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The cellulose-based materials are new types of advanced materials combining pristine cellulose with functional materials for specific applications. In this study, a novel cotton fiber (CF)–covalent organic framework (COF) hybrid monolith was prepared for the efficient capture of iodine in vapor and solution. The cotton fibers were first modified with (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane via silylation reaction to generate amino functions on the surface of the fibers, and then the COFs grafted subsequently. The obtained CF/COF hybrid monolith has been characterized by infrared spectra, powder X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscope, thermo-gravimetric analysis, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis, and then it was used as adsorbent for removing iodine. The grafting of COFs on the cotton fiber matrix was calculated to be about 12.28 wt%, which increased the BET specific surface area of the cotton fiber from 1.9 to 166 m2/g. The CF/COF monolith displayed excellent capture ability for iodine vapor with adsorption capacity up to 823.9 mg/g, and it also showed remarkable adsorption ability for iodine in cyclohexane solution. The hybrid monolith can be easily regenerated by washing with methanol, and it showed good reusability. Moreover, the CF/COF monolith presented good thermal stability with a decomposition temperature above 300 °C. This strategy for combining COFs with cotton fibers will pave the way for the development of novel efficient adsorption materials for radioiodine during nuclear waste disposal.

By using a rapid cryogenic reaction, cotton fiber was covalently functionalized with imine-linked two-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (2D COFs), which was synthesized via an imine condensation reaction between 1,3,5-tris(4-aminophenyl)benzene and terephthaldehyde. The resulting functionalized cotton (COFs@cotton) was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, thermo-gravimetric analysis, nitrogen adsorption–desorption analysis and elemental analysis. The presence of a lot of imine functional groups in combination with dispersed mesoporous holes results in rapid adsorption rate and relatively high iodine affinity with uptake capacities up to 533.9 mg/g, which was much higher than that of untreated cotton. In addition, COFs@cotton also shows remarkable capability as absorbent for iodine in solution. The adsorbed iodine can be completely extracted from COFs@cotton by being washed with ethanol, permitting the simple reuse of adsorbent. This new functionalization approach can be applied to different kind of imine-linked COFs, and the corresponding adsorbents show more extensive practical application prospect for iodine capture.

BACKGROUND A growing number of studies have shown that long-chain non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important role in the progression of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). OBJECTIVES To explore the role and potential molecular mechanism of lncRNA PSMA3-AS1 in promoting the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC. MATERIAL AND METHODS The expression of PSMA3-AS1, miR-17-5p and PD-L1 in a human bronchial epithelial cell line, BEAS-2B, and NSCLC cell lines, H226 and A549, were detected with quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) or western blot. The PSMA3-AS1 shRNA transfection was used to reduce the expression of PSMA3-AS1. Double fluorescent enzyme reporting was used to detect the relationship between PSMA3-AS1, miR-17-5p and PD-L1. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), wound-healing and transwell assays, as well as western blot, were used to detect the expression of proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins in lung cancer cells. RESULTS The expression of PSMA3-AS1 in NSCLC cells was significantly higher than in human bronchial epithelial cells. The PSMA3-AS1 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. In addition, double fluorescent enzyme results showed that PSMA3-AS1 could competitively bind miR-17-5p to PD-L1. The expression of miR-17-5p is low in lung cancer cells, while the expression of PD-L1 in them is high. Overexpression of PD-L1 reversed the inhibitory effect of PSMA3-AS1 knockdown on the proliferation, migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS Generally speaking, PSMA3-AS1 is highly expressed in NSCLC. The PSMA3-AS1 can promote the proliferation, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells by regulating miR-17-5p/PD-L1.

