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Herein, α-cyanostilbene-based luminogen with an electron donor-π-electron acceptor (D-π-A) architecture was formylated into the salicylaldehyde-analogue luminogen, followed by the Schiff base reaction with phenylamine, a red-emitting luminogen was elaborately designed and successfully synthesized in a high yield of 89%. Its well-defined structure was confirmed by FT-IR, MALDI-TOF-MS, HR-MS and 1H/13C NMR technologies. Based on the synergistic mechanisms of aggregation-induced emission (AIE), excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) and intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), it enjoyed a red-fluorescence emission at 627 nm in THF/water mixtures (fw = 95%) and was used as a probe. Moreover, the TLC-based test strips loaded with the probe not only exhibited the reversible fluorescence response to amine/acid vapor but also showed sensitive and selective fluorescence response towards Cu2+. Furthermore, the fluorescence titration experiment between the probe and Cu2+ in THF/water mixtures (fw = 95%, pH = 7.4) revealed that the detection limit was 1.18 × 10-7 M and the binding constant was 1.59 × 105. Job's plot experiment and HR-MS analysis revealed the 2:1 binding stoichiometry of the probe with Cu2+. The method enabled real-time assessment for Cu2+ in real water samples. This study could offer insightful opinions on the development of long-wavelength emissive luminogens based on α-cyanostilbene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Determining the rupture risk of unruptured intracranial aneurysm is crucial for treatment strategy. The purpose of this study was to predict the rupture risk of middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms using a machine learning technique. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 403 MCA aneurysms and randomly partitioned them into the training and testing datasets with a ratio of 8:2. A generalized linear model with logit link was developed using training dataset to predict the aneurysm rupture risk based on the clinical variables and morphological features manually measured from computed tomography angiography. To facilitate the clinical application, we further constructed an easy-to-use nomogram based on the developed model. Results: Ruptured MCA aneurysm had larger aneurysm size, aneurysm height, perpendicular height, aspect ratio, size ratio, bottleneck factor, and height-width ratio. Presence of a daughter-sac was more common in ruptured than in unruptured MCA aneurysms. Six features, including aneurysm multiplicity, lobulations, size ratio, bottleneck factor, height-width ratio, and aneurysm angle, were adopted in the model after feature selection. The model achieved a relatively good performance with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.77 in the training dataset and 0.76 in the testing dataset. The nomogram provided a visual interpretation of our model, and the rupture risk probability of MCA aneurysms can be directly read from it. Conclusion: Our model can be used to predict the rupture risk of MCA aneurysm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Body composition is a crucial factor associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, no study on this relationship has been performed in the Chinese population. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body composition indicators and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus among Chinese adults undergoing medical examination.Methods: Between January 2018 and July 2018, a retrospective cross-sectional study was performed on 3367 (2307 male and 1060 female) participants aged ≥18 years undergoing medical examination in Zhengzhou. Logistic regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between body composition indicators and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate cutoff points and the predictive power of each indicator.Results: Among the 3367 participants, 12.53% were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Multivariate logistic analysis indicated that male participants (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-2.19), older participants (OR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.04-1.06), participants with a waist-to-hip ratio above the reference value (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.18-2.07), participants with body fat percentage above the reference value (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.01-2.68), and participant with a large visceral fat area (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 1.01-1.02) had a high risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, and visceral fat area were the best indicators of type 2 diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001) with cutoff values of 0.90, 25.02%, and 92.00 cm2, respectively.Conclusion: This study suggests a predictive relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus and body composition indicators of waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage, and visceral fat area, which are valuable for screening diabetes and providing effective health education and behavioral intervention for high-risk populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sulfur mustard (SM) is a chemical warfare agent that was applied in a series of military conflicts and still poses a severe