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Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), the third most common stroke subtype, is associated with high mortality and disability rates. Therefore, finding effective therapies to improve neurological function after SAH is critical. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of hydrogen in the context of SAH, specifically, by examining its role in attenuating neuronal ferroptosis and inhibiting neuroinflammation, which are exacerbated by excess iron ions after SAH. Methods: Mice were exposed to chambers containing 3% hydrogen, and cells were cultured in incubators containing 60% hydrogen. Neurological function in mice was assessed using behavioral scores. Protein changes were detected using western blotting. Inflammatory factors were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Probes, electron microscopy, and related kits were employed to detect oxidative stress and ferroptosis. Results: Hydrogen improved the motor function, sensory function, and cognitive ability of mice after SAH. Additionally, hydrogen facilitated Nuclear factor erythroid 2 -related factor 2 activation, upregulated Glutathione peroxidase 4, and inhibited Toll-like receptor 4, resulting in downregulation of inflammatory responses, attenuation of oxidative stress after SAH, and inhibition of neuronal ferroptosis. Conclusion: Hydrogen exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting neuronal ferroptosis and attenuating neuroinflammation after SAH. Graphical representation illustrating the role of hydrogen intervention in the modulation of various cellular processes involved in ferroptosis and neuroinflammation after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Specifically, the metabolism of hemoglobin leads to the accumulation of excess iron ions and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which subsequently activate ferroptosis and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88) pathway-mediated neuroinflammation. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during ferroptosis further exacerbates the inflammatory response and contributes to nerve damage. However, hydrogen intervention facilitates the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to the nucleus, thereby promoting the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and reducing ROS levels. This inhibition of ferroptosis and attenuation of ROS-dependent inflammatory responses are accompanied by the downregulation of the TLR4/MyD88 pathway, leading to the inhibition of neuroinflammation. [Display omitted] • We provide direct evidence for the anti -ferroptosis effect of hydrogen. • Hydrogen mediates anti -ferroptosis and anti-inflammatory effects after SAH via Nrf2. • Hydrogen can be used for clinical treatment after SAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In comparison to other stroke types, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is characterized by an early age of onset and often results in poor prognosis. The inadequate blood flow at the site of the lesion leads to localized oxygen deprivation, increased level of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), and triggers inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, ultimately causing hypoxic brain damage. Despite the potential benefits of oxygen (O 2) administration, there is currently a lack of efficient focal site O 2 delivery following SAH. Conventional clinical O 2 supply methods, such as transnasal oxygenation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, do not show the ideal therapeutic effect in severe SAH patients. The perfluorocarbon oxygen carrier (PFOC) demonstrates efficacy in transporting O 2 and responding to elevated levels of CO 2 at the lesion site. Through cellular experiments, we determined that PFOC oxygenation serves as an effective therapeutic approach in inhibiting hypoxia. Furthermore, our animal experiments showed that PFOC oxygenation outperforms O 2 breathing, leading to microglia phenotypic switching and the suppression of inflammatory response via the inhibition of HIF-1α. Therefore, as a new type of O 2 therapy after SAH, PFOC oxygenation can effectively reduce hypoxic brain injury and improve neurological function. Subarachnoid hemorrhage primarily arises from the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. The rupture of an aneurysm results in a substantial influx of blood into the subarachnoid space, exerting arterial pressure and accumulating within the cerebral sulcus cerebral pool, thereby forming a hematoma that compresses the brain tissue. Consequently, this compression leads to localized tissue hypoxia, which subsequently triggers excitatory neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. Considering these circumstances, we propose a novel approach utilizing perfluorocarbons following subarachnoid hemorrhage, enhancing oxygenation at the site of the lesion in comparison to conventional O 2 breathing. Perfluorocarbon oxygen carrier oxygenation has been found to have a downregulating effect on HIF-1α, leading to a decrease in the population of