The cloud albedo in the marine subtropical stratocumulus regions plays a key role in regulating the regional energy budget. Based on 12 years of monthly data from multiple satellite datasets, the long-term, monthly and seasonal cycle of averaged cloud albedo in five stratocumulus regions were investigated to intercompare the atmosphere-only simulations between phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP5 and AMIP6). Statistical results showed that the long-term regressed cloud albedos were underestimated in most AMIP6 models compared with the satellite-driven cloud albedos, and the AMIP6 models produced a similar spread as AMIP5 over all regions. The monthly averaged values and seasonal cycle of cloud albedo of AMIP6 ensemble mean showed a better correlation with the satellite-driven observations than that of the AMIP5 ensemble mean. However, the AMIP6 model still failed to reproduce the values and amplitude in some regions. By employing the Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications Version 2 (MERRA-2) data, this study estimated the relative contributions of different aerosols and meteorological factors on the long-term variation of marine stratocumulus cloud albedo under different cloud liquid water path (LWP) conditions. The multiple regression models can explain ∼ 65 % of the changes in the cloud albedo. Under the monthly mean LWP ≤ 65 g m−2, dust and black carbon dominantly contributed to the changes in the cloud albedo, while dust and sulfur dioxide aerosol contributed the most under the condition of 65 g m−2 < LWP ≤ 120 g m−2. These results suggest that the parameterization of cloud–aerosol interactions is crucial for accurately simulating the cloud albedo in climate models.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as one of the most common malignancies, which ranks third among all cancer-related deaths worldwide. Nintedanib is an orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitor that can treat CRC; however, drug resistance to nintedanib leads to unsatisfactory treatments for patients with CRC. The aim of the present study was to explore whether overexpression of miR-429 elevated the sensitivity of CRC cells to nintedanib by downregulating dual specificity protein phosphatase 4 (DUSP4). The nintedanib-resistant CRC cell model was established via the treatment of cells with nintedanib in a dose-dependent manner. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of miR-429 and DUSP4, and to confirm the transfection efficiency of miR-429 mimic and DUSP4 overexpression plasmid. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was utilized to measure the inhibition rate of cells. Western blotting was conducted to observe the expression levels of DUSP4 protein, apoptosis-related proteins and proteins related to the JNK signaling pathway. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to evaluate luciferase activity and TUNEL assay was conducted to detect the apoptosis of cells. The results revealed that miR-429 mimic elevated the sensitivity of CRC cells to nintedanib. Moreover, by ENCORI prediction, DUSP4 was identified as a target gene of miR-429, and overexpression of DUSP4 reversed the inducing effect of miR-429 overexpression on the sensitivity of CRC cells to nintedanib. In conclusion, overexpression of miR-429 may elevate the sensitivity of CRC cells to nintedanib through inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway by targeting DUSP4. These findings may aid in the prevention of drug resistance of CRC cells to nintedanib.

A new microporous β-cyclodextrin polymer (MP-CDP) was prepared for the simultaneous solid-phase extraction (SPE) of bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol AF (BPAF). The MP-CDP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-phase 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, thermo-gravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption and desorption analysis. Results indicated that the MP-CDP had micron-level particle size, microporous structure, a high BET surface area, and a high product yield. Adsorption tests showed that the MP-CDP sorbent had high adsorption ability and fast binding kinetics for bisphenols. Moreover, the MP-CDP presented high extraction efficiencies, high enrichment factor, good reusability and good batch-to-batch reproducibility for SPE of bisphenols. Based on the MP-CDP sorbent, a SPE-HPLC-UV method was developed and successfully applied to simultaneously detect three bisphenols in water samples and orange juice with the recoveries of 95.7–106.3% (RSD = 2.0–5.2%) for BPF, 92.9–107.0% (RSD = 1.5–5.1%) for BPA, and 96.0–103.5% (RSD = 1.7–5.0%) for BPAF, respectively. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) and the limit of quantification (S/N = 10) for all bisphenols in these samples were 0.15 ng/mL and 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. The new MP-CDP can be potentially utilized as a good sorbent for simultaneous SPE of trace bisphenols in environmental water samples and beverages.

A type of TiO2/WO3-coated magnetic nanoparticles was prepared as catalyst for photodegradation of sixteen organic dyes. The catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometer, and zeta potential analysis. The tested dyes included seven reactive dyes, one metal-complex dye, two base dyes, two direct dyes, and four acidic azo dyes. The photodegradation test showed that, in the presence of catalyst, the degradation rates of dyes were relative to both their chemical structures and adsorption ability. The dyes containing chlorotriazinyl/carbamide group and showing high adsorption ability can be degraded more easily. Most of the tested dyes were degraded rapidly by catalyst under a simulated visible light. Moreover, all the dyes were completely decolorized and satisfactorily mineralized under direct irradiation of solar light. Furthermore, the randomly-chosen ten dyes were completely decolorized and satisfactorily mineralized in a short time of 77–275 min under a focused solar light. In addition, the catalyst can be easily recycled by a magnet with a good reusability. The new catalyst can be potentially utilized as a universal catalyst for degradation of different kind of dyes in water using solar light as an environmentally friendly and low-cost energy resource.

