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Immune checkpoint inhibitors provide a definite survival benefit for patients with driver‐negative advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but predictors of efficacy are still lacking. There may be a relationship between immune inflammatory state and tumor immune response. We explored the relationship of serum neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) with infiltrating cells in the tumor tissues of patients with NSCLC as well as their relationship with the therapeutic efficacy of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) inhibitors. Serum myeloperoxidase (MPO)‐double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) was detected as a marker of NET serum concentration. T cells were detected by immunohistochemical staining, and neutrophils were counted by MPO immunofluorescence staining. Of the 31 patients with NSCLC, a longer progression‐free survival after PD‐1 inhibitor treatment was associated with higher levels of CD3+ T cells, a lower neutrophil : CD3+‐T‐cell ratio (NEU/CD3+) and lower neutrophil : CD8+‐T‐cell ratio (NEU/CD8+) in tumor tissues. Patients with higher serum NETs were more likely to develop progressive disease after treatment (P = 0.003) and to have immune‐related adverse events (IrAEs) as well as higher NEU/CD3+ and NEU/CD8+. The combined model of serum NETs, CD8+ T cells, and tumor proportion score (TPS) significantly improved the prediction of PD‐1 inhibitor efficacy [P = 0.033; area under the curve (AUC) = 0.881]. Our results indicate that serum NETs are effective predictors of PD‐1 inhibitor response and reflect the tissue neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and IrAE levels. The combined model of serum NETs, CD8+ T cells, and TPS is a powerful tool for predicting the efficacy of PD‐1 inhibitor treatment in patients with NSCLC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

No previous meta‐analysis has evaluated the relationship between pulmonary artery enlargement (PAE) measured by computed tomography (CT) and prognosis for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recently, several studies have suggested poor survival and reduced exercise capacity in COPD patients with PAE on CT scan, but there were conflicting results. We aimed to assess the prognostic value of PAE‐CT in patients with COPD. Relevant studies were identified by searching major databases. Pooled outcomes were determined to assess the prognostic value of PAE‐CT in COPD patients. Eighteen studies including 5694 participants were included. PAE indicated higher mortality in COPD patients (odds ratio [OR] = 3.06; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.76–5.32; p < 0.0001), shorter 6‐minute walk distance (mean difference [MD] = −67.53 m; 95% CI: −85.98 to −49.08; p < 0.00001), higher pulmonary artery systolic pressure (MD = 15.65 mmHg; 95% CI: 13.20–18.11; p < 0.00001), longer length of hospital stay (MD = 2.92 days; 95% CI: 0.71–5.12; p = 0.009) and more severe symptom such as dyspnea (COPD Assessment Test MD = 3.14; 95% CI: 2.48–3.81; p < 0.00001). We also conducted a subgroup analysis regarding the lung function and blood gas analysis for a stable period and acute exacerbation of COPD patients. In conclusion, PAE is significantly associated with mortality, lower exercise tolerance, and poor quality of life in patients with COPD. PAE may serve as a novel imaging biomarker for risk stratification in patients with COPD in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the nearly 1-year health consequences following discharge and related risk factors of COVID-19 infection and further explored the long-term effect of COVID-19 disease severity on the risk of diabetes incidence. This prospective study included 248 COVID-19 patients discharged from Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine who were followed up between 1 March and 10 June 2021. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate risk factors. The top ten symptoms were shortness of breath (30.3%), sore or dry throat (25.7%), cough (23.2%), expectoration (23.2%), body pain (22.3%), chest tightness (20.8%), palpitations (17.8%), sleep difficulties (17.0%), fatigue (16.6%), and anxiety (15.3%). Hypertension was associated with fatigue (OR = 2.51, 95% CI: 1.08, 5.80), shortness of breath (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.16, 4.69), palpitations (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.26, 6.31), expectoration (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.30), and sore or dry throat (OR = 2.71, 95% CI: 1.30, 5.65). Diabetes was associated with palpitations (OR = 3.22, 95% CI: 1.18, 8.81). Critical illness was associated with an increased risk of diabetes incidence after discharge (OR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.07, 7.88), which seemed more evident in males. Long COVID-19 symptoms were common at 1-year postdischarge; hypertension and diabetes could be projected as potential risk factors. We are among the first researchers to find that critical illness is associated with incident diabetes after discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polypeptide N-Acetylgalactosaminyl transferase 14 (GALNT14) plays important roles in cancer progression and chemotherapy response. Here, we show that GALNT14 is highly expressed in pancreatic β cells and regulates β cell function and growth. We found that the expression level of Ganlt14 was significantly decreased in the primary islets from three rodent type-2 diabetic models. Single-Cell sequencing defined that Galnt14 was mainly expressed in β cells of mouse islets. Galnt14 knockout (G14KO) INS-1 cell line, constructed by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology were growth normal, but showed blunt shape, and increased basal insulin secretion. Combined proteomics and glycoproteomics demonstrated that G14KO altered cell-to-cell junctions, communication, and adhesion. Insulin receptor (IR) and IGF1-1R were indirectly confirmed for GALNT14 substrates, contributed to diminished IGF1-induced p-AKT levels and cell growth in G14KO cells. Overall, this study uncovers that GALNT14 is a novel modulator in regulating β cells biology, providing a missing link of β cells O-glycosylation to diabetes development. [Display omitted] • GALNT14, highly expressed in β cells is decreased in rodent islets from T2DM. • Knockout of GALNT14 alters β-cell morphology, insulin secretion and proliferation. • Proteomics and glycoproteomics demonstrate G14KO-caused pathways. • Removing N-linked glycans identifies IR et al. as potential substrates of GALNT14. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parthanatos is a form of regulated cell death (RCD) that is closely linked to DNA damage, which is a common consequence of oxidative stress due to central nervous trauma, such as spinal cord injury (SCI). The mechanism by which apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) mediates DNA strand breaks in parthanatos was not clear until the discovery of the nuclease function of MIF. A previous study suggested that observed results may not be reliable if the oxidative stress induced in cells observed under experimental pathological conditions does not accurately replicate the specific pathologies being studied. According to an earlier direct measurement of extracellular oxidative stress in a rat SCI model, post-SCI oxidative stress was approximately the same as exposure to 150 μM H 2 O 2. However, this concentration has been reported as sublethal oxidative stress in other cell types related to senescence, apoptosis, and parthanatos. Using sublethal H 2 O 2 concentrations to induce oxidative stress is equivocal. Also, different cell types have diverse tolerances and responses to oxidative stress, and, therefore, exposure to H 2 O 2. To avoid these limitations, the present study explored the mechanism of neuronal death under this simulated post-SCI oxidative stress and determined the effects of MIF knockdown in parthanatos associated with SCI. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry were used to reveal typical characteristics of parthanatos that were blocked by PARP-1 inhibitors but not caspase inhibitors. In addition to classic features like PARP-1 and caspase-3 cleavage that were absent, we determined that parthanatos instead of apoptosis played a major role in the cell death caused by oxidative stress following SCI. Flow cytometry analysis of cells transfected by adenovirus with MIF-shRNA then exposed to H 2 O 2 showed a significant decrease in cell death for MIF knockdown cells, even after AIF nuclear translocation. The comet assay also displayed significantly fewer DNA strand breaks after MIF knockdown. This is the first study has verified that MIF knockdown enables to protect neurons from parthanatos under a simulated in vivo oxidative stress following SCI. It suggests that MIF knockdown is a promising therapy to rescue neurons suffering from oxidative stress-induced SCI pathology. • Spinal cord injury may inflict sublethal oxidative stress on neurons. • Long-term sublethal oxidative stress exposure induced neurons parthanatos. • MIF Knockdown decreases DNA fragmentation in parthanatos to protect neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel BODIPY-hemicyanine based fluorescent probe 1 for cyanide (CN − ) detection was designed and synthesized. Among the tested anions, the probe showed high selectivity towards CN − . Only addition of CN − to probe 1 in aqueous solution (V H2O /V EtOH = 1/1) could result in a remarkable blue shift of the absorption band from 385 nm to 265 nm and induce 20-fold fluorescence enhancement at 515 nm. The sensing mechanism was based on nucleophilic addition between CN − and indolium group, which was confirmed by 1 H NMR and mass spectrum analysis. Plot of fluorescence intensity as a function of CN − concentrations exhibited a good linear relationship in the range of 0–10 μM, with a detection limit to be 1.53 ppb. Moreover, the proposed sensing approach could work in a wide pH range from 5.0–9.0 and reach an equilibrium instantaneously. Finally, probe 1 was successfully applied in detection of CN − in natural water samples and on test paper strips with satisfactory results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A simplified analytical model for axial-loaded WHS joints with external triangular ribs is proposed. • Strain distribution on the surface of axial-loaded WHS joints with external triangular ribs is theoretically elucidated. • The failure modes of WHS joints with external triangular ribs are obtained through axial compression tests on six full-scale specimens. • A general formula for WHS joints with both shapes of external ribsis obtained by regression analysis on the experimental and numerical data. This study addresses the axial compressive performance of welded hollow spherical (WHS) joints with external triangular ribs. External triangular ribs are able to postpone the local buckling of the joint during axial loading, and thus strengthen the compressive capacity of it. A simplified analytical model is proposed to elucidate the stress distribution on the hollow sphere of axial-loaded WHS joints with external triangular ribs. Then a simplified solution for the yield strength of axial-loaded WHS joints is deduced based on the elastic thin shell theory. The simplified solution indicates that the yield strength of WHS joints with external triangular ribs can be expressed by a coefficient related to the specifications of the ribs and the joints multiply by that of WHS joints