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[Display omitted] • Rh 1 /BN is explored as a high-performance catalyst for NO 2 − electroreduction to NH 3 (NO 2 RR). • Rh 1 /BN in a flow cell exhibits an NH 3 yield rate of 2165.4 μmol h−1 cm−2 and FE NH3 of 97.83 % at −355.7 mA cm−2. • Combined MD/DFT simulations elucidate that single-atom Rh sites promote the hydrogenation of NO 2 −-to-NH 3 process. • This work highlights the potential of Rh single atom catalyst for practical ammonia electrosynthesis. Electrocatalytic NO 2 − reduction to NH 3 (NO 2 RR) holds great promise as a green method for high-efficiency NH 3 production. Herein, an Rh single-atom catalyst where isolated Rh supported on defective BN nanosheets (Rh 1 /BN) is reported to exhibit the exceptional NO 2 RR activity and selectivity. Extensive experimental and theoretical studies unveil that the high NO 2 RR performance of Rh 1 /BN arises from the single-atom Rh sites, which not only promote the activation and hydrogenation of NO 2 −-to-NH 3 process, but also hamper the undesired hydrogen evolution. Consequently, Rh 1 /BN assembled in a flow cell exhibits the highest NH 3 yield rate of 2165.4 μmol h−1 cm−2 and FE NH3 of 97.83 % at a high current density of 355.7 mA cm−2, ranking it the most efficient catalysts for NO 2 −-to-NH 3 conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has now embraced the information era, which has had a significant impact on everyday life, employment, and educational practices. Information technology has also had a significant impact on the growth of the education sector, resulting in a fast-paced and resource-rich setting for student interaction. Through the network platform, various interactive software can improve students' learning methods, especially language teaching software. English audio-visual speaking is software for training English language listening and speaking, which can carry out relevant oral activities and topic discussions according to the imported materials. As a result, you can assist pupils in using the vocabulary and knowledge associated with the subject, which will increase their interest in learning. English teachers can fully prepare for speaking and listening tasks in the classroom by using audio-visual speaking. At the same time, through the learning of TV and movie trailers, English audio-visual speaking can provide readers with background knowledge, which is ready for readers to fully understand the language and content in the video materials. Based on information technology, this paper constructs English audio-visual and oral mobile teaching software, which depends on interactive digital media algorithms. Through the mobile teaching software for English audio-visual speaking, students can form good English listening and reading habits, which will provide important help for English language learning.First, this essay examines the value and benefits of mobile applications for providing English instruction orally and visually, which might help to illustrate the need for software development. The research then suggests various algorithms for English that are related to audio, visual, and oral input that can detect, assess, and correct students' learning mistakes. Finally, this work develops the fundamental methodology of the audio-visual and verbal mobile software for instruction in English. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electroreduction of nitrite to ammonia (NO2RR) holds great promise for concurrently achieving efficient NH3 electrosynthesis and wastewater purification. This study first develops Ni1Ru single‐atom alloys as an efficient and robust NO2RR catalyst. Extensive experiments and theoretical computations reveal that isolated Ni atoms electronically couple their adjacent Ru atoms to render Ni1Ru with high thermodynamic stability, boosted NO2−‐to‐NH3 hydrogenation energetics and suppressed hydrogen evolution. As a result, Ni1Ru assembled in a flow cell shows an exceptional NH3 yield rate of 37.5 mg h−1 cm−2 with an NH3‐Faradaic efficiency of 93.9% at a high current density of 312.3 mA cm−2, representing one of the highest NO2RR performances ever reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Atomically dispersed Pd on defective BN (Pd 1 /BN) is explored for NO 2 − electroreduction to NH 3 (NO 2 RR). • Pd 1 /BN exhibits a high NH 3 yield of 347.06 μmol h−1 cm−2 with an NH 3 -Faradaic efficiency of 91.7% at −0.6 V vs. RHE. • Mechanistic investigations reveal that Pd 1 /BN selectively adsorbs NO 2 − while boosting the hydrogenation process. • This work opens a new window for exploring high-performance SACs for ammonia electrosynthesis via NO 2 RR. Electrocatalytic NO 2 − reduction to NH 3 (NO 2 RR) offers a prospective strategy to concurrently achieve polluted NO 2 − removal and effective NH 3 electrosynthesis. In this work, we report atomically dispersed Pd on defective BN nanosheets (Pd 1 /BN) as an efficient catalyst for the NO 2 RR, achieving the highest NH 3 -Faradaic efficiency of 91.7% with an NH 3 yield rate of 347.1 μmol h−1 cm−2 at −0.6 V vs. RHE, superior to those of most previously reported electrocatalysts. Theoretical computations reveal the isolated Pd sites as catalytic centers to selectively adsorb NO 2 − and accelerate NO 2 −-to-NH 3 hydrogenation process with a minimized reaction barrier, eventually contributing to the considerably enhanced NO 2 RR selectivity and activity of Pd 1 /BN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rational design of electrocatalysis has emerged as one of the most thriving means for mitigating energy and environmental crises. The key to this effort is the understanding of the complex electrochemical interface, wherein the electrode potential as well as various internal factors such as H‐bond network, adsorbate coverage, and dynamic behavior of the interface collectively contribute to the electrocatalytic activity and selectivity. In this context, the authors have reviewed recent theoretical advances, and especially, the contributions to modeling the realistic electrocatalytic processes at complex electrochemical interfaces, and illustrated the challenges and fundamental problems in this field. Specifically, the significance of the inclusion of explicit solvation and electrode potential as well as the strategies toward the design of highly efficient electrocatalysts are discussed. The structure‐activity relationships and their dynamic responses to the environment and catalytic functionality under working conditions are illustrated to be crucial factors for understanding the complexed interface and the electrocatalytic activities. It is hoped that this review can help spark new research passion and ultimately bring a step closer to a realistic and systematic modeling method for electrocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Systemic inflammation occurs commonly during many human disease settings and increases vascular permeability, leading to organ failure, and lethal outcomes. Lipocalin 10 (Lcn10), a poorly characterized member of the lipocalin family, is remarkably altered in the cardiovascular system of human patients with inflammatory conditions. Nonetheless, whether Lcn10 regulates inflammation-induced endothelial permeability remains unknown. Methods and results Systemic inflammation models were induced using mice by injection of endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery. We observed that the expression of Lcn10 was dynamically altered only in endothelial cells (ECs), but not in either fibroblasts or cardiomyocytes isolated from mouse hearts following the LPS challenge or CLP surgery. Using in vitro gain- and loss-of-function approaches and an in vivo global knockout mouse model, we discovered that Lcn10 negatively regulated endothelial permeability upon inflammatory stimuli. Loss of Lcn10 augmented vascular leakage, leading to severe organ damage and higher mortality following LPS challenge, compared to wild-type controls. By contrast, overexpression of Lcn10 in ECs displayed opposite effects. A mechanistic analysis revealed that both endogenous and exogenous elevation of Lcn10 in ECs could activate slingshot homologue 1 (Ssh1)-Cofilin signalling cascade, a key axis known to control actin filament dynamics. Accordingly, a reduced formation of stress fibre and increased generation of cortical actin band were exhibited in Lcn10-ECs, when compared to controls upon endotoxin insults. Furthermore, we identified that Lcn10 interacted with LDL receptor-related protein 2 (LRP2) in ECs, which acted as an upstream factor of the Ssh1-Confilin signalling. Finally, injection of recombinant Lcn10 protein into endotoxic mice showed therapeutic effects against inflammation-induced vascular leakage. Conclusion This study identifies Lcn10 as a novel regulator of EC function and illustrates a new link in the Lcn10-LRP2-Ssh1 axis to controlling endothelial barrier integrity. Our