A type of quartz wool-supported surface dummy molecularly imprinted silica (QW@MIP) was prepared using bisphenol AF as the template molecule for solid-phase extraction of bisphenol A (BPA). The QW@MIP was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermo-gravimetric analysis. The adsorption tests showed that the QW@MIP had high-adsorption ability and a fast binding kinetics for BPA. When used as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) sorbent for BPA, the QW@MIP showed ease of packing SPE cartridge, low flow resistance, high extraction efficiency, high enrichment factor, and good reusability. Moreover, the dummy-imprinting technique used herein can effectively avoid the interference of residual template molecules in sorbent to determination of BPA. A new SPE method was developed using the QW@MIP sorbent, and then coupled with a high-performance liquid chromatography method, it was successfully applied to the detection of BPA spiked in water samples and orange juice and that in a certified sample with recoveries of 96.7–103.1% (RSD = 1.0–2.8%), 96.9–99.9% (RSD = 1.0–2.9%), and 99.2% (RSD = 0.5%), respectively. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) and limit of quantification (S/N = 10) for all samples were 0.05 and 0.17 ng mL−1, respectively. The QW@MIP can be potentially used as a good SPE sorbent for BPA in environmental water samples and beverages.

Mesoporous, high-surface-area Cu–Sn mixed-oxide nanorods were fabricated for the first time by nanocasting with the use of mesoporous KIT-6 silica as the hard template. The Cu–Sn nanorods are significantly more active than 1 % Pd/SnO2 for the oxidation of CO and possesses long-term durability and potent water resistance; they thus have the potential to replace noble metal catalysts for emission-control processes.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to explore the effects of NADPH oxidase 5 (NOX5) in high glucose-stimulated human glomerular mesangial cells (HMCs). MATERIAL AND METHODS Cells were cultured under normal glucose (NG) or high glucose (HG) conditions. Then, NOX5 siRNA was transfected into HG-treated HMCs. A Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, colony formation assay and 5-ethynyl-20-deoxyuridine (EDU) incorporation assay were applied to measure cell proliferative ability. In addition, the levels of oxidative stress factors including reactive oxygen species (ROS), malonaldehyde (MDA), NADPH, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1s, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in HMCs were detected by kits. Moreover, the expression of TLR4/NF-kappaB signaling and extracellular matrix (ECM) associated genes were evaluated by western blotting. RESULTS The results revealed that the NOX5 was overexpressed in HG-treated HMCs. Silencing of NOX5 decreased proliferation of HMCs induced by HG. And NOX5 silencing alleviated the production of MDA and NADPH accompanied by an increase of SOD and GSH-PX levels. Additionally, the contents of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1s, and MCP-1 were reduced after transfection with NOX5 siRNA. Furthermore, silencing of NOX5 deceased the expression of collagen I, collagen IV, TGF-s1, and fibronectin induced by HG stimulation. TLR4, MyD88, and phospho-NF-kappaB p65 expression were downregulated notably in NOX5 silencing group. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings demonstrated that inhibition of NOX5 attenuated HG-induced HMCs oxidative stress, inflammation, and ECM accumulation, suggesting that NOX5 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy (DN) treatment.

Sn-MFI catalysts with Si/Sn molar ratios from 33 to 133 were synthesized for NOx selective reduction by propane. SEM images of the samples showed that they consist of neat and uniform particles with different morphologies by varying the Si/Sn ratios. XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, DRUV-vis, FTIR and XPS analysis confirmed that the samples were of an MFI structure if the Si/Sn ratio is above 20, in which Sn was incorporated into the MFI framework. As a consequence, a large amount of Lewis acidic sites, mesopores and active surface oxygen species have been formed. The mesopores could facilitate the diffusion of the reactants and products, and the Lewis acidic sites are favourable for the formation of active NOx adsorbates. Therefore, compared with the whole silica Si-MFI (Silicalite-1), all of the Sn-MFI catalysts with an MFI structure show much improved NOx-SCR activity. Furthermore, Sn-MFI catalysts display potent resistance to both sulphur and water vapour deactivation, which makes them potential catalysts for real exhaust control.

