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Objective: To study the effect and mechanism of the Clostridium metabolite p-Cresol sulfate (PCS) in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Methods: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect differences in tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, PCS, and p-Cresyl glucuronide (PCG) between the serum of PBC patients and healthy controls. In vivo experiments, mice were divided into the normal control, PBC group, and PBC tyrosine group. GC-MS was used to detect PCS and PCG. Serum and liver inflammatory factors were compared between groups along with the polarization of liver Kupffer cells. Additionally, PCS was cultured with normal bile duct epithelial cells and Kupffer cells, respectively. PCS-stimulated Kupffer cells were co-cultured with lipopolysaccharide-injured bile duct epithelial cells to detect changes in inflammatory factors. Results: Levels of tyrosine and phenylalanine were increased, but PCS level was reduced in PBC patients, with PCG showing a lower concentration distribution in both groups. PCS in PBC mice was also lower than those in normal control mice. After oral administration of tyrosine feed to PBC mice, PCS increased, liver inflammatory factors were decreased, and anti-inflammatory factors were increased. Furthermore, Kupffer cells in the liver polarized form M1 transitioned to M2. PCS can damage normal bile duct epithelial cells and suppress the immune response of Kupffer cells. But PCS protects bile duct epithelial cells damaged by LPS through Kupffer cells. Conclusions: PCS produced by Clostridium-metabolized tyrosine reduced PBC inflammation, suggesting that intervention by food, or supplementation with PCS might represent an effective clinical strategy for treating PBC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Workplace social capital positively influences the quality but reduces the cost of healthcare services. Academic research suffers from limited and inadequate culturally sensitive nurses' workplace social capital instruments. Here we report on the design and protocol of a culturally focused instrument development study in China. The overarching objective of our dual phase study is to develop and validate a questionnaire measuring nurses' workplace social capital tailored toward Chinese cultural values and norms. In the first phase of INSTRUMENT DEVELOPMENT, the qualitative phase, we will conduct interviews with purposefully sampled nurses from five geographically diverse regions capturing 16 provinces in China to formulate the initial version of the Nurses' Workplace Social Capital Questionnaire (NWSCQ). Data collection will be stopped at the saturation point and content analysis will be performed for interview data in parallel. The initial version of the NWSCQ will be evaluated and confirmed by two-rounds of expert consultation (target N = 20) and pre-tested among 70 nurses. During the second phase of INSTRUMENT VALIDATION or the quantitative phase, we will validate the psychometric properties of the NWSCQ. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire will be examined and validated through three cross-sectional surveys among nurses (target N = 1154) randomly selected from 12 tertiary hospitals. We have reported our study protocol with the intention of sharing our experience with researchers in other countries who are striving to advance the phenomenon of culturally sensitive and social normatively appropriate nurses' workplace social capital. Findings from our study should advance the development of culturally appropriate and valid instrument of nurses' workplace social capital, another important step toward recognition and incorporation of cultural diversity in the daily operation of healthcare industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A type III polyketide synthase (SfuPKS2) from the edible seaweed Sargassum fusiforme was cloned and biochemically characterized. SfuPKS2 can only accept octanoyl-CoA (C8) and neither other long-chain fatty acyl-CoAs, nor non-fatty acyl-CoAs synthesized in this study as the substrate. In addition, in incubation with octanoyl-CoA, only a single product peak was observed, giving rise to the triketide α-pyrone derivative. To understand the substrate specificity of SfuPKS2, we constructed a structural model and performed docking analysis to reveal amino acid residues critical for enzyme-substrate binding. Putative key residues were then mutated experimentally and the impact on protein function was assessed by incubating the mutant with octanoyl-CoA. We found that key amino acids governing enzyme activity and specificity included Ser171, His236, Phe254, and Ile377. Mutations on these amino acids generally resulted in altered interactions with the substrate and thus the enzyme activity. In summary, our work provided mechanistic insight on how the selectivity toward the substrate is achieved in SfuPKS2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A novel S0-based denitrifying moving-bed reactor (ESDeN-MovBR) was proposed. • N removal rate of ESDeN-MovBR was over 3-fold higher than fixed-bed counterpart. • ESDeN-MovBR allowed less gas and biomass accumulation in bed so prolonging HRT. • MovBR-biofilm was highly active and enriched with more autotrophic