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We described the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with autoinflammatory disease, named "Deficiency in ELF4, X-linked (DEX)". A novel ELF4 variant was discovered and its pathogenic mechanism was elucidated. The data about clinical, laboratory and endoscopic features, treatment, and follow-up of a patient with DEX were analyzed. Whole exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were performed to identify potential pathogenic variants. The mRNA and protein levels of ELF4 were analyzed by qPCR and Western blotting, respectively. The association of ELF4 frameshift variant with nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) in the pathogenesis DEX was examined. Moreover, RNA-seq was performed to identify the key molecular events triggered by ELF4 variant. The relationship between ELF4 and IFN-β activity was validated using a dual-luciferase reporter assay and a ChIP-qPCR assay. An 11-year-old boy presented with a Behçet's-like phenotype. The laboratory abnormality was the most obvious in elevated inflammatory indicators. Endoscopy revealed multiple ileocecal ulcers. Intestinal histopathology showed inflammatory cell infiltrations. The patient was treated with long-term immunosuppressant and TNF-α blocker (adalimumab), which reaped an excellent response over 16 months of follow-up. Genetic analysis identified a maternal hemizygote frameshift variant (c.1022del, p.Q341Rfs*30) in ELF4 gene in the proband. The novel variant decreased the mRNA level of ELF4 via the NMD pathway. Mechanistically, insufficient expression of ELF4 disturbed the immune system, leading to immunological disorders and pathogen susceptibility, and disrupted ELF4-activating IFN-β responses. This analysis detailed the clinical characteristics of a Chinese patient with DEX who harbored a novel ELF4 frameshift variant. For the first time, we used patient-derived cells and carried out transcriptomic analysis to delve into the mechanism of ELF4 variant in DEX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical remote sensing has been widely used to study internal solitary waves (ISWs). Wind speed has an important effect on ISW imaging of optical remote sensing. The light and dark bands of ISWs cannot be observed by optical remote sensing when the wind is too strong. The relationship between the characteristics of ISWs bands in optical remote sensing images and the wind speed is still unclear. The influence of wind speeds on the characteristics of the ISWs bands is investigated based on the physical simulation experiments with the wind speeds of 1.6, 3.1, 3.5, 3.8, and 3.9 m/s. The experimental results show that when the wind speed is 3.9 m/s, the ISWs bands cannot be observed in optical remote sensing images with the stratification of h1:h2=7:58, ρ1:ρ2=1:1.04. When the wind speeds are 3.1, 3.5, and 3.8 m/s, which is lower than 3.9 m/s, the ISWs bands can be obtained in the simulated optical remote sensing image. The location of the band's dark and light extremum and the band's peak-to-peak spacing are almost not affected by wind speed. More-significant wind speeds can cause a greater gray difference of the light-dark bands. This provided a scientific basis for further understanding of ISW optical remote sensing imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf senescence, the last stage of leaf development, is essential for crop yield by promoting nutrition relocation from senescence leaves to new leaves and seeds. NAC (NAM/ATAF1/ATAF2/CUC2) proteins, one of the plant-specific transcription factors, widely distribute in plants and play important roles in plant growth and development. Here, we identified a new NAC member OsNAC103 and found that it plays critical roles in leaf senescence and plant architecture in rice. OsNAC103 mRNA levels were dramatically induced by leaf senescence as well as different phytohormones such as ABA, MeJA and ACC and abiotic stresses including dark, drought and high salinity. OsNAC103 acts as a transcription factor with nuclear localization signals at the N terminal and a transcriptional activation signal at the C terminal. Overexpression of OsNAC103 promoted leaf senescence while osnac103 mutants delayed leaf senescence under natural condition and dark-induced condition, meanwhile, senescence-associated genes (SAGs) were up-regulated in OsNAC103 overexpression (OsNAC103-OE) lines, indicating that OsNAC103 positively regulates leaf senescence in rice. Moreover, OsNAC103-OE lines exhibited loose plant architecture with larger tiller angles while tiller angles of osnac103 mutants decreased during the vegetative and reproductive growth stages due to the response of shoot gravitropism, suggesting that OsNAC103 can regulate the plant architecture in rice. Taken together, our results reveal that OsNAC103 plays crucial roles in the regulation of leaf senescence and plant architecture in rice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study navigates the constructive role of English as a foreign language (EFL) as a critical intercultural discourse of locus of enunciation and linguistic citizenship through which teachers in Chinese educational context act as agents of action and social change. Based on a critical discourse analysis of learner diary entries, the study traces the preservice teachers’ development of critical intercultural awareness as a result of learning provided in the course. Findings of this study suggest that relevant EFL teacher education programs should strategically fortify the discursive role of English for contesting hegemonic ideologies in curricular materials and engaging in justice-oriented dialogue through advancing learners’ reflexivity and agency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes a qualitative participatory action research study applying critical cosmopolitan literacies principles with pre-service English as a foreign language (EFL) teachers to address global human rights issues through international English youth literature. Using literary works on sociopolitical issues alongside critical pedagogy engagements and teaching practicum in various educational settings, the author as a teacher-researcher attempts to raise the student teachers' critical awareness to issues of power, privilege, and social justice embedded in the multicultural and multimodal texts. Analysis of the qualitative data indicates important outcomes in terms of an enhanced understanding of critical human rights issues pertaining to the formation of student teachers' identities as global-conscious and socially responsible educators. Meanwhile, with explicit guidance from the teacher educator, the student teachers also develop communicative intercultural competence, high-order thinking skills, and learning agency by engaging in multiliteracies practices within a cosmopolitan liteacies orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines whether appropriate choices can be made based on a new goal through unconscious thought. The experimental materials are four mobile phones, one suitable for older adults and the other for younger people. The results of Experiment 1 show that when the goal was changed from judging whether a mobile phone is suitable for older adults to judging whether it is suitable for younger people, the scores of the participants in the unconscious thought group—that mobile phones are objectively suitable for older adults—were significantly higher than those for the group which thought that mobile phones are objectively suitable for young people. In Experiment 2, the immediate decision-making group was added, which ruled out the possibility that the participants had already made a choice during the information presentation process. The results of this study show that unconscious thought can make appropriate new choices based on new goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the enactment of critical literacy pedagogy in secondary English language teaching in the face of globalisation. This qualitative case study signals that global citizenship education (GCE) and English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching can converge through offering equitable and globally contextualised learning opportunities. The overarching themes presented here challenge the dominance of instrumentalist orientations of EFL education in mainland China today while mobilising pedagogical choices that affirm students' local and lived experiences in relation to international socio‐political issues. Findings provide EFL educators nuanced insights into how critical global literacies are extended through critical understandings of literacies, interconnections from a personal to a global level, and opportunities for social actions on multicultural issues, thus fostering globally competent and bilingual learners who critically engage with the contested terrain of an increasingly globalised world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The current lack of effective drug therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has prompted researchers to seek alternative nutritional therapies, such as medium chain triglycerides (MCTs). However, results are inconclusive. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to summarize current evidence on the effect of MCT on cognitive function in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD. Methods: A systematic search was conducted up until December 16, 2022, to identify human interventions reporting the effects of MCT on cognitive functioning of MCI or AD patients. 