threat to civilians and military personnel. Although the cellular and molecular mechanisms of SM toxicity are still not fully understood, oxidative stress has been considered as the initial vital process for damage. Polydatin, the product of resveratrol and glucose, is a promising candidate for the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases. However, its effects on SM-induced hepatic injury remain unknown. Thus, we investigated the protective effects of polydatin against SM-induced hepatic injury and its possible mechanism. We found that treatment with polydatin remarkably improved the survival rate of mice bear subcutaneously injected with SM. Polydatin decreased the SM-induced increase of serum aminotransferase levels and ameliorated hepatic pathological damage. We also found that indexes of oxidative stress were improved in mouse liver samples and L02 cells. Meanwhile, changes in the Sirtuin family after treatment with SM were explored in mice and cells since polydatin is a potent activator of Sirt1 and Sirt3. Polydatin significantly increased the expression of Sirt1, HO-1, and NQO1; and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in mouse liver and L02 cells. Furthermore, we also observed that either Sirt1 or Nrf2 knockdown abolished the protective effect of polydatin. Our data indicated that polydatin could provide protection against SM-induced hepatic injury through the Sirt1/Nrf2 pathway, suggesting that polydatin is a novel potential antidote for sulfur mustard. Highlights • Polydatin could improve the survival rate of SM-treated mice. • Sirt1 was significantly reduced after SM-treatment. • Polydatin protects against SM-induced liver injury via Sirt1/Nrf2. • First correlation between polydatin and a chemical warfare agent [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Anterior communicating artery (ACOM) aneurysms are the most common intracranial aneurysms, and predicting their rupture risk is challenging. We aimed to predict this risk using a two-layer feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN).Materials and Method: 594 ACOM aneurysms, 54 unruptured and 540 ruptured, were reviewed. A two-layer feed-forward ANN was designed for ACOM aneurysm rupture-risk analysis. To improve ANN efficiency, an adaptive synthetic (ADASYN) sampling approach was applied to generate more synthetic data for unruptured aneurysms. Seventeen parameters (13 morphological parameters of ACOM aneurysm measured from these patients' CT angiography (CTA) images, two demographic factors, and hypertension and smoking histories) were adopted as ANN input.Results: Age, vessel size, aneurysm height, perpendicular height, aneurysm neck size, aspect ratio, size ratio, aneurysm angle, vessel angle, aneurysm projection, A1 segment configuration, aneurysm lobulations and hypertension were significantly different between the ruptured and unruptured groups. Areas under the ROC curve for training, validating, testing and overall data sets were 0.953, 0.937, 0.928 and 0.950, respectively. Overall prediction accuracy for raw 594 samples was 94.8 %.Conclusion: This ANN presents good performance and offers a valuable tool for prediction of rupture risk in ACOM aneurysms, which may facilitate management of unruptured ACOM aneurysms.Key Points: • A feed-forward ANN was designed for the prediction of rupture risk in ACOM aneurysms. • Two demographic parameters, 13 morphological aneurysm parameters, and hypertension/smoking history were acquired. • An ADASYN sampling approach was used to improve ANN quality. • Overall prediction accuracy of 94.8 % for the raw samples was achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reclamation of subsidence area was regarded as a useful pathway to rebuild landscape and ecosystem. However, the elevated concentrations of heavy metals in the reclaimed area may lead to potential environmental and health risks. This study was aimed at investigating the accumulation of heavy metals in the soils and vegetables, and evaluate the potential health risks to human beings via consuming these vegetables. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) were measured by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The elevated concentrations of heavy metals were found in the soil from the reclaimed area when compared with the background value. The concentrations of heavy metals were various among the different vegetable species. The heavy metal tolerance could be found in all the selected vegetables. The elevated concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the edible part of the selected vegetables indicated that the consumption of these vegetables may lead to potential health risk. The intake of soybean, radish, sweet potato, and mugwort may lead to potential health risks due to the elevated target health quotients. Chinese cabbage and pepper were regarded as the suitable vegetables which may help in reducing the potential health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Polyester polyol/titania hybrid resins and their corresponding polyurethane/titania hybrid films were prepared by in situ method via sol–gel process of titanium n-butoxide under acidic condition. The effects of the contents and types of titania sol on the microstructure and some mechanical and optical properties of the hybrids were investigated. It was found that introducing titania into the resin could increase some physical properties such as the viscosity of the resin, modulus, T g, mechanical strength, abrasion resistance, hardness and UV absorbance, but different titania sols obtained from various molar ratios of water to titanium n-butoxide had an obvious influence on the microstructure and properties of the hybrid films. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A series of silica particles with different size and surface groups were prepared through the sol–gel process of tetraethylorthosilicate, then directly introduced into polyester polyol resins via in situ (IS) polymerization or blending (BL) method and investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), viscosity measurement, particle size analyzer and transmittance electron microscope (TEM), respectively. The results showed that polyester segments were chemically bonded onto silica particles for both IS and BL methods, but more polyester segments chemically bonded onto the surfaces of silica particles during IS polymerization than those during BL process, resulting in lower viscosity of nanocomposite resins from IS polymerization than their corresponding resins from BL method. TEM indicated that silica particles could be dispersed into polymer resins during IS polymerization while causing obvious aggregation during BL method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Polyurethane/nanosilica composites were prepared using polyester polyol/nanosilica composite resins obtained from in situ polymerization or blending methods and investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), transmittance electron microscopy (TEM), contact angle measurement, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. It was found that more polyester segments had chemically bonded with silica particles during in situ polymerization than during blending, introducing nanosilica increased the Tgs of polyurethanes, and different preparation methods and different particle sizes caused various impact on Tg. Contact angle measurement and XPS analyses indicated that nanosilica tended to move towards the surfaces and interfaces of polyurethane coats, decreasing the free energies of the surfaces and interfaces, but the nanosilica particles were just observed at interfaces not surfaces by AFM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The thermochemical and kinetic behavior of co-combustion of coal, municipal sludge (MS) and their blends at different ratios were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. Simulation experiments were performed in a vacuum tube furnace to determine the conversion behavior of toxic elements. The results show that the combustion processes of the blends of coal and municipal sludge are divided into three stages and the combustion curves of the blends are located between those of individual coal and municipal sludge samples. The DTGmax of the sample with 10% sludge addition reaches a maximum at the heating rate of 20 °C/min, indicating that the combustion characteristics of coal can be improved during co-combustion. Strong interactions were observed between coal and municipal sludge during the co-combustion. The volatilization rates of toxic elements decrease with an increasing proportion of sludge in the blends during co-combustion, which indicates that the co-combustion of coal and sludge can effectively reduce the volatilization rate of toxic elements. The study reflects the potential of municipal sludge as a blended fuel and the environmental effects of co-combustion of coal and municipal sludge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the carbon nanotubes/polystyrene nanocomposites were fabricated via Pickering emulsion polymerization using sulfonated carbon nanotubes as solid surfactant. The functionalized carbon nanotubes could be used as effective surfactant of styrene-in-water emulsion and dispersed homogeneously in the production of polystyrene as effective nanofiller by this method. The research results show that the carbon nanotubes/polystyrene nanocomposites were prepared and the thermal stability of polystyrene was significantly improved with low functionalized carbon nanotubes loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are considered to have a poor prognosis. However, the underlying reason for the association between the aneurysmal characteristics and poor-grade aSAH is still unclear. In the present study, we retrospectively evaluated the independent risk factors for patients with anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms with poor-grade aSAH. From January 2009 to January 2016, 477 consecutive patients with ruptured ACoA aneurysms were included in the present study. Poor-grade aSAH was defined as a World Federation of Neurosurgical Society grade of IV or V, and good-grade aSAH was defined as a grade of I–III. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were used to investigate the differences in aneurysm morphology and clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. On univariate analysis, older patients (P = 0.038), larger aneurysm size (P = 0.013), larger size ratio (P = 0.007), larger aspect ratio (P = 0.009), positive history of stroke (P = 0.001), and posterior projection aneurysms (P = 0.001) were associated with poor-grade aSAH. Multivariate analyses revealed that older patients (odds ratio [OR], 1.654; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.004–2.728; P = 0.048), larger size ratio (OR, 1.280; 95% CI, 1.111–1.475; P = 0.001), positive history of stroke (OR, 6.051; 95% CI, 1.712–21.381; P = 0.005), and posterior projection aneurysms (OR, 2.718; 95% CI, 1.607–4.598; P < 0.001) were independently associated with poor-grade aSAH. Poor-grade aSAH was independently associated with older patients, a larger size ratio, a positive history of stroke, and posterior projection aneurysms in patients with a ruptured ACoA aneurysm. These parameters could contribute to screening for patients with the potential for poor-grade aSAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mirror intracranial aneurysms with different rupture status is a useful model to investigate features associated with aneurysm rupture. Morphological and hemodynamic analyses of ruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) mirror aneurysms are rarely reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the morphological or hemodynamic characteristics associated with ruptured MCA mirror aneurysms. We performed a retrospective analysis of consecutive 317 patients with MCA aneurysms. Ruptured MCA mirror aneurysms (1 ruptured and mirror unruptured aneurysm) were included. In the matched pairs of ruptured and unruptured mirror aneurysms, 13 morphological parameters were measured using 3-dimensional computed tomography angiography and 6 hemodynamic parameters were evaluated using high-resolution computational fluid dynamic simulations. The association of morphological and hemodynamic characteristics with the rupture of MCA mirror aneurysms was determined. A total of 20 (6.31%) patients with 40 MCA mirror aneurysms were included in this study. There were significant differences in morphological and hemodynamic parameters between the ruptured and unruptured mirror aneurysms. Irregular aneurysms were 3 times more common in the ruptured aneurysms than in the unruptured aneurysms. A larger aneurysm (P = 0.025), a higher aneurysm (P = 0.020), a larger size ratio (P = 0.009), a higher bottleneck ratio (P = 0.033), an irregular aneurysm (P = 0.022), a higher maximum intra-aneurysmal wall shear stress (WSS; P = 0.020), and a lower normalized average WSS (P = 0.008) were associated with MCA mirror aneurysm rupture. Larger aneurysms, a larger size ratio, irregular aneurysms, a lower spatial average WSS, and a higher maximum WSS may contribute to evaluating the risk of rupture of MCA aneurysms independent of patient characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The probe exhibited good selectivity towards hydrogen polysulfide among other biological species. • The probe can detect hydrogen polysulfide within 10 min. • HQO-PSP has the ability of mitochondrial-targeting. • HQO-PSP can be applied not only at the level of living cells but also to mouse tissues. Abstract Hydrogen polysulfide (H 2 S n) has attracted increasing attention since H 2 S n instead of H 2 S has been shown to be the actual signaling molecule in physiological and pathological processes. Thus, developing accurate and sensitive assays for H 2 S n detection is urgently needed in biological science. In this work, we developed a red emitting mitochondria-targeting fluorescent probe, HQO-PSP, that is capable of tracking H 2 S n. With low cytotoxicity, good selectively and high sensitively, HQO-PSP was able to detect H 2 S n in living cells. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that HQO-PSP could also be successfully applied to recognize H 2 S n in living tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raffino-oligosaccharide (ROS), the smallest oligosaccharide of the raffinose family, is a novel food ingredient. However, the anti-constipation effects of ROS remain obscure. This study investigates the anti-constipation effects of ROS based on the loperamide-induced mice model and reveals the underlying mechanism using constipation parameters, neurotransmitter level, 16S rRNA sequencing, and the targeted screening strategy. The prevention effects were firstly investigated by the gastro-intestinal transit rate experiment (50 mice) and defecation status experiment (50 mice), which were divided into five groups (n = 10/group): blank, model, and low-, medium- and high-dose ROS. Furthermore, the slow-transit constipation experiment (blank, model, and high-dose ROS, n = 10/group) was conducted to illustrate the underlying mechanism. The results showed that ROS aided in preventing the occurrence of constipation by improving the gastro-intestinal transit rate and the defecation frequency in mice, and ROS significantly reduced the serum levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). In addition, ROS regulated the diversity and structure of intestinal flora. Among them, one specific family and six specific genera were significantly regulated in constipated mice. The targeted screening revealed that 29 targets related to the anti-constipation effects of ROS, indicating ROS may play a role by regulating multiple targets. Furthermore, the network pharmacology analysis showed that Akt1, Stat3, Mapk8, Hsp90aa1, Cat, Alb, Icam1, Sod2, and Gsk3b can be regarded as the core anti-constipation targets. In conclusion, ROS could effectively relieve constipation, possibly by inhibiting the level of neurotransmitters and regulating the gut flora in mice. This study also provides a novel network pharmacology-based targeted screening strategy to reveal the anti-constipation