denitrifiers. Elemental sulfur-based denitrification (ESDeN) technology is known as a cost-saving alternative to its heterotrophic counterpart for nutrient removal from organic-deficient water. However, the traditional fixed-bed reactor (FixBR), as an extensively used process, suffers from a low denitrification rate and even performance deterioration during long-term operation. Herein, we proposed a novel elemental sulfur-based denitrifying moving-bed reactor (ESDeN-MovBR), in which a screw rotator was employed to drive the filled sulfur particles to be microfluidized vertically (a state of vertical-loop movement). Our results showed that the ESDeN-MovBR realized much superior and more stable denitrification performance compared to the ESDeN-FixBR, as indicated by 3.09-fold higher denitrification rate and over one order of magnitude lower intermediates (NO 2 − and N 2 O) yield, which could last for over 100 days. Further research revealed that the microfluidization of sulfur particles facilitated the expelling of nitrogen bubbles and excessive biomass, resulting in the prolongation of actual hydraulic retention time by over 80 % and could partially explain the higher denitrification rate in ESDeN-MovBR. The remaining contribution to the improvement of denitrification rate was suggested to be result from changes in biofilm properties, in which the biofilm thickness of ESDeN-MovBR was found to be 3.29 times thinner yet enriched with 2.52 times more autotrophic denitrifiers. This study offered a completely new solution to boost up the denitrification performance of ESDeN technology and provided in-depth evidence for the necessity of biofilm thickness control in such technology. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nitrogen removal efficiencies by zeolite wetland was better than ceramists and lava. • Selective inhibition of amo B and hao gene abundance on different substrates. • Denitrification is a key pathway for nitrate removal in constructed wetland (CW) • Dissimilatory nitrate reduction process was enhanced in CW- zeolite. This study conducted an analysis of the variations in nitrogen metabolism pathways within constructed wetlands (CWs) using zeolite (CW-Z), ceramsite (CW-C), and lava (CW-L) under high concentration sulfamethoxazole (SMX) stress. The introduction of SMX hindered the formation of hydrogen bonds on the substrate surfaces; however, these surfaces still maintained a dense and thick biofilm. CW-Z exhibited superior removal efficiencies for ammonium nitrogen (NH 4 +-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO 3 –-N) compared to CW-C and CW-L, with removal rates of 92.54 ± 2.88 % and 89.39 ± 6.74 %, respectively. Interestingly, the proportion of genes involved in nitrification, denitrification and nitrate reduction genes in CW-C (36.05 %) were higher than that in CW-C (29.81 %) and CW-L (29.70 %) but the interactions among nitrogen functional bacteria in CW-Z were much more complex. Further analysis of the nitrogen metabolism pathway indicated that under CW-Z enhanced dissimilatory nitrate reduction SMX stress, while CW-L enhanced assimilatory nitrate reduction process compared to CW-C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addition of phytohormones (diethyl aminoethyl hexanoate and indole acetic acid) at 10−5 M significantly increased the growth of a green microalga, Chlorella pyrenoidosa up to 62.25% achieving cell concentrations of 5.13╳107 cells ml−1. Yielding of high-value added byproducts (pigments, carbohydrate, proteins, and fatty acids) was more in presence of phytohormones comparing to the control. Further transcriptomics analysis demonstrated phytohormones upregulated numerous genes involved in DNA replication and repair pathways, and energy metabolisms (glycolysis, citrate cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation). Moreover, genes in purine metabolism, and porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism were also more expressed by up to 6.49 times with phytohormones. These pathways can supply more cellular signaling molecules and antioxidant contents. This study carried new insights on the key driving factors in phytohormone enhanced microalgal biomass production processes, which can help to find more feasible application solutions of phytohormones in microalgal biofactories. [Display omitted] • Microalgal biomass production was enhanced by 62.25% under phytohormones. • High-value added byproducts yields more with addition of phytohormones. • Improved DNA replication and repair processes helped to more cells' production. • Genes involved in energy metabolism were significantly upregulated with phytohormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cd-contaminated garlic poses greatly edible quality and safety concerns worldwide. • Si improved soil acidification and garlic growth, yield and quality. • Si enhanced tolerance mechanisms and reduced Cd-residue of Cd-stressed garlic. • Si application can reduce dietary Cd exposure risks, especially for garlic bulb. Potential health risks of cadmium (Cd) in agroecosystems migrating to the human body along the food chain have become a worldwide hotspot issue, but information on phytotoxicity mitigation and product quality and safety assessment of Cd-stressed garlic is still lacking. Thus, based on the response performance