995 non-duplicated publications were identified, of which nine (n = 10 studies) met the inclusion criteria. Results: Meta-analysis showed cognitive improvements in general (SMD = 0.64; 95% CI [0.05, 1.24]), but not in memory, language, and attention domains after oral MCT administration, compared to placebo. The effect of MCT was greater among APOEɛ4 (−) subjects than APOEɛ4 (+) subjects (SMD = 1.87; 95% CI [0.35, 3.40]). Conclusion: This review provides some evidence that treatment with MCT could improve general cognitive function in APOEɛ4 (−) cognitive impaired patients. Better characterized clinical studies are warranted before making a definitive conclusion on the use of MCT for MCI and AD management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digestive autoimmune conditions are a growing challenge to global health. Risk factors associated with autoimmune digestive diseases are complex, including genetic variation, immunological dysfunction, and various environmental factors. To improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind digestive autoimmune conditions, including factors causing gastrointestinal manifestations and pathogenesis, BMC Immunology has launched a new Collection "The digestive system and autoimmunity". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Odor is an important characteristic of walnut oil; walnut oil aromas from different varieties smell differently. In order to compare the differences of volatile flavor characteristics in different varieties of walnut oil, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of walnut oil from five different walnut varieties in Northwest China were detected and analyzed using headspace gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS–GC–IMS). The results showed that 41 VOCs in total were identified in walnut oil from five different varieties, including 14 aldehydes, 8 alcohols, 4 ketones, and 2 esters. Walnut oil (WO) extracted from the "Zha343" variety was most abundant in VOCs. The relative odor activity value (ROAV) analysis showed that aldehydes were the main aroma substances of walnut oil; specifically, hexanal, pentanal, and heptanal were the most abundant. Fingerprints and heat map analysis indicated that WO extracted from the "Xin2", "185", "Xin'guang", and "Zha343" varieties, but not from the "Xinfeng" variety, had characteristic markers. The relative content differences of eight key VOCs in WO from five varieties can be directly compared by Kruskal–Wallis tests, among which the distribution four substances, hexanal (M), hexanal (D), pentanal (M), (E)-2-hexanal (M), presented extremely significant differences (P<0.01). According to the results of the principal component analysis (PCA), WO extracted from the "Zha343" variety was distinct from the other four varieties; in addition, WO extracted from the "Xin2" variety exhibited similarity to WO extracted from the "185" variety, and WO extracted from the "Xinfeng" variety showed similarity to WO extracted from the "Xin'guang" variety. These results reveal that there are certain differences in the VOCs extracted from five different WO varieties, making it feasible to distinguish different varieties of walnut oil or to rapidly detect walnut oil quality based on its volatile substances profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

H2O2 generation via an electrochemical two-electron oxygen reduction (2e− ORR) is a potential candidate to replace the industrial anthraquinone process. In this study, porous carbon catalysts co-doped by nitrogen and oxygen are successfully synthesized by the pyrolysis and oxidation of a ZIF-67 precursor. The catalyst exhibits a selectivity of ~83.1% for 2e− ORR, with the electron-transferring number approaching 2.33, and generation rate of 2909.79 mmol g−1 h−1 at 0.36 V (vs. RHE) in KOH solution (0.1 M). The results prove that graphitic N and –COOH functional groups act as the catalytic centers for this reaction, and the two functional groups work together to greatly enhance the performance of 2e− ORR. In addition, the introduction of the –COOH functional group increases the hydrophilicity and the zeta potential of the carbon materials, which also promotes the 2e− ORR. The study provides a new understanding of the production of H2O2 by electrocatalytic oxygen reduction with MOF-derived carbon catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anesthesia and surgery can induce perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). Mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed to be one of the earliest triggering events in surgery-induced neuronal damage. Dexmedetomidine has been demonstrated to attenuate the impairment of cognition in aged rats induced by surgery in our previous study. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent hepatic apex resection under anesthesia with propofol to clinically mimic human abdominal surgery. The rats were divided into three groups: Control group, Model group and Dexmedetomidine (Dex) group. Cognitive function was evaluated with the Morris water maze (MWM), Open Field Test (OFT)and Novel object recognition task (NOR). Ultrastructural change in neuronal mitochondria was measured by transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial function was measured by mitochondrial membrane potential and activities of mitochondrial complexes. Neuronal morphology was observed with H&E staining and the activation of glial cells was observed by immunohistochemistry in the hippocampus. Protein levels were measured by Western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence at 3 and 7 days after surgery. Results: Surgery-induced cognitive decline lasts three days, but not seven days after surgery in the model group. Transmission electron microscope showed the mitochondrial structure damage in the model group, similar changes were not induced in the Dex group. Dexmedetomidine may reverse the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial complex activity. Compared with the Control group, the expression of cytochrome c was significantly increased in model group by Western blot and immunofluorescence on days 3, but not day 7. Rats from the Model group expressed significantly greater levels of Iba-1 and GFAP compared with the Control group and the Dex group. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine appears to reverse surgery-induced behavior, mitigate the higher density of Iba-1 and GFAP, reduce the damage of mitochondrial structure and function by alleviating oxidative stress and protect mitochondrial respiratory chain, thus increasing cytochrome c oxidase (COX) expression and downregulate the expression of cytochrome c protein in the hippocampus of rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores critical cosmopolitan literacies as a framework to engage teacher preparation program candidates in re-conceptualizing about their work as active thinkers, ethical decision makers, and agentive global actors. The purpose of the study is to elucidate how preservice teachers, in a secondary literacy teacher education program, respond to ethics-oriented education in addressing complex and controversial sociopolitical issues, such as the dialectics of freedom, human rights, and growing racism in the neoliberal globalized context. The third space theory of ethics is used to interpret participant student teachers' intellectual epistemology based on their engagement with literary and nonliterary works, as well as multicultural media products. Data consist of observations, discussions, focus-group interviews, reflective journals, and course evaluations. This study contributes to our understanding of how critical cosmopolitan literacies is situated in the intercultural dialogue pertaining to ethical and equitable decision-making as a promising professional enterprise in the preparation of literacy educators as global advocates for equity and social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to improve the efficacy of doxorubicin in the treatment of breast cancer, we constructed a drug delivery system combined with local administration of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) and photothermal-material polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPY NPs). In vitro cytotoxicity experiments showed that the inhibitory effect of DOX + LBP + PPY NPs on 4T1 cells under NIR (near infrared) laser was eight times that of DOX at the same concentration (64% vs. 8%). In vivo antitumor experiments showed that the tumor inhibition rate of LBP + DOX + PPY NPs + NIR reached 87.86%. The results of the H&E staining and biochemical assays showed that the systemic toxicity of LBP + DOX + PPY NPs + NIR group was reduced, and liver damage was significantly lower in the combined topical administration group (ALT 54 ± 14.44 vs. 28 ± 3.56; AST 158 ± 16.39 vs. 111 ± 20.85) (p < 0.05). The results of the Elisa assay showed that LBP + DOX + PPY NPs + NIR can enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity (IL-10, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IgA, ROS). In conclusion, LBP + DOX + PPY NPs combined with photothermal therapy can improve the therapeutic effect of DOX on breast cancer and reduce its toxic side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A novel alkaline filler is developed for improving the efficiency of high temperature reduction of HgCl 2. • Cl species adsorption behaviors on earth metal oxides are predicted by DFT. • Frontier molecular orbital reveals the orbital energy level difference is intrinsic driving force of binding difference. • The optimal filler is calcium acetate monohydrate as precursor with 50% loading and SiC as carrier. • Field experimental validation demonstrates industrial feasibility of alkaline filler with an error below 7%. The reduction of Hg2+ to Hg0 through high temperature is a crucial technique for mercury monitoring. However, this application encounters two challenges: suboptimal thermal conditions in the reaction zone leading to incomplete decomposition of Hg2+ and the susceptibility of the decomposed Hg0 to re-oxidation by Cl species. This work proposes a novel alkaline filler with alkaline earth metal oxides (AEMOs) as the active component, which enhances the thermal conditions of the reaction while effectively removing Cl species. DFT reveals increased adsorption energies of AEMOs for HCl and Cl with the growing atomic period. Further comparison of the electronic structures and adsorption behaviors between AEMOs and Cl species indicates a similar trend in electron transfer and electron density