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In this work, we study masses and other static properties of triply heavy tetraquarks in the unified framework of the MIT bag which incorporates chromomagnetic interactions and enhanced binding energy. The masses, magnetic moments and charge radii of all strange and nonstrange (ground) states of triply heavy tetraquarks are computed, suggesting that all of triply heavy tetraquarks are above the respective two-meson thresholds. We also estimate relative decay widths of main decay channels of two-heavy mesons for these tetraquarks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Luteolin loaded zein nanoparticles (Lut-ZNP) were prepared by using sodium caseinate as an electrostatic stabilizer. The formulation of the nanoparticles was optimized. Lut-ZNP were spray-dried, and the physicochemical properties were characterized by SEM, XRD, FT-IR and DSC. Then, the bioavailability of luteolin in rats was determined. Under the formulation of luteolin, zein and sodium caseinate with mass ratio of 1:5:15, the particle size, ζ-potential, encapsulation efficiency and loading efficiency of Lut-ZNP were 171.8 nm, -49.05 mV, 85.85% and 3.15%, respectively. Luteolin existed in the nanoparticles with amorphous form. Lut-ZNP exhibited good redispersibility in water after drying. Compared with free luteolin, the solubility, stability and release of luteolin in Lut-ZNP were greatly improved. Besides, the fecal excretion of luteolin in rats was significantly reduced after oral administration of Lut-ZNP. In addition to native luteolin, its metabolites including sulfate, glucuronidate and methylated glucuronidate were found in rat plasma. Lut-ZNP significantly increased the plasma concentrations of luteolin and its metabolites, and the bioavailability of luteolin was enhanced by 2.92 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the observation of the X(6900) by LHCb and the X(6600) (with mass 6552 ± 10 ± 12 MeV) recently by CMS and ATLAS experiments of the LHC in the di- J / Ψ invariant mass spectrum, we systemically study masses of all ground-state configurations of the hidden heavy-flavor tetraquarks q 1 Q 2 q ¯ 3 Q ¯ 4 and Q 1 Q 2 Q ¯ 3 Q ¯ 4 (Q = c , b ; q = u , d , s) containing two and four heavy quarks in the MIT bag model with chromomagnetic interaction and enhanced binding energy. Considering color-spin mixing due to chromomagnetic interaction, our mass computation indicates that the observed X(6600) is likely to be the 0 + + ground states of hidden-charm tetraquark c c c ¯ c ¯ with computed masses 6572 MeV, which has a 0 + + color partner around 6469 MeV. The fully bottom system of tetraquark b b b ¯ b ¯ has masses of 19685 MeV and 19717 MeV for the 0 + + ground states. Further calculation of the tetraquark systems s c s ¯ c ¯ , s b s ¯ b ¯ , c b c ¯ b ¯ , n c n ¯ c ¯ and n b n ¯ b ¯ shows that Z c (4200) is a 1 + - state of tetraquark n c n ¯ c ¯ and Z(4020) is a 1 + - state of tetraquark n c n ¯ c ¯ with a mass of 4079 MeV. All of these tetraquarks are above their lowest thresholds of two mesons and unstable against the strong decays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by the observation of a resonant state X(6600) of fully charm tetraquark by the CMS experiment of LHCb Collaboration in double J / ψ decay channel, we perform a systematical study of all configurations of fully heavy pentaquarks P Q 1 Q 2 Q 3 Q 4 Q 5 ¯ ( Q i = c , b , i = 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ) in their ground states in unified framework of MIT bag model. The color-spin wavefunctions of pentaquarks, classified via Young tableau and presented in terms of the Young–Yamanouchi bases, are used to compute masses and magnetic moments of fully heavy pentaquarks via numerical variational method, predicting a set of masses ranging from 8.229 GeV for the P c c c c c ¯ to 24.770 GeV for the P b b b b b ¯ . Combining with computed masses of fully heavy mesons and baryons, we find that masses of fully heavy hadrons(mesons, baryons, tetraquarks and pentaquarks) with identical flavor rise almost linearly with the number of valence quarks in hadrons, being consistent with the heavy quark symmetry in the heavy-quark limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) monotherapy is the standard of care in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Nevertheless, whether adding pemetrexed-based chemotherapy to EGFR-TKI targeted therapy furtherly prolongs survival outcomes and improves responses remains controversial. Therefore, we conducted this pooled analysis to compare the efficacy and tolerability between gefitinib plus pemetrexed-based chemotherapy and gefitinib alone in the first-line treatment of advanced NSCLC patients with mutated EGFR. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL on June 23, 2022. Eligible studies were registered randomized clinical trials comparing gefitinib plus pemetrexed-based chemotherapy with gefitinib alone. The primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), and discontinuation rate (DR) were explored as secondary outcomes. Results: Eight studies within five randomized clinical trials were eligible. Gefitinib combined with pemetrexed-based chemotherapy significantly prolonged OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37–0.89, p = 0.0125) and PFS (HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39–0.70, p < 0.0001) versus gefitinib alone. In subgroup analysis, patients with EGFR exon 19 deletion and exon 21 L858R could benefit from the addition of pemetrexed-based chemotherapy to gefitinib in terms of PFS (EGFR exon 19 deletion: HR 0.50, 95% CI 0.34–0.75, p = 0.0008; EGFR exon 21 L858R: HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.82, p = 0.0079) but not OS. In addition, ORR was improved after the administration of gefitinib plus pemetrexed-based chemotherapy against gefitinib (odds ratio [OR] 1.91, 95% CI 1.44–2.55, p < 0.0001). Both strategies showed comparable DCRs (OR 1.46, 95% CI 0.94–2.26, p = 0.0952) and DRs (risk ratio [RR] 2.80, 95% CI 0.69–11.44, p = 0.1509). Conclusion: Compared with gefitinib alone, combining pemetrexed-based chemotherapy with gefitinib significantly improved OS and PFS in advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients with acceptable tolerability. However, the accurate sub-population who could have OS benefits requires further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current years, the harm of pesticide residual pollution to environmental ecology and human health has obtained increasing attention. Hydroxylamine (HA) promoted activation of persulfate (PS) by the natural metallic sulfide mineral chalcopyrite (CuFeS 2) for the removal of pesticide chlorpyrifos (CPF) and imidacloprid (IMP) in water had been systematically investigated in this study. Experimental results showed that HA could greatly accelerate the regeneration of Cu2+ and Fe3+ in solutions for PS decomposition. Nearly 99% of CPF removal by CuFeS 2 /PS/HA process was achieved within 80 min under optimal conditions. The decomposition of PS in the CuFeS 2 /PS/HA process was higher than that in the CuFeS 2 /PS process. Several coexisting cations (ie., Ca2+, Mg2+ and Al3+) and anions (ie., HCO 3 − and HPO 4 2−) presented different levels of negative effects on CPF removal. Both HO• and SO 4 •− were generated in the CuFeS 2 /PS/HA process, and HO• might be the main reactive species responsible for the removal of CPF. The synchronized removal of CPF and IMP by CuFeS 2 /PS/HA process had been successfully achieved under certain conditions. The possible pathways of CPF degradation and enhanced mechanism for both CPF and IMP removal by CuFeS 2 /PS/HA process were thereby proposed. This study highlights the applications of CuFeS 2 /PS/HA process for the remediation of multiple pesticides-polluted wastewaters. [Display omitted] • HA accelerated the regeneration of Cu2+ and Fe3+ for PS decomposition. • HO.• might be the main reactive species responsible for the removal of CPF. • Two possible degradation pathways of CPF by CuFeS 2 /PS/HA process proposed. • About 90% of both CPF and IMP removal by CuFeS 2 /PS/HA process was achieved. • Enhanced mechanism of CPF and IMP removal by CuFeS 2 /PS/HA process was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the residual heavy metals and antibiotics in water and soil have a potential threat to human being health, thereby their purification is of great importance. In this study, the application of Cr6+ and chlortetracycline (CTC) removal using a new fruit peel based biochar composite (FPBC) had been explored. Batch experiments results showed that FPBC presented excellent removal performance on Cr6+ and CTC, and the simultaneous removal efficiencies of Cr6+ and CTC were 97% and 81% within 180 min, respectively. The adsorption kinetics and isotherms of Cr6+ by FPBC could be well described by the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models, respectively, and its adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process. The inhibitory of the coexisting anions on Cr6+ removal of followed the order of HPO 4 3-> HCO 3 -> SO 4 2->NO 3 -> Cl-. The simultaneous removal of Cr6+ and CTC by FPBC had been achieved at low CTC content levels. The presence of NaCl showed a significant inhibitory on Cr6+ removal but a positive effect on CTC removal at low content level. A potential reaction mechanism of both Cr6+ and CTC removal over FPBC was proposed on the basic of the comprehensive characterizations and adsorption performance. Both reduction and surface precipitation reactions might be dominant in Cr6+ removal process, whereas both complexation and hydrogen bond interaction might be mainly responsible for CTC removal. These findings suggested that this fruit peel based