of garlic yield and quality to soil pH and Cd level, this study systematically revealed the effects of silicon (Si) on the growth, yield, quality, photosynthesis, fluorescence, antioxidant system, tissue Cd residues and edible safety of Cd-stressed garlic. The results showed that garlic yield and quality decreased with increasing soil Cd levels, while the lower soil pH exacerbated Cd contamination. When exposed to 1.2 mg kg−1 Cd, the bulb yield at pH 5.50 was 5.51% lower than that at pH 6.89, while the Cd residues in the bulb were 8.77% higher. Notably, 0.67∼2.0 g kg−1 Si application enhanced bulb yield (by 12.09%∼39.32%) and quality (e.g., allicin, by 6.67%∼40.00%) and simultaneously reduced Cd absorption, translocation and accumulation (e.g., bioconcentration coefficient, by 13.01%∼86.17%). Si mitigated Cd-induced phytotoxicity mainly by improving root activity, antioxidant enzyme activity, photosynthesis and fluorescence. Si increased the soil pH, which contributed to Cd fixation. These results provide significant theoretical guidance for garlic safety production and heavy metal risk prevention in agroecosystems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several systematic reviews and meta-analyses evaluated the associations between dietary factors and the incidence of gastric cancer (GC). Objectives: To evaluate the strength and validity of existing evidence, we conducted an umbrella review of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses that investigated the association between diets and GC incidence. Methods: We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of prospective cohort studies investigating the association between dietary factors and GC risk. For each association, we recalculated the adjusted summary estimates with their 95% confidence interval (CI) and 95% prediction interval (PI) using a random-effects model. We used the I2 statistic and Egger's test to assess heterogeneity and small-study effects, respectively. We also assessed the methodological quality of each study and the quality of evidence. Results: Finally, we identified 16 meta-analyses that described 57 associations in this umbrella review. Of the 57 associations, eight were statistically significant using random-effects, thirteen demonstrated substantial heterogeneity between studies (I2 > 50%), and three found small-study effects. The methodological quality of meta-analyses was classified as critically low for two (13%), low for thirteen (81%), and only one (6%) was rated as high confidence. Quality of evidence was rated high for a positive association for GC incidence with a higher intake of total alcohol (RR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.06–1.34) and moderate-quality evidence to support that increased processed meat consumption can increase GC incidence. Three associations (total fruit, vitamin E, and carotenoids) were determined to be supported by low-quality evidence, and two (pickled vegetables/foods and citrus fruit) were supported by very low-quality. Conclusions: Our findings support the dietary recommendations for preventative GC, emphasizing lower intake of alcohol and foods preserved by salting. New evidence suggests a possible role for total fruit, citrus fruit, carotenoids, and vitamin E. More research is needed on diets with lower quality evidence. Registration number: CRD42021255115. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Bio-S0 was a more efficient substrate than Chem-S0 in S0Disp process. • Hydrophilic property of Bio-S0 likely facilitated S0Disp process initiation. • Lower crystallinity and presence of -S x - in Bio-S0 likely promote the S0Disp rate. • Sulfur disproportionating bacteria was more enriched in Bio-S0 driven S0Disp system. Sulfidogensis via element sulfur disproportionation (S0Disp) has been recently suggested to be a cost-effective and low carbon footprint process to produce sulfide for wastewater treatment such as denitrification and the removal of heavy metals. However, studies on this process are limited in using the industrial grade chemical sulfur (Chem-S0). In this study, biogenic sulfur (Bio-S0), a solid waste produced from biogas bio-desulfurization, was investigated for the first time in the S0Disp process with the performance compared to the Chem-S0 with identical size. The results showed that the S0Disp process driven by Bio-S0 was initiated more rapidly than that by the Chem-S0 (8 d vs 13 d) and performed a 1.2-fold higher sulfide production rate in the steady phase. A series of characterizations were conducted to elucidate the difference between using these two types of S0 in disproportionation. The faster initiation of Bio-S0 sets was suggested to correlate its hydrophilic properties, while the higher sulfide production rate was likely due to its higher reactivity as indicated by the lower crystallinity and the presence of organic polysulfane with lower dissociation energy for the S-S bond. Additional tests demonstrated that the Bio-S0 could be more readily attacked by the sulfide to produce polysulfide, a putative rate-limiting step of S0 taken by bacteria in the S0Disp process. Moreover, the sulfur-disproportionating bacteria were found to be enriched more in the Bio-S0 set, which might also contribute to the higher sulfide production rate. This study extended the