at the bond critical points. The frontier molecular orbital analysis shows a positive correlation between orbital energy level difference and adsorption energy. Experimental validation of the DFT results, combined with a comparison of costs and de-HCl performance, identifies CaO as the optimal active component. Subsequently, the CaO is loaded onto SiC, and the impact of precursor and loading ratio on the composite performance is investigated through experiments and characterization. The optimal preparation method involves using calcium acetate monohydrate as the precursor with a loading rate of 50 %. Finally, the developed alkaline filler is tested in a Hg-CEMS for industrial application, it shows errors of below 7 % compared to the EPA Method 30B results, validating its industrial feasibility. This work offers a practical solution for Hg2+ high-temperature reduction in industrial settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The dithionates were the intermediate products of H 2 S oxidation over Al 2 O 3 /UiO-66. • The bisulfates were the intermediate products of H 2 S oxidation over Fe 2 O 3 /UiO-66. • H 2 S oxidation over Al 2 O 3 /UiO-66 is a stepwise oxidation process. • H 2 S oxidation over Fe 2 O 3 /UiO-66 is an oxidation–reduction process. • The oxidation of S 2 O 4 2− and the cleavage of SO O-Fe bonds are the rate-determining steps. This study used metal oxide-modified metal-organic frameworks to examine H 2 S catalytic oxidation selectivity. The findings revealed that the oxidation mechanisms and products differed between Fe 2 O 3 /UiO-66 and Al 2 O 3 /UiO-66. The dithionates were intermediate products of H 2 S oxidation on Al 2 O 3 /UiO-66, whereas the bisulfates were intermediate products on Fe 2 O 3 /UiO-66. Fe 2 O 3 /UiO-66 showed stronger surface oxidation activity than Al 2 O 3 /UiO-66. The formation of sulfate/SO 2 was primarily attributable to surface oxygen, whereas elemental sulfur was primarily related to lattice oxygen. The product generation processes of H 2 S on Fe 2 O 3 /UiO-66 and Al 2 O 3 /UiO-66 surfaces were as follows: H 2 S → HSO 4 2− → SO 2 → S for Fe 2 O 3 /UiO-66, while H 2 S → S 2 O 4 2− → SO 2 for Al 2 O 3 /UiO-66. H 2 O and surface oxygen have the potential to alter H 2 S adsorption on the catalyst surface. For Fe 2 O 3 , the conversion of H 2 S to SO 2 involves both an oxidation process and a reduction process. For Al 2 O 3 , the conversion of H 2 S to SO 2 includes two oxidation processes. Due to the oxidation step of S 2 O 4 2− limiting the generation of SO 2 , the reduction process of SO 2 was also hindered, which in turn restricted the production of S over Al 2 O 3. Fe 2 O 3 can achieve the oxidation and removal of H 2 S at lower reaction temperatures, while also creating elemental S. The oxidation mechanism of H 2 S over Fe 2 O 3 is as follows: H 2 S → H 2 S-(O O) → H 2 S-(O O) 2 → H 2 S-(O O) 3 → HSO 4 2− → HSO 3 → SO 2 → S = O → S. The oxidation mechanism of H 2 S over Al 2 O 3 is as follows: H 2 S → H 2 S-O → (HS) 2 O → (HS) 2 O 2 → (HS) 2 O 3 → S 2 O 4 2− → O-(SO) 2 O → SO O-SO 2 → SO 2 → S = O → S. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid receptor agonists are often used when cancer patients undergo surgery or analgesic treatment. As analgesics in clinical care, opioids can provide intraoperative or to chronic cancer pain relief. Immune function plays an important role in anti-cancer therapy, with cellular immunity, comprised principally of T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells, representing the primary anti-cancer immune response. However, it remains unclear whether immune function is further affected with the use of opioids in already immunocompromised cancer patients. This article provides a review of the effects of commonly used clinical opioids, including morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl and tramadol, on immune function in cancer patients. It provides a summary of current evidence regarding the immunomodulatory effects of opioids in the cancer setting and mechanisms underlying these interactions. • Opioids can affect immune function in cancer patients. • Summarized the impact of different factors associated with opioids on tumour immunity. • Summarized the mechanisms of the effects of opioids on immune function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The behavioral characteristics of internal solitary waves (ISWs) in the central Andaman Sea were revealed by analyzing multisource satellite remote sensing images combined with synchronous mooring data. The relationship between the generation time and tides of ISWs in the central Andaman Sea was analyzed and discussed. The ISWs in the central Andaman Sea exhibit a notable semidiurnal tidal cycle, primarily occurring during the spring tide. Additionally, it was observed that larger currents can generate ISWs with larger amplitudes. The propagation velocity of the ISWs initially increases and then decreases from the source, with no significant overall change in the deep areas. Based on the analysis of satellite remote sensing images that cover the source of ISWs in the central Andaman Sea, the generation time of ISWs was estimated. A comparison was made between the estimated generation time and the tidal flow predicted from the TPXO 9 global tidal model at the location of the ISW source. It was found that ISWs are generated when the westward tidal flow reaches its maximum. The ISWs in the central Andaman Sea are generated between the islands of Car Nicobar and Teresa Island. They propagate eastward into the Andaman Sea, grow in amplitude, split into multiple waves, dissipate, and vanish in the waters near the Danao Islands. The entire life cycle of these waves lasts for approximately 3∼4 days. • In this paper, mooring observation data and satellite remote sensing images are used for the first time to study the ISWs signatures in the central Andaman Sea. • The ISWs in the central Andaman Sea exhibit a notable semidiurnal tidal cycle, primarily occurring during the spring tide. • Based on the analysis of satellite remote sensing images that cover the source of ISWs in the central Andaman Sea, the generation time of ISWs was estimated. • A comparison was made between the estimated generation time and the tidal flow predicted from the TPXO 9 global tidal model at the location of the ISW source. It was found that ISWs are generated when the westward tidal flow reaches its maximum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With bio-renewable and environmentally friendly nature, biobased polyamides have emerged as attractive alternatives to traditional petroleum-derived polymers. However, poor thermal and mechanical performance, high costs, and limited scalability significantly hinder their practical applications. Herein, a series of biobased copolyamides PA6/PA56 (CoPAs) were successfully synthesized from caprolactam, adipic acid, and the lysine-derived biobased monomers 1,5-pentanediamine. The copolyamides were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR), wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), rheological analysis, mechanical testing, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result shows the α to γ transition in the crystalline form of the copolyamides with comonomer loading. The melting temperature, crystallization temperature, and crystallinity gradually decrease due to the introduction of the odd-even structure, causing deviation in amide positions and reducing hydrogen bond formation between molecular chains. Furthermore, variable-temperature infrared (VTIR) analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculations further confirm a decrease in intermolecular forces. Importantly, the mobility of the molecular chains in the amorphous region is significantly improved, endowing the copolyamides with sufficient degrees of freedom to cope with externally applied strains. Moreover, significant entanglement facilitates effective stress transfer during stretching. As a result, the synthesized copolyamides achieve a high strength of 51 MPa and a remarkable toughness of 199 MJ/m3, without sacrificing thermal stability and processing properties. These biobased CoPAs show great potential and prospects in the field of high-performance thermoplastic materials, films, and textiles. [Display omitted] • Hydrogen bonding decreased with the introduction of the odd-even structure. • The massive entanglements formed within the copolyamides effectively transferred the stress. • The mechanical properties of biobased copolyamides were remarkably enhanced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Peptidoglycan can adsorb 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl-imidazolium [4, 5-B] pyridine. • The major adsorption sites were O H and N H groups. • The peptidoglycan's adsorption capacity was not affected by the strain. The heterocyclic amine 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenyl-imidazolium [4, 5-B] pyridine (PhIP), commonly found in roasted meat products, is considered a potential carcinogen. This study is to explore the underlying mechanisms involved in the adsorption of PhIP by lactic acid bacteria 37X-15 and its peptidoglycan. The scanning electron microscope results suggested that the strain's adsorption on PhIP occurs on the cell wall, primarily composed of peptidoglycan. The fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy results indicated that PhIP adsorption by both lactic acid bacteria 37X-15 and its peptidoglycan primarily involved O H and N H binding groups. Different adsorption conditions affected the adsorption rate of PhIP by peptidoglycan. The optimal values for each adsorption condition were 2 h, 37 °C, and pH 6 when the maximum adsorption rate reached. This study provides a new direction for the application of lactic acid bacteria and its peptidoglycan in food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While the prevalence and disease burden of bronchiectasis are increasing, data in the world's largest population are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and