effects of ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) enlargement occurs in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, the relationship between ONSD and prognosis of ICH is uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of ONSD on poor outcome of patients with acute spontaneous ICH. Methods: We studied 529 consecutive patients with acute spontaneous ICH who underwent initial CT within 6 h of symptom onset between October 2016 and February 2019. The ONSDs were measured 3 mm behind the eyeball on initial CT images. Poor outcome was defined as having a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of 1–3, and favorable outcome was defined as having a GOS score of 4–5 at discharge. Results: The ONSD of the poor outcome group was significantly greater than that of the favorable outcome group (5.87 ± 0.86 vs. 5.21 ± 0.69 mm, p < 0.001). ONSD was related to hematoma volume (r = 0.475, p < 0.001). Adjusting other meaningful predictors, ONSD (OR: 2.83; 95% CI: 1.94–4.15) was associated with poor functional outcome by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the ONSD improved the accuracy of ultraearly hematoma growth in the prediction of poor outcome (AUC: 0.790 vs. 0.755, p = 0.016). The multivariable logistic regression model with all the meaningful predictors showed a better predictive performance than the model without ONSD (AUC: 0.862 vs. 0.831, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The dilated ONSD measured on initial CT indicated elevated intracranial pressure and poor outcome, so appropriate intervention should be taken in time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Daylily has sleep-improvement effects. • Integration of omics and targeted screening provide insights. • 728 metabolites, 539 targeted metabolites and 368 differentially genes were found. • Activity of daylily is mainly through neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction. Daylily (Hemerocallis citrina Baroni, HC) is an edible plant and is traditionally considered with potential to improve sleep. Herein, based on the Drosophila activity monitoring, metabolome, targeted screening and transcriptome, the material basis and mechanism of HC on sleep-improvement was investigated. The results showed that the aqueous extracts of HC (HAE) as well as the ethanol extracts (HEE) all prolonged the total sleep time of insomnia fruit flies, especially HEE-60 and HEE-95 exhibited more significant effects. In addition, 539 of 728 found metabolites were screened as potential sleep-improved metabolites, and quercetin, linoleic acid, phenethyl caffeate, L-methionine and γ-aminobutyric acid were considered as core active metabolites. Meanwhile, 368 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were revealed by transcriptomics analysis, and the neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction was deduced as the main pathway by KEGG pathway enrichment. Furthermore, nine DEGs located in this pathway, namely betaTry, deltaTry, gammaTry, epsilonTry, etaTry, iotaTry, lambdaTry, kappaTry and CG30031 were proven being up-regulated. All these results contribute to the development of HC-related functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relying on the synchronic function of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanisms, a novel fluorophore could emit red-fluorescence with a large Stokes' shift in aggregation state and be used as a sensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+ in THF/water system (f w = 90%, pH = 7.4). [Display omitted] • A α-cyanostilbene-based sensor was synthesized by Schiff base reaction. • It could emit red-fluorescence with a large Stokes' shift of ca. 285 nm in solution and aggregation states. • It exhibited prominent "AIE + ESIPT" features in aggregation and solid states. • It possessed a specific sensing ability towards Cu2+ in aggregation and solid states. Through Schiff base reaction of the salicylaldehyde-like α-cyanostilbene derivative with benzophenone hydrazone, a novel fluorophore has been successfully obtained in high yield of 89% and fully characterized by standard spectroscopic techniques. Depending upon the synchronic function of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) mechanisms, this fluorophore emitted the fascinating red-fluorescence at 602 nm with a large Stokes' shift of 287 nm in aggregation state. This fluorophore as a sensor showed the highly selective and sensitive chelating ability towards Cu2+ in THF/water system (f w = 90%, pH = 7.4), which was confirmed by a prominent attenuation of red-fluorescence at 602 nm with the limit of detection (LOD) of 2.34 × 10-8 M due to the complexation of the sensor and Cu2+ with 2: 1 binding stoichiometry. The proposed recognition mechanism was supported by SEM images, HR-MS analysis, FT-IR and 1H NMR spectra. For applications, this sensor was successfully utilized to determine Cu2+ in environmental water samples. The silica gel test strip impregnated with this fluorophore was also employed for the on-site monitoring of Cu2+ under UV 365nm illumination, indicating its potential utility for visual detection of Cu2+ in solid state. Hence, this work provided a feasible strategy to construct long-wavelength intense fluorescence sensor for effective measurement of Cu2+ level in aggregation state as well as visual detection of Cu2+ in solid state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Sulfur