findings may provide novel strategies for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calmodulin-like proteins (CML) are important calcium signal transduction proteins in plants. CML genes have been analyzed in several plants. However, little information on CML in Phaseolus vulgare is available. In this study, we identified 111 PvCMLs distributed on eleven chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis classified them into seven subfamilies. Cis-acting element prediction showed that PvCML contained elements related to growth and development, response to abiotic stress and hormones. Moreover, the majority of PvCMLs showed different expression patterns in most of the nine tissues and developmental stages which indicated the role of PvCML in the growth and development of common bean. Additionally, the common bean was treated with melatonin by seed soaking, and root transcriptome at the 5th day and qRT-PCR of different tissue at several stages were performed to reveal the response of PvCML to the hormone. Interestingly, 9 PvCML genes of subfamily VI were detected responsive to exogenous melatonin, and the expression dynamics of nine melatonin response PvCML genes after seed soaking with melatonin were revealed. Finally, the protein interaction network analysis of nine melatonin responsive PvCMLs was constructed. The systematic analysis of the PvCML gene family provides theoretical support for the further elucidation of their functions, and melatonin response molecular mechanism of the CML family in P. vulgaris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The similar elastic modulus of resin-matrix ceramics to dentin has resulted in their recent widespread application clinically. Nevertheless, the bacterial environment of oral cavity can degrade the resin composite. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyse the effect of S. mutans and its fluoride-resistant strains on the adhesion of three CAD/CAM ceramics. METHODS: S. mutans UA159 (UA) was identified, and its fluoride-resistant strain (FR) was induced. For crack observation, three kinds of CAD/CAM ceramics (IPS Empress, Lava Ultimate and Vita Enamic) were bonded with tooth complex (enamel, dentin and flowable resin) through adhesive. For micro-tensile test, ceramics were bonded with flowable resin, and cut into strip test pieces. Then specimens were immersed into the UA, FR and the control solution (BHI) separately for 14 d. Ceramic-adhesive interface and adhesive-tooth complex interface were observed and analyzed through electron microscope and stereomicroscope. Micro-tensile test was conducted. RESULTS: Specimens in bacterial solutions had more cracks and comparatively weaker micro-tensile strength than those in BHI. In ceramic-adhesive interface, Lava Ultimate produced the most cracks. In adhesive-tooth complex interface, adhesive-dentin produced the most cracks. Meanwhile, IPS Empress had the strongest micro-tensile strength when bonded with resin. CONCLUSIONS: S. mutans and its fluoride resistant strain can cause cracks in the bonding of ceramics and dental tissue, especially resin-matrix ceramic and dentin, and weaken the bonding strength between ceramics and resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal recovery is one of the most effective techniques for viscous oil production, which has been widely used in the heavy oilfield development. The mechanisms and percolation characteristics of thermal recovery have attracted a lot of attention. However, the displacement characteristics and produced oil properties in the steam flood heavy oil process are rarely addressed. In this paper, steam flooding experiments with two heavy oil viscosities under the temperatures from 120 to 200 °C and velocities from 1 to 3 mL/min were carried out to examine the oil displacement efficiency and the produced oil properties. The results show that the majority of the oil is produced in the low water cut stage. Temperature increment is helpful for prolonging the water breakthrough time. The high injection velocity of steam contributes to a high recovery factor, even if it enters into the high water cut stage. The rheology of the produced oils severely changes because the SARA composition changes, and emulsification occurs during the steam flooding heavy oil process. With the increasing steam temperature, the relative content of resins in the produced oils decreases, and asphaltenes increase. With the increase in the injection volume and the injection velocity of steam, the content of resins and asphaltenes increases. This leads to an increment in the produced oil viscosities. The effect of injection velocity on the rheology properties of the produced oils increases with temperature increment. The finding of this work will provide the technical support for heavy oilfields development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon carbide (SiC) crystal is a third-generation semiconductor material, which is widely used in the fields of radio frequency components, aerospace, new energy vehicles, etc. The anisotropy of 4H–SiC leads to differences in material removal characteristics of different crystal surfaces, which influences the design of process parameters for SiC crystal polishing. A model of single abrasive scratching 4H–SiC crystal was established using molecular dynamics. The effect of scratching speed and depth on the material removal characteristics and the wafer surface morphology was investigated when a single abrasive scratches the C surface and Si surface. Scratching experiments were conducted to verify the model by measuring scratch cross-sectional area, scratch profile, and surface roughness. The simulation results reveal that compared to the Si surface, the distribution range of high hydrostatic stress of the C surface is less, resulting in fewer amorphous atoms and easier dislocation, which means the C surface is more favorable for getting plastic removal and obtaining better surface quality. The experiment data suggested that the C surface has a smaller surface roughness and a friction coefficient, and the cross-sectional area of the scratch is larger than that of the Si surface. Under low-speed conditions, the influence of anisotropy is more pronounced. Consistent with the simulation result, the material removal characteristics of the C surface are better than those of the Si surface when single abrasive scratching 4H–SiC crystal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considering older adults are getting closer to the end-of-life and face death more directly. Attitudes to death not only affect the physical and mental health of older adults, but also affect their acceptance of hospice care, even the quality of death. This study aims to explore the status, influencing factors of attitudes toward death and demands of death education among the community-dwelling older adults in southwestern China.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was adopted to investigate 683 community-dwelling older adults in Chongqing, China. Non-parametric test and multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of different attitudes toward death of older adults in community.Results: The multiple linear regression models showed that different dimensions of death attitudes were affected by one or more factors including number of diseases, discussion about life and death, marital status, and average income per month. And community-dwelling older adults have high level demand for death education.Conclusions: Under the taboo culture of death in China, this study is one of the few studies on the attitudes toward death and the demands for death education of the community-dwelling older adults. This study contributes to enrich the global death studies and provide reference for the death education for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The rapid development of digital health has reduced the time and cost of medical treatment, bringing efficient and economical benefits. However, older adults all over the world are deficient in digital health knowledge and skills to varying degrees. This study intends to investigate the current status and influencing factors of digital health literacy among community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China, so as to provide theoretical reference for global digital health researches and the construction of gerontological digital health service models.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 2020 to April 2021 in Chongqing, China. 572 community-dwelling older adults (≥ 65 years) were surveyed by stratified sampling. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, Internet usage, attitude towards Internet health information and digital health literacy were collected. Wherein, the digital health literacy assessment adopted the Digital Health Literacy Assessment Scale for community-dwelling older adults, which was developed by the research group, proven to be with good internal consistency (0.941), split-half reliability (0.889), test-retest reliability (0.941), content validity (0.967), criterion validity (0.938) and construct validity. The influencing factors were explored by univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.Results: The average score of digital health literacy was 37.10 (SD 18.65). Univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in the comparison of digital health literacy according to 16 variables, such as different age and education levels. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that education level, marital status, self-rated health status, degree of health concerns, duration of Internet usage, time spent using the Internet per day, frequency of Internet usage, frequency of receiving guidance passively from family members, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived reliability were positively correlated with digital health literacy, while age and perceived risk were negatively correlated with digital health literacy.Conclusion: The overall digital health literacy of community-dwelling older adults in Southwest China is relatively low. In the future, health professionals should fully consider the diverse influencing factors of digital health literacy, assess individual differences and provide targeted intervention programs. Meanwhile, global public health authorities should integrate health resources effectively, and seek health service models for older adults in line with the development of the digital age to narrow the digital divide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We applied computed tomography (CT) to explore the imaging manifestations of rare parts of osteochondroma. Based on the medical images, deblurring using a convolutional neural network (CNN), and three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of the images is performed in order to improve the image diagnosis. Methods. Twelve cases of osteochondroma in rare locations confirmed by surgical pathology or clinical long-term dynamic observation were retrospectively analyzed using medical imaging and image reconstruction. There are 7 males and 5 females, with an average age of 43 years. CT examinations were performed in all cases. Image deblurring via the GAN model is performed followed by the 3D reconstruction of the higher quality images is implemented. A retrospective study was performed on the imaging manifestations of the above cases; the imaging characteristics were summarized. Results. The imaging features are the following lesions, including 4 cases of the proximal radius, 4 cases of the scapula, 2 cases of the pelvis, and 2 cases of the proximal ribs. The cartilage caps, cortex, and sternum were typical structures of the bone surface of the studied cases. In the continuous imaging features, calcification was visible in some cases, and no significant enhancement was seen in enhanced scans; there was no obvious direction of lesion growth. The image processing techniques that we performed are useful in enhancing the quality of the medical diagnosis. Conclusions. Rare site osteochondroma has certain imaging features. In most cases, we can accurately diagnose rare site osteochondroma through these features via the image processing methods that are proposed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, diterpenoids have been shown to exhibit several health benefits including cancer prevention. In the present study, we examined the anticancer effects of sugiol diterpene against the endometrial carcinoma and attempted to explore the underlying mechanisms. The results showed that sugiol significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited the proliferation of the endometrial carcinoma cell lines (HEC-1-A, HEC-1-B, and KLE) as compared to the normal THESCs cells. The IC50 of sugiol against all the three endometrial carcinoma cell lines ranged between 14 and 18 µM as against an IC50 of 110 μM against the normal THESCs cells. Sugiol caused several changes in the morphology of the HEC-1-B cells characteristic of apoptosis. The DAPI and annexin PI assays confirmed the induction of apoptosis in HEC-1-B cells. Sugiol also triggered increase in Bax and decrease in Bcl-2 expression. The acridine orange staining revealed that the formation of autolysosomes in HEC-1-B cells upon treatment with sugiol suggestive of autophagy. The autophagy was further confirmed by increase in the expression of LC3B-II, Beclin-1, Atg5, and Atg12 and decrease in the expression of P62. The transwell assay showed that relative to the untreated HEC-1-B cells, the migration and invasion of the sugiol-treated HEC-1-B cells was significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited. Collectively, the finding of the present study revealed that sugiol suppresses the growth of human endometrial cells via induction of apoptosis and autophagy. Consistently, sugiol may prove to be an important lead molecule in the development of chemotherapy for endometrial carcinoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The addition of SPOP improved the W-D cycle resistance of the low-grade sand. • SPOP membranes provided a combination of adhesive, filling, and bridging effects for treated sand. • Cyclic wetting and drying damage the bridging effect of polymer membranes. • The porosity increased, and micropores were developed to mesopores and macropores after 20 W-D cycles. Polymer materials are finding increasing application in soil stabilization, but little is known about the changes in performance and microstructure of polymer membranes under wetting–drying (W-D) cycles. This paper introduced a self-developed porous organic polymer material (SPOP) to investigate the mechanical properties of treated sand under various SPOP contents (1 %, 2 %, 3 %, and 4 %) and W-D cycles (0, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20) using uniaxial compression tests and triaxial tests. The changes in the microstructure of SPOP-sand mixtures were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results indicated that the addition of SPOP significantly increased the mechanical strength, elastic modulus, and cohesion of natural sand under W-D cycles. The mechanical properties exhibited an upward trend before decreasing as the increment of SPOP contents and peaked at 3 % SPOP content. Specimens with high SPOP content were more susceptible to moisture. On the other hand, the mechanical properties of SPOP-sand mixtures decreased significantly for all specimens under the first 4 cycles, followed by a decrease with increasing cycles exponentially. The NMR test showed the proportion of micropores within the specimens decreased by 27.81 %–48.09 % after wetting. The micropores were transformed into mesopores and macropores, and the porosity of specimens was increased. Based on the SEM images, there were three mechanisms of polymer strengthening sand, including wrapping, pore filling, and bridging effects. Alternate W-D cycles damaged the inter-particle bridging effect, thus weakening the bonding strength between the polymer membrane and sand particles. Soil aggregates inside the specimens were loosened, and polymer membrane was softened and broken under cyclic wetting and drying, causing the unstable structure of the specimen when applied external pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the most common autoimmune diseases caused by abnormal immune activation and immune tolerance. Immunomodulatory cells (ICs) play a critical role in the maintenance and homeostasis of normal immune function and in the pathogenesis of RA. The human gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by trillions of commensal microbiota on the mucosal surface that play a fundamental role in the induction, maintenance, and function of the host immune system. Gut microbiota dysbiosis can impact both the local and systemic immune systems and further contribute to various diseases, such as RA. The neighbouring intestinal ICs located in distinct intestinal mucosa may be the most likely intermediary by which the gut microbiota can affect the occurrence and development of RA. However, the reciprocal interaction between the components of the gut microbiota and their microbial metabolites with distinct ICs and how this interaction may impact the development of RA are not well studied. Therefore, a better understanding of the gut microbiota, ICs, and their interactions might improve our knowledge of the mechanisms by which the gut microbiota contribute to RA and facilitate the further development of novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we have summarized the roles of the gut microbiota in the immunopathogenesis of RA, especially the interactions between the gut microbiota and ICs, and further discussed the strategies for treating RA by targeting/regulating the gut microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autophagy plays a critical role in the maintenance of bone homeostasis. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is an inhibitor of osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption. However, whether autophagy is involved in the antiosteoclastogenic effects of OPG remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of autophagy during OPG‐induced bone resorption via inhibition of osteoclasts differentiated from bone marrow‐derived macrophages in BALB/c mice. The results showed that after treatment with receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κΒ ligand and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor for 3 days, TRAP+ osteoclasts formed, representing the resting state of autophagy. These osteoclasts were treated with OPG and underwent autophagy, as demonstrated by LC3‐II accumulation, acidic vesicular organelle formation, and the presence of autophagosomes. The levels of autophagy‐related proteins, LC3‐II increased and P62 decreased at 3 hr in OPG‐treated osteoclasts. The viability, differentiation, and bone resorption activity of osteoclasts declined after OPG treatment. Treatment with OPG and chloroquine, an autophagy inhibitor, attenuated OPG‐induced inhibition of osteoclastic bone resorption, whereas rapamycin (RAP), an autophagy inducer, enhanced OPG‐induced inhibition of differentiation, survival, and bone resorption activity of osteoclasts. Furthermore, OPG reduced the amount of phosphorylated(p) protein kinase B (AKT) and pmTOR and increased the level of pULK, in a dose‐dependant manner. LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol‐4,5‐bisphosphate 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway inhibitor, attenuated the decline in pAKT, but enhanced the decline in pmTOR and the increase in pULK1 following OPG treatment. RAP enhanced the OPG‐induced increase in pULK1. The PI3K inhibitor 3‐methyladenine partly blocked OPG‐induced autophagy. Thus, the results revealed that OPG inhibits osteoclast bone resorption by inducing autophagy via the AKT/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters and the incidence of arrhythmic events in patients with fever-induced Brugada syndrome (BrS) remain unknown. Objective: We aimed to investigate the effect of hyperthermia on the ECG pattern and the occurrence of fever-triggered arrhythmic events (FTAEs) in patients with fever-induced BrS. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed a series of fever-induced BrS cases from January 1966 to November 2018. Clinical characteristics and ECG parameters were evaluated in the presence or absence of fever. Results: Syncope and implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation occurred more frequently in BrS patients with FTAEs than in patients without FTAEs. In BrS patients <16 years old, more arrhythmia events occurred in patients with FTAEs than in patients without FTAEs (p = 0.04). During follow-up, 2 patients in the FTAEs group suffered new malignant arrhythmic events. Compared to the afebrile state, the J point increased significantly in precordial leads V1, V2, and V3 during the febrile state (all p < 0.01). The corrected QTpeak intervals in V1 and V2 were significantly longer in the FTAEs group than in the non-FTAEs group (354.5 ± 37.0 vs. 334.3 ± 45.5 ms, p < 0.01 and 368.0 ± 43.4 vs. 330.9 ± 41.5 ms, p < 0.01, respectively). An increased corrected QT dispersion and a lengthened corrected Tpeak-Tend dispersion were also observed during fever. Conclusions: Fever may not only reveal BrS but also induce life-threatening arrhythmic events, especially in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignancy of the bone that has no clearly identified prognostic factors for diagnosis. In this study, we evaluated the regulatory role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) ANCR on the migration and invasion of OS cells as well as the possible mechanism involving the p38MAPK signalling pathway.Methods: ANCR expression was determined in OS tissues and OS cell lines (MG-63, S1353, U2OS, and UMR-106) by qRT-PCR. It was observed that ANCR was down-regulated in MG-63 and U2OS cells by 48 h of siRNA-ANCR (si-ANCR) transfection. The proliferation of transfected cells was determined using the CCK-8 and the EdU assays. The migration and invasion of transfected cells were determined by the Transwell assay. The expression of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and phosphorylated p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) proteins was determined by Western blot. In addition, combinatorial treatment of cells with si-ANCR + SB203580 (p38MAPK inhibitor) was performed to investigate the association between ANCR and MAPK signalling in OS cells.Results: ANCR was up-regulated in OS cells and tissues. ANCR silencing significantly inhibited the proliferation rate, decreased the percentage of migration and invasion cells, down-regulated N-cadherin, and up-regulated E-cadherin and p-p38MAPK in MG-63 and U2OS cells. Inhibition of the p38MAPK signalling pathway (SB203580) in MG-63 and U2OS cells rescued si-ANCR-induced inhibition of cell migration and invasion.Conclusions: Silencing of ANCR inhibited the migration and invasion of OS cells through activation of the p38MAPK signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Continued SDSL shrinkage was exhibited in northern China from 2010 to 2020. • The western and eastern changed SDSL areas showed an opposite changing trend. • Western SDSL areas with aeolian activity intensified in 2015–2020 deserve attention. • Multiple factors' co-driving dominated the aeolian activity change in SDSL areas. • MAAI was superior to MFVCT in aeolian activity intensified SDSL areas. Timely monitoring of the sandy desert and sandy land (SDSL) dynamics and their driving factors is vital for ecological restoration policy-making to combat the expansion of the SDSL. Northern China, being the principal implementation area of ecological restoration projects, is ecologically fragile and encompasses almost all of the SDSL regions in China. To explore and compare the dominant driving factors for SDSL changes by extracting both aeolian activity information and vegetation indices, the SDSL datasets in northern China from 2010 to 2020 were first constructed in this study by the human–computer interactive interpretation method based on the series Landsat image data. The spatiotemporal dynamic characteristics of SDSL were subsequently analyzed, and the dominant driving factors of SDSL changes were further explored via the geodetector model by the fractional vegetation cover trend and the difference of aeolian activity index. The results showed a net decrease of 3,780.25 km2 in the total SDSL area between 2010 and 2020, and the decrease rate was 2.44 times higher in the shorter period of 2015–2020 compared to 2010–2015. The spatial differentiation between the western and eastern parts of the Helan Mountains was prominently exhibited by the relatively higher changed SDSL area in the eastern part (62.74% for aeolian activity weakened and 83.32% for aeolian activity intensified) and the increasingly changed SDSL area in the western part (from 33.09% to 39.60% in aeolian activity weakened and from 13.02% to 19.60% in aeolian activity intensified). Especially, the increased aeolian activity intensified SDSL area has happened on the southern edge of the Gurbantunggut Desert and along both sides of the Tarim River from 2015 to 2020 deserve attention. The co-driving of the multiple driving factors dominated the change of SDSL from 2010 to 2020, with the county mean value of the difference in aeolian activity index (MDAAI) and the county mean value of the trend in fractional vegetation cover (MFVCT) as dependent variables, respectively. Climatic factors of the mean annual average temperature, the mean annual cumulative precipitation, and the mean annual aridity index have a relatively larger explanatory power for the change of SDSL in both MDAAI and MFVCT. Anthropogenic factors of the mean annual afforestation area and the mean annual number of large livestock and sheep and goats (year-end) have a greater explanatory power in MDAAI, while the mean annual number of large livestock and sheep and goats (year-end) and the mean annual population density in MFVCT. In particular, the dependent variable MDAAI is better at identifing the dominant drivers of aeolian activity intensified SDSL area compared to MFVCT, with anthropogenic factors playing a stronger dominant role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Pulpitis suppressed the level of let‐7c‐5p that promotes osteogenesis and bone formation by repressing HMGA2. In the current study, the function of let‐7c‐5p in the inflammation and osteogenesis in dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) was explored. The level of let‐7c‐5p in DPSCs was up‐regulated, and the cells were subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammation. The