disease burden of bronchiectasis in Chinese adults.Methods: We conducted a population-based study using data between 2013 and 2017 from the national databases of Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance in China. Data from over 380 million patients aged 18 years and older during the study period were analyzed, and a total of 383,926 bronchiectasis patients were identified. Primary outcomes included the age- and sex-specific prevalence of bronchiectasis. Annual visits and hospitalizations, as well as annual costs were also calculated.Results: The prevalence of bronchiectasis in Chinese adults increased 2.31-fold, from 75.48 (62.26, 88.69) per 100,000 in 2013 to 174.45 (137.02, 211.88) per 100,000 in 2017. The increase was more remarkable for patients aged over 50 years in both genders. The per-capita total cost and hospitalization cost of patients with bronchiectasis increased 2.18-fold and 1.83-fold from 2013 to 2017, respectively, mostly driven by non-bronchiectasis costs. The average annual hospitalization ranged from 1.20 to 1.24 times during the 5 years.Conclusion: The prevalence and disease burden of bronchiectasis in Chinese urban adults ≥ 18 years had increased significantly between 2013 and 2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we systematically compared the covalent effects of chlorogenic acid (CA), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and gallic acid (GA) with β-lactoglobulin (βLG) under alkaline conditions. Based on the measurement of polyphenol binding equivalent, it was concluded that the binding ability of EGCG was strongest. Structural changes of βLG after covalent interaction with GA, CA and EGCG were investigated using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy analysis and dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy. These results will help to elucidate the mechanism of covalent interaction of GA, CA and EGCG with βLG. Antioxidant activity test showed that polyphenols could significantly improve the antioxidant activity of βLG, indeed, βLG-EGCG had the strongest antioxidant properties. The DPPH radical scavenging ability of βLG-EGCG was increased by approximately 26%, and the ABTS radical scavenging ability of βLG-EGCG increased by 18%. These results may provide a theoretical foundation for the design functional products based on natural active ingredients. • Covalent interactions of GA, CA and EGCG with βLG have occurred. • βLG and the resulting βLG-polyphenol complexes were investigated. • SEM and FTIR analysis showed that the structure of complexes changed. • The sulfhydryl group and surface hydrophobicity of the complexes were decreased. • Antioxidant and emulsifying properties of the complexes were increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The re-oxidation of Hg0 by Cl, HCl, ClO, Cl 2 hinders the HTR reaction. • A novel alkaline dechlorination agent is developed for adsorbing Cl-related species. • Two-stage filling dechlorination agent can meet the requirements of Hg-CEMS. • DFT indicates dechlorination agent eliminate Cl, HCl, ClO at elevated temperatures but not Cl 2. The high temperature reduction (HTR) of flue gas divalent mercury to elemental mercury is the core technology for the mercury continuous emission monitoring system (Hg-CEMS). In this work, the high temperature reduction of HgCl 2 to Hg0 was systematically investigated. The results show that HgCl 2 can entirely decompose to Hg0 at 800 °C, but Cl, ClO, Cl 2 , and HCl can easily oxidize Hg0 at low temperature. A new efficient alkaline dechlorination agent for eliminating these Cl species was proposed firstly. The dechlorination agent can efficiently capture the HCl, Cl, and ClO but fail to completely adsorb Cl 2. Consequently, a scheme was created that a pair of dechlorination agents were filled in inlet and outlet of the HTR furnace respectively. It features that the upper layer removes HCl and prevents the generation of Cl 2 because HCl is the precursor of Cl 2 , and the lower layer adsorbs the Cl and ClO generated by the HTR process. The feasibility of the method was successfully verified in both a fixed-bed reactor and a Hg-CEMS pretreatment device. DFT calculation indicates that the adsorption of Cl, ClO, and HCl on CaO falls into the category of strong chemisorption while Cl 2 is weakly chemisorbed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Andaman Sea has been a classic study region for internal solitary waves (ISWs) for several decades, and extraordinarily large ISWs are characteristic of the Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean. This paper presents results on the estimation of the propagation velocity of ISWs in the Andaman Sea that were tracked using 195 image pairs acquired by MODIS National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Terra/Aqua satellites between January 2014 and December 2018. A total of 562 ISWs were identified during the period, and the results of the propagation velocity distribution of ISWs in the Andaman Sea are presented. The estimated propagation velocity of ISWs agrees well with the theoretical results derived from the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation using monthly climatology stratification data and local bathymetry. The ISW propagation velocity decreases as they propagate from deep to shallow water; the maximum propagation velocity of 3.27 m/s was estimated on the western side of the Nicobar Islands and minimum speed of 0.54 m/s occurred in the shallow water region of the southeastern Andaman Sea. The results show that the ISW propagation characteristics differ in the northern, central, and southern regions of the Andaman Sea. In the northern Andaman Sea, the velocity of ISWs propagating westward was greater than that of ISWs propagating eastward at the same water depth. In the central Andaman Sea, the propagation velocity of the ISWs differed over a small area at a depth of 2 500 m, and the velocity of ISWs in the deep mixing layer in winter was higher than that in the shallow mixing layer in spring. Monthly variations in ISW propagation velocity were analyzed in the southern Andaman Sea, and the velocity of ISWs differed greatly in shallow water and was not significantly different in deep water. Water depth and monthly stratification play vital roles in controlling the phase speed of ISWs in the Andaman Sea. This study will provide a basis for the propagation and prediction of ISWs in the Andaman Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the support of big data and information technology, various sectors such as sports, health, and medical industry can realize the integration and readjustment of the existing resources, which improve the operation efficiency of the industry and tap its huge potential. With the advancement in big data analysis, voice features, and Internet of Things (IoT), personalized health management is becoming the development trend and breakthrough of sports and health industry. The application of big data will tap out the huge potential of the sports and health industry. In this paper, we have used the Mel-requency cepstrum coefficient as the speech feature processing method. When the linear frequency is transformed to the Mel frequency by Fourier transform, the calculation accuracy will decrease with the increase in the frequency, and the low-frequency signal will be retained to improve the anti-noise ability. With further study of the voice feature processing and IoT model of big data's sports and health management, a vector addition regression was developed to compare the two real scoring features of the processing results that pave the way for further analysis and result evaluation. Through experimental verification, it is proved that the method in this paper can better learn the speech features. At the same time, with the introduction of noise reduction, the big data of speech recognition in sports health management has a stronger robustness and improves the overall system performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study offers a critical content analysis of thirty-six contemporary realistic picturebooks featuring transracial Chinese adoption. The theoretical framework of critical literacy highlights significant sociocultural implications of these portrayals: in particular, negative stereotypes and ideologies, in an attempt to call for inclusivity and respect. Though these adoption tales provide an opportunity for Chinese adoptees to explore sociocultural identities and for other young readers to perceive the world of adoption-created families from a different perspective, negative depictions of certain aspects suggest that transracial Chinese adoption narratives are highly contested in terms of how Chinese adoptees are viewed and what family configurations are valued. The stories sometimes omit or simplify the complexities and nuances involved in the practice, the voices of birth parents and adoptees are noticeably absent, and certain ideologies prevail in some adoptive narratives. The complex picture of what transnational adoption looks like and means for those involved needs to be more critically explored and extended by children's literature researchers as unveiling discourses on belonging and exclusion are informed by values that will be passed on to the new generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apostichopus japonicus is an important aquaculture species with significant economic value. As water temperatures increase during the summer, A. japonicus enters aestivation to resist adverse environments and maintain survival. The most significant feature of aestivation in sea cucumbers is metabolic depression, but the molecular mechanisms involved in this process are not fully explained. In this study, we analyzed the methylation status and gene expression of intestinal tissues from A. japonicus during aestivation, to reveal the mechanism of metabolic depression involved during aestivation from the perspective of epigenetic modifications. Of the 2886 hypermethylated genes and 1534 hypomethylated genes obtained, methylation