mustard (SM), a bifunctional alkylating agent, can react with a variety of biochemical molecules (DNA, RNA, proteins and other cell components) to cause a series of serious health issues or even death. Although a plethora of research has been done, the pathogenesis of SM poisoning has yet to be fully understood due to its high complexity. As a consequence, a specific antidote has not yet been developed and the treatment of SM poisoning remains a medical challenge. In recent years, various biological products and cell transplantation in the treatment of SM poisoning offered a significant clinical treatment progress. By highlighting these and other research studies, we hereby summarize the progress in this field in an effort to provide useful information on the clinical treatment of SM poisoning. Objective This review summarizes the major advances of SM poisoning therapy by means of biological products (peptide and protein drugs, polysaccharides drugs, nucleic acid drugs, etc.), and cell transplantation (e.g., bone marrow, limbal stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells), as well as other relevant biotherapeutic approaches. Method We searched the database PubMed for published domestic and international articles using web based resources for information on histological, immunochemical, ultrastructural, and treatment features of SM-induced manifestations in both animal models and human tissues. To this end, we applied keywords containing mustard gas, chemical warfare, SM, eye, lung and skin. Results and conclusion Our review provides a comprehensive understanding of the advances of available biotherapies in SM poisoning, and its potential for the treatment of SM-induced injuries. Potentially, our review will provide new insights for future research studies in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous experimental and clinical studies have suggested that the interaction between the immune system and the brain plays an important role in the pathophysiology of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The NLRP3 inflammasome is an important part of the innate immune system. This complex regulates proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) maturation, which triggers different kinds of immune-inflammatory reactions. We employed repeated forced swims to establish a model of CFS in mice. NLRP3 knockout (KO) mice were also used to explore NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the mechanisms of CFS, using the same treatment. After completing repeated swim tests, the mice displayed fatigue-like behaviors, including locomotor activity and reduced fall-off time on the rota-rod test, which was accompanied by significantly higher mature IL-1β level in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum. We also found increased NLRP3 protein expression, NLRP3 inflammasome formation and increased mature IL-1β production in the PFC, relative to untreated mice. The NLRP3 KO mice displayed significantly moderated fatigue behaviors along with decreased PFC and serum IL-1β levels under the same treatment. These findings demonstrated the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the mechanism of swimming-induced fatigue. Future therapies targeting the NLRP3/IL-1β pathway may have significant potential for fatigue prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid increase in urbanization and intensive coal mining activities have accelerated the deterioration of surface water quality. Environmental problems caused by the accumulation of nitrate and sulfate from natural, urban, and agricultural sources have attracted extensive attention. Information on nitrate and sulfate sources and their transformations is crucial for understanding the nitrogen and sulfur cycles in surface water. In this study, we monitored nitrate and sulfate in three representative rivers in mining cities in northern China. The main pollution sources and biogeochemical processes were identified by using stable isotopes (δD, δ18O H2O , δ15N, δ18O NO3 , δ34S and δ18O SO4) and hydrochemistry. The contribution of natural and anthropogenic sources was quantitatively estimated based on a Bayesian mixed model. The results indicated a large variation in sulfate and nitrate sources between the different rivers. Nitrate in the Tuohe River mainly derived from manure/sewage (57.9%) and soil N (26.9%), while sulfate mainly derived from manure/sewage (41.7%) and evaporite dissolution (26.8%). For the Suihe River, nitrate was primarily sourced from chemical fertilizer (37.9%) and soil nitrogen (34.8%), while sulfate was mainly sourced from manure/sewage (33.1%) and chemical fertilizer (21.4%). For the Huihe River, nitrate mainly derived from mine drainage (56.6%) and manure/sewage (30.6%), while sulfate predominantly originated from mine drainage (58.3%) and evaporite dissolution (12.9%). Microbial nitrification was the major pathway for the migration and transformation of nitrate in the surface water. However, denitrification and bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) did not play a significant role as aerobic conditions prevailed. In this study, we elucidated the sources and transformation mechanisms of nitrate and sulfate. Additionally, we provided a reference for formulating a comprehensive strategy for effective management and remediation of surface water contaminated with nitrate and