed on the surface of the catalyst.

For achieving long duration and high efficiency of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts, the key mainly lies in constructing porous structures, improving conductivity, and tailoring chemical...

With an increasing requirement for clean, efficient, and sustainable energy-storage devices, exploiting stable and high-performance electrode materials attracted the strong interests of researchers. Herein, hierarchical core–shell MnO2 nanotubes@nickel–cobalt–zinc hydroxide (NiCoZn-OH) nanosheets are fabricated via employment of the metal–organic framework (MOF)-template route. Such hollow MnO2 nanotubes exist in internal core area, and the outer ultrathin NiCoZn-OH nanosheets are mechanically supported, thus constructing open, porous, and robust electrode architecture. The emphasis of our research focuses on the ingredient optimization and morphology regulation of electrode materials, thereby significantly depressing the agglomeration of electrode and meliorating the exposed active sites. Therefore, such MnO2@NiCoZn-OH electrode is featured with superior capacitance performance (1569.1 F g–1 at 1 A g–1) and high rate performance (54% retention at 30 A g–1). Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) is fabricated. The ASC device presents superior capacitance of 130.7 F g–1 at 1 A g–1, high energy density (49.4 Wh kg–1 at 842.7 W kg–1), and excellent capacitance retention of 91.3% retention after 10 000 cycles. In general, a supercapacitive electrode with superior electrochemical performance is gained, which guides us to boosting supercapacitive performance via a structure regulation route.

A Gram-stain-negative, short-rod-shaped and pink-pigmented bacterial strain (HB172049T) was isolated from mangrove sediment. Cells grew at 10–45 °C (optimum, 30 °C), pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0) and with 0.5–9.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 2–5 %). Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that the isolate had highest sequence similarities to Pontibacter mucosus DSM 100162T (96.5 %) and Pontibacter korlensis X14-1T (96.5 %). The values of average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization between the isolate and its close neighbours were, respectively, less than 80.1, 81.7 and 23.2 %. Chemotaxonomic analysis indicated that the sole respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the predominant cellular fatty acids were summed feature 4 and iso-C15 : 0 (42.2 and 24.6 %, respectively). The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified glycolipid, one unidentified phospholipid, one unidentified aminophospholipid and two unidentified polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content was 52.6 mol%. Based on polyphasic taxonomic characterization, it is proposed that strain HB172049T belongs to the genus Pontibacter and represents a novel species, for which the name Pontibacter mangrovi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HB172049T (=CGMCC 1.16729T=JCM 33333T).