biochar composite might be a promising material for the remediation of Cr6+ and CTC-contaminated wastewater. [Display omitted] • A new fruit peel based biochar composite (FPBC) was firstly synthesized. • Cr6+ adsorption was well described by pseudo-second-order and Langmuir models. • NaCl showed an inhibitory on Cr6+ removal but a positive effect on CTC removal. • FPBC presented a high simultaneous removal of Cr6+ and CTC. • A potential mechanism for Cr6+ and CTC removal over FPBC was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aims The apoptosis and autophagy play an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. Previous studies have demonstrated that melatonin protects against cardiac dysfunction during sepsis. In addition, silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is a therapeutic target for sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction. The aims of this study were to investigate whether SIRT1 was involved in melatonin's cardioprotection during sepsis and the mechanisms. Materials and methods In this study, twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to four groups: Control group, LPS group, LPS + Melatonin group and LPS + Melatonin + EX527 group. Mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide for 8 h with or without melatonin or EX527. The cardiac function, myocardial injury biomarkers, cardiac histopathology, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, autophagosome as well as the protein expressions of SIRT1, cleaved caspase-3, LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and p62 in the myocardium were assayed. Key findings The results demonstrated that melatonin significantly improved cardiac function, decreased creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels, attenuated myocardial architecture destruction, inhibited cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increased cardiac autophagy as compared with the LPS group. In addition, melatonin significantly increased SIRT1 protein expression in the myocardium of mice with sepsis, while inhibition of SIRT1 by EX527 abolished melatonin's cardioprotection during sepsis. Significance In this study, we found that melatonin protected against sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction by regulating apoptosis and autophagy via activation of SIRT1 in mice. Graphical abstract The proposed mechanisms of melatonin's cardioprotection against cardiac dysfunction during sepsis. Melatonin activates SIRT1 signaling pathway and then regulates apoptosis and autophagy in the myocardium of mice with sepsis, which contributes to improving sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction. Unlabelled Image [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a large number of agricultural wastes have been extensively converted into biochar based materials, these biochar materials have been popularly employed in the removal of various pollutants from environment. Herein, a novel pigeon waste based biochar composite (FeBC) was firstly synthesized and applied for hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) and p-nitrophenol (PNP) adsorption in water. The most relevant findings showed that FeBC exhibited a superior performance on Cr(VI) and PNP adsorption compared with pristine biochar. The Cr(VI) monolayer adsorption onto FeBC might be dominant, and Cr(VI) adsorption by FeBC was an endothermic process. Both Cr(VI) and PNP adsorption behavior were well fitted with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Elovich, intra-particle diffusion (IPD), liquid film diffusion kinetic (LFD) and chemical reaction models. Both the pathway of PNP degradation and mechanism for Cr(VI) and PNP adsorption over FeBC were proposed. Almost half of Cr(VI) was reduced into Cr 2 O 3 and Cr(OH) 3 , both reduction and precipitation reactions might be dominant in Cr(VI) adsorption. O 2 •−, 1 O 2 and •OH were involved in PNP removal reaction, but the contribution of •OH was small. The oxidation, π-π interaction and hydrogen bonds interactions might be involved in this PNP removal process, and PNP was oxidized to form several intermediates via hydroxylation and ring cleavage reactions. This study could provide a novel treatment strategy for the simultaneous decontamination of effluents combined with heavy metals and organic compounds in realistic remediation application. [Display omitted] • A novel pigeon waste based biochar composite (FeBC) was firstly synthesized. • Almost half of Cr(VI) species were reduced into Cr 2 O 3 and Cr(OH) 3. • O 2 •−, 1 O 2 and •OH were involved in p-nitrophenol removal reaction. • Both Cr(VI) and p-nitrophenol removal were successfully achieved by FeBC. • A mechanism for the removal of Cr(VI) and p-nitrophenol was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A label-free photoelectrochemical aptasensor for the sensitive and selective determination