and transcriptome correlation analysis identified 207 methylation-driven low-expression candidate genes and 71 methylation-driven highly expressed candidate genes. Analysis of the methylation location showed that 5% of differential methylation occurred in the promoter region; those genes that were differentially methylated in the promoter region were also significantly enriched in the pyruvate metabolic pathway. Metabolite content analysis of the glycolytic pathway and the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway, key sources and consumption pathways of pyruvate, respectively, showed that the content of these metabolites was significantly reduced, suggesting pyruvate metabolic depression of A. japonicus during aestivation. In conclusion, these results reveal that promoter methylation is likely a potential cause of pyruvate metabolic depression during aestivation in A. japonicus. They also provide new insights into the epigenetic regulation mechanism of hypometabolism during aestivation. [Display omitted] • Some genes in A. japonicas undergo DNA methylation during aestivation. • DNA methylation in intestine may regulate gene expression during aestivation. • DMGs in the promoter region may be a cause for the decrease in pyruvate metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Widely targeted metabolomic was to comprehensively analyze metabolites of mutton. • Aging had the greatest impact on amino acids, lipids (FA and GP), and nucleotides. • Protein, lipid, nucleotide metabolism were the main enrichment pathways in aging. Postmortem aging is a value-added process for meat. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamic changes and metabolic pathways of metabolites in Mongolian sheep during early postmortem chilled aging. Widely targeted metabolomic was used to analyze the metabolites of mutton within five days of chilled aging. A total of 1093 metabolites were identified in Mongolian sheep, covering 16 subclasses. Multivariate statistical analysis showed that 467 metabolites had significant changes during aging, including amino acid and its metabolites, fatty acyl, and glycerophospholipid. In particular, 60 metabolites decreased, while other 407 metabolites increased with aging time. The Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway analysis revealed that protein digestion and absorption, amino acyl-trNA biosynthesis, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, nucleotide metabolism and carbon metabolism were the main enrichment pathways in aging. These findings provide a more comprehensive insight into metabolic profiling and metabolic pathways during chilled aging in mutton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Establishment of gene editing technologies in tilapia enhances our knowledges on fish reproductive endocrinoogy. • Transcription factors Dmrt1 and Foxl3 are key factors involved in germ cell fate decision and sexual plasticity. • Blockage of estrogen synthesis rescues the male to female sex reversal of amhy and gsdf but not dmrt1 mutants. • The deficiency of steroid hormones, such as androgen, DHP and cortisol, impairs reproduction as revealed by gene editing. The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), with a system of XX/XY sex determination, is a worldwide farmed fish with a shorter sexual maturation time than that of most cultured fish. Tilapia show a spawning cycle of approximately 14 days and can be artificially propagated in the laboratory all year round to obtain genetically all female (XX) and all male (XY) fry. Its genome sequence has been opened, and a perfect gene editing platform has been established. With a moderate body size, it is convenient for taking enough blood to measure hormone level. In recent years, using tilapia as animal model, we have confirmed that estrogen is crucial for female development because 1) mutation of star2 , cyp17a1 or cyp19a1a (encoding aromatase, the key enzyme for estrogen synthesis) results in sex reversal (SR) due to estrogen deficiency in XX tilapia, while mutation of star1 , cyp11a1 , cyp17a2 , cyp19a1b or cyp11c1 affects fertility due to abnormal androgen, cortisol and DHP levels in XY tilapia; 2) when the estrogen receptors (esr2a / esr2b) are mutated, the sex is reversed from female to male, while when the androgen receptors are mutated, the sex cannot be reversed; 3) the differentiated ovary can be transdifferentiated into functional testis by inhibition of estrogen synthesis, and the differentiated testis can be transdifferentiated into ovary by simultaneous addition of exogenous estrogen and androgen synthase inhibitor; 4) loss of male pathway genes amhy , dmrt1 , gsdf causes SR with upregulation of cyp19a1a in XY tilapia. Disruption of estrogen synthesis rescues the male to female SR of amhy and gsdf but not dmrt1 mutants; 5) mutation of female pathway genes foxl2 and sf-1 causes SR with downregulation of cyp19a1a in XX tilapia; 6) the germ cell SR of foxl3 mutants fails to be rescued by estrogen treatment, indicating that estrogen determines female germ cell fate through foxl3. This review also summarized the effects of deficiency of other steroid hormones, such as androgen, DHP and cortisol, on fish reproduction. Overall, these studies demonstrate that tilapia is an excellent animal model for studying reproductive endocrinology of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The comprehensive effects of ultrasonic treatment and thermal treatment on soy protein isolate (SPI) structural and functional protein have been compared. • Ultrasonic treatment improved the functional properties of SPI better than thermal treatment. • The SPI system of ultrasonic treatment reduced hexanal, (E)-2-hexenal, 1-Pentanol and 1-Nonanol beany flavor compound content, and there was no significant difference from the thermal treatment. • The correlation between the conformational changes of protein and the functional properties, volatile flavor compounds composition of SPI was analysed. This research explored the influences of ultrasonic and thermal treatments on the structure, functional properties, and beany flavor of soy protein isolate (SPI). In comparison with traditional thermal treatment, ultrasonic treatment effectively induced protein structural unfolding and exposure of hydrophobic groups, which reduced relative content of α-helix, increased relative content of β-turn, β-sheet and random coil, and improved the solubility, emulsifying and foaming properties of SPI. Both treatments significantly decreased the species and contents of flavor compounds, such as hexanal, (E)-2-nonenal, (Z)-2-heptenal and (E)-2-hexenal in SPI. The relative content of hexanal in the major beany flavor compound decreased from 11.69% to 6.13% and 5.99% at 350 W ultrasonic power and 150 s thermal treatment procedure, respectively. After ultrasonic treatment, structural changes in SPI were significantly correlated with functional properties but showed a weak correlation with flavor. Conversely, the opposite trend was observed for thermal treatment. Thus, using ultrasonic treatment to induce and stabilise the denatured state of proteins is feasible to improve the functional properties and beany flavor of SPI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, oleogel was prepared by oil absorption using egg white microgel (EWM), and the EWM was obtained through microwave hydrothermal treatment, freeze-thawing, ethanol solvent replacement, atmospheric drying and ball milling pulverization. Compared with water bath and hydrothermal method, microwave hydrothermal treatment had higher heating efficiency to form egg white hydrogel (EWH). Ethanol solvent exchange reduced the surface tension from water evaporation, allowing the porous structure of EWH to be maintained during atmospheric pressure drying, while EWH structure collapsed without solvent exchange. Ball milling made EWM present smaller particle size and higher specific surface area than common pulverization, owing excellent oil holding ability (1.24 ± 0.04 g/g) and great ability to form networks in oil. Compared to control oleogel based on microgel without solvent exchange or by common pulverization, EWM oleogel showed higher viscosity and gelatinability, which was beneficial to the improvement of oxidation stability. This oleogel can be further used as the solid fat alternative or bioactive substance delivery carriers in food industry. [Display omitted] • Porous gels were prepared by solvent replacement and atmospheric pressure drying. • Microgel had higher specific surface area and oil holding ability by ball milling. • Oleogels could be prepared by immersing microgel directly in oil. • Oleogel had high oxidation stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution processed metal organic thin film was found to act as an efficient and stable electron injection layer (EIL) in inverted organic light emitting diodes (iOLEDs). Mild annealing of zinc(II) methoxyethoxide (ZME) under N 2 resulted in nanocrystals of ZnO (nc-ZnO) within highly compact amorphous gel of ZME (ag-ZME). While well-crystallized ZnO caused a strong electron leakage to reduce device efficiency, the ag-ZME processed at a temperature as low as 30 °C did work efficiently. DC capacitance analysis revealed a highly dielectric behavior of ag-ZME that achieves selective electron injection to the emission layer, while preventing non-emissive direct reduction of hole, unlike crystalline ZnO with intra-band defect states to cause electron leakage. We also employed calcium(II) methoxyethoxide (CME) as an EIL and demonstrated almost the same performance in iOLEDs. The 4s orbitals of Ca(II) and Zn(II) in ag-CME and ag-ZME are used to regulate the electron injection, whereas the redundantly high conductivity of crystalline ZnO can only reduce the efficiency. The iOLED with a balanced nc-ZnO/ag-ZME by annealing at 100 °C achieved a high current efficiency of 25.5 cd A−1 and an operating half-life stability exceeding 2000 h @100 cd m−2, appealing for its practical use in iOLEDs. [Display omitted] • Solution processed metal