knowledge of Bio-S0 in good bioavailability and offered new opportunities for reusing this solid waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aromatic plants of Vitex negundo var. heterophylla are not only herb medicine but also a functional food and an industrial crop. Its leaves can be used as a functional food for improving human's health, but the previous studies mainly focused on the volatile constituents, lignans, and iridoids. Our research led to the isolation of four new terpenoids (1–4), together with fifteen known compounds including seven flavonoids (9–15), two jasmonates (7–8) and six terpenoids (5–6 , 16–19) from the leaves. Among all these compounds, 1 , 2 , 11 , and 19 exhibited strong inhibitory activity against NO production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of the most active compound (2) is related to the inhibition of iNOS and COX-2, and the suppression of NF-κB pathway. Therefore, terpenoids and flavonoids from the leaves of Vitex negundo var. heterophylla might be used as potential anti-inflammatory candidates for developing medicine or value-added functional food. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the data of Automatic Weather Stations (AWSs), ERA5 reanalysis, sounding, wind profile radar, and dual-polarization radar are used to study an extreme rainfall event in the south China Coast on 11 to 12 May 2022 from the aspects of thermodynamics and microphysical characteristics under the influence of low-level jets (LLJs). Results show that: (1) The extreme rainfall event can be divided into two stages: the first stage (S1) from 0000 to 0600 LST on May 12 and the second stage (S2) from 0700 to 1700 LST on the same day. During S1, the rainfall is mainly caused by the upper-level shortwave trough and the boundary layer jet (BLJ), characterized by strong upward motion on the windward side of mountains. In S2, the combined influence of the BLJ and synoptic-system-related low-level jet (SLLJ) increases the vertical wind shear and vertical vorticity, strengthening the rainstorm. In combination with the effect of topography, a warm and humid southwest flow continuously transports water vapor to farther north, resulting in a significant increase in rainfall over the study area (on the terrain's windward slope). From S1 to S2, the altitude of a divergence center in the upper air decreases obviously. (2) The rainfalls in the two stages are both associated with the mesoscale convergence line (MCL) on the surface, and the wind field from the mesoscale outflow boundary (MOB) in S1 is in the same direction as the environmental winds. Due to a small area of convergence that is left behind the MOB, convection moves eastward quickly and causes a short duration of heavy rainfall. In S2, the convergence along the MOB is enhanced, which strengthens the rainfall and leads to strong outflows, further enhancing the surface convergence near the MOB and forming a positive feedback mechanism. It results in a slow motion of convection and a long duration of heavy rainfall. (3) In terms of microphysics, the center of a strong echo in S1 is higher than in S2. The warm-rain process of the oceanic type characterizes both stages, but the convective intensity in S2 is significantly stronger than that in S1, featuring bigger drop sizes and lower concentrations. It is mainly due to the strengthening of LLJs, which makes small cloud droplets lift to melting levels, enhancing the ice phase process (riming process), producing large amounts of graupel particles and enhancing the melting and collision processes as they fall, resulting in the increase of liquid water content (LWC) and the formation of large raindrops near the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the suitability of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) questionnaires in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Relevant studies were compiled from a search of five electronic databases. The properties under investigation included the validity of the translated questionnaires, floor and ceiling effects, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Forty-four studies were included, from which fifteen HRQOL questionnaires were identified. The most frequently used instruments were the PBC-40 (n = 22), the SF-36 (n = 19), the PBC-27 (n = 4), the CLDQ (n = 3) and the NIDDK-QA (n = 2). The remaining instruments were used only once. Twenty-six studies used a translated HRQOL questionnaire, but only six reported or referenced validating the translated questionnaire. PBC-specific HRQOL questionnaires generally have good psychometric properties. However, many studies have directly applied HRQOL tools without verifying their validity and reliability in PBC patients. There was no clear indication that one HRQOL tool was superior to another, although the PBC-40 is the most well-studied. Thus, more robust psychometric studies are needed to investigate the measurement properties of HRQOL questionnaires. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke ranks as the second leading cause of disability and death globally. Trigger receptors expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) −1 are responsible for the activation of the innate immune response and also play a critical role in inflammation. In this study, we reported the contribution of TREM-1 after ischemic damage in a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. This study also demonstrated that TREM-1 expression was upregulated following cerebral infarction in rats. TREM-1 inhibition was determined using its selective inhibitor, LP17, which indicated a neuroprotective effect on cerebral infarction damage. The findings revealed that inhibition of TREM-1 by administering LP17 improved cerebral damage and decreased ischemic areas and brain water contents. Moreover, LP17 decreased MCAO-induced microglial activation and neurodegeneration, evidenced by a reduction in the expression of microglial Iba-1 and FJ-B positive cells, and reversed neuronal loss. Besides, the contribution of LP17 to ischemic neuronal damage may be associated with a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhanced production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Both in vivo and in vitro studies showed that inhibiting TREM-1 attenuated ROS accumulation, lipid per-oxidation (LPO) contents such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity after ischemia. Inhibiting TREM-1 alleviated inflammation and pyroptosis found in MCAO rats. This was achieved through the inhibition of the levels of NLRP3, caspase-1, ASC (an apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD) and gasdermin D. These results confirmed that inhibiting TREM-1 protects against ischemia-induced neuronal damage and alleviates microglial mediated neuro-inflammation by reducing oxidative stress and pyroptosis. Therefore, blocking TREM-1 expression provides an effective intervention for improving ischemic stroke. • TREM-1-targeting LP-17 alleviates ischemic neuronal damage and microglial activation in MCAO rats. • TREM-1-targeting LP-17 attenuates inflammation, oxidative stress and pyroptosis in MCAO rats. • Suppressing TREM-1 inhibits oxidative stress and pyroptosis in OGDR-treated co-culture cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ni-Al2O3-MoS2 composite coatings were prepared on the surface of aluminum alloy substrates by an integrative method of electrophoresis and electrodeposition from the electrolytic solution with different MoS2 concentrations. The surface morphology and compositions of the coatings were studied by scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscope. The microindentation hardness and tribological properties of the coatings were tested using a Vickers hardness tester and friction performance tester in dry sliding condition, respectively. Results showed that the cross-sections of the coatings exhibited smooth morphology and uniform distribution of the compositions. Al2O3 and MoS2 particles were uniformly dispersed in the Ni matrix. The coatings were sufficiently adhered on the aluminum alloy substrates. The addition of MoS2 particles can significantly improve the wear resistance of the coatings. When the MoS2 concentration is 1.0 g/L, the Ni-Al2O3-MoS2 coatings exhibit superior mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Memantine improves secondary damage in the ipsilateral thalamus after focal cortical infarction. • Memantine prevents p-tau-231 deposition in the ipsilateral thalamus, potentially contributing to mitigate sensory decline after focal cortical infarction. • Memantine decreases apoptosis in the ipsilateral thalamus after focal cortical infarction. Previous studies have reported that memantine presents evidence of therapeutic benefits in several animal models of ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the effect of memantine on secondary damage in the ipsilateral thalamus after focal cortical infarction remains undefined. Present study investigated whether memantine has a protective effect on secondary damage in the ipsilateral thalamus after focal cerebral infarction in rats. At 24 h after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), rats in the memantine and vehicle groups were intraperitoneal injected with memantine and isopycnic vehicle, respectively, was once daily administered for consecutive 7 days. Infarct size was evaluated through Nissl staining and sensory decline determined using adhesive removal test. Secondary thalamic damage was assessed using Nissl staining and immunofluorescence 8 days after MCAO. Immunoboltting was used to identify tau and apoptosis-associated proteins in the ipsilateral thalamus after MCAO. Results revealed that memantine ameliorated sensory decline compared to the vehicle controls. Subsequently, tau phosphorylated at threonine 231 (p-tau-231), glycogen synthase kinase3βpY216 (GSK3βpY216) and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2ApY307) were reduced by memantine, causing greater reduction in neuronal loss and inhibition of reactive astrogliosis in the ipsilateral ventroposterior thalamic nucleus (VPN) compared with the vehicle groups. In addition, increase in secondary damage-induced TUNEL-positive cells was blunted by memantine, as demonstrated by the significant reduction in expression of apoptosis-associated proteins. Our results suggest that memantine has a neuro-protective effect on secondary damage in the ipsilateral thalamus following MCAO by inhibiting the activity of GSK3βpY216/PP2ApY307 and down regulating the levels of p-tau-231 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]