of carcinoembryonic antigen was constructed based on a CdS quantum dot sensitized TiO2nanotube electrode. TiO2nanotubes with highly ordered structure and more active sites than bulk TiO2were prepared with an electrochemical anodic oxidation process. The CdS quantum dots were immobilized on the TiO2nanotubes using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) as a bridge. Due to the energy level match between TiO2and CdS, the CdS quantum dots/TiO2nanotubes electrode exhibits excellent photoelectrochemical performance. The large surface area of the electrode also allows for capturing large numbers of aptamers. The fine photoelectrochemical performance and the large surface area of the electrode greatly enhanced the detection sensitivity. Under the optimal conditions, the prepared photoelectrochemical aptasensor presents desirable analytical properties for the determination of carcinoembryonic antigen in the range of 0.05 to 10 ng mL−1with a detection limit of 0.014 ng mL−1. The application of the designed protocol was investigated by analyzing carcinoembryonic antigen in human serum samples with recoveries from 80.0 to 115.0%. This simple and sensitive method provides an alternative tool to standard biochemical assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the master-equation approach, we investigate the dynamics of two dipole-coupled atoms by examining the atomic population and entanglement evolution. We show that the population decays rapidly and the entanglement is inhibited when the pump field is weak, while for the strongly pumped case, the evolution of population and entanglement is similar to one driven in the classical field. Furthermore, the evolution of the population can be controlled by the dipole-dipole interaction and detunings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Nanling Mountains are the largest mountain range and an important physical geographical boundary in Southeast China, but their insect diversity has not been sufficiently documented up to now. Through recent investigations of the local staphylinid fauna at Nanling, more than 4500 adult pselaphine beetles were collected and most of the samples belong to the highly diverse tribe Batrisini. Here, two new species of the genera Batrisceniola and Physomerinus, both poorly represented in the Chinese pselaphine fauna, are described. Two new species of the Batrisocenus complex of genera, e.g., Batrisceniola nanlingensis sp. nov. and Physomerinus clavipes sp. nov., are described, diagnosed, and illustrated from the Nanling Mountain Area. Both represent a second species of the respective genus from the Chinese mainland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A synergistic effect between BC/PMS and nZVI/PMS processes has been achieved. • ATZ removal of BC-nZVI/PMS was higher than that of BC-nZVI/H 2 O 2 or BC-nZVI/PS. • SO 4 − was the predominant radical species responsible for ATZ degradation. • ATZ was degraded through de-alkylation, dechlorination and hydroxylation processes. • A reaction mechanism of PMS activation by BC-nZVI for ATZ degradation was proposed. Over the past decade, herbicides contaminated soil poses a serious threat to humans and environment. In this study, a novel biochar supported zero valent iron (BC-nZVI) was used as a heterogeneous catalyst activating peroxymonosulfate (PMS) for the removal of herbicide atrazine (ATZ) from soil. The results revealed that the removal of ATZ by BC-nZVI/PMS process was superior to that of BC/PMS or nZVI/PMS process. A synergistic effect between BC/PMS and nZVI/PMS processes has been successfully achieved in BC-nZVI/PMS process, and nearly 96% of ATZ removal was obtained at optimum reaction conditions. BC-nZVI/PMS process exhibited an excellent performace on ATZ removal compared with BC-nZVI/H 2 O 2 or BC-nZVI/persulfate (PS) process. PMS decomposition by BC-nZVI/PMS process was higher than the sum of BC/PMS and nZVI/PMS processes. A low Cu concentration accelerated ATZ removal, and Cu was also effectively immobilized. SO 4 − was the predominant reactive oxygen species responsible for ATZ degradation, and OH and 1O 2 also took part in reaction. Four kinds of ATZ degradation products were identified, and ATZ degradation could be achieved through de-alkylation, dechlorination and hydroxylation processes. A reaction mechanism of PMS activation by BC-nZVI was proposed based on the synergistic effect of BC and nZVI. In addition to ATZ, coexisting pollutants such as 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), Cu and Cd were also simultaneously removed from soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Immobilization of metals by BC-nZVI process was superior to that of BC or nZVI. • Immobilization of Cd or Pb was inhibited with addition of 2,4-dichlorophenol. • Cd and Pb availability decreased, whereas soil pH and organic matter increased. • Stable metals