organic thin film as an efficient and stable electron injection layer (EIL) for inverted organic light-emitting diodes (iOLEDs). • Mild annealing of zinc methoxyethoxide (ZME) under N 2 resulted in nanocrystals of nc-ZnO embedded within a compact amorphous gel of ag-ZME. • The dielectric properties of ag-ZME as a key factor in facilitating electron injection to the emitting layer while blocking leakage current. • High current efficiency (25.5 cd A−1) and a good stability (LT50 > 2000 h) of iOLEDs were achieved with a balanced nc-ZnO/ag-ZME hybrid EIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Onychostoma macrolepis is an emerging commercial cyprinid fish species. It is a model system for studies of sexual dimorphism and genome evolution. Here, we report the chromosome‐level assembly of the O.macrolepis genome obtained from the integration of nanopore long‐read sequencing with physical maps produced using Bionano and Hi‐C technology. A total of 87.9 Gb of nanopore sequence provided approximately 100‐fold coverage of the genome. The preliminary genome assembly was 883.2 Mb in size with a contig N50 size of 11.2 Mb. The 969 corrected contigs obtained from Bionano optical mapping were assembled into 853 scaffolds and produced an assembly of 886.5 Mb with a scaffold N50 of 16.5 Mb. Finally, using the Hi‐C data, 881.3 Mb (99.4% of genome) in 526 scaffolds were anchored and oriented in 25 chromosomes ranging in size from 25.27 to 56.49 Mb. In total, 24,770 protein‐coding genes were predicted in the genome, and ~96.85% of the genes were functionally annotated. The annotated assembly contains 93.3% complete genes from the BUSCO reference set. In addition, we identified 409 Mb (46.23% of the genome) of repetitive sequence, and 11,213 non‐coding RNAs, in the genome. Evolutionary analysis revealed that O. macrolepis diverged from common carp approximately 24.25 million years ago. The chromosomes of O. macrolepis showed an unambiguous correspondence to the chromosomes of zebrafish. The high‐quality genome assembled in this work provides a valuable genomic resource for further biological and evolutionary studies of O. macrolepis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two novel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) deoxyribosensors are designed for assay of early lung cancer biomarker (NAP2) using the DNA three-way junction (DNA-TWJ) inserted NAP2 binding aptamer between two double-helical stems and labeled with ruthenium (II) complex (Ru) (NBAT-Ru) taken as molecular recognition element. The signal-off ECL deoxyribosensor was fabricated by covalently coupling the 5′–NH 2 –(CH 2) 6 -NBAT-Ru to glassy carbon electrode surface modified with 4-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA). After combining NAP2 and NBAT-Ru, the changed conformation of NBAT-Ru altered the distance between Ru complex and electrode, resulting in a low ECL signal. The signal-on deoxyribosensor was fabricated by self-assembling the 5′–SH–(CH 2) 6 -NBAT-Ru onto the Au electrode. The introduction of NAP2 triggered the conformational change in the aptamer domain, which induces the interhelical stacking of the two double-helical stems of NBAT-Ru. This stacking constitutes "electrical contact," which promotes transmission of electron-holes through the stems of NBAT-Ru, and produces high ECL intensity. Both deoxyribosensors show high sensitivity and selectivity. The biosensors have been successfully applied to clinical plasma detection. The approaches we describe represent unique principles based on DNA-TWJ inserted target special binding domain as molecular recognition element and different immobilization types for the fabrication of biosensors, which are greatly promising for the detection of protein, metal ions, bacteria, and cells. Image 1 • Two novel ECL deoxyribose sensors are designed combining advantages of ECL biosensors and DNA-TWJs. • ECL deoxyribose sensors avoid the disadvantages of traditional aptasensors. • The deoxyribose sensors have been successfully applied to detect lung cancer biomarker (NAP2) for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal hypoxia can induce the persisting brain dysfunctions and subsequently result in the behavioral abnormalities in adulthood. Improving mitochondrial functions were suggested as the effective strategy for brain functional recovery. In this study, we tested the effects of physical exercise, a well-established way benefits mitochondrion, for its functions to prevent hypoxia induced adult behavioral dysfunctions and the underlying molecular mechanism. Mice was induced with hypoxia and treadmill running were then administrated until the adulthood. The treadmill running resulted in the improved behavioral performance in depressive and anxiety tests together with the enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis. We then detected treadmill running restored the mitochondrial morphology in adult neural stem cells (NSCs) as well as the ATP production in hippocampal tissue. In addition, activity of AMPK, which playing key roles in regulating mitochondrial functions, was also elevated by treadmill running. Blockage of AMPK with selective inhibitor compound C prohibited effects of treadmill running in attenuating neonatal hypoxia induced neurogenic impairment and antidepressant behavioral deficits in adulthood. In conclusion, treadmill running could prevent neonatal hypoxia induced adult antidepressant dysfunctions and neurogenic dampening via AMPK-mediated mitochondrial regulation. • Treadmill running restored early hypoxia induced depressive symptoms in adulthood. • Treadmill running promoted adult hippocampal neurogenesis in adult mice with early life hypoxic stress. • AMPK regulates treadmill running induced neuroprotection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We identified 11 MHCII-binding peptides generated from processing of TT and CRM 197. • Each peptide is capable of stimulating human CD4+ T cells. • Donors have MHCII allelic repertoire that covers a wide range of the US population. • These peptides may serve as carriers for future glycoconjugate vaccine strategies. In the preparation of glycoconjugate vaccines in clinical practice, two highly immunogenic carrier proteins, CRM 197 and tetanus toxoid (TT), are predominantly conjugated with the capsular polysaccharides (CPSs) of bacterial pathogens. In addition, TT has long been used as an effective vaccine to prevent tetanus. While these carrier proteins play an important role in immunogenicity and vaccine design alike, their defined human major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) T cell epitopes are inadequately characterized. In this current work, we use mass spectrometry to identify the peptides from these carrier proteins that are naturally processed and presented by human B cells via MHCII pathway. The MHCII-presented peptides are screened for their T cell stimulation using primary CD4+ T cells from four healthy adult donors. These combined methods reveal a subset of eleven CD4+ T cell epitopes that proliferate and stimulate human T cells with diverse MHCII allelic repertoire. Six of these peptides stand out as potential immunodominant epitopes by responding in three or more donors. Additionally, we provide evidence of these natural epitopes eliciting more significant T cell responses in donors than previously published TT peptides selected from T cell epitope screening. This study serves toward understanding carrier protein immune responses and thus enables the use of these peptides in developing novel knowledge-based vaccines to combat persisting problems in glycoconjugate vaccine design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration are important abiotic factors that can limit the growth and survival of sea cucumbers by affecting their immune systems. As global warming intensifies, sea cucumbers are increasingly exposed to adverse environmental conditions, which can cause severe economic losses and limit the sustainable development of sea cucumber aquaculture. It is therefore important to better understand how sea cucumbers respond to environmental stress, especially with regard to its effects on immunity. In the present study, the time series of immunity-related gene expression in sea cucumbers under thermal and hypoxic stresses were analyzed separately. The expression trends of 17 genes related to the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway, the protease family, the complement system, heat shock proteins (HSPs) and the transferrin family during exposure to two stresses at eight time points were concluded. These genes have interconnected roles in stress defense. The expression levels of genes relating to the NF-κB pathways and HSPs were strongly affected in the sea cucumber thermal stress response, while melanotransferrin (Mtf) , ferritin (Ft) and mannan-binding C-type lectin (MBCL) were affected by hypoxia. In contrast, complement factor B (Bf) , myosin V (Mys) and serine protease inhibitor (SPI) were not that sensitive during the initial period of environmental stress. Similar expression patterns under both thermal and hypoxic stress for certain genes, including an increase in Hsp90 and decreases in lysozyme (Lys) , major yolk protein (MYP) and cathepsin C (CTLC) were observed in sea cucumbers. Conversely, NF-κB and Hsp70 were differentially affected by the two stress treatments. Lysozyme-induced immune defense was inconstant in sea cucumbers coping with stress. A gene ontology (GO) analysis of the selected genes revealed that the most co-involved terms related to immunity and iron ion. Our analysis suggests that sea cucumbers demonstrate complex and varied immune responses to different types of stresses. This dynamic image of the immune responses and stress tolerance of sea cucumbers provides new insights into the adaptive strategies of holothurians in adverse environments. • Expressed trends of 17 immune genes under two stresses at 8 time points were concluded. • Genes related to Nf-κB pathway, protease, complement system, HSP and transferrin family were coefficient to defense stress. • Sea cucumber showed complex and different immune pattern towards different stresses. • These dynamic images provide new insights into adaptive strategies in sea cucumber tolerance to adverse environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of lake sediment biochar (LSB) catalysts modified by metal oxides and basic functional groups were utilized for removal of carbon disulfide (CS2) in yellow phosphorus tail gas. The influences of preparation and modification conditions for surface characteristics of Fe‐KOH/LSB on removal of CS2 were investigated. Surface area and pore structure analyses indicated that preparation processes were aimed to increase the micropore structure of LSB. Diffuse reflection using transform of Fourier infrared radiation results showed that Fe had high hydrolysis activity for CS2 and low oxidation activity for H2S. Thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis results indicated that low calcination temperature was not conducive to the generation of Fe2O3 and high calcination temperature led to the oxidation of LSB. CO2 temperature programmed desorption results stated that high alkalinity site strength could improve the catalytic hydrolysis performance. High KOH content could enhance alkalinity site strength but led to the block of pore. These modification factors mainly controlled the catalytic hydrolysis ability of Fe‐KOH/LSB. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results claimed that the deactivation of Fe‐KOH/LSB was attributed to the generation of S and sulfate, and the consumption of active component. In the deactivation process, S and sulfate generated and covered the activity sites, and Fe2O3 was converted into FeSO4 or Fe2(SO4)3, which led to the deactivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are RNA sequences >200 nucleotides in length that have no protein-coding capacity. lncRNAs serve key roles in multiple biological processes, such as tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Taurine upregulated 1 (TUG1) is a novel lncRNA that has been associated with human cancer. TUG1 has attracted increasing attention in recent years and has been documented to be abnormally expressed in different types of cancer. Numerous studies indicate that TUG1 may be significantly associated with tumor development and cell metabolism by regulating cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, apoptosis, differentiation and drug resistance. TUG1 exerts its function via recruiting specific RNA-binding proteins, promoting target gene expression, influencing tumor angiogenesis and by functioning as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA). An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that ceRNAs serve a role in cancer development. TUG1 is considered to be a biomarker or a novel therapeutic target for the diagnosis and prognosis of different cancer types. The present review focuses on recent developments in the major underlying molecular mechanisms of TUG1 in cancer, including its role in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion and drug resistance. Also discussed in the present review is the current knowledge regarding the regulation of TUG1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The O3 generation reaction mechanisms over P4 in a water solution were investigated in this theoretical work using density functional modeling. The results showed that the association interaction between P4 and O2 resulted from van der Waals forces. The generation of a free O atom was the control step in the O3 generation process, and the generation of O3 was based on the existence of the free O atom. The generation of a P–O bond was a continuous process but was not conducive to the generation of O3 and the free O atom. The H2O molecule was conducive for the generation of a free O atom and O3. Meanwhile, the involvement of the H2O molecule changed the adsorption effect among the reactant molecules by changing the interaction from van der Waals forces to the chemical bond effect. In addition, the H2O molecule decreased all the reaction energy barriers by H atom migration and promoted the generation of free O atoms. Herein, detailed reaction mechanisms were investigated using the all-electron density functional theory (DFT) computational method. As such, this study provides a theoretical insight for future applications and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA has been reported to remodel gene expression in response to environmental conditions; however, the biological role of m6A in social insects remains largely unknown. In this study, we explored the role of m6A in the division of labour by worker ants (Solenopsis invicta). We first determined the presence of m6A in RNAs from the brains of worker ants and found that m6A methylation dynamics differed between foragers and nurses. Depletion of m6A methyltransferase or chemical suppression of m6A methylation in foragers resulted in a shift to 'nurse‐like' behaviours. Specifically, mRNAs of dopamine receptor 1 (Dop1) and dopamine transporter (DAT) were modified by m6A, and their expression increased dopamine levels to promote the behavioural transition from foragers to nurses. The abundance of Dop1 and DAT mRNAs and their stability were reduced by the inhibition of m6A modification caused by the silencing of Mettl3, suggesting that m6A modification in worker ants modulates dopamine synthesis, which regulates labour division. Collectively, our results provide the first example of the epitranscriptomic regulation of labour division in social insects and implicate m6A regulatory mechanism as a potential novel target for controlling red imported fire ants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The isodimorphism of biobased PA6/PA56 was studied by the thermodynamic model. • The polymorphic crystallization behavior of PA6-type crystals is influenced by the content of 56 units. • The inclusion of 6 units in the crystal led to lower defect excess free energy (ε). A series of semi-crystalline bio-based copolyamides PA6 x 56 y were synthesized via melt polycondensation from caprolactam (6 units) and bio-based Pentamethylene adipamide units (56 units). DSC results show that the melting and crystallization temperature depend on the comonomers composition, and exhibit isodimorphic behavior. Combined with the analysis of WAXD, it is found that the 56 units are more tend to be excluded from rather than incorporated into the PA6 crystals. However, it does not imply a complete exclusion. Unexpectedly, there is a significant relationship between the content of 56 units on the polymorphic crystallization behavior of PA6-type crystals. Moreover, the pseudo-eutectic point appears when 56 units content is 30 mol %, and the spherulite morphology exhibits a strong correlation with the pseudo-eutectic point. In addition, the excess free energy of defects (ε) is calculated by applying the Wending-Suter model, and it is found that the ε -value caused by the insertion of 56 units into the crystal formed by PA6 is higher than that of 6 units into a crystal formed by PA56. Therefore, 6 units are more easily inserted into crystals formed by PA56, i.e., 6 units have better compatibility with PA56 crystals. In summary, this work reveals the involved mechanisms of comonomer units in the crystallization process and provides a potential strategy to guide the development of high-performance copolymers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the effect of dietary arginine supplementation on protein synthesis, meat quality and flavor in lambs. Eighteen Dorper (♂) × Small Tailed Han sheep (♀) crossed ewe lambs of similar weight (27.29 ± 2.02 kg; aged 3 months) were assigned to two groups, the control group was fed the basal diet (Con group), and the arginine group (Arg group) was supplemented with 1% l-arginine based on the Con group for 90 d. The results suggested that dietary arginine significantly increased final body weight, loin eye muscle area, muscle fiber diameter, cross-sectional area (P < 0.050), and decreased shear force value and cooking loss (P < 0.050), as well as altered the composition and contents of volatile flavor compounds in lambs. Importantly, the total protein (TP) content, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities in serum, branched-chain aminotransferase (BCAT), AST, ALT activities and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) gene expression and content were elevated (P < 0.050), while content of urea nitrogen (BUN) in serum and 3-methylhistidine (3-MH) were decreased in arginine fed lambs (P < 0.050). In addition, arginine triggered muscle protein synthesis through protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, while minimized protein degradation by regulating gene expression of myogenin (MyoG), myostatin (MSTN), muscle atrophy F-box (MAFbx) and forkhead box O3 family (FoxO3) (P < 0.050). Taken together, this study suggested that arginine can be used to improve protein deposition and meat quality in lamb production. [Display omitted] • Dietary arginine supplementation triggered protein deposition by the Akt-mediated signaling pathway of lambs. • Dietary arginine supplementation decreased shear force and cooking loss of lamb. • Dietary arginine supplementation reduced the content of aldehydes of lamb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dementia is prevalent in aged populations and is associated with disability and distress for those affected. Therapeutic benefits of drugs targeting dementia are small. Impaired nutrient sensing pathways have been implicated in the pathogenesis of dementia and may offer a novel treatment target. This systematic review collated evidence for novel therapeutic compounds that modify nutrient sensing pathways, particularly the sirtuin pathway, in preventing cognitive decline or improving cognition in normal ageing, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases were searched using key search terms. Articles were screened using Covidence systematic review software. The