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Introduction. The pathophysiology of diabetic nephropathy (DN) is fundamentally dependent on glomerular endothelial cells (GECs), which are a crucial portion of the glomerular filtration barrier. This study aimed to identify biomarker candidates associated with GECs dysfunction in DN by combining microarray and single-cell sequencing dataset analysis. Methods. Microarray dataset GSE30528 was downloaded from the Gene expression omnibus (GEO) database. Key gene sets for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) were selected by using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Biomarker candidates were then identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression. The single-cell sequencing data (GSE131882) was used to explore the biological functional differences in glomerular endothelium between the control and DKD groups. The diagnostic efficiency of the selected biomarker was tested in the Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Moreover, we used the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) to compare immune cell infiltration between DKD and control groups. RT-PCR was used to validate the selected gene expression in cultured glomerular endothelial cells under high glucose stimulation. Results. Phosphatase and actin regulator 4 (PHACTR4) was ultimately selected as the key GEC-related biomarker in DKD. Significantly downregulated PHACTR4 mRNA expression was further validated in human glomerular endothelial cells (HGECs) under high glucose stimulation by using RT-PCR. The decreased PHACTR4 was found to be associated with abnormal endothelial proliferation and neo-angiogenesis. Additionally, immune infiltration analysis revealed that PHACTR4 was negatively associated with inflammatory infiltration, especially pro-inflammatory cells including activated CD4 and CD8 T cells, B cells, and Mast cells, indicating PHACTR4 downregulation may exacerbate inflammatory reaction. Conclusion. PHACTR4 is a potential diagnostic marker for DKD and plays an essential role in aberrant glomerular endothelial proliferation and inflammation in DKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, natural biopolymer stemming from lignocellulosic peanut hull biomass was used as a green and low-cost adsorbent to eliminate anionic Congo red (CR) and Cr(VI) ions from aqueous sample. In order to enhance the removal performance, the lignocellulosic biopolymer was subjected to amino-modification by the graft copolymerization of (3-acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride and N , N ′-methylenebisacrylamide. The property of the prepared amino-functionalized biopolymer (AFB) was examined through FTIR, TG, SEM, particle size analysis, zeta potential determination and XPS. The adsorption efficacy of AFB for CR and Cr(VI) was tested at different pH, contact time and initial concentration. The kinetic, isotherm and thermodynamics investigations revealed that the uptakes of CR and Cr(VI) were the combination processes of chemical and physical interactions, and both endothermic in nature. The AFB exhibited good reusability without significant loss in adsorption capacity after five consecutive cycles. Mechanistic analysis indicated that the quaternary ammonium groups in AFB contributed a lot to the binding of anionic compounds through electrostatic attraction. In addition, n-π and hydrogen bonding while reduction and coordination were also responsible for the removal of CR and Cr(VI), respectively. The present study provides a favorable strategy for the removal of anionic contaminates in water by using green and sustainable lignocellulosic wastes. • Lignocellulosic biopolymer was amino-modified by graft copolymerization. • The biopolymer exhibited good removal performance for anionic Congo red and Cr(VI). • Chemical and physical interactions were both responsible for the adsorption. • Excellent reusability was observed after five repeated uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of the internet of things (IoT) era, IoT devices may face limitations in battery capacity and computational capability. Simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) and mobile edge computing (MEC) have emerged as promising technologies to address these challenges. Due to wireless channel fading and susceptibility to obstacles, this paper introduces intelligent reflecting surfaces (IRS) to enhance the spectral and energy efficiency of wireless networks. We propose a system model for IRS-assisted uplink offloading computation, downlink offloading computation results, and simultaneous energy transfer. Considering constraints such as IRS phase shifts, latency, energy harvesting, and offloading transmit power, we jointly optimize the CPU frequency of IoT devices, offloading transmit power, local computation workload, power splitting (PS) ratio, and IRS phase shifts. This establishes a multi-variate coupled nonlinear problem aimed at minimizing IoT devices energy consumption. We design an effective alternating optimization (AO) iterative algorithm based on block coordinate descent, and utilize closed-form solutions, Dinkelbach-based Lagrange dual method, and semidefinite relaxation (SDR) method to minimize IoT devices energy consumption. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme achieves lower energy consumption compared to other resource allocation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human rhinovirus 3C protease (HRV 3C P) has a high specificity against the substrate of LEVLFQ↓G at P1′ site, which plays an important role in biotechnology and academia as a fusion tag removal tool. However, a non-ignorable limitation is that an extra residue of Gly would remain at the N terminus of the recombinant target protein after cleavage with HRV 3C P, thus potentially causing protein mis-functionality or immunogenicity. Here, we developed a combinatorial strategy by integrating structure-guided library design and high-throughput screening of eYESS approach for HRV 3C P engineering to expand its P1′ specificity. Finally, a C3 variant was obtained, exhibiting a broad substrate P1′ specificity to recognize 20 different amino acids with the highest activity against LEVLFQ↓M (k cat / K M = 3.72 ± 0.04 mM−1∙s−1). Further biochemical and NGS-mediated substrate profiling analysis showed that C3 variant still kept its substrate stringency at P1 site and good residue tolerance at P2′ site, but with an expanded P1′ specificity. Structural simulation of C3 indicated a reconstructed S1′ binding pocket as well as new interactions with the substrates. Overall, our studies here prompt not only the practical applications and understanding of substrate recognition mechanisms of HRV 3C P, also provide new tools for other enzyme engineering. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Staphylococcus aureus clumping factor A (ClfA) is a fibrinogen (Fg) binding protein that plays an important role in the clumping of S. aureus in blood plasma. The current anti-infective approaches targeting ClfA are mainly based on monoclonal antibodies but showed less impressive efficacy for clinical applications. Nanobodies offer advantages in enhanced tissue penetration and a propensity to bind small epitopes. However, there is no report on generating specific nanobodies for ClfA. Here, we constructed a synthetic nanobody library based on yeast surface display to isolate nanobodies against the Fg binding domain ClfA 221 – 550. We firstly obtained a primary nanobody directed to ClfA 221 – 550 , and then employed error-prone mutagenesis to enhance its binding affinity. Finally, 18 variants were isolated with high affinities (EC50, 1.1 ± 0.1 nM to 4.8 ± 0.3 nM), in which CNb1 presented the highest inhibition efficiency in the adhesion of S. aureus to fibrinogen. Moreover, structural simulation analysis indicated that the epitope for CNb1 partially overlapped with the binding sites for fibrinogen, thus inhibiting ClfA binding to Fg. Overall, these results indicated that the specific nanobodies generated here could prevent the adhesion of S. aureus to fibrinogen, suggesting their potential capacities in the control of S. aureus infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The switch machine, an essential element of railway infrastructure, is crucial in maintaining the safety of railway operations. Traditional methods for fault diagnosis are constrained by their dependence on extensive labeled datasets. Semi-supervised learning (SSL), although a promising solution to the scarcity of samples, faces challenges such as the imbalance of pseudo-labels and inadequate data representation. In response, this paper presents the Semi-Supervised Adaptive Matrix Machine (SAMM) model, designed for the fault diagnosis of switch machine. SAMM amalgamates semi-supervised learning with adaptive technologies, leveraging adaptive low-rank regularizer to discern the fundamental links between the rows and columns of matrix data and applying adaptive penalty items to correct imbalances across sample categories. This model methodically enlarges its labeled dataset using probabilistic outputs and semi-supervised, automatically adjusting parameters to accommodate diverse data distributions and structural nuances. The SAMM model's optimization process employs the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) to identify solutions efficiently. Experimental evidence from a dataset containing current signals from switch machines indicates that SAMM outperforms existing baseline models, demonstrating its exceptional status diagnostic capabilities in situations where labeled samples are scarce. Consequently, SAMM offers an innovative and effective approach to semi-supervised classification tasks involving matrix