speices such as CdCO 3 , Cd(OH) 2 , PbCO 3 and Pb(OH) 2 were formed. • Mechanism for the simultaneous immobilization of Cd and Pb in soil was proposed. Risk associated with heavy metals in soil has been received widespread attention. In this study, a porous biochar supported nanoscale zero-valent iron (BC-nZVI) was applied to immobilize cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in clayey soil. Experiment results indicated that the immobilization of Cd or Pb by BC-nZVI process was better than that of BC or nZVI process, and about 80% of heavy metals immobilization was obtained in BC-nZVI process. Addition of BC-nZVI could increase soil pH and organic matter (SOM). Cd or Pb immobilization was inhibited with coexisting organic compound 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), but 2,4-DCP could be removed in a simultaneous manner with Cd or Pb immobilization at low concentration levels. Simultaneous immobilization of Cd and Pb was achieved in BC-nZVI process, and both Cd and Pb availability significantly decreased. Stable Cd species inculding Cd(OH) 2 , CdCO 3 and CdO were formed, whereas stable Pb species such as PbCO 3 , PbO and Pb(OH) 2 were produced with BC-nZVI treatment. Simultaneous immobilization mechanism of Cd and Pb in soil by BC-nZVI was thereby proposed. This study well demonstrates that BC-nZVI has been emerged as a potential technology for the remediation of multiple heavy metals in soil. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Nowadays, the harm of antibiotics residues in environments to human health and ecological safety has been causing more and more attention. In this paper, a biochar based iron material (MBC) was used to activate persulfate (PS) for the removal of sulfadiazine (SDZ) from aqueous solution. Experiment results indicate that the degradation and mineralization of SDZ by MBC/PS system reached 91.79% and 60% within 60 min under the optimal reaction conditions, respectively. MBC/PS system exhibited a better performance on SDZ removal compared with MBC/H 2 O 2 system. The addition of Cu2+ ion could enhance the degradation of SDZ by MBC/PS system. PO 4 3-, Cl- and SO 4 2- had a certain degree of inhibitory effect on the SDZ degradation. Both radicals and non-radical species such as SO 4 •-, •OH and 1O 2 participated in the degradation reaction of SDZ by MBC/PS system, but •OH was the main radical species responsible for SDZ degradation. The liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC-MS) technique was used to identify the intermediate products of SDZ, and it was proposed that the degradation of SDZ might be achieved through hydrolyzation, hydroxylation, deamination and amino-oxidization processes. A possible reaction mechanism involving a synergistic effect between PS homogeneous and heterogeneous activation processes as well as both radicals and non-radicals reactions was finally proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cervical spine injury is a complicated procedure in the combination of different injury loads and postures. The aim of this study is to investigate the injury mechanism considering different types of cervical curvatures subjected to contusion loads. A finite element model of a cervical spinal cord was constructed. Gray matter, white matter and pia matter were modeled and hyperelastic material properties were assigned. Convergence analysis and validation analysis were carried out. The model was simulated in 3 different spinal curvatures and loaded by 2 directions with 4 compression degrees. The maximum von Mises stress in the whole model was concentrated in the pia matter in all loading cases. When investigating spinal cord injury, the pia matter must be considered. For all three curvatures, the stress in the gray matter and white matter was higher in front-to-back loading condition than that in back-to-front loading condition. The front-to-back impact may cause a larger damage. A back-to-front load damaged the structure around the central canal and a front-to-back contusion load damaged the anterior horn of the spinal cord at most time. From the view of the maximum stress, the lordotic curvature did not show significant buffering effect. However, the pathological curvature had large areas affected and the lordotic curvature showed some benefits to some degree from the view of stress distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, rapid, accurate, and selective quantitative method based on 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) was successfully established and developed for assessing the purity of dipotassium glycyrrhizinate (KG). In this study, using potassium hydrogen phthalate and fumaric acid as internal standard (IS), several important experimental parameters, such as relaxation delay and pulse angle, were explored. Reliability, specificity, linearity, limit of quantification, precision, stability, and