A novel dummy molecularly imprinted magnetic nanoparticle (MI-MNP) was prepared by a hybrid imprinting technique for dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) and determination of bisphenol A (BPA). 2,2′-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-hexafluoropropane was used as the template molecule and Fe3O4 nanoparticle as the magnetic core. The MI-MNPs were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermo- gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer. The adsorption tests showed that the MI-MNPs had a high binding ability for BPA and presented a fast binding kinetics. When used as a d-SPE sorbent, the MI-MNP showed high extraction efficiency, high enrichment factor and good reusability for BPA, and it can be easily recycled by a magnet. Furthermore, the dummy imprinting strategy can completely avoid the interference of the residual template in sorbent to determination of BPA. Using the MI-MNPs as sorbent, a d-SPE-HPLC-UV method was developed and successfully applied to the analysis of BPA spiked in water samples and orange juice and that in a certified sample with recoveries of 95.0–106.2% (RSD=2.5–4.5%), 93.3–100.0% (RSD=1.2–5.0%) and 100.3% (RSD=3.5%), respectively. The limit of detection (S/N=3) for all samples was 0.3 ng mL−1. The new MI-MNPs can be utilized as a good d-SPE sorbent for BPA in environmental water samples and beverages.

Common neurodegenerative proteinopathies, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD), are characterized by the misfolding and aggregation of toxic protein species, including the amyloid beta (Aß) peptide, microtubule-associated protein Tau (Tau), and alpha-synuclein (αSyn) protein. These factors also show toxicity in Drosophila; however, potential limitations of prior studies include poor discrimination between effects on the adult versus developing nervous system and neuronal versus glial cell types. In addition, variable expression paradigms and outcomes hinder systematic comparison of toxicity profiles. Using standardized conditions and medium-throughput assays, we express human Tau, Aß or αSyn selectively in neurons of the adult Drosophila retina and monitor age-dependent changes in both structure and function, based on tissue histology and recordings of the electroretinogram (ERG), respectively. We find that each protein causes a unique profile of neurodegenerative pathology, demonstrating distinct and separable impacts on neuronal death and dysfunction. Strikingly, expression of Tau leads to progressive loss of ERG responses whereas retinal architecture and neuronal numbers are largely preserved. By contrast, Aß induces modest, age-dependent neuronal loss without degrading the retinal ERG. αSyn expression, using a codon-optimized transgene, is characterized by marked retinal vacuolar change, progressive photoreceptor cell death, and delayed-onset but modest ERG changes. Lastly, to address potential mechanisms, we perform transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to reveal potential degenerative changes at the ultrastructural level. Surprisingly, Tau and αSyn each cause prominent but distinct synaptotoxic profiles, including disorganization or enlargement of photoreceptor terminals, respectively. Our findings highlight variable and dynamic properties of neurodegeneration triggered by these disease-relevant proteins in vivo, and suggest that Drosophila may be useful for revealing determinants of neuronal dysfunction that precede cell loss, including synaptic changes, in the adult nervous system. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40478-016-0333-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Arsenic species in municipal landfill leachates (MLL) were investigated by HPLC–DRC–ICPMS and LC–ESI-MS/MS. Various arsenic species including arsenate (iAs V ), arsenite (iAs III ), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA V ), dimethylarsinic acid (DMA V ), as well as sulfur-containing organoarsenic species were detected. Two sulfur-containing arsenic species in a MLL were positively identified as dimethyldithioarsinic acid (DMDTA V ) and dimethylmonothioarsinic acid (DMMTA V ) by comparing their molecular ions, fragment patterns and sulfur/arsenic ratios with in-house synthesised thiol-organoarsenic compounds. The findings demonstrated the potential for transformation of DMA V to DMDTA V and DMMTA V in a DMA V -spiked MLL in a landfill leachate environment.

The function of iron (ferric (Fe(III)) and ferrous (Fe(II))) in the hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) reduction mechanism by bacteria in municipal landfill leachate (MLL) was assessed. Evidence of an "electron shuttle" mechanism was observed, whereby the Cr(VI) was reduced to trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) by Fe(II) with the resulting Fe(III) bacterially re-reduced to Fe(II). Typically, investigations on this electron shuttle mechanism have been performed in an artificial medium. As MLL comprises an elaborate mixture of bacteria, humic materials and organic and inorganic species, additional complexities were evident within the cycle in this study. Bioavailability of the Fe(III) for bacterial reduction, availability of bacterially produced Fe(II) for chemical Cr(VI) reduction and hydrolysis of Fe(II) and Fe(III) become prevalent during each phase of the shuttle cycle when MLL is present. Each of these factors contributes to the overall rate of bacterial Cr(VI) reduction in this media. This work highlights the need to consider local environmental conditions when assessing the bacterial reduction of Cr(VI).

To provide scientific data of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and trnL-F sequences for the authentication of Potentilla discolor Bge., we extracted the genome DNA from the leaves of Potentilla discolor Bge., purchased from Hebei Province, amplified the ITS region using ITS universal primers of angiosperm, and sequenced the purified PCR products directly. The obtained sequences were edited by Genetyx and reported here.