effect of let‐7c‐5p on cell proliferation potential, osteogenic differentiation potential, and activity of HMGA2/PI3K/Akt pathway was detected. The administration of LPS suppressed the cell proliferation of DPSCs and suppressed calcium deposition, activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and levels of OCN, OPN, OSX, MSX2, and RUNX2 in inflamed DPSCs. The impaired osteogenic differentiation of inflamed DPSCs was associated with the increased levels of HMGA2, p‐PI3K, and p‐Akt. In let‐7c‐5p‐overexpressed inflamed DPSCs, the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation potential of DPSCs were restored, and the activation of HMGA2/PI3K/Akt signalling was inhibited. In rat pulpitis models, the injection of let‐7c‐5p agomir restored the osteogenic differentiation potential of dental pulp cells and inhibited HMGA2/PI3K/Akt signalling. The findings demonstrated the anti‐inflammation and pro‐osteogenesis effect of let‐7c‐5p during the attack of pulpitis, which depended on the inhibition of HMGA2/PI3K/Akt signalling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We screened bacteria that use E2 as its sole source of carbon and energy for growth and identified them as Rhodococcus, and we named them DSSKP-R-001. For a better understanding of the metabolic potential of the strain, whole genome sequencing of Rhodococcus DSSKP-R-001 and annotation of the functional genes were performed. The genomic sketches included a predicted protein-coding gene of approximately 5.4 Mbp with G + C content of 68.72% and 5180. The genome of Rhodococcus strain DSSKP-R-001 consists of three replicons: one chromosome and two plasmids of 5.2, 0.09, and 0.09, respectively. The results showed that there were ten steroid-degrading enzymes distributed in the whole genome of the strain. The existence and expression of estradiol-degrading enzymes were verified by PCR and RTPCR. Finally, comparative genomics was used to compare multiple strains of Rhodococcus. It was found that Rhodococcus DSSKP-R-001 had the highest similarity to Rhodococcus sp. P14 and there were 2070 core genes shared with Rhodococcus sp. P14, Rhodococcus jostii RHA1, Rhodococcus opacus B4, and Rhodococcus equi 103S, showing evolutionary homology. In summary, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of Rhodococcus DSSKP-R-001 in estradiol-efficient degradation of these assays for Rhodococcus. DSSKP-R-001 in bioremediation and evolution within Rhodococcus has important meaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection of bacteria, fungi and/or viruses in clinical patients. It is known that inflammatory cytokine levels have an essential role in the progression of sepsis. The present study investigated the role of inflammatory markers in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) of patients with sepsis at an intensive care unit. In addition, the plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines were compared between sepsis patients and healthy individuals. The results demonstrated that the serum levels of interleukin-1, -17 and -6, as well as tumor necrosis factor-a, were upregulated in sepsis patients. The serum levels of high mobility group box 1 and C-reactive protein were increased in sepsis patients compared with those in healthy individuals. The expression levels of nuclear factor-κB-p65 and its inhibitor IκBα, as well as the ratio of CD25+ cells, and the levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and peptidoglycan recognition protein were higher in hPBMCs in sepsis patients compared with those in healthy individuals. It was also indicated that balance of T helper type 1/2 cytokines was also disturbed in patients with sepsis compared with that in healthy individuals. In conclusion, these results indicated that inflammation is involved in the progression of sepsis by interfering with the expression of various molecules, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of sepsis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have shown higher cure rates for treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) by directly interfering with different steps of the HCV life cycle. To optimize drug combinations and accurately quantify the antiviral effect of DAAs treatments, mathematical models should include the intracellular virus replication processes. In this study, we develop a two-strain multiscale age-structured model that includes intracellular viral RNA replication and extracellular viral infection. We prove the existence, positivity, and boundedness of the solution, and derive the conditions for the existence and stability of the three steady states (non-infection steady state, boundary steady state, and coexistence steady state). Under certain biologically reasonable assumptions, we obtain the approximate solutions of the viral load decline of the two virus strains (sensitive and drug-resistant virus strains) during treatment, and the long-term approximation is shown to be in good agreement with the solution of the original model. We also carry out numerical simulations using the long-term approximate solution, providing insights into the influence of antiviral effects on the viral load change of the two virus strains during treatment with DAAs. • A multiscale mixed-ODE-PDE model is developed to study HCV infection. • The model includes intracellular RNA replication and extracellular viral infection. • We studied the existence and stability of the three steady states. • The approximate analytical solution is convenient for data comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)‐supported Cu–Cu2O nanocomposite material (Cu‐Cu2O@RGO) was prepared through a one‐pot reflux synthesis method. The morphology, crystal structure and composition of the prepared Cu‐Cu2O@RGO were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron, infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Cu‐Cu2O@RGO as a heterogeneous catalyst was applied to tandem reactions of halides and sodium azide with terminal alkynes to synthesize effectively 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles. Moreover, the catalyst showed excellent recyclability performance with very little leaching of the metal. Compared with homogeneous catalysts, Cu‐Cu2O@RGO as a green and efficient catalyst was recoverable, easy to separate and highly stable in the tandem method for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazole compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have examined the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. The causes of osteoporosis include endocrine factors, nutritional status, genetic factors, physical factors, and immune factors. Recent osteoimmunology studies demonstrated that the immune system and immune factors play important regulatory roles in the occurrence of osteoporosis, and people should pay more attention to the relationship between immunity and osteoporosis. Immune and bone cells are located in the bone marrow and share numerous regulatory molecules, signaling molecules, and transcription factors. Abnormal activation of the immune system alters the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which results in an imbalance of bone remodeling and osteoporosis. The incidence of osteoporosis is also increasing with the aging of China's population, and traditional Chinese medicine has played a vital role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis for centuries. Chinese medicinal plants possess unique advantages in the regulation of the immune system and the relationships between osteoporosis and the immune system. In this review, we provide a general overview of Chinese medicinal plants in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, focusing on immunological aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnO nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (ZnO/RGO) were prepared by the hydrothermal method and characterized by TEM, XPS, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. As a green catalyst, ZnO/RGO was applied to the Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction of aryl aldehydes and aryl ketones under microwave irradiation. Therein, chalcone products could be efficiently synthesized and easily separated from the heterogeneous catalysis system. The catalyst could be recycled four times without significant loss of catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of boldine isolated from Litsea cubeba on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rats and explore the molecular mechanism predicted by network pharmacology. Material and methods CIA rats were orally administered with boldine. The bone destruction of paws was analyzed by histologic examination, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRACP) staining and micro-computed tomography. Prediction of signal pathway associated with boldine network molecules and CIA genes was