accuracy were also validated. Calibration results obtained from qNMR were consistent with those obtained from HPLC coupled with ultraviolet detection. The proposed method, independent of the reference standard substance, is a useful, reliable, and practical protocol for the determination of KG and glycyrrhizin analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The activation of microglia is a hallmark of neuroinflammation and contributes to various neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic inorganic arsenic exposure is associated with impaired cognitive ability and increased risk of neurodegeneration. The present study aimed to investigate whether chronic inorganic arsenic-induced learning and memory impairment was associated with microglial activation, and how organic (DMAV 600 μM, MMAV 0.1 μM) and inorganic arsenic (NaAsO2 0.6 μM) affect the microglia. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups: a control group and a group exposed to arsenic in their drinking water (50 mg/L NaAsO2 for 24 weeks). The Morris water maze was performed to analyze neuro-behavior and transmission electron microscopy was used to assess alterations in cellular ultra-structures. Hematoxylin–eosin and Nissl staining were used to observe pathological changes in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Flow cytometry was used to reveal the polarization of the arsenic-treated microglia phenotype and GC-MS was used to assess metabolomic differences in the in vitro microglia BV-2 cell line model derived from mice. The results showed learning and memory impairments and activation of microglia in the cerebral cortex and dentate gyrus (DG) zone of the hippocampus, in mice chronically exposed to arsenic. Flow cytometry demonstrated that BV-2 cells were activated with the treatment of different arsenic species. The GC-MS data showed three important metabolites to be at different levels according to the different arsenic species used to treat the microglia. These included tyrosine, arachidonic acid, and citric acid. Metabolite pathway analysis showed that a metabolic pathways associated with tyrosine metabolism, the dopaminergic synapse, Parkinson's disease, and the citrate cycle were differentially affected when comparing exposure to organic arsenic and inorganic arsenic. Organic arsenic MMAV was predominantly pro-inflammatory, and inorganic arsenic exposure contributed to energy metabolism disruptions in BV-2 microglia. Our findings provide novel insight into understanding the neurotoxicity mechanisms of chronic arsenic exposure and reveal the changes of the metabolome in response to exposure to different arsenic species in the microglia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a green zero-valent iron-loaded carbon composite (ZVI-SCG) was synthesized using coffee grounds and FeCl3 solution through two-steps method, and the synthesized ZVI-SCG was used in the activation of peroxydisulfate (PDS) to degrade Levofloxacin (LEX). Results revealed that ZVI-SCG exhibited a great potential for LEX removal by adsorption and catalytic degradation in the ZVI-SCG/PDS system, and 99% of LEX was removed in the ZVI-SCG/PDS system within 60 min. ZVI-SCG/PDS system showed a high reactivity toward LEX degradation under realistic environmental conditions. Also, the ZVI-SCG/PDS system could effectively degrade several quinolone antibiotics including gatifloxacin, ciprofloxacin and LEX in single and simultaneous removal modes. A potential reaction mechanism of LEX degradation by ZVI-SCG/PDS system was proposed, SO 4 •−, HO•, O 2 •- and 1O 2 involved in radical and non-radical pathways took part in catalytic degradation of LEX by ZVI-SCG/PDS system, but HO• might be the main reactive species for LEX degradation. The possible degradation pathway of LEX was also proposed based on the identified ten intermediate products, LEX degradation was successfully achieved through decarboxylation, opening ring and hydroxylation processes. The potential toxicity of LEX and its oxidation products decreased significantly after treatment. This study provides a promising strategy of water treatment for the antibiotics-containing wastewater. [Display omitted] • A green zero-valent iron-loaded carbon composite (ZVI-SCG) was synthesized. • ZVI-SCG/PDS system reveals high adsorption and catalytic degradation capacity for LEX. • The radical (SO 4 •−, HO• and O 2 •−) and the non-radical (1O 2) were involved in LEX degradation. • The degradation mechanism of LEX in the ZVI-SCG/PDS system was proposed. • Toxicity of LEX reaction solution decreased significantly after treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the therapeutic effects of a water-soluble biphenyl compound, WLP-S-14, in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). Wistar rats were injected intraperitoneally with porcine serum twice a week for 8 weeks prior to administration