M1-type microglia and an increase in the population of M2-type microglia. Additionally, this oxygenation process inhibits inflammatory responses and oxidative stress following subarachnoid hemorrhage, ultimately resulting in an improvement in neurological function. [Display omitted] • HIF-1α mediates hypoxic brain injury after SAH. • We developed a method of supplying oxygen that can be administered intravenously. • Perfluorocarbon oxygen carrier ameliorates hypoxic brain injury by inhibiting HIF-1α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on the pathophysiological mechanism of carotid artery dissection and its clinical translation is limited due to the lack of effective animal models to simulate the occurrence of this condition. Assuming that intimal injury is an important factor in the formation of carotid dissection, we established a novel method for inducing carotid dissection models by scraping the carotid intima using a fine needle. Scraping the carotid intima with fine needles can induce the rapid formation of carotid dissection. Magnetic resonance imaging and hematoxylin-eosin staining suggest the presence of false lumens and mural hematomas in the vessels. Our model-induction technique, inspired by iatrogenic catheter-induced artery dissections (carotid, coronary, aortic), significantly mimics the pathological process of clinical carotid dissection. The results suggest that mechanical injury may be a significant cause of carotid dissection and that intimal injury is a major factor in the formation of arterial dissections. This approach will provide assistance in the understanding of medically induced arterial dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we introduce the notion of generalized ϵ -stationarity for a class of nonconvex and nonsmooth composite minimization problems on compact Riemannian submanifold embedded in Euclidean space. To find a generalized ϵ -stationarity point, we develop a family of Riemannian gradient-type methods based on the Moreau envelope technique with a decreasing sequence of smoothing parameters, namely Riemannian smoothing gradient and Riemannian smoothing stochastic gradient methods. We prove that the Riemannian smoothing gradient method has the iteration complexity of O (ϵ - 3) for driving a generalized ϵ -stationary point. To our knowledge, this is the best-known iteration complexity result for the nonconvex and nonsmooth composite problem on manifolds. For the Riemannian smoothing stochastic gradient method, one can achieve the iteration complexity of O (ϵ - 5) for driving a generalized ϵ -stationary point. Numerical experiments are conducted to validate the superiority of our algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuroprotective effects of hydrogen have been demonstrated, but the mechanism is still poorly understood. In a clinical trial of inhaled hydrogen in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), we found that hydrogen reduced the accumulation of lactic acid in the nervous system. There are no studies demonstrating the regulatory effect of hydrogen on lactate and in this study we hope to further clarify the mechanism by which hydrogen regulates lactate metabolism. In cell experiments, PCR and Western Blot showed that HIF-1α was the target related to lactic acid metabolism that changed the most before and after hydrogen intervention. HIF-1α levels were suppressed by hydrogen intervention treatment. Activation of HIF-1α inhibited the lactic acid-lowering effect of hydrogen. We have also demonstrated the lactic acid-lowering effect of hydrogen in animal studies. Our work clarifies that hydrogen can regulate lactate metabolism via the HIF-1αpathway, providing new insights into the neuroprotective mechanisms of hydrogen. • In clinical trials, hydrogen therapy reduced cerebrospinal fluid lactate levels in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage. • HIF-1α is the target associated with the greatest change in lactate metabolism before and after hydrogen intervention. • Hydrogen regulates lactate metabolism after SAH via the HIF-1α pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural oscillations play a role in the antidepressant effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). However, the effects of high-frequency rTMS on the neural oscillations of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampus (HPC) and its molecular mechanism have not been fully clarified. The depressive-like behaviours, local field potentials (LFPs) of the ventral HPC (vHPC)-mPFC, and alternations of endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the HPC and mPFC were observed after rTMS treatment. Meanwhile, depressive-like behaviours and LFPs were also observed after cannabinoid type-1 receptor (CB1R) antagonist AM281 or monoacylglycerol lipase inhibitor JZL184 injection. Moreover, the antidepressant effect of rTMS was further assessed in glutamatergic-CB1R and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA)-ergic -CB1R knockout mice. Alternations of endocannabinoids and energy value and synchronisation of mPFC-vHPC, especially the decrease of theta