The microbial transformation of arsenic species in municipal landfill leachate (MLL) was investigated with the objective to highlight arsenic transformation in the landfill system. Across the 43 day incubation in MLL, more than 90% arsenate (iAs(V)) was found to reduce to arsenite (iAs(III)) within 20 days, while iAs(III) was comparably stable although a fraction of iAs(III) was temporarily oxidated to iAs(V) in the first 3 days. Transformation of monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)) to dimethylarsinic acid (DMA(V)) in MLL was slow with only 5% MMA(V) methylated to DMA(V) after 43 days incubation. A portion of DMA(V) and MMA(V) in MLL was demonstrated to transform into thiol-organoarsenic and monomethylarsonous acid (MMA(III)), which were identified to include dimethyldithioarsinic acid (DMDTA(V)), dimethylmonothioarsinic acid (DMMTA(V)) and monomethyldithioarsonic acid (MMDTA(V)) by HPLC-ICPMS and LC-ESI-MS/MS. The microbial formation of DMDTA(V), DMMTA(V) and MMDTA(V) is postulated to relate to hydrogen sulfide generated by bacteria in MLL. Differences in arsenic transformation in sterilised and non-sterilised MLLs demonstrate bacteria play a crucial role in arsenic transformation in the landfill body. This study reveals the complexity of arsenic speciation and highlights the potential risk of forming highly toxic thiol-organoarsenic and MMA(III) in the landfill environment.

The reduction of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) in municipal landfill leachates (MLL) and a non-putrescible landfill leachate (NPLL) was investigated. Complete Cr(VI) reduction was achieved within 17 days in a MLL when spiked with 100 mg l(-1) Cr(VI) or less. In the same period, negligible Cr(VI) reduction was observed in NPLL. In MLL, Cr(VI) reduction was demonstrated to be a function of initial Cr(VI) concentration and bacterial biomass and organic matter concentrations. The bacteria were observed to tolerate 250 mg l(-1) Cr(VI) in MLL and had an optimal growth activity at pH 7.4 in a growth medium. The MLL also possessed an ability to sequentially reduce Cr(VI) over three consecutive spiking cycles.

A new method for determining ultra-trace levels of hexavalent chromium in ambient air has been developed. The method involves a 24-h sampling of air into potassium hydroxide solution, followed by silica gel column separation of chromium (VI), then preconcentration by complexation and solvent extraction. The chromium (VI) complex was dissolved in nitric acid. The resultant chromium ions were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) using a dynamic reaction cell (DRC) with ammonia as the reactive gas to reduce polyatomic interferences. The interconversion of chromium in potassium hydroxide solution and air sample matrix were investigated under ambient conditions. It was found that there was no conversion of chromium (VI) into chromium (III) species. However, it was observed that some chromium (III) species were converted into chromium (VI) species. For a KOH solution containing 100 mug l(-1) of chromium (III) species, the rate of conversion was found to be 3% after 24 h exposure, 8% after 48 h, 10% after 72 h and no further conversion was observed thereafter. However, in a solution containing air sample matrix, 9.3% of chromium (III) converted to chromium (VI) within 6 h, and during the course of a 11-day exposure period, 13% (range 8-17%) of chromium (III) converted to chromium (VI). The method detection limit (MDL) for chromium (VI) in potassium hydroxide solution (0.025 M) was found to be 2x10(-2) mug l(-1). This is equivalent to 0.2 ng m(-3) (for 23 m(3) air sampled into 200 ml of KOH solution over a 24-h period). The recovery of spiked chromium (VI) from solutions containing air sample matrix was 95+/-9% (n=8). Matrix related interferences were estimated to be less than 10% based on recovery studies. The concentration of airborne chromium (VI) in Sydney residential areas was found to be less than 0.2 ng m(-3), however, in industrial areas the concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 1.3 ng m(-3) using this analytical procedure.

Landfill leachates were found to exhibit reducing properties whereby chromium(vi) was converted into chromium(iii). The reduction is attributed to a microbial process in the presence of high concentrations of organic materials in the leachates. Nonputrescible landfill leachate (NPLL) was found to reduce CrVI to a lesser extent than the municipal landfill leachate (MLL). Microbial reduction of CrVI was also found to occur under alkaline conditions in extracts from a cementitious waste. A 55% reduction of CrVI was achieved by enriching the extract with bacteria and organic material.