data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, a convenient, online couplable, sensitive and environmentally friendly sample pretreatment method, namely, magnetism-reinforced in-tube solid phase microextraction (MR/IT-SPME) was proposed to effectively enrich heavy metal ions (HMIs). Monolithic capillary microextraction column embedded modified Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles (MCEN) was conveniently synthesized and employed as the microextraction column of MR/IT-SPME. Subsequently, the MCEN was put into a magnetic coil which was utilized to exert variable magnetic field during extraction procedure. Three HMIs, including Cu(II), Co(II) and Hg(II), were selected as studied ions and reacted with chelating agent sodium diethyldithiocarbamatetrihydrate to form metallic coordination compounds. The complexes were infused to the MCEN to perform the MR/IT-SPME extraction and then online determined by high-performance liquid chromatography equipped with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD). A series of key parameters affecting the extraction performance were investigated in detail. Results revealed that the exertion of magnetic field in adsorption and desorption steps favored the adsorption and release of the coordination compounds, with the extraction efficiencies enhanced from 47-65% to 67–89%. Finally, the developed online MR/IT-SPME-HPLC-DAD approach was successfully applied to determine studied HMIs in environmental water and seafood samples. The confirmatory experiments further evidenced the reliability and feasibility of the introduced approach for the analysis of trace HMIs in complex samples. Image 1 • MR/IT-SPME was firstly proposed to extract heavy metal ions. • The exertion of magnetic field could improve the extraction efficiencies obviously. • Extraction parameters were optimized in detail. • The applicability of the current online MR/IT-SPME-HPLC-DAD method was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Microextraction techniques have been developed rapidly in recent years due to their numerous advantages including simplicity, miniaturization, cost-effectiveness, easy automation, low consumption of sample and eco-friendliness. Poly (ionic liquid)s (PILs) belong to a subclass of polyelectrolytes which are characterized by a series of unique physicochemical features including high thermal, chemical and mechanical stability, excellent plasticity and spatial controllability. PILs have attracted considerable attention in sample pretreatment. This review mainly concentrates on the recent development and applications of PIL-based sorbents in microextraction techniques. The properties of PIL-based sorbents, their general preparation approaches, application in enrichment, the current problems and future prospects are overviewed. The formats of microextraction techniques discussed in this review include solid phase microextraction, monolithic fibers solid phase microextraction, in-tube SPME, magnetic solid phase extraction, stir bar sorptive extraction, stir cake sorptive extraction and tip-based microextraction. Highlights • Recent development and applications of PIL-based sorbents in microextraction were reviewed. • The current problems and future prospects of PIL-based sorbents were overviewed. • Microextraction formats such as SPME, MMF-SPME, IT-SPME, MSPE, SCSE, SBSE and TBME were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enrich carbamate pesticides from complex matrices, an adsorbent based on poly (vinylboronic anhydride pyridine complex‐co‐ethylenedimethacrylate) monolith was fabricated and utilized as the extraction phase of multiple monolithic fiber solid‐phase microextraction. Due to the abundant boron atoms in the monolith, the B–N coordination interaction between adsorbent and analytes play a key role in the efficient extraction of analytes. Under the optimized conditions, the monolithic fibers were combined with high‐performance liquid chromatography for the quantify trace levels of carbamate pesticides in environmental water and orange juice samples. For water sample, the limit of detection and limit of quantification were in the range of 0.017–0.29 and 0.057–0.96 μg/L, respectively. The related values in orange juice samples were 0.038–0.39 and 0.12–1.36 μg/kg, respectively. Besides, the proposed method also exhibits wide linearity, satisfactory coefficients of determination, and good precision. The introduced approach was successfully applied to determine trace target analytes in real‐life samples. The spiked recoveries with different fortified concentrations were in the range of 80.4–117% for water samples and 83.7–119% for fruit juice samples. The relative standard deviations were below 10%. The results evidence that the suggested method was convenient, reliable, and eco‐friendly for the monitoring of trace levels of carbamate pesticides in complex samples such as waters and juices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a convenient and sensitive method for the determination of triazoles in environmental waters was developed by on-line combining in-tube solid phase microextraction (IT-SPME) and high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). To extract triazoles effectively, poly (4-vinyl pyridine- co -ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith was in-situ fabricated and utilized as the extraction phase of IT-SPME. A series of key extraction parameters including desorption solvent, sample volume, adsorption and desorption flow rate, pH value and ionic strength in sample matrix were optimized thoroughly. Under the most favorable conditions (volume of sample, 6.0 mL; adsorption flow rate, 0.2 mL/min; desorption solvent, 80.0 µL mixture of ACN/water (70/30, v/v); desorption flow rate, 50.0 µL/min; sample pH value, 8.0; ionic strength did not be adjusted), the developed monolith-based IT-SPME could extract target analytes effectively and expected analytical merits were achieved. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (S/N = 10) were in the ranges of 0.014–0.031 µg/L and 0.11–0.074 µg/L, respectively. Satisfactory method reproducibility was obtained by intra-day and inter-day precisions, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) lower than 10%. The optimized IT-SPME-HPLC-DAD method was then applied to detect triadimenol, triazolone and hexaconazole in water samples including lake, river and sewage waters. The spiked recoveries were 78.9–106% and the RSDs were in the range of 0.2–7.2%. The results well evidence that the proposed method is convenient, accurate, sensitive, practical and environmentally friendly for the determination of triazoles in environmental waters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the endocrine disrupting properties, organic UV filters have been a great risk for humans and other organisms. Therefore, development of accurate and effective analytical methods is needed for the determination of UV filters in environmental waters. In this work, a fast, sensitive and environmentally friendly method combining magnetism-enhanced monolith-based in-tube solid phase microextraction with high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (DAD) (ME-MB-IT/SPME-HPLC-DAD) for the online analysis of five organic UV filters in environmental water samples was developed. To extract UV filters effectively, an ionic liquid-based monolithic capillary column doped with magnetic nanoparticles was prepared by in-situ polymerization and used as extraction medium of online ME-MB-IT/SPME-HPLC-DAD system. Several extraction conditions including the intensity of magnetic field, sampling and desorption flow rate, volume of sample and desorption solvent, pH value and ionic strength of sample matrix were optimized thoroughly. Under the optimized conditions, the extraction efficiencies for five organic UV filters were in the range of 44.0–100%. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (S/N = 10) were 0.04–0.26 μg/L and 0.12–0.87 μg/L, respectively. The precisions indicated by relative standard deviations (RSDs) were less than 10% for both intra- and inter-day variabilities. Finally, the developed method was successfully applied to the determination of UV filters in three environmental water samples and satisfactory results were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and sensitive method for the simultaneous extraction and determination of six aminoglycosides in honey and milk samples was developed using multiple monolithic fiber solid-phase microextraction and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The multiple monolithic fibers based on poly(methacrylic acid- co-ethylenedimethacrylate) monolith as the extraction medium was used to concentrate target analytes. Because there were abundant carboxyl groups in the monolith, the monolithic fibers could extract aminoglycosides effectively through cation-exchange and hydrophobic interactions. To obtain optimum extraction performance, several extraction parameters including desorption solvent, adsorption and desorption time, pH value and ionic strength in sample matrix, were investigated in detail. Under the optimized extraction conditions, the limits of detection of the proposed method were 0.10-0.30 and 0.23-0.59 μg/kg for honey and milk samples, respectively. Satisfactory linearity was achieved for analytes with the coefficients of determination above 0.99. At the same time, the developed method showed acceptable method repeatability and reproducibility. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of aminoglycosides in real honey and milk samples. Recoveries obtained for the determination of six target analytes in spiking samples ranged from 67.9 to 110%, and the relative standard deviations were in the range of 1.2-11%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yeast surface display (YSD) system has been widely used in protein engineering since it was established 20 years ago. Combined with fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) technology and directed evolution, YSD has been proven of its extraordinary effectiveness for molecular engineering of various target proteins, especially for antibodies. Recently, a few remarkable efforts were exploited to modify the original Aga1-Aga2 YSD for the non-antibody protein engineering with successful outcomes, expanding its application on oxidase, Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC-II), protease, sortase, lipoic acid ligase etc. Here, the methodologies of these optimized Aga1-Aga2 YSD technologies were introduced, and the recent progress of non-antibody protein engineering using these methods was summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new multiple monolithic fiber solid-phase microextraction using a polydopamine-based monolith as the extraction medium is proposed. The monolith was synthesized by facile in situ copolymerization of N-methacryldopamine and dual cross-linkers (divinylbenzene/ethylenedimethacrylate) in the presence of N, N-dimethylformamide. The effect of the contents of N-methacryldopamine and porogen in the polymerization mixture on the extraction performance was investigated thoroughly. A series of characterization studies was performed to validate the structure and properties of the monolith. The prepared multiple monolithic fibers were used for the extraction of triazine herbicides in environmental water samples. After the optimization of the extraction parameters, a convenient, sensitive, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method for the determination of trace triazine herbicides in water samples was developed by coupling multiple monolithic fibers solid-phase microextraction with high-performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection. The results indicated that the limits of detection and quantification for the target compounds were 0.031-0.14 and 0.10-0.45 μg/L, respectively. Good precision and reproducibility were obtained with the relative standard deviations below 10%. The developed method was applied to the analysis of the triazine herbicides in different water samples (lake, river, and farmland waters). The recoveries of the method were in the range between 79.6 and 117%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a new polymeric ionic liquid (PIL)-based sorbent was prepared by in-situ polymerization of 3-(1-ethyl imidazolium-3-yl) propyl-methacrylamido bromide and ethylene dimethacrylate and was used as medium for stir cake sorptive extraction (SCSE) of trace antimony in environmental water samples. The sorbent EPBED was characterized with infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. A method for determination of trace antimony in water samples was developed based on the combination of SCSE/EPBED and hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). Under the optimal extraction conditions, the linear dynamic range of developed method was found to be 0.20–100.0 μg/L with good coefficients of correlation ( R 2 =0.9904) and LOD value as low as 0.084 μg/L. The method showed good reproducibility of results in terms of intra- and inter-day precisions with corresponding relative standard deviations (RSDs) of less than 9%. Recoveries obtained for the determination of antimony in spiked samples ranged from 80.4% to 107% with RSDs below 10% in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media is a real-time social sensor to sense and collect diverse information, which can be combined with sentiment analysis to help IoT sensors provide user-demanded favorable data in smart systems. In the case of insufficient data labels, cross-domain sentiment analysis aims to transfer knowledge from the source domain with rich labels to the target domain that lacks labels. Most domain adaptation sentiment analysis methods achieve transfer learning by reducing the domain differences between the source and target domains, but little attention is paid to the negative transfer problem caused by invalid source domains. To address these problems, this paper proposes a cross-domain sentiment analysis method based on feature projection and multi-source attention (FPMA), which not only alleviates the effect of negative transfer through a multi-source selection strategy but also improves the classification performance in terms of feature representation. Specifically, two feature extractors and a domain discriminator are employed to extract shared and private features through adversarial training. The extracted features are optimized by orthogonal projection to help train the classification in multi-source domains. Finally, each text in the target domain is fed into the trained module. The sentiment tendency is predicted in the weighted form of the attention mechanism based on the classification results from the multi-source domains. The experimental results on two commonly used datasets showed that FPMA outperformed baseline models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic biochar adsorbents often suffer from the uneven distribution and shedding problems of nanoparticles. In this study, a one-pot sol-gel pyrolysis method was proposed to synthesize a MnFe 2 O 4 functionalized magnetic sawdust-based biochar (MnFe 2 O 4 @SBC) for efficient removal of diclofenac sodium (DCF). The MnFe 2 O 4 @SBC was characterized by XRD, Raman, VSM, TG-DSC, SEM, TEM, BET, FTIR and XPS. The results demonstrated that the combination of sol-gel and sawdust effectively led to a homogeneous distribution of MnFe 2 O 4 on biochar and the MnFe 2 O 4 @SBC possessed a much richer pore structure and functional groups than the original biochar. A systematic comparison of MnFe 2 O 4 @SBC with commercial activated carbon (CAC) was conducted by analyzing the effects of initial pH, adsorbent dosage, coexisting ions, contact time and temperature on their adsorption performance. Based on the adsorption isotherm study, the maximum adsorption capacity of MnFe 2 O 4 @SBC was predicted to be 352.17 mg/g, which was almost 3.5 times that of CAC. Selectivity adsorption study and real water-based removal experiment further demonstrated the satisfactory adsorption selectivity and applicability of MnFe 2 O 4 @SBC for DCF. This study reveals that the one-pot sol-gel pyrolysis is a promising method for synthesizing excellent magnetic biochar adsorbents. [Display omitted] • The sawdust-based biochar was prepared by one-pot sol-gel pyrolysis method. • The sol-gel procedure favored the homogeneous distribution of MnFe 2 O 4 in biochar. • MnFe 2 O 4 @SBC had abundant functional groups along with graded pore structure. • The adsorption prformance of MnFe 2 O 4 @SBC overtook commercial activated carbon. • The MnFe 2 O 4 @SBC had good selectivily and real sample applicability for DCF removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intelligent controlled release systems (ICRS) are recognized as a feasible and economical way for the highly efficient utilization of agrochemicals. In this work, we developed an intelligent photothermal-responsively controlled-release pesticide particle (IYGCP) based on imidacloprid (IMI, a model pesticide), yeast biochar (YB, adsorbent and photothermal material), gelatin (GE, temperature-responsive polymer), and Ca-alginate (CA, microsphere matrix). Therein, YB with high adsorption property and photothermal conversion capacity was used as a carrier of IMI to avoid the loss of active ingredients, and as an agent to endow the IYGCP platform with unique photothermal-responsive performance. After IMI loading, IMI/YB was scattered and anchored in CA/GE semi-interpenetrating hydrogels by the chelation of sodium alginate and Ca2+. Upon irradiation under simulated sunlight, YB with satisfactory photothermal conversion efficiency can effectively transfer solar energy into thermal energy, induing a free helix-coil structural transition of the un-crossed GE polymers, thereby resulting in changes in microstructure of hydrogel spheres and further enabling a controlled release of IMI encapsulated in the IYGCP. Besides, the composite displayed high control efficacy on corn borers. Consequently, this photothermal-responsive gelatin-based microsphere shows a bright prospect for controlling the release and loss of pesticides. [Display omitted] • A photothermal-responsive gelatin-based microspheres (IYGCP) was fabricated. • The release process is controlled by the phase transition of gelatin. • IYGCP possessed an excellent photothermal and controlled-release performance. • The pesticide carrier possessed a good biosafety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article reports on the effective extraction of triazines from environmental water samples using magnetism-enhanced monolith-based in-tube solid phase microextraction (ME-MB/IT-SPME). Firstly, monolithic poly (octyl methacrylate- co -ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) capillary column doped with magnetic nanoparticles was synthesized inside a fused silica. After that, the monolithic capillary column was placed inside a magnetic coil that allowed the exertion of a variable magnetic field during adsorption and desorption steps. The effects of intensity of magnetic field, adsorption and desorption flow rate, volume of sample and desorption solvent, pH value and ionic strength in sample matrix on the performance of ME-MB/IT-SPME for triazines were investigated in details. Under the optimized conditions, the developed ME-MB/IT-SPME showed satisfactory quantitative extraction efficiencies of the target analytes between 64.8% and 99.7%. At the same time, the ME-MB/IT-SPME was combined with high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection to detect six triazines in water samples. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (S/N = 10) were in the ranges of 0.074–0.23 μg/L and 0.24–0.68 μg/L, respectively. The precision of the proposed method was evaluated in terms of intra- and inter-assay variability calculated as relative standard deviation, and it was found that the values were all below 10%. Finally, the developed method was successfully applied for environmental water samples such as farmland, lake and river water with spiked recoveries in the range of 70.7–119%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple, sensitive and environmentally friendly method using polymeric ionic liquid-based stir cake sorptive extraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC/DAD) has been developed for efficient quantification of six selected estrogens in environmental waters. To extract trace estrogens effectively, a poly (1-ally-3-vinylimidazolium chloride-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) monolithic cake was prepared and used as the sorbent of stir cake sorptive extraction (SCSE). The effects of preparation conditions of sorbent and extraction parameters of SCSE for estrogens were investigated and optimized. Under optimal conditions, the developed method showed satisfactory analytical performance for targeted analytes. Low limits of detection ( S / N =3) and quantification limits ( S / N =10) were achieved within the range of 0.024–0.057 µg/L and 0.08–0.19 µg/L, respectively. Good linearity of method was obtained for analytes with the correlation coefficients ( R 2 ) above 0.99. At the same time, satisfactory method repeatability and reproducibility was achieved in terms of intra- and inter-day precisions, respectively. Finally, the established SCSE-HPLC/DAD method was successfully applied for the determination of estrogens in different environmental water samples. Recoveries obtained for the determination of estrogens in spiked samples ranged from 71.2% to 108%, with RSDs below 10% in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a new stir cake sorptive extraction using a boron-rich monolith as the adsorbent was prepared by the in situ copolymerization of vinylboronic anhydride pyridine complex and divinylbenzene. The effect of preparation parameters, including the ratio of vinylboronic anhydride pyridine complex and divinylbenzene, monomer mixture, and porogen solvent, on extraction performance was investigated thoroughly. The physicochemical properties of the adsorbent were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Several conditions affecting the extraction efficiency were investigated in detail. Under the optimized conditions, a convenient and sensitive method for the determination of trace fluoroquinolones residues in water and milk samples was established by coupling stir cake sorptive extraction with high-performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection. The limits of detection for the target compounds were 0.10-0.26 and 0.11-0.22 μg/L for water and milk samples, respectively. In addition, the developed method showed good linearity, repeatability, and precision. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied for the detection of trace fluoroquinolones residues in environmental water and milk samples. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained for the determination of fluoroquinolones in spiking samples that ranged from 68.8 to 120%, with relative standard deviations below 10% in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a simple and sensitive analytical approach that combines multiple monolithic fiber solid-phase microextraction with liquid desorption followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection is proposed for the determination of trace levels of seven steroid sex hormones (estriol, 17β-estradiol, testosterone, ethinylestradiol, estrone, progesterone and mestranol) in water and urine matrices. To extract the target analytes effectively, multiple monolithic fiber solid-phase microextraction based on a polymeric ionic liquid was used to concentrate hormones. Several key extraction parameters including desorption solvent, extraction and desorption time, pH value and ionic strength in sample matrix were investigated in detail. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the limits of detection were found to be in the range of 0.027-0.12 μg/L. The linear range was 0.10-200 μg/L for 17β-estradiol, 0.25-200 μg/L estriol, ethinylestradiol and estrone, and 0.50-200 μg/L for the other hormones. Satisfactory linearities were achieved for analytes with the correlation coefficients above 0.99. Acceptable method reproducibility was achieved by evaluating the repeatability and intermediate precision with relative standard deviations of both less than 8%. The enrichment factors ranged from 54- to 74-fold. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of steroid sex hormones in environmental water samples and human urines with spiking recoveries ranged from 75.6 to 116%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calpain-1 activation and oxidative stress are two critical factors contributing to apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiomyocyte. Astragaloside IV (ASIV) exhibits protective effect against various heart diseases. The present study was designed to investigate whether the inhibitory effect of ASIV on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced apoptosis of hypertrophic cardiomyocyte was associated with the anti-oxidation and calpain-1 inhibition. Hypertrophy, apoptosis, mitochondrial oxidative stress and calpain-1 expression were measured in the heart tissue of Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats and H9C2 cells treated with ISO alone or combination with ASIV. The results showed that ASIV attenuated apoptotic rate, increased Bcl-2 expression, decreased Bax expression, ameliorated the integrity of mitochondrial structure and improved mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Moreover, ASIV combination reduced both calpain-1 protein expression and calpain activity, down-regulated mitochondrial NOX4 (mito-NOX4) expression, increased activity of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (mito-SOD) and mitochondrial catalase (mito-CAT) compared to ISO treated alone. The results suggested that ASIV exerted anti-apoptosis effect on ISO-induced hypertrophic cardiomyocyte by attenuating oxidative stress and calpain-1 activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the applicability of a new sorbent based on boronate affinity material is demonstrated. For this purpose, six strong polar nitrophenols were selected as models which are difficult to be extracted in neutral form (only based on hydrophobic interactions). The extracted nitrophenols were separated and determined by high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The sorbent was synthesized by in situ copolymerization of 3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid and divinylbenzene using dimethyl sulfoxide and azobisisobutyronitrile as porogen solvent and initiator, respectively. The effect of the preparation parameters in the polymerization mixture on extraction performance was investigated in detail. The size and morphology of the sorbent have been characterized via different techniques such as infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The important parameters influencing the extraction efficiency were studied and optimized thoroughly. Under the optimum extraction conditions, the limits of detection (S/N = 3) and limits of quantification (S/N = 10) for the target nitrophenols were 0.097–0.28 and 0.32–0.92 μg/L, respectively. The precision of the proposed method was evaluated in terms of intra- and inter-assay variability calculated as RSD, and it was found that the RSDs were all below 9%. Finally, the developed method was successfully applied for environmental water samples such as wastewater, tap, lake and river water. The recoveries varied within the range of 71.2–115% with RSD below 11% in all cases. The results well demonstrate that the new boronate affinity sorbent can extract nitrophenols effectively through multi-interactions including boron–nitrogen coordination, hydrogen-bond and hydrophobic interactions between sorbent and analytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convenient, rapid, sensitive and environmentally friendly method for simultaneous monitoring of six estrogen mimics (bisphenol A, diethylstilbestrol, dienestrol, hexestrol, octylphenol and nonylphenol) in water and milk samples was developed by coupling multiple monolithic fiber solid-phase microextraction (MMF-SPME) to high performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection. The MMF-SPME based on polymeric ionic liquid-based monolith as extractive medium was used to concentrate target analytes. Because there were multiple interactions between adsorbent and analytes, the MMF-SPME exhibited a high extractive capability toward analytes. To obtain optimum extraction performance, several extraction parameters including desorption solvent, pH value and ionic strength in sample matrix, extraction and desorption time were investigated and discussed. Under the optimized extraction conditions, the limits of detection (S/N = 3) of the proposed method were 0.040–0.11 μg/L in water and in milk samples. Satisfactory linearity was achieved for analytes with the correlation coefficients ( r ) above 0.99. Excellent method reproducibility was achieved by evaluating the repeatability, intermediate precision and MMF-to-MMF reproducibility with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of both less than 10%. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of estrogen mimics in several milk and environmental water samples. Recoveries obtained for the determination of six target analytes in spiking samples ranged from 75.6% to 118%, with RSD below 10% in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a simple, efficient and environmentally friendly method—multiple monolithic fiber solid-phase microextraction (MMF-SPME) combining with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was first established for the determination of six trace nitrophenols in water samples. In order to prepare MMF-SPME, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium bis [(trifluoro methyl) sulfonyl] imide was co-polymerized with ethylene dimethacrylate to get single thin fiber (0.5 mm in diameter). Subsequently, four thin fibers were bound together to obtain the MMF-SPME. The effect of preparation conditions of MMF-SPME on the extraction performance was investigated in detail. In order to obtain the optimal extraction conditions of MMF-SPME for nitrophenols, several extractive parameters, including desorption solvent, extraction and desorption time, pH values and ionic strength in sample matrix were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, the linear ranges of 4-nitrophenol, 2,4-dinitrophenol, 5-methyl-2-nitrophenol, 5-methoxyl-2-nitrophenol were 0.5–200 µg/L and 1.0–200 µg/L for 2-nitrophenol and 4-tertbutyl-2-nitrophenol. The limits of detection ( S / N =3) for the target analytes were 0.075–0.27 µg/L. At the same time, excellent method reproducibility was achieved in terms of intra- and inter-day precisions, indicated by the RSDs of both <10.0%, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was successfully used to detect nitrophenols in different environmental water samples. Satisfactory recoveries ranged from 82.6% to 116% and the RSDs for reproducibility were less than 10% for target analytes in all real samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, a convenient, sensitive and environmentally friendly method for the determination of five benzoylurea insecticides (BUs) in water and juice samples was developed. To extract trace benzoylurea insecticides effectively, poly(methacrylic acid- co -ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith was prepared and used as the sorbent of multiple monolithic fiber solid-phase microextraction (MMF-SPME). The influences of preparation conditions of monolith and extraction parameters of MMF-SPME on BUs were studied thoroughly. Under the optimized conditions, the combination of MMF-SPME with high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection (MMF-SPME-HPLC-DAD) showed expected analytical performance for target analytes. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) of the developed method were 0.026–0.075 μg L −1 in water and 0.053–0.29 μg L −1 in juice samples. Good linearity was obtained for analytes with the correlation coefficients ( R 2 ) above 0.99. Satisfactory repeatability and reproducibility was achieved, with relative standard deviations (RSD) of both less than 10%. Finally, the established MMF-SPME-HPLC-DAD method was successfully applied for the determination of BUs residues in juice and environmental water samples. Recoveries obtained for the determination of BUs in spiking samples ranged from 65.1% to 118%, with RSD below 10% in all cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dual-modification of biochar through magnetization and nitrogen-doping can greatly enhance the removal performance for Cr(VI). Deep eutectic solvent (DES), as a class of novel green solvent, has gained much attention in the research field of material science. In this study, a DES produced by complexing of FeCl 3 and urea was adopted for the first time to assist the facile and efficient preparation of a nitrogen-doped magnetic biochar (NMBC) by using peanut shell (PS) as raw stock. The results indicated that FeCl 3 /urea-based DES could act as fine iron and nitrogen sources in the formation of NMBC. More importantly, the DES catalyzed the pyrolysis process of PS and promoted the pore development on biochar. The synthesized NMBC showed satisfactory removal efficiency for Cr(VI), with the adsorption process well depicted by Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The results revealed that iron species, nitrogen- and oxygen-containing groups in NMBC made great contributions to Cr(VI) capture. The comprehensive mechanism included pore-filling, electrostatic attraction, cation bridging, ion-exchange, reduction and surface complexation. The present study provides a new insight to guide the design of functional biochar for Cr(VI) decontamination from water. [Display omitted] • A nitrogen-doped magnetic biochar (NMBC) was synthesized with the help of DES. • The FeCl 3 /urea-based DES played important roles in the formation of NMBC. • The as-prepared NMBC showed highly efficient removal performance for Cr(VI). • The removal of Cr(VI) was the synergetic result of adsorption-reduction-adsorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To translate and validate the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), a promising questionnaire for use among children in epidemiological studies, in Chinese children. Methods In total, 3525 children aged 5-16years were randomly selected from five primary schools in Shenyang. Internal consistency, reliability and factor analyses were undertaken to assess the construct validity of the SDSC. Results Internal consistency indicated adequate reliability (Cronbach's α=0.81). Factor analytic results indicated a six-factor solution (ie, six types of sleep disorder) based on parent-reported sleep disorder symptoms. The mean total score of the SDSC was 39.28±7.83 and 156 (4.43%) children were identified as suffering from parent-reported sleep disorder. The prevalence for each sleep type disorder ranged from 3.46% to 6.30% with the highest for sleep hyperhidrosis (SHY) and the lowest for disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep. Significant differences were found between boys and girls in the prevalence of sleep breathing disorders (6.51% vs 3.72%), SHY (8.62% vs 4.00%) and parent-reported sleep disorders (5.19% vs 3.67%). Conclusions The SDSC is reliable and useful in screening for parent-reported sleep disorders in Chinese children. Compared with other countries, parent-reported sleep disorders among Chinese elementary school children were at a relatively low level of prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A new multiple monolithic fiber SPME (MMF-SPME) was designed and prepared. [•] Effect of the numbers of fibers in MMF-SPME on extraction efficiency was studied. [•] MMF-SPME can extract chlorophenols effectively in short time. [•] Sensitive determination method for chlorophenols in water samples was developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To explore the effects of sodium phenylbutyrate on the proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle arrest and induction of the P21WAF1/CIP1 anti-oncogene in human liver carcinoma cell lines Bel-7402 and HepG2. METHODS: Bel-7402 and HepG2 human liver carcinoma cells were treated with sodium phenylbutyrate at different concentrations. Light microscopy was used to observe morphological changes in the carcinoma cells. Effects on the cell cycle were detected by using flow cytometry. P21WAF1/CIP1 expression was determined by both reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Statistical analysis was performed by using one-way anova and Student's t-test. RESULTS: Sodium phenylbutyrate treatment caused time- and dose-dependent growth inhibition of Bel-7402 and HepG2 cells. This treatment also caused a decline in the proportion of S-phase cells and an increase in the proportion of G0/G1 cells. Sodium phenylbutyrate increased the expression of P21WAF1/CIP1. CONCLUSIONS: Sodium phenylbutyrate inhibits the proliferation of human liver carcinoma cells Bel-7402 and HepG2, induces partial differentiation, and increases the expression of P21WAF1/CIP1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diclofenac (DCF), a widely used drug, is frequently found in natural waters, and its removal has caused extensive concern. Sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes are efficient for the degradation of organic pollutants, but the self-decomposition of persulfates is always sluggish and restricted. Herein, self-N doped biochar derived from food waste digestate (FWDB) was evaluated as the activator of peroxylmonosulfate (PMS) in terms of DCF degradation. The effects of several key operating variables were examined, and the results indicated that ∼93% of DCF with an initial concentration of 20 mg/L was removed at FWDB dosage of 0.3 g/L and PMS concentration of 1.0 mM. Thereafter, the machine learning method was explored to simulate and predict the DCF removal process. The reactive oxygen species participated in the reaction was identified as 1O 2 , and the reaction sites on FWDB were determined as graphitized carbon, C O structure, doped-N, and defective edges. Moreover, based on the identification of intermediates and products, the possible DCF destruction pathways were proposed as hydroxylation, cleavage of N−C bond, and decarboxylation. This study provided an economical and convenient heterogeneous PMS activator for remediation of organic wastewater and confirmed the feasibility of optimizing the contaminant degradation process via data mining. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purR gene encodes a repressor (PurR) controlling the synthesis of the enzymes of purine biosynthesis. The subunit of PurR was identified as a 38-kDa polypeptide by SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophorcsis. Analysis of a purR—lacZ transcriptional fusion indicated that purR expression is autoregulated. This was confirmed by get retardation and DNaseI footprinting experiments, where two PurR-binding sites were identified in the transcribed part of purR. Introduction of a purR mutation in wild-type and pur—lac fusion strains was found to abolish purine repression of all genes of the purine biosynthetic pathway except for purA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acacia catechu (L.f.) Willd, a leguminous plant, is included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is mainly used to treat eczema, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, bruising, and traumatic hemorrhage. However, there are imported and domestic Acacia catechu samples available in China, and their quality and price are very different, which seriously affects the safety and stability of their clinical application. Importantly, there is no simple and effective method for identifying or classifying grades of Acacia catechu. In this study, 47 batches of commercial Acacia catechu were used for identifying or classifying grades of Acacia catechu using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) combined with chemometric analysis. Firstly, gradient elution was adopted with 0.05% phosphoric acid water (A)-methanol (B) as the mobile phase to establish chromatographic conditions. The HPLC chromatograms of 47 batches of Acacia catechu samples were analyzed by the "Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM" software (version 2012A). The common peaks of Acacia catechu were identified to evaluate the similarity. Based on the determination results of fingerprint chromatographic peak area, the quality of the collected Acacia catechu was evaluated by chemometric methods such as CA, PCA, and OPLS-DA. The results showed that the collected Acacia catechu samples were significantly divided into three categories. The first-class samples were all imported Acacia catechu except S9 sample, which was domestic Acacia catechu; the second-class samples were partly domestic Acacia catechu and partly imported Acacia catechu; and the third-class samples were all domestic Acacia catechu. Moreover, OPLS-DA of 47 batches of samples showed that the contents of catechin and the total contents of catechin and epicatechin could be used as key indicators for assessing the quality of Acacia catechu. The developed HPLC fingerprint and quantitative analysis method of multi-indicator components can be used for classification and quality evaluation of market Acacia catechu, which has a significant reference value for developing Acacia catechu grade quality standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thiamphenicol (TAP) is an amphenicol antibiotic, which has a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Since it is widely used in animals and aquaculture, its residues in environment may bring potential risk for human health and ecosystems. While TAP can be removed through conventional physical or chemical methods, its bioremediation using microorganisms is less studied. Here, we report the removal of TAP by a bacterial strain, Aeromonas hydrophila HS01, which can remove more than 90.0% of TAP in a living cell-dependent manner. Our results indicated that its removal efficiency can be greatly affected by the growth condition. Proteomics studies revealed a number of differentially expressed proteins of HS01 in the presence of TAP, which may play critical roles in the transportation and degradation of TAP. All these results indicate bacterial strain A. hydrophila HS01 is a new microbial resource for efficiently removing TAP, and may shed new insights in developing bioremediation approaches for TAP pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that the integrity and the function of blood-brain barrier (BBB) are gradually impaired in the processes of aging and nervous system disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Parkinson's disease, PD). The leakage of BBB contributes to the infiltration of peripheral immune cells and harmful mediators into brain parenchyma, even the drugs that can not cross BBB under physiological conditions. Therefore, PD has been regarded as not only a neurodegenerative disease, but also a systemic disorder. In the present study, we demonstrate for the first time that Dexrazoxane (Dex), a drug clinically used to reduce doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in chemotherapy, can enter into midbrain and striatum through broken BBB in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)- and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced rodent models of PD. Unexpectedly, Dex (1.5, 5, 15 mg/kg, i.p.) administration for 3-week significantly ameliorates apomorphine-induced contralateral rotation behavior in 6-OHDA-treated rats and Dex (10 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment for 5-week improves MPTP-induced mouse motor dysfunctions. We find that Dex administration protects dopaminergic neurons against neurotoxin-induced degeneration in SNc, accompanied by the attenuated glial cell activation. Further study indicates that suppression of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress, as well as the inhibition of systemic inflammation in both peripheral tissues and brain, contribute to the neuroprotective effects of Dex in PD models. Our study implies that Dex may serve as an effective neuroprotectant to treat neurodegeneration and has potential clinical value in term of PD therapeutics. • Dexrazoxane can enter into midbrain through broken BBB in rodent models of PD. • Dex administration improves neurotoxin-induced rat/mouse motor dysfunctions. • Dex treatment prevents DA neuron degeneration and inhibits glial cell activation. • Dex attenuates oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress in PD model. • Dex suppresses systemic inflammation in both peripheral tissues and brain in PD model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The relationship between handgrip strength (HGS) and depression in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) was unknown. Therefore, we aimed to clarify this association in a cohort of patients. Methods HGS was used as a representative indicator of muscle strength and was measured with a handheld dynamometer. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-9. A multivariable logistic regression model and restricted cubic spline analysis were used to assess the relationship between HGS and depression. Results The prevalence of depression in our study was 34% in 568 Chinese patients undergoing HD. Compared with patients in the lowest tertiles of absolute and weighted HGS, patients in the highest tertiles of HGS had an approximately 59% lower [odds ratio (OR)=0.41, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.24–0.68; OR=0.41, 95%CI=(0.24– 0.69)] prevalence of depressive symptoms after multivariate adjustments. Besides, the risk of depression in hemodialysis patients decreased by 33% (OR=0.67, 95%CI=0.53–0.85) and 32% (OR=0.68, 95%CI=0.54–0.85) for each standard deviation increase in absolute HGS and weighted HGS, respectively. The prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased with both increasing absolute HGS and weighted HGS after multivariate adjustments (p for trend<0.05). Furthermore, a linear dose-response relationship was observed between absolute HGS and weighted HGS and the prevalence of depressive symptoms (pnonlinearity>0.05). Conclusions This study suggests that lower handgrip strength, a simple and modifiable parameter, is associated with a higher prevalence of depression in Chinese patients undergoing HD. Considering that depression is often unrecognized or underdiagnosed in HD patients, lowered muscle strength should be an important indicator and incentive for medical staff to screen for depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterizing protein–protein interactions (PPIs) is an effective method to help explore protein function. Here, through integrating a newly identified split human Rhinovirus 3 C (HRV 3 C) protease, super-folder GFP (sfGFP), and ClpXP-SsrA protein degradation machinery, we developed a fluorescence-assisted single-cell methodology (split protease-E. coli ClpXP (SPEC)) to explore protein–protein interactions for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic species in E. coli cells. We firstly identified a highly efficient split HRV 3 C protease with high re-assembly ability and then incorporated it into the SPEC method. The SPEC method could convert the cellular protein-protein interaction to quantitative fluorescence signals through a split HRV 3 C protease-mediated proteolytic reaction with high efficiency and broad temperature adaptability. Using SPEC method, we explored the interactions among effectors of representative type I-E and I-F CRISPR/Cas complexes, which combining with subsequent studies of Cas3 mutations conferred further understanding of the functions and structures of CRISPR/Cas complexes. Wang et al. developed a fluorescence-assisted single-cell methodology (split protease-E. coli ClpXP (SPEC)) to characterise protein-protein interactions for both eukaryotic and prokaryotic species in E. coli cells. Their method can quantify these interactions with high sensitivity, easy manipulation, and broad temperature adaptability [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Boolean Satisfiability problem (SAT) is a prototypical NP-complete problem, which has been widely studied due to its significant importance in both theory and applications. Stochastic local search (SLS) algorithms are among the most efficient approximate methods available for solving certain types of SAT instances. The quantitative configuration