of 600 mg/kg D-galactosamine and 50 μg/kg lipopolysaccharide to induce ACLF. Study groups were treated intravenously with saline or with 100 or 200 mg/kg WLP-S-14. WLP-S-14 ameliorated ACLF with significant reductions in the mortality rate and transaminase levels, indicating improved liver function. The mechanism underlying these effects may involve decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, with associated inhibition of apoptotic pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small active RNA (saRNA)-induced gene activation (RNAa) is a novel strategy to treat cancer. Our previous work proved that the p21-saRNA-322 successfully hindered colorectal cancer growth by activating p21 gene. However, the barrier for successful saRNA therapy is lack of efficient drug delivery. In the present study, a rectal delivery system entitled p21-saRNA-322 encapsulated tumor-selective lipopolyplex (TSLPP-p21-saRNA-322) which consist of PEI/p21-saRNA-322 polyplex core and hyaluronan (HA) modulated lipid shell was developed to treat colorectal cancer. Our results showed that this system maintained at the rectum for more than 6 h and preferentially accumulated at tumor site. CD44 knock down experiment instructed that the superb cellular uptake of TSLPP-p21-saRNA-322 attributed to HA-CD44 recognition. An orthotopic model of bio-luminescence human colorectal cancer in mice was developed using microsurgery and TSLPP-p21-saRNA-322 demonstrated a superior antitumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo . Our results provide preclinical proof-of-concept for a novel method to treat colorectal cancer by rectal administration of TSLPP formulated p21-saRNA-322. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A single streptozotocin (STZ) injection caused diabetic neuropathy in rats. [•] Diabetic neuropathy was accompanying with serious oxidative stress and up-regulation of NADPH oxidase in the spinal cord. [•] Apocynin attenuated diabetic neuropathy with suppressing spinal oxidative stress and over-expression of NADPH oxidase. [•] Curcumin had similar effect as apocynin in curing STZ-induced diabetic neuropathy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The technology of molybdenum extraction from molybdenite concentrate by using sodium chlorate has been investigated. The results show that leaching time, liquid-to-solid ratio, leaching temperature, agitation speed, sodium chlorate and hydrochloric acid concentration have significant effect; optimum process operating parameters were established as follows: time: 4 h; hydrochloric acid concentration: 20%; liquid-to-solid ratio: 10:1; temperature: 70 °C; agitation speed: 500 rpm; and the molar ratio of NaClO3 to MoS2: 3.21. Under these experimental conditions, the extraction of molybdenum is greater than 98%. The mixture of 30% triotylamine and 20% sec-Caprylic alcohol diluted kerosene oil is an effective extractant of molybdenum; the molybdenum extraction efficiencies in the examined conditions were about 99.6% under conditions of O: a ratio of 1:1, hydrochloric acid 60 g/L for 10 min at room temperature. Stripping of molybdenum to aqueous phase was efficient when 18% ammonia liquor were applied. The molybdenum stripping efficiencies in the examined conditions were about 99.5% under conditions of O: a ratio of 1:1 for 10 min at 40 °C. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The pollution of heavy metals and organic compounds has received increased attention in recent years. In the current study, a novel biochar-based iron oxide composite (FeYBC) was successfully synthesized using pomelo peel and ferric chloride solution through one-step process at moderate temperature. Results clearly demonstrate that FeYBC exhibited more efficient removal of Cr(VI) and/or phenol compared with the pristine biochar, and the maximum adsorption amounts of Cr(VI) and phenol by FeYBC could reach 24.37 and 39.32 mg g−1, respectively. A series of characterization data suggests that several iron oxides such as Fe 2 O 3 , Fe0, FeOOH and Fe 3 O 4 were formed on the FeYBC surface as well as oxygen-containing groups. Thermodynamics study indicates that Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption by FeYBC were endothermic and exothermic processes, respectively. Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo-second order models could better explain the Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption behaviors over FeYBC. The Cr(VI) adsorption might be primarily achieved through the ion exchange and surface complexation and reduction, whereas the π–π interaction and electron donor–acceptor complex mainly contributed to phenol adsorption. The findings indicate that the biochar-based iron oxide composites material was an efficient adsorbent for the remediation of industrial effluents containing Cr(VI) and phenol. [Display omitted] • A novel biochar-based iron oxide composite (FeYBC) was firstly synthesized. • FeYBC exhibited more efficient Cr(VI) and phenol removal than pristine biochar. • Langmuir and pseudo second order models well explain Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption. • Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption were endothermic and exothermic nature, respectively. • The possible removal mechanism of both Cr(VI) and phenol adsorption was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this paper, treatment of N-ethyl-benzo[f]quinolium (ebq) iodide and CuI with excess KI afforded an unusual coordination polymer [(ebq)2(Cu3I4)(CuI2)] n (1). 1 crystallizes in tetragonal system, space group P4(2)bc with cell parameters of , , , , , and . A highly interesting feature of 1 is its presence of mixed types of chains [ and chain] in one crystal lattice based on supramolecular self-assembly directed by cations. The infinite chains and in 1 could be described as the edge-sharing arrangement of CuI4 tetrahedron. Furthermore, IR, EA, UV–Vis, thermal analysis and optical limiting measurements were adopted to characterize polymer 1. The optical limiting experiment shows that the present polymer exhibits a large optical limiting capacity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nowadays, nanoscale zero valent iron (nZVI) has been extensively applied for the decontamination of various pollutants, but passivation of nZVI severely affects its reactivity in use. In this study, ultrasound (US)-assisted catalytic reduction of Cr(VI) by an acid mine drainage based nZVI (AMD-nZVI) coupling with FeS 2 system was systematically examined. Results show that the presence of FeS 2 and US induced a synergistic enhancement of Cr(VI) removal by AMD-nZVI. Nearly 98% of Cr(VI) removal was achieved by AMD-nZVI/FeS 2 /US process within 60 min under optimal reaction conditions. Several coexisting substances with lower concentration including Pb(II), Ni(II), bisphenol A (BPA) and 2,4-diclorophenol (2,4-DCP) could be effectively removed in simultaneous manner with Cr(VI) removal. The inhibitory order of water matrix species on Cr(VI) removal was NO 3 − > PO 4 3− > HCO 3 − > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Cl−, and a serious suppression effect was induced by humic acid (HA). Addition of ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and citric acid (CA) could enhance Cr(VI) removal rate. An enhanced reaction mechanism was proposed, which involved the regeneration of more Fe2+ and H+ by AMD-nZVI/FeS 2 /US process, leading to the reduction of Cr(VI) by AMD-nZVI and FeS 2 into Cr(III) species inculding Cr 2 O 3 and Cr(OH) 3. This study well demonstrates that AMD-nZVI/FeS 2 /US process is considered as a potential candidate for the remediation of Cr(VI) in real wasterwater. Image 1 • FeS 2 induced an enhanced removal of Cr(VI) by AMD-nZVI/US process. • The formation of Fe2+ and acidic condition played a primary role in this process. • Removal of Pb(II), Ni(II), 2,4-DCP and BPA could be achieved with Cr(VI) removal. • Most of Cr(VI) species was sucessfully reduced into Cr 2 O 3 and Cr(OH) 3. • Enhanced mechanism of Cr(VI) removal by AMD-nZVI/FeS 2 /US process was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the preparation of multivalent amide-sialoside-decorated human serum albumin (HSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) as mimics of natural mucin and bioshields against influenza virus infection. Free sialic acid with an amine on C-2 was covalently attached to the protein scaffolds using di-(N-succinimidyl) adipate. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) showed that the synthetic neomucins were able to act as bioshields and aggregate the influenza virion particles. The dissociation constants (K D) of the interactions between the prepared glycoconjugates and three different viral strains were measured by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) indicating the multivalent presentation of sialyl ligands on the HSA and BSA backbones can dramatically enhance the adsorbent capability compared to the corresponding monomeric sialoside. Hemagglutinin inhibition (HAI) and neuraminidase inhibition (NAI) assays showed that the glycoconjugates acted as moderate HA and NA inhibitors, thus impeding viral infection. Moreover, the different binding affinities of the glycoproteins to HA and NA proteins from different influenza viruses demonstrated the importance of HA/NA balance in viral replication and evolution. These findings provide a foundation for the development of antiviral drugs and viral adsorbent materials based on mimicking the structure of mucin. Image 1 • Amide-sialoside tailored protein was prepared as mucin mimic. • The neomucins showed influenza virion adsorbent capability. • The synthetic glycoconjugates can inhibit hemagglutinin and neuraminidase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]