without external ribs. Compression tests on 6 full-scale specimens of WHS joints with varied configurations of triangular ribs are conducted. It shows that the failure mode and the strength enhancement of the specimens vary as the specification of the triangular ribs change, and the triangular ribs enhance the strength of the joints up to 77 %. A refined FE model is established and calibrated against the findings from the experiments. Parametric studies on the design parameters which may affect the compressive response of the WHS joints with triangular ribs are fully investigated. It is shown that the compressive yield strength of the joint rises with the increase of the number, height and thickness of the triangular ribs, and decreases with the increase of the angle-of-elevation of the triangular ribs. It is also shown that the effect of the ratio of the diameter of the sphere to that of the steel tube on the compressive yield strength of the joint is much lighter than the others, and deemed as negligible. Regression analysis on the experimental and numerical data is carried out to obtain a practical formula for the compressive capacity of WHS joints with external triangular ribs. This formula is incorporated with the previously developed formula for the compressive capacity of WHS joints with external trapezoidal ribs, to form a general formula applicable for WHS joints with either external triangular ribs or external trapezoidal ribs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel colorimetric and fluorescent sensor 6 for fluoride and cyanide was developed based on BODIPY-coumarin platform and its anions sensing properties were investigated in the mixture of acetonitrile and Tris–HCl buffer (v/v = 95:5, pH = 7.5). Probe 6 could simultaneously detect F – and CN – through colorimetric method over the other competitive anions, such as Cl – , Br – , I – , NO 3 – , ClO 4 – , HSO 4 – , S 2– and H 2 PO 4 – . It exhibited a distinct color change from red to green upon addition of F – through deprotection of tert -butyldiphenylsilyl group of coumarin. Moreover, it displayed an obvious color change from red to yellow through deprotection process firstly, then with a nucleophilic displacement mechanism. Therefore, the sensor 6 provides a novel method to simultaneously detect F − and CN − with different color change in the same solvent environment. The detection limit of sensor 6 toward F – and CN – ion was determined to be 0.43 μM and 1.9 μM respectively, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Anti-Müllerian hormone (amh) is one of the earliest functional genes expressed during testicular differentiation. It has been suggested that androgen signaling regulates critical genes for the differentiation and development of the testis. To elucidate the exact regulatory mechanisms involved in amh transcription mediated by androgen signaling, androgen signaling was manipulated in zebrafish by cytochrome P450 17a1 (cyp17a1) knockout and Flutamide treatment. In cyp17a1 -deficient and Flutamide-treated testes, up-regulated sry- box9 a (sox9a) and down-regulated amh were observed. Moreover, a physical association of the zebrafish androgen receptor (AR) and SOX9A was found. The interaction between AR and SOX9A was mediated via the DNA binding domain (DBD) of AR and the transactivation domain (TA) of SOX9A, and was further enhanced by 5-alpha dihydrotestosterone (DHT), one of the most potent androgens. Intriguingly, together with SOX9A, androgen signaling synergistically promoted amh transcription, mainly through the proximal 1 kb of the amh promoter region. Taken together, our data demonstrate a critical mechanism underlying the direct synergy of androgen signaling and SOX9A in the regulation of amh transcription. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Anemia is a common hematological abnormality in patients with cancer. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and anemia of chronic disease (ACD) are the most prevalent, both characterized by hypochromic microcytic anemia and low serum iron (SI). Their differential diagnosis is difficult in clinical practice, hampering their treatment. Our objective was to evaluate the use of hepcidin to discriminate tumor-related IDA and ACD and to investigate the mechanism of action of hepcidin in these anemias. Methods Blood samples were collected at Jiangsu Cancer Hospital. Patients were divided into IDA and ACD groups by Prussian blue staining of bone marrow smears. Serum hepcidin was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SI, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), transferrin saturation (TSAT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) also determined in this study. Results Areas under the curve on receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of hepcidin to be better than those of SI, TIBC, and TSAT. In ACD, hepcidin was correlated positively with IL-6 ( r = 0.81, P < 0.01) and negatively with SI ( r = −0.78, P < 0.01). In IDA, no significant relationship between IL-6 and hepcidin was found ( r = −0.20, P = 0.17), but hepcidin decreased with decreasing quartiles of SI ( r = 0.89, P < 0.01). SI was positively correlated with hemoglobin ( r = 0.89, P < 0.01; r = 0.84, P < 0.01) in both groups. Conclusions Hepcidin is a promising serological marker for the differential diagnosis of tumor-related ACD and IDA, clarifying the pathogenesis of these anemias and guiding corrective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While numerous reports exist on the results of lake restoration initiatives in temperate regions, only a few exist from subtropical lakes. We present results of the lake restoration of shallow, subtropical Lake Wuli, China, conducted between 1999 and 2010. After restoration, annual average concentrations of