risk of bias was assessed using the Systematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE)'s risk of bias tool for animal studies and Cochrane Risk of Bias tool v 2.0 for human studies. Out of 3841 articles, 68 were included describing 38 different novel therapeutic compounds that modulate the nutrient sensing pathway via the sirtuin pathway. In animal models (58 studies), all investigated novel therapeutic compounds showed cognitive benefits. Ten studies were human intervention trials targeting normal ageing (1 study) and dementia populations (9 studies). Direct sirtuin (silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog) 1 (SIRT1) activators Resveratrol and Nicotinamide derivatives improved cognitive outcomes among human subjects with normal cognition and MCI. Animal studies support that modulation of the sirtuin pathway has the potential to improve cognitive outcomes. Overall, there is a clear lack of translation from animal models to human populations. • The dysregulation of the sirtuin signalling cascade, has been linked to the onset of memory decline and dementia. • Compounds modulating the sirtuin pathway have the potential to improve cognitive functions. • Human studies are required to elucidate the potential of compounds modulating the sirtuin pathway and cognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oldest-old is the fastest growing segment of society. A substantial number of these individuals are cognitively impaired or demented. Given the lack of a cure, attention is directed to lifestyle interventions that could help alleviate the stress in patients, their families, and society. The aim of this review was to identify lifestyle factors with important roles in dementia prevention in oldest-old. Searches were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science. We identified 27 observational cohort studies that met the inclusion criteria. Results showed that eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and participation in leisure and physical activities may protect against cognitive decline and cognitive impairment among oldest-old regardless of the APOE genotype. Combined lifestyles may generate multiplicative effects than individual factors. This is the first review known to systematically examine the association between lifestyle and cognitive health in oldest-old. Lifestyle interventions for diet, leisure, or a combination of lifestyles could be beneficial for cognitive function in oldest-old. Interventional studies are warranted to strengthen the evidence. • The oldest-old population group is the fastest growing segment of society. • A substantial number of oldest-old are cognitively impaired or demented. • Lifestyle and cognition have not been systematically reviewed in oldest-old. • Combined lifestyles may generate multiplicative effects than individual factors. • Lifestyle interventions can still benefit cognitive outcomes in oldest-old. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aberrant expression of stanniocalcin 2 (STC2) is implicated in cancer development. STC2 acts as a tumor promoter to drive some cancers. However, its contribution to the development of pancreatic cancer remains unclear. This study showed that the expression of STC2 was significantly upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues. Moreover, its expression was positively correlated with tumor size and lymph node metastasis and negatively correlated with 5-year survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients. Additionally, the expression levels of STC2 were a novel biomarker for predicting overall survival rate after surgery. Furthermore, overexpression of STC2 could promote the proliferation, migration, and invasion of pancreatic cancer cell lines, while knocking down of STC2 led to antiproliferation and antimetastasis activities. Further mechanistic investigations revealed that the expression of STC2 could significantly promote the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in pancreatic cancer cells. These data indicated that the overexpression of STC2 in pancreatic cancer contributes to the metastasis through the promotion of EMT, suggesting that STC2 is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The competitive adsorption and reaction mechanism of the catalytic synthesis of NH3 from N2 and H2O over the FeO surface was investigated in this work. The theoretical calculation results indicated that H2O was more easily adsorbed on the FeO surface than N2. The FeO(100) surface was more stable for the adsorption of N2 and H2O. The interaction between N2 and the FeO(100) surface was attributed to N and O atoms, and the interaction between H2O and the FeO(100) surface was attributed to O and Fe atoms, which were caused by van der Waals forces and the chemical bond effect, respectively. In the synthesis process, H2O was first dissociated over the FeO(100) surface, and the N2 dissociation process was the controlling step in NH3 synthesis. The theoretical calculation results also indicated that the –OH group was not conducive to the formation of the N-H bond, and it changed the controlling step from the dissociation of N2 to the formation of –NH2. Furthermore, the existence of O atoms or –OH groups from H2O on the FeO(100) surface was not conducive to the dissociation of H2O. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fish sex exhibits striking plasticity. • Endogenous estrogen is critical for the ovarian differentiation and maintenance. • Cyp19a1a is a reliable early marker for ovarian differentiation in fishes. Fish sex could be reversed at the undifferentiated stage of gonad by administration of exogenous estrogen (E2) or blockade of endogenous estrogen synthesis with aromatase inhibitors, which is designated as primary sex reversal (PSR). Recent studies have well demonstrated that gonochoristic fish maintain their sexual plasticity after sex determination/differentiation. The differentiated ovary could be transdifferentiated into functional testis, and vice versa, the differentiated testis could be transdifferentiated into ovary. By analyzing these two secondary sex reversal (SSR) models, it was found that induction of male-to-female sex reversal initiates from dorsal (near the blood vessel) to the ventral, while induction of female-to-male sex reversal initiates from the ventral to dorsal. Down regulation of endogenous estrogen is the prerequisite for the ovarian transdifferentiation. However, exogenous estrogen alone is not sufficient for inducing differentiated testis to ovary. Administration of E2 and simultaneous blockage of androgen synthesis could induce testicular transdifferentiation. Therefore, endogenous estrogen is critical for the ovarian differentiation/maintenance and androgen is critical for testicular maintenance. Recently, genetic studies with genome editing technologies also showed that disruption of Cyp19a1a induced testicular development, indicating that cyp19a1a is the key gene essential for estrogen synthesis and ovary differentiation/maintenance. Knockout of male pathway genes or overexpression of female pathway genes could up-regulate cyp19a1a expression and increase estrogen level so as to promote ovary. Conversely, knockout of female pathway genes or overexpression of male pathway genes could down-regulate cyp19a1a expression and decrease estrogen level so as to promote testis (transgenic or knockout sex reversal, TSR). Epigenetic regulation of cyp19a1a play a critical role in natural sex reversal (NSR), but its relation with PSR, SSR and TSR needs further detailed investigations. In all, these studies further highlighted the important roles of endogenous estrogens in fish sex differentiation/maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Fractal dimensions and pore structures were analyzed on shale by hydrous pyrolysis. • Micropores and increased quantity of pores were the main factor on shale heterogeneity. • The development of pores was corresponded to the thermal evolution stage. • The adsorption behavior of shale gas was also controlled by fractal features. To analyse the pore structures and fractal characteristics of nano-pores during OM evolution, a series artificial hydrous pyrolysis experiments were conducted on shale samples at 250℃∼500℃ under 50 MPa water pressure. Low-pressure N 2 adsorption was performed to investigate the pore structure and fractal dimension of pores on pyrolysis residues. Based on the model by Frenkel-Halsey-Hill, the fractal dimensions of D (relative pressure P/Po from 0 to 1), D 1 (before P/Po = 0.5) and D 2 (after P/Po = 0.5) were calculated. With the simulation temperature increasing, the pyrolysis products presented three stages that corresponded with the lower maturity (< 350℃), maturity (350℃∼400℃) and higher maturity (400℃∼500℃) stages. For pore structures, Type IV isotherms and Type H3 hysteresis loops occurred in the shale samples, and the adsorbed nitrogen quantity presented an increasing tendency. By analysing the relationship between the pore volume, surface area, and average diameter with OM evolution, pores also occurred during a stage of no change and increased and increased sharply, all of which corresponded to the thermal evolution stages. In the fractal dimension, the relationships between D, D 1 , D 2 and the simulation temperature showed that shale heterogeneity was associated with the OM evolution stage. The rand-size relatio hip between D 1 and D 2 at different thermocatalytic stages suggested that the main influencing factors on the adsorption of shale gas were the micro-, meso-pores and the quantities of micropores. Therefore, through the research on pore structure and the fractal dimension of pyrolysis residues, we could determine the developmental characteristics of pores and the changing situation of shale heterogeneity based on the migration, preservation, and accumulation of generated hydrocarbons during OM evolution. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the exploration and exploitation of shale gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]