sulfate in mining cities. [Display omitted] • Natural and anthropogenic sources of nitrates and sulfates were quantified. • Water from the Tuohe, Suihe, and Huihe Rivers and a subsidence zone were studied. • Nitrification was the major pathway for nitrate transformation in surface water. • Multiple sources of pollutants could be identified simultaneously. • Denitrification and bacterial sulfate reduction (BSR) were not observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PPARδ is highly expressed in skin, especially keratinocytes, and its expression is increased in psoriatic lesions. However, the potential role of PPARδ in the pathogenesis of psoriasis remains undefined. Mice treated with Imiquimod (IMQ) to induce psoriasis can be used to evaluate the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and this model has become one of the most important in vivo research tools for research on the disease. In the current study, we showed that PPARδ was highly expressed in the skin of IMQ-induced psoriasis mice. To further understand the impact of PPARδ in psoriasis, we used these mice in a series of experiments to evaluate the pathogenesis of psoriasis. We found that PPARδ was highly expressed in both psoriatic lesions and normal skin in IMQ-induced psoriasis mice. Furthermore, the expression of PPARδ-relevant lipases was also significantly increased. The PPARδ-selective antagonist GSK3787 ameliorated the observed inflammation in the skin of the experimental mice. Based on these results, PPARδ may be a potential target for the effective treatment of psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in NO 3 − content in surface water caused by intensive mining activities in Huainan City, China, has attracted considerable attention owing to the deterioration of water quality and the degradation of ecosystems in recent years. The Huainan mining area, which is highly disturbed by anthropogenic activities, was selected as a typical observation area, and the surface water was classified as open subsidence water (OSW), closed subsidence water (CSW), and river water (RW). Moreover, the hydrochemical parameters and the δ15N and δ18O values of nitrate were employed to quantitatively trace the sources and biochemical transformation of NO 3 −, and the contribution ratios of different NO 3 − sources were estimated using the stable isotope analysis in R based on the Bayesian model. There was evident nitrification in the study area, but no significant denitrification has occurred. A substantial portion of δ15N–NO 3 - demonstrated complex sources of NO 3 −. Compared with those of CSW, the NO 3 − compositions of the OSW approached to those of the RW due to river recharge and discharge, and were greatly affected by anthropogenic activities. The proportional contribution of manure and sewage in the OSW was found to be the highest with a mean value of 39.5 % ± 12.3 %, which was followed by that of mine drainage (mean: 22.1 % ± 13.1 %), chemical fertilizer (mean: 17.5 % ± 10.6 %), and soil organic nitrogen (mean: 17.5 % ± 11.6 %). In the RW, the highest mean contribution of manure sewage was 35.2 % ± 9.7 %, which was followed by that of chemical fertilizer (mean: 29.3 % ± 7.2 %), mine drainage (mean: 23.4 % ± 13.0 %), and soil organic nitrogen (mean: 10.9 % ± 8.3 %). In contrast, the contribution of chemical fertilizer to the CSW was the highest with a mean value of 33.9 % ± 13.6 %, which was followed by that of soil organic nitrogen (mean: 26.5 % ± 13.8 %), mine drainage (mean: 18.1 % ± 11.6 %). Therefore, NO 3 − in the surface water of the mining area primarily originates from chemical fertilizers and manure sewage. In addition, the contribution of mine drainage to nitrate in the study area indicates the potential impact of mining activities on surface water. These findings highlight the value of classifying different types of surface water in tracing NO 3 − contamination sources, and provide relevant theoretical basis for tracing nitrate sources in other areas. [Display omitted] • The sources of NO 3 − were identified by hydrochemistry and dual isotopes. • There were similar NO 3 − sources in rivers and open subsidence area. • Chemical fertilizer, manure and sewage were the main NO 3 − sources in mining area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and preventable cancers. Regular consumption of apples is conducive to reduction in CRC risk. Aim of the study: To evaluate effects of modified apple polysaccharide (MAP) on tumorigenesis in a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer. Methods: One hundred male ICR mice were administered with 1, 2-dimethyl-hydrazine (DMH) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS). Forty mice were given no further treatment, the rest were fed basal diet blended with three different doses of MAP; 2.5, 5, and 10% (20 mice in each group). Results: MAP significantly protected ICR mice against DMH/DSS-induced tumorigenesis. The incidence of tumor development was 90% (18/20) in the mice treated with DMH/DSS, but that was reduced to 25% (5/20), 15% (3/20), and 5% (1/20), respectively, in the mice treated with basal diets plus 2.5, 5, and 10% of MAP. Study of apoptosis of colonic epithelial cells revealed that MAP moderately increased apoptosis, suggesting that the anti-tumor potency of MAP was probably attributed to its ability to induce apoptosis. Western blot analysis demonstrated that carbohydrate-binding