total nitrogen, total phosphorus (TP), and chlorophyll a and the chemical oxygen demand declined significantly, though summer TP remained high. Suspended solids increased significantly over the years, whereas transparency decreased, though not significantly so. The contribution of cryptophytes to total phytoplankton biomass decreased, while the proportion of cyanobacteria, especially potentially N-fixing species, increased. Rotifers were superseded by crustaceans as the dominant taxon of the zooplankton community. Enhanced abundance of Daphnia spp., appearance of Leptodora kindti, and increased biomass ratios of zooplankton to phytoplankton, calanoids to cyclopoids, and nauplii to copepods in the post-restoration period indicate reduced fish predation and stronger top-down control of phytoplankton. However, the increase in non-algal turbidity, probably caused by the higher biomass of benthivorous fish, apparently prevented the re-establishment of submerged macrophyte communities. We conclude that removal of fish, particularly benthivorous species, will further improve water quality in this and other subtropical shallow lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Welded hollow spherical joints are one of the most popular joints used in reticulated shell structures. Welded hollow spherical joints in service may need to be strengthened due to age-related damage or unexpected overloading. Adding external stiffeners to the welded hollow spherical joint is an effective way to strengthen it. In this paper, experimental and numerical studies are performed to investigate the enhanced behavior of welded hollow spherical joint with external stiffeners. Axial compression tests of five specimens are performed with a particular focus on the effects of the number, height, and thickness of the external stiffeners on the load-bearing capacity of the joint. A 3D finite element model is developed and calibrated against the experimental results. Parametric studies on a number of design variables are conducted using the calibrated finite element model. The results show that the external stiffeners significantly enhanced the compressive capacity of the joint, and the compressive capacity of the joint is increasing with the number, height, and thickness of the external stiffeners increasing. It is also found that the diameter of the hollow sphere has little impact on the enhanced behavior of the welded hollow spherical joint with external stiffeners. Practical formulas for axial load-bearing capacity and initial axial stiffness of the welded hollow sphere joint with external stiffeners are developed, based on the results of parametric studies. Comparison of enhancement coefficients of load-bearing capacity determined by experiments, numerical simulations and proposed formula. [Display omitted] • Few researches on the mechanical properties of welded hollow spherical joints (WHSJs) with external stiffeners. • The failure mode of WHSJs with external stiffeners was obtained through axial compression tests with five specimens. • Numerical study on the effects of different parameters on the compressive behavior of WHSJs with external stiffeners. • The formulas for calculating the load-bearing capacity and initial axial stiffness of WHSJs with external stiffeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) and the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) have been linked to the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, such as retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. AGEs may induce β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis, another complication of diabetes. However, the role of AGE-RAGE interaction in AGE-induced pancreatic β-cell failure has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated whether AGE–RAGE interaction could mediate β-cell failure. We explored the potential mechanisms in insulin secreting (INS-1) cells from a pancreatic β-cell line, as well as primary rat islets. We found that glycated serum (GS) induced apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Treatment with GS increased RAGE protein production in cultured INS-1 cells. GS treatment also decreased bcl-2 gene expression, followed by mitochondrial swelling, increased cytochrome c release, and caspase activation. RAGE antibody and knockdown of RAGE reversed the β-cell apoptosis and bcl-2 expression. Inhibition of RAGE prevented AGE-induced pancreatic β-cell apoptosis, but could not restore the function of glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) in rat islets. In summary, the results of the present study demonstrate that AGEs are integrally involved in RAGE-mediated apoptosis and impaired GSIS dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells. Inhibition of RAGE can effectively protect β-cells against AGE-induced apoptosis, but cannot reverse islet dysfunction in GSIS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural and synthetic environmental estrogens (EEs) are widespread and have received extensive attention. Our previous studies demonstrated that depletion of the cytochrome P450 17a1 gene (cyp17a1) leads to all‐testis differentiation phenotype in zebrafish and common carp. In the present study, cyp17a1‐deficient zebrafish with defective estrogen biosynthesis were used for the evaluation of EEs, as assessed by monitoring vitellogenin (vtg) expression. A rapid and sensitive assessment procedure was established with the 3‐day administration of estradiol (E2), followed by examination of the transcriptional expression of vtgs in our cyp17a1‐deficient fish. Compared with the control fish, a higher E2‐mediated vtg upregulation observed in cyp17a1‐deficient zebrafish exposed to 0.1 μg/L E2 is known to be estrogen receptor–dependent and likely due to impaired in vivo estrogen