checking (QCC) heuristic is an effective approach for improving SLS algorithms on solving the SAT problem, resulting in an efficient SLS solver for SAT named Swqcc. In this paper, we focus on combining the QCC heuristic with an aspiration mechanism, and then design a new heuristic called QCCA. On the top of Swqcc, we utilize the QCCA heuristic to develop a new SLS solver dubbed AspiSAT. Through extensive experiments, the results illustrate that, on random 3-SAT instances, the performance of AspiSAT is much better than that of Swqcc and Sparrow, which is an influential and efficient SLS solver for SAT. In addition, we further enhance the original clause weighting schemes employed in Swqcc and AspiSAT, and thus obtain two new SLS solvers called Ptwqcc and AspiPT, respectively. The eperimental results present that both Ptwqcc and AspiPT outperform Swqcc and AspiSAT on random 5-SAT instances, indicating that both QCC and QCCA heuristics are able to cooperate effectively with different clause weighting schemes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glomerular angiogenesis is a characteristic feature of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Enhanced glycolysis plays a crucial role in angiogenesis. The present study was designed to investigate the role of glycolysis in glomerular endothelial cells (GECs) in a mouse model of DN. Mouse renal cortex and isolated glomerular cells were collected for single-cell and RNA sequencing. Cultured GECs were exposed to high glucose in the presence (proangiogenic) and absence of a vascular sprouting regimen. MicroRNA-590-3p was delivered by lipofectamine in vivo and in vitro. In the present study, a subgroup of GECs with proangiogenic features was identified in diabetic kidneys by using sequencing analyses. In cultured proangiogenic GECs, high glucose increased glycolysis and phosphofructokinase/fructose bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) protein expression, which were inhibited by overexpressing miRNA-590-3p. Mimics of miRNA-590-3p also increased receptor for sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1pR1) expression, an angiogenesis regulator, in proangiogenic GECs challenged with high glucose. Inhibition of PFKFB3 by pharmacological and genetic approaches upregulated S1pR1 protein in vitro. Mimics of miRNA-590-3p significantly reduced migration and angiogenic potential in proangiogenic GECs challenged with high glucose. Ten-week-old type 2 diabetic mice had elevated urinary albumin levels, reduced renal cortex miRNA-590-3p expression, and disarrangement of glomerular endothelial cell fenestration. Overexpressing miRNA-590-3p via perirenal adipose tissue injection restored endothelial cell fenestration and reduced urinary albumin levels in diabetic mice. Therefore, the present study identifies a subgroup of GECs with proangiogenic features in mice with DN. Local administration of miRNA-590-3p mimics reduces glycolytic rate and upregulates S1pR1 protein expression in proangiogenic GECs. The protective effects of miRNA-590-3p provide therapeutic potential in DN treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic effect of photothermal conversion and heat energy storage of Fenton catalysts can not only effectively improve solar energy utilization, but also enhance the removal efficiency of pollutants in environmental governance. Herein, the pyrite waste derived from Baihe in Shaanxi was selected as a functional material for the removal of ofloxacin (OFX) in wastewater. The pyrite waste exhibited excellent photothermal conversion properties and was also proven to have the ability to store the generated heat energy by the photothermal effect. Notably, the pyrite waste after light irradiation had an excellent treatment effect for OFX, and the removal efficiency was 16.8% in the stored heat-driven Fenton reaction higher than that of the traditional Fenton reaction. This could be attributed to the fact that the pyrite waste stores the heat generated by the photothermal effect during irradiation and then releases the stored heat to raise the temperature of the solution, thereby facilitating the removal of pollutants. This also showed an excellent removal effect on six typical dyes and antibiotics. Moreover, the pyrite waste had perfect photothermal conversion–heat storage performance under natural solar illumination and showed a good removal effect in the outdoor practical application. Adhering to the concept of "turn waste into treasure", the pyrite waste with photothermal conversion–heat energy storage performance presents great application prospects in solar wastewater treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bisphenol A epoxy (BAEP) is a widely-used material in daily life, and increasing BAEP wastes are being generated. Pyrolysis is a potential technology for BAEP recovery, but conventional processes are inefficient and high energy-consuming. Herein, Fe-catalyzed pyrolysis process was proposed, and comprehensive comparisons were performed on characteristics of products obtained from BAEP pyrolysis in the presence and absence of iron. The results demonstrated that the addition of iron reduced the decomposition temperature of BAEP by approximately 10–20 °C and promoted the generation of gaseous products, in addition, the appropriate conditions were determined as the iron content of 4%, pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C, holding time of 90 min, and heating rate of 5 °C/min. Moreover, based on the analyses of Py-GCMS for volatiles and XPS for residues, the catalytic mechanism was revealed as the facilitation effect of iron on the conversion of lattice oxygen to adsorbed oxygen. This work would be conducive to energy saving and light products production during BAEP pyrolysis and offer valuable references for studies on the recovery of some other organic materials/wastes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Congenital human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection causes severe damage to the fetal brain, and the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Cytokine signaling is delicately controlled in the fetal central nervous system to ensure proper development. Here we show that suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), a negative feedback regulator of the IL-6 cytokine family signaling, was upregulated during HCMV infection in primary neural progenitor cells (NPCs) with a biphasic expression pattern. From viral protein screening, pUL97 emerged as the viral factor responsible for prolonged SOCS3 upregulation. Further, by proteomic analysis of the pUL97-interacting host proteins, regulatory factor X 7 (RFX7) was identified as the transcription factor responsible for the regulation. Depletion of either pUL97 or RFX7 prevented the HCMV-induced SOCS3 upregulation in NPCs. With a promoter-luciferase activity assay, we demonstrated that the pUL97 kinase activity and RFX7 were required for SOCS3 upregulation. Moreover, the RFX7 phosphorylation level was increased by either UL97-expressing or HCMV-infection in NPCs, suggesting that pUL97 induces RFX7 phosphorylation to drive SOCS3 transcription. We further revealed that elevated SOCS3 expression impaired NPC proliferation and migration in vitro and caused NPCs migration defects in vivo. Taken together, these findings uncover a novel regulatory mechanism of sustained SOCS3 expression in HCMV-infected NPCs, which perturbs IL-6 cytokine family signaling, leads to NPCs proliferation and migration defects, and consequently affects fetal brain development. Author summary: HCMV is the most common infectious cause of birth defects, and medical intervention options are still limited due to a poor understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms. Fetal brain development involves complicated cytokine signaling pathways that are tightly controlled. Here, we show that HCMV infection in NPCs upregulates SOCS3, a negative feedback regulator of IL-6 cytokine family signaling. We demonstrate that the viral protein pUL97 interacts with and probably phosphorylates the host transcription factor RFX7 to drive SOCS3 transcription. Elevated SOCS3 level alters NPC cell fates and reduces NPC migration, presumably contributing to the HCMV-induced fetal brain defects. Our work reveals a new regulatory mechanism for SOCS3 expression in NPCs and provides insights into the neuropathogenesis induced by congenital HCMV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epilepsy is a neurological disease and approximately 30% of patients have failed to respond to current anti-epilepsy drugs. The neuroinflammation mechanism has raised increasing concerns and been regarded as the novel treatment strategy in epilepsy, but the target molecules require further research. Pyruvate kinase isoform 2 (PKM2) is well studied in peripheral inflammation, but its role in epilepsy neuroinflammation remains unclear. We knocked down microglia PKM2 in the hippocampus using a stereotaxic adeno-associated virus (AAV) microinjection and established a pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (PISE) model. Racine score was used to evaluate the seizure grade. Next, we used WB, Multiplex tyramide signal amplification (TSA) staining and other methods to determine neuroinflammation and the complement component 3 (C3)–C3aR interaction in primary microglia. Results showed that microglia PKM2 knockdown reduced epilepsy grade and rescued neuron loss. Mechanistically, PKM2 knockdown inhibited microglia activation and inflammation factor secretion through suppressing p65 expression and phosphorylation. The reduced microglia C1q, TNF-α, and IL-1α were responsible for the decreased astrocyte C3 expression and the following neuron damage caused by the C3–C3aR interaction. Our data suggest that microglia PKM2 inhibition ameliorates neuroinflammation and neuron loss through C3-C3aR interaction in epilepsy, which provides an attractive target for the intervention of damaged neuron-glia crosstalk in epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis-induced intestinal hyperpermeability is mediated by disruption of the epithelial tight junction, which is closely associated with the perijunctional actin-myosin ring. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) phosphorylates the myosin regulatory light chain, resulting in increased permeability. The purpose of this study was to determine whether genetic deletion of MLCK would alter gut barrier function and survival from sepsis. MLCK-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture and assayed for both survival and mechanistic studies. Survival was significantly increased in MLCK-/- mice (95% versus 24%, p < 0.0001). Intestinal permeability increased in septic WT mice compared with unmanipulated mice. In contrast, permeability in septic MLCK-/- mice was similar to that seen in unmanipulated animals. Improved gut barrier function in MLCK-/- mice was associated with increases in the tight junction mediators ZO-1 and claudin 15 without alterations in claudin 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 13, occludin or JAM-A. Other components of intestinal integrity (apoptosis, proliferation and villus length) were unaffected by MLCK deletion, as were local peritoneal inflammation and distant lung injury. Systemic IL-10 was decreased greater than 10-fold in MLCK-/- mice; however, survival was similar between septic MLCK-/- mice given exogenous IL-10 or vehicle. These data demonstrate that deletion of MLCK improves survival following sepsis, associated with normalization of intestinal permeability and selected tight junction proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a porous geopolymer sphere (PGS) was developed that comprised a mixture of coal gasification fly ash, steel slag, metakaolin and an alkaline activator (SiO 2 /Na 2 O molar ratio = 1.33) (44.89 wt%, 20.10 wt%, 2.01 wt% and 33 wt%) using an 8.5 wt% hydrogen peroxide foaming agent. The micro characteristics of the PGS were tested using X-ray CT, BET, XRD, and FT-TR. The mechanism to Pb adsorption was revealed via adsorption isotherm, adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics, and adsorbent characterization. Results indicated that the PGS was a mesoporous structure (the most accessible pore sizes was 9.31 nm) and the main crystalline phases in the PGS were ZK-5 zeolite, vaterite, calcium silicate, and wustite. Batch experiments showed that the adsorption of Pb by the PGS was best described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model, indicating that the adsorption process was dominated by chemical adsorption. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacity of the PGS could reach 59.31 mg/g. The mechanism of Pb(II) adsorption using the PGS mainly involves: (1) ion exchange, (2) a complexation reaction between Pb and the PGS, (3) lattice immobilization of Pb and in the ZK-5 zeolite and zeolite-like phase, (4) physical adsorption by the PGS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of laccases in biotechnology and industry is an expanding research field. Laccases derived from Cerrena unicolor (C. unicolor) exhibit notable potential in the food and industrial sectors. However, generating sufficient yields of this laccase through heterologous expression to meet commercial demands remains a challenge. Therefore, we heterologously expressed LACCASE2 (Lac2), a laccase gene from C. unicolor , in Aspergillus niger. By incorporating strategies such as codon optimization, molecular chaperone-assisted expression, and atmospheric and room-temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis, we successfully screened the strain OPT-HacA-M10 with the highest laccase yield, which exhibited a remarkable enzymatic activity of 416.8 U/mL in a 50-L fermenter. We further assessed the enzymatic properties of the recombinant laccase rLac2, focusing on its capabilities in dye decolorization and mycotoxin degradation. In the absence of a mediator, rLac2 exhibited extremely high degradation efficiency for Remazol Brilliant Blue R and indigo. Impressively, outstanding results were achieved with this laccase in denim bleaching. In mycotoxin degradation tests, with methyl syringate as a mediator, rLac2 achieved degradation rates of over 94% for aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone. In summary, due to its heightened laccase activity and versatile applications, our enhanced strain is highly suitable for industrial and food sectors. • This is the first report in which laccase yield was enhanced in A. niger through this strategy. • The findings of this study delineate an efficient method for the heterologous expression of laccase in A. niger. • The findings of this study furnish insights for amplifying protein production within heterologous platforms. • Our optimized strain is exceptionally suited for applications in the industrial and food sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IL-2 regulates the immune response by interacting with different IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) subunits. High dose of IL-2 binds to IL-2Rβγ c heterodimer, which induce various side effects while activating immune function. Disrupting IL-2 and IL-2R interactions can block IL-2 mediated immune response. Here, we used a computational approach to de novo design mini-binder proteins against IL-2R β chain (IL-2Rβ) to block IL-2 signaling. The hydrophobic region where IL-2 binds to IL-2Rβ was selected and the promising binding mode was broadly explored. Three mini-binders with amino acid numbers ranging from 55 to 65 were obtained and binder 1 showed the best effects in inhibiting CTLL-2 cells proliferation and STAT5 phosphorylation. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the binding of binder 1 to IL-2Rβ was stable; the free energy of binder1/IL-2Rβ complex was lower, indicating that the affinity of binder 1 to IL-2Rβ was higher than that of IL-2. Free energy decomposition suggested that the ARG35 and ARG131 of IL-2Rβ might be the key to improve the affinity of binder. Our efforts provided new insights in developing of IL-2R blocker, offering a potential strategy for ameliorating the side effects of IL-2 treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of the catalysis of heavy metals on the pyrolysis of waste polyester textiles (WPTs) and the adsorption behaviors of the pyrolysis products of WPTs for Cr(VI) were explored. TG−DTG analysis indicated that the metal ions catalyzed the pyrolysis process by reducing the temperature of the decomposition of WPTs. The surface morphology and pore structure of the carbons were analyzed using SEM and BET. The results demonstrated that Zn−AC possessed the largest specific surface area of 847.87 m2/g. The abundant acidic functional groups on the surface of the activated carbons were proved to be involved in the Cr(VI) adsorption process via FTIR analysis. Cr(VI) adsorption experiments indicated that the adsorption process was more favorable at low pH conditions, and the maximum adsorption capacities of Zn−AC, Fe−AC, and Cu−AC for Cr(VI) were 199.07, 136.25, and 84.47 mg/g, respectively. The FTIR and XPS analyses of the carbons after Cr(VI) adsorption, combined with the adsorption kinetics and isotherm simulations, demonstrated that the adsorption mechanism includes pore filling, an electrostatic effect, a reduction reaction, and complexation. This study showed that metal salts catalyze the pyrolysis processes of WPTs, and the activated carbons derived from waste polyester textiles are promising adsorbents for Cr(VI) removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Pristine Ca-rich biochar was prepared by pyrolysis of solid digestate of food waste. • The biochar exhibited an extraordinary adsorption capacity for As (69.03 mg/g). • As removal was notably impacted by the pH, and coexisting ions revealed inhibition. • The mechanisms involved oxidation, precipitation, electrostatic attraction, and complexation. Arsenic (As) contamination in water is an international environmental issue. Biochar adsorption is often considered a promising way for removing As from contaminated water due to its low-cost and environmental friendliness. However, the poor adsorption capacity limits the application of pristine biochar, and various modification methods are proposed to improve this shortcoming, which inevitably brings some new environmental problems. Herein, a pristine Ca-rich biochar with excellent As adsorption performance was prepared through one-step pyrolysis of food waste digestate. The results demonstrated that the biochar obtained at 800 °C (CDBC8) exhibited higher specific surface area and absorption capacity of As than biochars prepared at other temperatures, with the maximum As adsorption capacity of 69.03 mg/g, which was much higher than most previously reported pristine biochars and even some modified biochars. This is attributed to the considerable portions of CaO and carbon in CDBC8. The adsorption process was best modeled by Langmuir model and the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Furthermore, the removal mechanism of As was discussed in-depth. The complexation, precipitation, oxidation, and electrostatic attraction participated in the adsorption, and their contributions were significantly impacted by the pH of the solution. This work presents the great potential of this Ca-rich biochar for wastewater remediation, and also provides a feasible way for the rational utilization of food waste digestate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]