applied by the network pharmacology analysis. The expressions of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK) and its ligand (RANKL) in the ankle were detected by immunohistochemistry. In vitro osteoclasts were cultured in the presence of variable doses of boldine and the RANK expressions were evaluated using Real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Results Boldine reduced ankle swelling, alleviated pathological damage and significantly prevented bone destruction in CIA rats. Consistent with this, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay revealed boldine decreased serum TRACP5b levels and osteoclast number in the ankle region by TRACP staining from CIA rats. The network pharmacology analysis indicated that RANK signaling in osteoclasts was the most significant canonical pathway associated with boldine network molecules and CIA genes, which was verified by the increased expression of OPG, reduced expression of RANK, RANKL and RANKL/OPG in boldine-treated CIA rats. The in vitro study further confirmed that boldine inhibited osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting the RANKL/RANK signaling pathway. Conclusion Taken together, our study first indicates that boldine from Litsea cubeba suppresses osteoclastogenesis, improves bone destruction by down-regulating the OPG/RANKL/RANK signal pathway and may be a potential therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-walled carbon nanohorns have received great interest for their unique properties and diverse potential applications. Herein, we demonstrated the feasibility of single-walled carbon nanohorns incorporated poly(styrene-divinylbenzene) monolith as the stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography, which were prepared by one-step in situ copolymerization. Single-walled carbon nanohorns were dispersed in styrene to give a stable and homogeneous suspension. The monolithic column gave effective separation for a wide range of aromatic compounds, which was based on hydrophobicity and π-π electrostatic stacking of single-walled carbon nanohorns. The precisions of migration time and peak area varied in the ranges of 1.4-1.9% for intraday trials and 1.7-3.5% for interday trials, and 3.2-6.7% for intraday trials and 4.1-7.4% for interday trials, and 3.6-7.2% for inter-column trials and 5.2-21.3% for inter-column trials, respectively, indicating the good reproducibility of single-walled carbon nanohorns embedded monolithic columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of N,O-bidentate ligands were synthesized using the Vilsmeier–Haack reaction and oximation. 2,5-Dihydroxyterephthalaldehyde dioxime (L8) as an efficient N,O-symmetrical bidentate ligand was prepared from hydroquinone. It was studied as a high activity ligand for palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of aryl chlorides with arylboronic acids under mild conditions. The coupling reactions were performed in the presence of PdCl2 as the catalyst, L8 as the ligand, Na2CO3 as the base, PEG-400 as the PTC and in ethanol/water (1 : 1) as an environmentally benign solvent at 85 °C. Plentiful biaryls were obtained by the optimized reaction with good yields at a low palladium loading of 0.20 mol%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trade of goods among regions or nations associated with large environmental consequences. Yet balancing economic gains and environmental consequences induced by trade is still hindered by a lack of quantification of these two factors, especially for the environmental problems those are more locally oriented, such as the atmospheric pollution. Based on an environmental input–output analysis for 2010, we contrast economic gains (value added) against atmospheric pollutant emissions (sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitric oxide (NO x ), primary fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC)) and the widely concerned CO 2 emissions associated with international and interprovincial exports from Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH), the most polluted area in China. Our results show that exports contributed 55–62% of BTH’s production emissions and 54% of its total value added. BTH’s large exports of metals and metal products, nonmetal mineral products, chemical and transportation and warehousing, generated a larger share of pollutant emissions (36–46% of BTH’s total) than that of value added (17%) along the supply chain. Most of BTH’s embodied emissions in exports go to neighboring provinces and the developed east coastal regions in China, although the economic returns are comparatively low. Among BTH, industrial production in Beijing and Tianjin lead to more pollutant emission than value added in Hebei, due to reliance on pollution-intensive product imports from Hebei. Our results call for refocusing and restructuring of BTH’s industry and trade structures to balance the economic gains and environmental losses for each region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents the history of vegetation assemblage in Honghe Wetland (NE China) during the last 6200 years. Vegetation changes were reconstructed based on high-resolution plant macrofossil analysis of sedimentary sequence obtained from Honghe National Nature Reserve located in Sanjiang Plain, in conjunction with Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) 14 C radiocarbon data. Results indicate that plant macrofossil composition of Honghe wetland ecosystem are dynamic and have undergone several significant changes. Around 2500 cal yr BP, plant composition transited from Equisetum fluviatile community to Carex lasiocarpa - Drepanocladus aduncus community, and then following by Drepanocladus aduncus community at 460 cal yr BP. Another major vegetation changes occurred at 220 cal yr BP, transitioning to Carex sp. community. By comparison between the plant macrofossil assemblages and the climate changes during the last 6200 cal yr BP, we suggest that ASM (Asian summer monsoon) is the main driving force for the vegetation succession before the impacts of human activities. Since some restoration programs have been undertaken at Honghe wetland, thus our results can provide valuable baseline data for assessment of the practicability and suitability of the former restoration plan and the further designing of conservation management and restoration targets. Since the vegetation composition of Honghe wetland is pronouncedly sensitive to water level, it can be inferred that wetland ecosystem can be restored to near-natural condition through the effective management and restoration by controlling the water source of the wetland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A one-pot solvothermal synthesis method was developed to prepare reduced graphene oxide (RGO) supported ferrite hybrids using graphite oxide and metal ions (Fe 3+ ) as starting materials. The as-prepared composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction pattern(XRD) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). It was shown that Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles with a uniform size of ∼35 nm were anchored on RGO nanosheets. Importantly, the obtained nanocomposites are effective adsorbents for the determination of three sulfonamides in wastewater. Several parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized, including amount of adsorbent, extraction time, pH and desorption conditions. Compared with other adsorbents, the as-prepared RGO-Fe 3 O 4 showed the better extraction efficiencies for the SA S due to the large surface area of RGO. A linear range from 1 to 200 ng/mL was obtained with a high correlation coefficient (R 2 > 0.9987), and the limits of detection for three SAs ranged from 0.43 to 0.57 ng/mL. This method was successfully applied to the analysis of SAs in environmental wastewater samples, the recoveries in different sample matrices were in the range from 89.1 and 101.7% with relative standard deviations less than 8.6%. It is believed that such composites will find wide applications in the water pretreatment area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel mixed hemimicelles solid phase extraction based on magnetic graphene oxide (Fe 3 O 4 /GO) and ionic liquid (IL) was developed for the simultaneous extraction and determination of trace cephalosporins in spiked human urine. The high surface area and excellent adsorption capacity of the graphene oxide after modification with1-hexadecyl-3-methylmidazoliumbromide(C 16 mimBr) were utilized adequately in the solid phase extraction(SPE) process. A comprehensive study of the parameters affecting the extraction recovery, such as the zeta-potential of magnetic graphene oxide, amounts of magnetic graphene oxide and surfactant, pH of solution, ionic strength, extraction time, and desorption condition were optimized. A comparative study on the use of different surfacant-coated Fe 3 O 