protein galectin-3 changed in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm during the process from colitis to colon cancer in the model. And MAP could inhibit the binding of galectin-3 to its ligand: this is, at least in part, the possible mechanism of MAP by enhancing apoptosis and preventing tumorigenesis. Conclusions: These data suggest that MAP has a potential role in clinical prevention and treatment for colon cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Free and bound phenolics were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS in hawthorn. • Thermal processing results in different changes of free and bound phenolics. • Thermal processing significantly affected antioxidant activities of hawthorn. • The phenolic with the greatest contribution to antioxidant activity were determined. Thermal processing is a traditional method for processing hawthorn into food or medicine. In this study, the compositions of free and bound phenolic compounds in raw hawthorn were analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry, and the effect of thermal processing on phenolics and antioxidant activity was determined. Among the phenolics identified in unheated hawthorn, 26 were soluble, while only 10 were insoluble-bound. Thermal processing caused a significant reduction in total soluble phenolics content, but an increase in total insoluble-bound phenolics (p < 0.05). Procyanidin B2 and epicatechin showed the largest decreases in content, and were not detected in well-cooked hawthorn. The antioxidant activity also clearly decreased, with the chlorogenic acid, procyanidin B2, hyperoside, and isoquercetin contents correlating significantly (p < 0.05) with antioxidant activity. In general, the effect of thermal processes on phenolics and antioxidant activity was dependent on the types of phenolics and processing conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a notorious chemical warfare agent that can cause severe acute lung injury (ALI), in addition to other lesions. Currently, effective medical countermeasures for SM are lacking. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) possess self-renewal and multipotent differentiation capacity. BMSCs can also migrate to inflammation and injury sites and exert anti-inflammatory and tissue repair functions. Here, we report the curative effect of BMSCs on SM-induced ALI in a mouse model. Methods: Mice BMSCs were injected into mice via the tail vein 24 h after SM exposure. The distribution of BMSCs in mice was detected by fluorescence imaging. The therapeutic potential of BMSCs was evaluated by the calculating survival rate. The effects of BMSCs on lung tissue injury and repair assessment were examined by staining with H&E and measuring the lung wet/dry weight ratio, BALF protein level, and respiratory function. The effects of BMSCs on the infiltration and phenotypic alteration of inflammatory cells were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The levels of chemokines and inflammatory cytokines were examined using the Luminex Performance Assay and ELISA. RNA interference, western blotting, and ELISA were applied to explore the role of the TLR4 signaling pathway in the anti-inflammatory effects of BMSCs. The extent of tissue repair was analyzed by ELISA, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Results: Fluorescence imaging indicated that the lung is the major target organ of BMSCs after injection. The injection of BMSCs significantly improved the survival rate (p < 0.05), respiratory function, and related lung damage indexes (wet/dry weight ratio, total proteins in BALF, etc.) in mice. BMSC administration also reduced the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as affected the balances of M1/M2 and Th17/Treg. Furthermore, solid evidence regarding the effects of BMSCs on the increased secretion of various growth factors, the differentiation of alveolar epithelial cells, and the enhancement of cell barrier functions was also observed. Conclusion: BMSCs displayed protective effects against SM-induced ALI by alleviating inflammation and promoting tissue repair. The present study provides a strong experimental basis in a mouse model and suggests possible application for future cell therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of different pretreatment methods on anaerobic H2 production from a sucrose-rich synthetic wastewater was investigated in this work. The substrate utilization, formation of aqueous products, H2 production and microbial diversity in anaerobic sludge all markedly depended on these pretreatment methods. The highest H2 production according to the values for the maximum H2 production rate of 27.57 ml h-1, specific H2 production rate of 2.962 ml g-VSS h-1, and H2 yield of 1.617 mol H2 mol glucose-1 was observed in the H2 production by the sludge pretreated with butyrate (pH = 2). Correspondingly, the main microbial communities were Clostridium sp. HPB-16, Clostridium sp. HPB-46, Clostridium sp. HPB-2, Clostridium sp. HPB-4, Oxalobacteraceae bacterium QD1, uncultured bacterium clone HPR93, uncultured Olsenella sp. clone J27, and uncultured bacterium clone SR_FBR_E5. This result demonstrates that acid pretreatment such as butyrate could be also as an effective method to enrich H2-producing bacteria from anaerobic sludge for large-scale biological H2 production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]