biosynthesis. The more responsive vtg expression in cyp17a1‐deficient zebrafish was observed when exposed to 200 and 2000 μg/L bisphenol A (BPA) and perfluoro‐1‐octanesulfonate (PFOS). The estrogenic potentials of E2, BPA, and PFOS were compared and assessed by the feminization effect on ovarian differentiation in cyp17a1‐deficient zebrafish from 18 to 50 days postfertilization, based on which a higher sensitivity of E2 in ovarian differentiation than BPA and PFOS was concluded. Collectively, through the higher sensitivity to EEs and the capacity to distinguish chemicals with different estrogenic potentials exhibited by the all‐male cyp17a1‐deficient zebrafish with impaired estrogen biosynthesis, we demonstrated that they can be used as an excellent in vivo model for the evaluation of EEs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:1062–1074. © 2024 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Brain androgen (Testosterone and 11-Ketotestosterone) levels are significantly decreased in cyp17a1 KO zebrafish. • Androgens are crucial for male-typical mating behaviors in zebrafish. • Different genes and signaling pathways are altered in cyp17a1 KO zebrafish. • We have identified genes that could be crucial for zebrafish brain sex differentiation, such as cyp19a1b , dio2 , pgr , etc. Brain sex differentiation is a complex process, wherein genes and steroid hormones act to induce specific gender brain differentiation. Testosterone (T) derived from the gonads has been linked to neural circuit modeling in a sex-specific manner. Previously, we have shown that cyp17a1 knockout (KO) zebrafish have low plasma androgen levels, and display compromised male-typical mating behaviors. In this study, we demonstrated that treatment of cyp17a1 KO males with T or 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) is sufficient to rescue mating impairment by restoring the male-typical secondary sex characters (SSCs) and mating behaviors, confirming an essential role of androgen in maintaining SSCs and mating behaviors. Brain steroid hormone analysis revealed that cyp17a1 KO fish have reduced levels of T and 11-KT. We performed RNA sequencing on brain samples of control and cyp17a1 KO male zebrafish to get insights regarding the impact of cyp17a1 KO on gene expression pattern, and to correlate it with the observed disruption of male-typical mating behaviors. Transcriptome analysis of cyp17a1 KO males showed a differential gene expression when compared to control males. In total, 358 genes were differentially regulated between control males and KO males. Important genes including brain aromatase (cyp19a1b), progesterone receptor (pgr), deiodinase (dio2), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (igf1) that are involved in brain functions, as well as androgen response genes including igf1 , frem1a , elovl1a , pax3a , mmp13b , hsc70 , ogg1 were regulated. RT-qPCR analysis following rescue of cyp17a1 KO with T and 11-KT further suggested that androgen-mediated signaling is disrupted in the cyp17a1 KO fish. Our results indicated that cyp17a1 KO fish have an incomplete masculinization and altered brain gene expression, which could be due to decreased androgen levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tachykinin1 (tac1) gene products participate in the regulation of hormone secretion in the pituitary of Dabry's sturgeon. Two products of tac1 gene, Substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), were initially confirmed to regulate the gene expression of two gonadotropins (lh and fsh) in the Dabry's sturgeon pituitary tissue by intraperitoneal injection in vivo and co-culture of primary cells in vitro. This research presents the initial investigation into the reproductive role of SP and NKA in Dabry's sturgeon, offering a valuable insights for advancing efficient ripening techniques in artificial breeding of sturgeon. As an ancient and endangered species unique to the Yangtze River in China, the wild population of the Dabry's sturgeon has become scarce. Due to the long time till the first sexual maturity of Dabry's sturgeon, the population of artificially bred Dabry's sturgeon recovered slowly. As a member of the tachykinin family, TAC1 has been reported to have a variety of functions in mammals such as pain control, smooth muscle contraction and reproductive cycle regulation, but the function of Tac1 in fish has been rarely reported. In this study, we synthesized two tac1 gene products, Substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), and further verified the effect of two tac1 gene products on the secretion of related hormones in the pituitary of Dabry's Sturgeon by intraperitoneal injection and co-culture of primary cells. Expression studies revealed that the newly cloned tac1 were mainly distributed in the hypothalamus and pituitary tissue of the brain. In prepubertal Dabry's sturgeon, this study showed that the two gonadotropins' mRNA levels in pituitary tissue can be significantly increased by SP and NKA through intraperitoneal injection, and the LH protein level in serum was also increased. Further study showed that both NKA and SP could promote the two gonadotropins' mRNA expression in pituitary cells of Dabry's sturgeon. In addition, we explored the optimal dose and time of SP and NKA on pituitary cells is 24 h and over 10 nM. These results, as a whole, suggested that tac1 gene products play an important role in gonadotropin release and gonadal development in prepubertal Dabry's sturgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effects of the ultrasound (US), a noninvasive technique, on ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The animals used in the present study were randomized into five groups (n=8 per group) as follows: i) The CPR group, where the rats underwent 6 min of untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF) followed by CPR and defibrillation; ii) the US group, in which the treatment was identical to the CPR group with the exception that rats were exposed to US treatment 24 h prior to CPR; iii) the MLA group, in which the treatment was identical to the US group with the exception that the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) antagonist MLA (4 mg/kg) was administered 30 min prior to US and VF respectively; iv) the GTS group, in which the treatment was identical to the CPR group with the exception that the α7nAChR agonist GTS-21 (4 mg/kg) was injected 30 min prior to VF; and v) the SHAM group, in which the rats were exposed to surgical preparation without CPR and US application. At 1 day prior to CPR, the US treatment was administered to the left kidney by US pulses (contrast general mode with 9 MHz) with a bursting mechanical index of 0.72 for 2 min. Following treatment of the left kidney, the right kidney was exposed to identical US treatment for an additional 2 min. The results demonstrated that US preconditioning decreased the number of defibrillations required and shortened the duration of CPR. US also suppressed tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels following resuscitation (P<0.05), and a significantly longer overall survival time was observed in the US-treated animals (P<0.01). In addition, US attenuated neuronal injury and promoted the expression of α7nAChR in hippocampal neurons (P<0.05). However, the protective effects of US were abolished by MLA and imitated by GTS-21. The results of the present study demonstrated that prior exposure to US may improve animal outcomes following CPR, and the protective effects of US may be dependent on the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) via α7nAChR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Revealed the role of kisspeptin in the reproductive function in the vivo and vitro levels of the Dabry's sturgeon for the first time. • In the Dabry's sturgeon, kisspeptin can not only act on hypothalamic cells, but also directly act on pituitary cells. • Both isoforms of kisspeptin can promote the expression of GnRH and gonadotropin in Dabry's sturgeon at appropriate doses. Kisspeptin, a kind of neuropeptide, is involved in various physiological processes such as tumor metastasis inhibition and reproductive regulation due to its ability to interact with Kisspeptin receptor-Kissr. In teleost, Kisspeptin/Kissr system stimulates the hypothalamus-pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG axis), which is crucial for the reproductive regulation. Compared to one Kisspeptin protein Kiss1 was existed in mammals, two Kisspeptin were identified in sturgeon species, including Kiss1 and Kiss2, with specific receptors of Kissr1 and Kissr2, respectively. However, few reports described the effects of the two isoforms of Kisspeptin on the reproductive regulation in sturgeon. The core peptides of Kiss1 and Kiss2 (Kiss1-10 and Kiss2-10) of Dabry's sturgeon were successfully synthesized to explore the functional influence of Kisspeptin on the sturgeon HPG axis in the present study. The present findings suggested that intraperitoneal injection of Kiss1-10 and Kiss2-10 could significantly up-regulate the mRNA expression of Gnrh、Fsh and Lh in the hypothalamus and pituitary and the content of Lh protein in the serum. Assays of Kisspeptin-treated cells demonstrated that Kiss1-10 and Kiss2-10 can significantly promote the expression of Gnrh in hypothalamus cells and Lh and Fsh in pituitary cells of Dabry's sturgeon, indicating their direct-acting effect on pituitary cells and regulatory function on the reproductive development of sturgeon. This study described the reproductive function of the Kisspeptin in the Dabry's sturgeon for the first time, and provided supportive reference for the development of high-efficiency ripening technologies of artificially breeding sturgeon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Co doped MIL-101(Fe, Co) with different degrees was synthesized by a simplified benign method. • MIL-101(Fe, Co) presented higher activity than MIL-101(Fe) for peroxymonsulfate(PMS) activation. • MIL-101(Fe, Co)/PMS exhibited excellent degradation performance for organic dyes. • MIL-101(Fe, Co 20%) have good structural stability and recyclability.. In order to further improve the catalytic performance of MIL-101, cobalt-doped MIL-101(Fe,Co) was synthesized by solvothermal method. By adjusting the ratio of cobalt doping, the MIL-101(Fe,Co 20%) with the best catalytic activity was obtained. The activation performance of MIL-101(Fe,Co 20%) for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) was studied using Rhodamine B (RhB) as a pollutant model. The experimental results proved MIL-101(Fe,Co 20%) with much better catalytic performance than MIL-101(Fe), which can degrade more than 99% of RhB within 15 min. The effects of initial solution pH and coexisting anions in water on the degradation of RhB were further discussed. The results showed that MIL-101(Fe,Co 20%) was with excellent stability and degradation efficiency can still keep above 90% after five cycles. The free radical quenching experiments were further studied to explore the degradation mechanism. It can be concluded that SO 4 -· was the main active free radical for the degradation of RhB. The possible intermediate products in the degradation process of RhB were analyzed by LC-MS. Combined with the comparison of XPS before and after the reaction, the possible reaction mechanism of RhB degradation process was inferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An enclosure experiment was conducted in July-September 2001 in subtropical eutrophic Lake Donghu (China) to test a hypothesis that a moderate cyanobacterial