4 /GO NPs as sorbents was presented. Good linearity (R 2 > 0.9987) for all calibration curves was obtained. The LODs were ranged between 0.6 and 1.9 ng mL −1 for the cephalosporins and the LOQs were 1.5 to 5.5, respectively. Satisfactory recoveries(84.3% to 101.7%)and low relative standard deviations from 1.7% to 6.3% in biological matrices were achieved. The mixed hemimicelles magnetic SPE (MSPE) method based on ILs and Fe 3 O 4 /GO NPs magnetic separation has ever been successfully used for pretreatment of complex biological samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, GO bonded monolith (pAS-GO@PS-DVB) as the stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography was fabricated, which was achieved by a simple one-step in-situ copolymerization of styrene and vinylized GO in the presence of divinylbenzene as a cross-linker. GO functionalization was primarily completed using p -aminostyrene based on condensation reaction between amino and carboxyl groups. The characterization by infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy proved the covalent bonding of GO on the monolith. The average pore diameter via Barrett–Joyner–Halenda, specific surface area and pore volume via Brunauer-Emmett-Teller equation by nitrogen adsorption/desorption were determined to be 112.4 nm, 485.8 m 2 g −1 and 1.4 cm 3 g −1 , respectively. The pAS-GO@PS-DVB monolithic column gave effective separation for a wide range of aromatic compounds, which was based on hydrogen bonding and π-π interactions of GO with polar and/or non-polar organic compounds. The reproducibility in terms of the precisions of migration time, peak height and peak area was estimated below 6% using thiourea and other aromatic compounds. Furthermore, the differences of migration time, peak height and peak area between the first-week analysis and the forth-week analysis were less than 19%, indicating good stability of the proposed monolithic column in one month. The applicability of the pAS-GO@PS-DVB monolith was also demonstrated by baseline separation of three phenols and three anilines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triptolide, a purified component of Tripterygiumwilfordii Hook F, has been shown to have immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Although triptolide has demonstrated that it could suppress bone destruction in collagen-induced mice, its therapeutic mechanism remains unclear. Many studies have investigated the effect of triptolide on Tregs and Tregs-related cytokine involved in RA. Additionally, previous studies have implied that Tregs inhibit osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Thus, in this study we aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism by which triptolide influences the Treg-mediated production of IL-10 and TGF- β1 to affect osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. In cocultures system of Tregs and mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), Tregs inhibited the differentiation of osteoclasts and reduced the resorbed areas significantly and the production of both IL-10 and TGF- β1 was upregulated. When the coculture systems were pretreated with triptolide, they produced higher levels of IL-10 and TGF- β1. Our data indicate that triptolide enhances the suppressive effects of Tregs on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption by enhancing the secretion of IL-10 and TGF- β1. Tregs are most likely involved in the triptolide-mediated regulation of bone metabolism and may provide a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of inflammatory bone destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a solid-phase extraction method of separating and determining of phthalic acid esters (PAEs) by PPy-coated Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 @PPy MNPs). In the process, nanoparticles were served as sorbents and the optimal conditions of the extraction have been explored. The composite was synthesized through the chemical oxidation method, combining pyrrole monomer with Fe 3 O 4 magnetic ball in the form of aggregation state and the coated nanoparticles possessed core–shell construction. The PPy-coated Fe 3 O 4 magnetic microspheres have been extensively characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The optimum conditions were investigated by orthogonal experimental design, which was used to testing the influence of main factors and the interactions among them. The orthoplan is famous for the merit that it can study the whole experiments comprehensively through minimal tests. Under the optimal extraction conditions: 20 mg of modified magnetite nanoparticles, eluting with acetic ester of 2 mL, 40 min of MSPE, eluting in 1 h and 20 mL of sample volume, good linearity ( r 2 > 0.9912) of all calibration curves was obtained in validation experiments. And the limits of detection (LODs) were from 0.006 to 0.021 ng/mL . The recoveries in different sample matrices were in the range from 80.4% to 108.2% with relative standard deviations less than 12.8%. The present work demonstrates the applicability of the developed method for the determination of PAEs in water sample and the results justified that it can be applied successfully to the selective isolation and enrichment of PAEs in real water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper documents a 7800-year proxy record from the Shenjiadian peatland on the Sanjiang Plain in Northeast China. High-resolution plant macrofossil and colorimetric humification methods were used to reconstruct the vegetation and hydrologic history from a 193 cm-long sedimentary profile. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was applied to transform the raw plant macrofossil data into latent indices of peatland water level. The vegetation community transited from an Equisetum fluviatile community to a Carex lasiocarpa community at approximately 3800 cal yr BP and was followed by a Carex-shrub community at approximately 480 cal yr BP. Based on the plant macrofossil DCA axis 1 scores and humification values, we distinguished four hydrologic periods: a wet period from 7800 cal yr BP to 4500 cal yr BP, dry periods up to 1600 cal yr BP, drier periods until 300 cal yr BP, and the driest period from 300 cal yr BP until the present. Through a comparison with other climate records, we suggest that the East Asian summer monsoon (EAM) was the main driving force for vegetation and water level changes to the Shenjiadian peatland through its impacts on precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-free boron phosphide (BP) is explored for the first time as an effective catalyst for electrocatalytic NO reduction to NH3, showing a high NH3-faradaic efficiency of 83.3% with an NH3 yield rate of 96.6 μmol h−1 cm−2, surpassing most metal-based catalysts. Theoretical results reveal that the B and P atoms of BP can serve as dual-active centers to synergistically activate NO, promote the NORR hydrogenation process and inhibit the competing hydrogen evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abnormal DNA methylation is known as playing an important role in the tumorgenesis. It is helpful for distinguishing the specificity of diagnosis and therapeutic targets for cancers based on characteristics of DNA methylation patterns across cancers. High throughput DNA methylation analysis provides the possibility to comprehensively filter the epigenetics diversity across various cancers. We integrated whole-genome methylation data detected in 798 samples from seven cancers. The hierarchical clustering revealed the existence of cancer-specific methylation pattern. Then we identified 331 differentially methylated genes across these cancers, most of which (266) were specifically differential methylation in unique cancer. A DNA methylation correlation network (DMCN) was built based on the methylation correlation between these genes. It was shown the hubs in the DMCN were inclined to cancer-specific genes in seven cancers. Further survival analysis using the part of genes in the DMCN revealed high-risk group and low-risk group were distinguished by seven biomarkers (PCDHB15, WBSCR17, IGF1, GYPC, CYGB, ACTG2, and PRRT1) in breast cancer and eight biomarkers (ZBTB32, OR51B4, CCL8, TMEFF2, SALL3, GPSM1, MAGEA8, and SALL1) in colon cancer, respectively. At last, a protein-protein interaction network was introduced to verify the biological function of differentially methylated genes. It was shown that MAP3K14, PTN, ACVR1 and HCK sharing different DNA methylation and gene expression across cancers were relatively high degree distribution in PPI network. The study suggested that not only the identified cancer-specific genes provided reference for individual treatment but also the relationship across cancers could be explained by differential DNA methylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoclasts are critical for bone resorption and use podosomes to attach to bone matrix. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is a negative regulator of osteoclast function that can affect the formation and function of podosomes. However, the signaling pathways that link OPG to podosome function have not been well characterized. Therefore, this study examined the roles of intracellular calcium and MAPKs in OPG-induced podosome disassembly in osteoclasts. We assessed the effects of the intracellular calcium chelator Bapta-AM, ERK inhibitor U0126, and p38 inhibitor SB202190 on OPG-treated osteoclast differentiation, adhesion structures, intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration and the phosphorylation state of podosome associated proteins (Pyk2 and Src). Mouse monocytic RAW 264.7 cells were differentiated to osteoclasts using RANKL (30 ng/mL) and M-CSF (25 ng/mL). The cells were pretreated with Bapta-AM (5 μM), U0126 (5 μM), or SB202190 (10 μM) for 30 min, followed by 40 ng/mL OPG for 3 h. Osteoclastogenesis, adhesion structure, viability and morphology, intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration and the phosphorylation state of Pyk2 and Src were measured by TRAP staining, scanning electron microscopy, real-time cell analyzer, flow cytometry and western blotting, respectively. OPG significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis, the formation of adhesion structures, and reduced the amount of phosphorylated Pyk2 and Src-pY527, but increased phosphorylation of Src-pY416. Bapta-AM, U0126, and SB202190 partially restored osteoclast differentiation and adhesion structures. Both Bapta-AM and U0126, but not SB202190, restored the levels of intracellular free Ca 2+ concentration, phosphorylated Pyk2 and Src-pY527. All three inhibitors blocked OPG-induced phosphorylation at Src-pY416. These results suggest OPG disrupts the attachment structures of osteoclasts and activates Src as an adaptor protein that competes for the reduced amount of phosphorylated Pyk2 through calcium- and ERK-dependent signaling pathways. p38 MAPK signaling may have a different role in OPG-induced osteoclast retraction. Our findings potentially offer novel insights into the signaling mechanisms downstream of OPG that affect osteoclast attachment to the extracellular matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Cd induced apoptosis and transient [Ca2+]i elevation in OBs. [•] BAPTA-AM rescued Cd-induced apoptosis and restored [Ca2+]i levels and ΔΨm in OBs. [•] CaM was involved in Cd-induced apoptosis. [•] The CaM antagonist W-7 inhibited cytochrome c release from mitochondria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By measuring the fluorescence spectra of Chinese medicine (CM) Angelica water solutions with different concentrations from 0.025 to 2.5 mg/mL, results showed that the fluorescence intensity was proportional to the concentration. Through fluorescence spectra of Angelica solution under different pH values, results indicated coumarin compounds were the active ingredients of Angelica. We also observed fluorescence quenching of the Angelica solution in the presence of spherical silver nanoparticles with radius of 12 nm. Keeping a certain value for the volume of the silver nanoparticles, the fluorescence intensity at 402 nm was linearly proportional to the Angelica in the range of 1-3 mg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Significant malnutrition exists in a high percentage of patients with gastric cancer. It is, therefore, crucial to establish an effective means to provide nutrition for these patients. This prospective, randomized, double-blinded clinical trial aims to assess the long-term survival of arginine-supplementation enteral nutrition versus standard enteral nutrition in malnourished patients with gastric cancer. Methods: The control group (36 cases) received postoperative standard enteral nutrition. Meanwhile, the arginine-supplementation group (37 cases) adopted the same nutrition product but enriched with arginine (9.0 g/L). The primary study objective was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS); serum parameters including total protein, albumin, proalbumin, and transferrin obtained on preoperative day 1, postoperative day 2, and day 12; CD4 and CD8 T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) obtained on preoperative day 1 and postoperative day 7. Results: No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between groups. The group receiving arginine-enriched nutrition had a significantly better OS ( P = 0.03, 41 vs. 30.5 months) and better PFS ( P = 0.02, 18 vs. 11.5 months). On postoperative day 7, CD4 T cells, NK cells, IgM and IgG levels of the arginine-supplemented group increased prominently and were significantly higher than those of the control group and those on preoperative day 1. There is no significant difference in the serum total protein, albumin, proalbumin, and transferrin levels between the two arms. Conclusions: Arginine-supplemented enteral nutrition significantly improves long-term survival and restores immunity in malnourished gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dendrobium is an endangered genus in the orchid family with medicinal and horticultural value. Two preliminary genetic linkage maps were constructed using 90 F progeny individuals derived from an interspecific cross between D. nobile and D. moniliforme (both, 2 n = 38), using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR). A total of 286 RAPD loci and 68 ISSR loci were identified and used for genetic linkage analysis. Maps were constructed by double pseudo-testcross mapping strategy using the software Mapmaker/EXP ver. 3.0, and Kosambi map distances were constructed using a LOD score ≥ 4 and a recombination threshold of 0.4. The resulting frame map of D. nobile was 1474 cM in total length with 116 loci distributed in 15 linkage groups; and the D. moniliforme linkage map had 117 loci placed in 16 linkage groups spanning 1326.5 cM. Both maps showed 76.91% and 73.59% genome coverage for D. nobile and D. moniliforme, respectively. These primary maps provide an important basis for genetic studies and further medicinal and horticultural traits mapping and marker-assisted selection in Dendrobium breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wideband Doppler frequency shift (DFS) measurement and direction discrimination method based on optical single sideband (OSSB) modulation with a fixed low-frequency reference signal is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. In the proposed approach, the transmitted signal and the fixed low-frequency reference signal are applied to the lower and upper Mach–Zehnder modulators (MZMs) of a dual-drive dual-parallel MZM (DD-DPMZM) respectively, for realizing OSSB modulation independently. The echo signal is applied to a conventional MZM for optical double sideband (ODSB) modulation. A low-speed photodetector (PD) is used to implement optical-to-electrical conversion and generate three low-frequency beating signals. Both the value and direction of the DFS can be simply obtained by analyzing the frequencies of the three low-frequency beating signals. The proposed scheme has a simple structure, a wideband operating frequency range, and a low requirement of the receiving circuit. Experiments demonstrate that wideband DFS measurement and direction discrimination within 5 ∼ 18 GHz with a measurement error of less than ± 0.06 Hz are achieved by using a 20 MHz reference signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of rare-earth metal complexes have been prepared from phosphoryl-sulfonylamides. These complexes are active catalysts for the polymerization of rac -lactide, leading to the heterotactic-rich polylactides. [Display omitted] • Five rare-earth metal complexes derived from chiral phosphoryl-sulfonylamides have been prepared. • They are active catalysts for the polymerization of rac-lactide. • Heterotactic-rich polylactides are obtained. A series of rare-earth metal amides derived from (S)- N -(1-(2-(diphenylphosphoryl)phenyl)ethyl)benzenesulfonamide (HL1) and (S)- N -(8-(diphenylphosphoryl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-ylbenzenesulfonamide(HL2) were prepared, and their catalytic activity for the polymerization of rac- lactide was explored. The amine elimination reactions of Ln[ N (SiMe 3) 2 ] 3 with HL1 or HL2 gave the mono-ligated rare-earth metal amides (L1) Ln[ N (SiMe 3) 2 ] 2 (Ln = Nd (1), Sm (2) and Yb (3)) or bis-ligated rare-earth metal amides (L2) 2 Ln[ N (SiMe 3) 2 ] (Ln = Nd (4), Sm (5)) in good yields. All of these complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and X-ray diffraction analyses. Complexes 1 – 5 are efficient initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of rac- lactide, affording heterotactic-rich polylactides. The ionic radii of the central metals have a significant effect on the catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]