biomass would have a positive effect on small-sized cladocerans. Eight enclosures (12.5 m) were arranged with different nutrient concentrations using the lake water, tap water, and sediment from Lake Donghu. Microcystis blooms appeared in enclosures with higher nutrient concentrations and the average fresh weight biomass of Microcystis spp. ranged from 4.6 to 30.4 mg l during the bloom period. Three cladocerans ( Moina micrura, Diaphanosoma brachyurum, and Ceriodaphnia cornuta) and two cyclopoids ( Mesocyclops dissimilis and Thermocyclops taihokuensis) dominated the crustacean plankton community during the experimental period. The C. cornuta biomass constituted the greatest percentage (55.9-90.0%) of cladoceran biomass in the Microcystis bloom treatments. When the Microcystis biomass increased, the average biomass of C. cornuta increased and the biomass of M. micrura and D. brachyurum decreased, whereas the cyclopoid biomass did not change significantly. The total biomass of cladoceran and crustacean plankton were significantly positively correlated with the Microcystis biomass. Our results indicate that a moderate biomass of Microcystis spp. can favor crustacean plankton to some extent and, furthermore, may impact food web structures in a eutrophic lake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of multiple robots in an automated fiber placement system (AFPS) makes it possible to manufacture composite structures with complex shapes. The robots in such system usually adopt independent trajectory planning and control methods. This makes the AFPS lack coordination, and rely heavily on the high-precision calibration of the system when completing complex fiber placement tasks. In this article, a novel photogrammetry-based leader–follower (PBLF) approach is proposed for a particular AFPS which consists of a serial manipulator and a parallel robot to improve its accuracy and coordination. The approach is composed of an offline trajectory planning module, a leader module, and a follower module. The trajectory planning algorithm in the offline trajectory planning module solves the problem of robot workspace constraints and mandrel occlusion in the fiber placement tasks for complex structure. Besides, a novel photogrammetry-based pose tracking method is proposed to make the follower robot track its desired relative trajectory with respect to the moving reference frame and keep the coordination of the two robots. The theoretical stability of the proposed approach is proved. The results of experiments indicate that the proposed approach can reduce the average mean absolute errors of the relative pose in position and orientation direction by 62.15% and 46.42%, respectively. While the corresponding average root mean square errors are reduced by 61.20% and 45.26%, respectively. Therefore, compared with Non-Coordination approach, the PBLF approach can effectively improve the coordination of the two robots. • A photogrammetry-based leader–follower approach for a particular AFPS is proposed for improving the coordination of the AFPS. • An offline trajectory planning (OTP) algorithm for the rotary stage and the leader robot is proposed, which can ensure that the structure is in a manufacturingfriendly pose. • Compared to existing coordination strategies (Bai et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2018), it is easier to implement in paractice and does not rely on strict pose calibration of the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three tachykinin genes (tac1 , tac3 and tac4) and three neurokinin receptors (nk1r , nk2r and nk3r) were identified from Chinese sturgeon. • NK1R preferentially selected asSP, NK2R preferentially selected asNKA, and NK3R preferentially selected asNKB. • Both asSP and asNKB could stimulate luteinizing hormone (LH) release in Chinese sturgeon serum. • Estradiol (E2) could stimulate tac3 mRNA expression in hypothalamus. Tachykinins belong to a large, evolutionarily conserved family of brain/gut peptides that are involved in a variety of physiological functions in mammals, such as reproductive regulation. However, little information was available about tachykinins in ancient fish lineage. In the present study, we firstly identified three tachykinin genes (named tac1 , tac3 and tac4) and three neurokinin receptors (named nk1r , nk2r and nk3r) from Chinese sturgeon brain and pituitary. Sequence analysis showed that tac1 encoded substance P (SP) and neurokinin A (NKA), tac3 encoded neurokinin B (NKB) and NKB-related peptide (NKBRP), and tac4 encoded hemokin 1 (HK-1) and hemokin 2 (HK-2), respectively. The luciferase reporter assay results showed that NK1R preferentially selected asSP, NK2R preferentially selected asNKA, and NK3R preferentially selected asNKB. Tissue expression analysis showed that the three tac genes were highly detected in the telencephalon and hypothalamus, whereas nkr genes were widely expressed in peripheral tissues. Spatio-temporal expression analysis showed that all three tac genes were highly expressed in unknown sex individuals. Intraperitoneal injection experiments showed that both asSP and asNKB could stimulate luteinizing hormone (LH) release in Chinese sturgeon serum. At the transcriptional level, asSP and asNKB could significantly reduce pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone beta (fshβ) mRNA expression, but induce pituitary growth hormone (gh) mRNA expression. In addition, estradiol (E2) could stimulate tac3 mRNA expression in hypothalamus. Taken together, this study provided information on the tachykinin family in Chinese sturgeon and demonstrates that asNKB and asSP could be involved in reproductive and growth regulation in pituitary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xuezhikang (XZK), a red yeast rice extract with lipid-lowering effect, contains a family of naturally statins, such as lovastatin. In recent years, its effect beyond the regulation of lipids has also been received increasing attention. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the protective effects and possible molecular mechanisms of XZK on brain injury after cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and to investigate whether it has a dose-dependent effect and the difference with lovastatin. Rats were treated with low-dose XZK (XZK-L, 20 mg/kg/d), high-dose XZK (XZK-H, 200 mg/kg/d) and lovastatin by gavage once daily for 2 weeks before CA. The levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were evaluated at 1, 4, and 72 h post-CA/CPR. The survival rate, neurological deficit score (NDS), and expression of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB and TNF-α in hippocampal tissues were evaluated at 72 h post-CA/CPR. CA/CPR induced a significant increase in serum TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, as well as increased expressions of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB and TNF-α in the hippocampus. Both low-dose and high-dose XZK treatment inhibited the expression of these inflammatory cytokines. In addition, it reduced the number of defibrillations and shortened the duration of CPR required for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). XZK treatment also improved neurological function and 72-hour survival rate in rats. However, high-dose XZK was superior to lovastatin in the suppression of IL-1β mRNA level and TNF-α protein level in hippocampal tissue after CPR. There were no significant differences observed among high-dose XZK, low-dose XZK and lovastatin groups in other respects. These results indicated that XZK had a protective effect against brain injury post-CA/CPR. The mechanisms underlying the protective effects of XZK may be related to the suppressing of CA/CPR-induced inflammatory response through the inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ordered mesoporous carbon/graphene hybrids (OMCGs) with large specific surface areas (1795 m2 g−1) have been firstly synthesized by the direct self-assembly of soluble phenolic resin, an F127 triblock copolymer and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) on the surface of graphene oxide. The resulting OMCG electrode shows an advanced specific capacity of 330 F g−1, a high energy density of 38.1–32.3 W h kg−1 and a power density of 6.1–61.1 kW kg−1, and long cycle life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Series of Co-doped PB particles with different Co2+ doping (Co-PB) were successfully synthesized. • The photothermal-enhanced fenton reaction of the Co 75% -PB was highlighted. • The photothermal efficiency of Co 75% -PB was calculated to be 37.6%. Series of Co-doped PB particles with different Co2+ doping (Co-PB) were synthesized and characterized. Through methylene blue degradation experiments, and the Co 75% -PB with the best catalytic performance was screened out. The photothermal efficiency of Co 75% -PB was calculated to be 37.6 %, and the degradation performance of Co 75% -PB on methylene blue can be further enhanced with photothermal effect. As a result, Co 75％ -PB nanoparticles can be potentially used for future cancer theranostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three iron-based MOFs were synthesized based on ligand engineering. • The adsorption properties of three iron-based MOFs as adsorbents for different dyes were discussed. • The excellent reusability of the three MOFs was highlighted. Organic dyes can be used as raw materials for food, printing and textile, closely related to human life. Herein, three iron-based organic frameworks were synthesized and characterized. The adsorption of three dyes, Methylene Blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RhB) and Malachite Green (MG), on three MOFs were discussed from the perspectives of adsorption isotherms, kinetics and regeneration.The results showed that all adsorptions are more in line with the Freundlich isotherm adsorption and the pseudo-first -order model. In addition, the removal rate of iron-based MOFs to dyes can still reach more than 85% after 5 cycles of use. It was also found that all three MOFs showed selective adsorption, with MOF-1, MOF-2 and MOF-3 showing the best removal efficiencies only for MB, RhB and MG, respectively, which are 94.8%, 91.3% and 92.6%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays important roles in the development of many disease conditions, including pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Although the processes involved in the transcriptional regulation of COX-2 are well documented, some key elements, especially inhibitory elements, are still unknown. In our previous study, we identified a novel repressor element located in promoter region of mouse COX-2. In this study, we isolated several DNA-binding proteins from NIT-1 cells via DNA affinity chromatography; the most prominent among these proteins was poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1). In this study, gel-supershift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that PARP-1 can bind to the inhibitory element −655/−632 in the promoter region of mouse COX-2 both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, overexpression of PARP-1 significantly inhibited promoter activity and decreased COX-2 expression. Conversely, repression of PARP-1 by RNAi upregulated COX-2 expression. These data suggest that PARP-1 plays an important role in the regulation of COX-2 expression via binding to the inhibitory element. Collectively, our findings provide new important information on the transcriptional regulation of COX-2 in pancreatic β-cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]