oscillation induced by CUMS, were alleviated by rTMS. JZL184 has similar effects to rTMS and AM281 blocked the effects of rTMS. GABAergic-CB1R deletion inhibited CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviours whereas Glutaminergic-CB1R deletion dampened the antidepressant effects of rTMS. The immediate effect of rTMS on field-potential regulation was not observed. Moreover, the role of region-specific regulation of the ECS in the antidepressant effect of rTMS was unclear and the effects of cell-specific CB1R knockout on neuronal oscillations of the mPFC and vHPC should be further investigated. Endocannabinoid system mediated the antidepressant effects and was involved in the regulation of LFP in the vHPC-mPFC of high-frequency rTMS. [Display omitted] • CUMS induces neural oscillation and ECS dysfunction in mPFC and HPC • These dysfunctions are restored after rTMS • JZL184 has similar effects to rTMS and AM281 blocked the effects of rTMS • GABAergic-CB1R deletion inhibits CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviours • Glutaminergic-CB1R deletion inhibits the antidepressant effects of rTMS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intracranial mass lesions occur within the cranial cavity, and their etiology is diverse. Although tumors and hemorrhagic diseases are the common causes, some rarer etiologies, such as vascular malformations, might also present with intracranial mass lesion manifestations. Such lesions are easily misdiagnosed due to the lack of manifestations of the primary disease. The treatment involves a detailed examination and differential diagnosis of the etiology and clinical manifestations. On 26 October 2022, a patient with craniocervical junction arteriovenous fistulas (CCJAVFs) was admitted to Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Imaging examinations showed a brainstem mass lesion, and the patient was initially diagnosed with a brainstem tumor. After a thorough preoperative discussion and a digital subtraction angiography (DSA) examination, the patient was diagnosed with CCJAVF. The patient was cured using interventional treatment, and an invasive craniotomy was not required. During diagnosis and treatment, the cause of the disease might not be apparent. Thus, a comprehensive preoperative examination is very important, and physicians need to conduct the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of the etiology based on the examination to administer precise treatment and reduce unnecessary operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photonic logic gates have important applications in fast data processing and optical communication. This study aims to design a series of ultra-compact non-volatile and reprogrammable photonic logic gates based on the Sb2Se3 phase-change material. A direct binary search algorithm was adopted for the design, and four types of photonic logic gates (OR, NOT, AND, and XOR) are created using silicon-on-insulator technology. The proposed structures had very small sizes of 2.4 μm × 2.4 μm. Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain simulation results show that, in the C-band near 1550 nm, the OR, NOT, AND, and XOR gates exhibit good logical contrast of 7.64, 6.1, 3.3, and 18.92 dB, respectively. This series of photonic logic gates can be applied in optoelectronic fusion chip solutions and 6G communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tetraploid emmer wheat (Triticum turgidum L., BBAA) is the founder progenitor of bread wheat, providing the valuable genetic resource and gene pool for wheat improvement. However, the evolutionary trajectory of tetraploid wheat, especially the evolutionary fate of different types of genes has not been well studied. In this study, the rate of non‐synonymous substitution (dN) and synonymous substitution (dS) was calculated by comparing the orthologs between the wild emmer and cultivated durum wheat at the whole genome and subgenome levels to obtain the positively selected genes (PSGs) and negatively selected genes (NSGs). Then, mutation rate, gene length, exon number, GC content, codon bias, and expression level were comprehensively investigated and compared between the PSGs and NSGs. Within both wild emmer and cultivated durum wheat, PSGs between A and B subgenome displayed shorter gene and exon lengths as well as fewer exon numbers compared with NSGs, whereas from wild emmer to cultivated durum wheat, PSGs showed longer gene length and more exon numbers. Furthermore, PSGs displayed much higher expression levels and stronger codon usage bias, but lower genetic diversity compared with NSGs. Finally, two PSGs TdER1‐6B, and TdLC7‐2A, were found to play the crucial roles in regulating grain width and plant height of tetraploid wheat, respectively. This study systematically investigated the evolutionary, structural, and functional difference between PSGs and NSGs in tetraploid wheat, which will contribute to a better understanding of the selective mode and evolutionary trajectory during wheat domestication and evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. We have demonstrated that peroxiredoxin 2 (Prx2) released from lytic erythrocytes and damaged neurons into the subarachnoid space could activate microglia and then result in neuronal apoptosis. In this study, we tested the possibility of using Prx2 as an objective indicator for severity of the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and the clinical status of the patient. Materials and Methods. SAH patients were prospectively enrolled and followed up for 3 months. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were collected 0-3 and 5-7 days after SAH onset. The levels of Prx2 in the CSF and the blood were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We used Spearman's rank coefficient to assess the correlation between Prx2 and the clinical scores. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used for Prx2 levels to predict the outcome of SAH by calculating the area under the curve (AUC). Unpaired Student's t -test was used to analyze the differences in continuous variables across cohorts. Results. Prx2 levels in the CSF increased after onset while those in the blood decreased. Existing data showed that Prx2 levels within 3 days in the CSF after SAH were positively correlated with the Hunt-Hess score (R = 0.761 , P < 0.001). Patients with CVS had higher levels of Prx2 in their CSF within 5-7 days after onset. Prx2 levels in the CSF within 5-7 days can be used as a predictor of prognosis. The ratio of Prx2 in the CSF and the blood within 3 days of onset was positively correlated with the Hunt-Hess score and negatively correlated with Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS; R = ‐ 0.605 , P < 0.05). Conclusion. We found that the levels of Prx2 in the CSF and the ratio of Prx2 in the CSF and the blood within 3 days of onset can be used as a biomarker to detect the severity of the disease and the clinical status of the patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Noncollinear antiferromagnet Weyl semimetal Mn3Sn has recently attracted great research interest. Although large anomalous Hall effect (AHE), anomalous Nernst effect (ANE), and magneto-optical effect have been observed in Mn3Sn, most studies are based on single crystals. So far, it is still challenging to grow high quality epitaxial Mn3Sn thin films with transport and optical properties comparable to their single crystal counterparts. Here, we report the structure and magneto-optical and transport properties of epitaxial Mn3Sn thin films fabricated by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). Highly oriented Mn3+xSn1−x (0001) and (11 2 ¯ 0) epitaxial films are growth on single crystalline Al2O3 and MgO substrates. Large anomalous Hall effect up to Δ ρ H = 3.02 μ Ω cm and longitudinal magneto-optical Kerr effect with |θK| = 38.1 mdeg at 633 nm wavelength are measured at 300 K, which are comparable to Mn3Sn single crystals. Our work demonstrates that high quality Mn3Sn epitaxial thin films can be fabricated by PLD, paving the way for future device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal effect inevitably occurred in a bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) stack impacts its energy efficiency and potentially damages non-metallic components. Up to now, thermal mechanism and impacts within a BMED stack remain incompletely understood. Thus, thermal mechanism and impacts within the stack were investigated using the validated equivalent circuit model of a BMED system. Its results revealed that currents/Joule effect in the main circuit were dominant compared to those in the external circuit. The proportion of Joule heat in the main circuit exceeds 99.00 %, while that in the external circuit was less than 1.00 %. Joule heat generated in the outermost slot of the maximum conductivity compartment was obvious, while that in any position of the main circuit within the minimum conductivity compartment was also significant. Thermal impacts of non-metallic components were affected by the heat transfer of solution thermal effect. Besides, these effects which included current distribution, Joule effect, and thermal risk, were mainly affected by the size of the element at spacer, and the conductance provided by the salt and its products. Larger size of slots/ducts at spacer reduced the heat transfer efficiency at their location, while that of main channel enhanced the heat transfer efficiency between membranes and solution. Low conductivity salts and corresponding products pose a greater thermal risk for BMED stack. Meanwhile, these effects would be aggravated from the lab- to large-scale BMED stack. These findings can enhance the comprehension of the involved processes for optimizing BMED technique, thereby accelerating its development. [Display omitted] • Thermal mechanism in a BMED stack was caused by current distribution of main/external circuit. • Thermal risk of non-metallic components was affected by heat transfer of solution thermal effect. • Larger size of slots at spacer reduced the heat transfer efficiency at their location. • Low conductivity salts and corresponding products pose a greater thermal risk for BMED stack. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Developed AI model predicts late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants. • Utilizes non-invasive vital signs monitoring for early LOS detection. • Incorporates interpretability and clinical alarm management for real-world application. Continuous prediction of late-onset sepsis (LOS) could be helpful for improving clinical outcomes in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) model for assisting the bedside clinicians in successfully identifying infants at risk for LOS using non-invasive vital signs monitoring. In a retrospective study from the NICU of the Máxima Medical Center in Veldhoven, the Netherlands, a total of 492 preterm infants less than 32 weeks gestation were included between July 2016 and December 2018. Data on heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (SpO 2) at 1 Hz were extracted from the patient monitor. We developed multiple AI models using 102 extracted features or raw time series to provide hourly LOS risk prediction. Shapley values were used to explain the model. For the best performing model, the effect of different vital signs and also the input type of signals on model performance was tested. To further assess the performance of applying the best performing model in a real-world clinical setting, we performed a simulation using four different alarm policies on continuous real-time predictions starting from three days after birth. A total of 51 LOS patients and 68 controls were finally included according to the patient inclusion and exclusion criteria. When tested by seven-fold cross-validations, the mean (standard deviation) area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) six hours before CRASH was 0.875 (0.072) for the best performing model, compared to the other six models with AUC ranging from 0.782 (0.089) to 0.846 (0.083). The best performing model performed only slightly worse than the model learning from raw physiological waveforms (0.886 [0.068]), successfully detecting 96.1 % of LOS patients before CRASH. When setting the expected alarm window to 24 h and using a multi-threshold alarm policy, the sensitivity metric was 71.6 %, while the positive predictive value was 9.9 %, resulting in an average of 1.15 alarms per day per patient. The proposed AI model, which learns from routinely collected vital signs, has the potential to assist clinicians in the early detection of LOS. Combined with interpretability and clinical alarm management, this model could be better translated into medical practice for future clinical implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) can impair blood perfusion in brain tissue and cause adverse effects. Microglia, which are the inherent immune cells of the brain, significantly activate and play a role in phagocytosis, anti-inflammatory, proinflammatory, and damage repair in this process. Milk fat globule epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) is the bridging molecule of this process and mediates the activation and biological effects of microglia. Methods. We obtained cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with aSAH at various times (the third day, seventh day, and ninth day) as well as from patients in the control cohort. MFG-E8 protein levels in CSF were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Meanwhile, we evaluated the GCS and GOS of aSAH patients on admission and on the third day, seventh day, ninth day, and at discharge. Then, we analyzed the association between the levels of MFG-E8 and the changes in GCS and GOS. Results. MFG-E8 expression rose in the early stage on the third day and reached equilibrium around day 7 and day 9. The levels of MFG-E8 on the third day were associated with the change in GOS on the seventh day (r = 0.644 , p = 0.018) and ninth day (r = 0.572 , p = 0.041) compared with admission but were not correlated with the change on day 3 or at discharge. The levels of MFG-E8 were not correlated with any change in GCS. Conclusions. We found that aSAH resulted in an upregulation of MFG-E8 in CSF. Moreover, high MFG-E8 levels in the early stage indicated a rapid recovery of mild aSAH patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tremendous progress has been made in the field of nanomedicine for cancer treatment. However, most of the research to date has been focused on inhibiting primary tumor growth with comparatively less efforts directed towards managing tumor metastasis. Here, we introduce a polymeric conjugate P-DOX-iRGD that not only significantly suppressed primary tumor growth but also substantially inhibited pulmonary metastasis in an orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer. In addition, treatment with P-DOX-iRGD markedly reduced breast cancer-induced splenomegaly and liver hematopoiesis. Interestingly, contrasting results were seen for the free form and polymeric form of DOX in vitro and in vivo, which may be attributed to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A prerequisite for constructing SynComs is to obtain high performance strains. • The classification of screening models by objects is beneficial to obtain strains. • The technology of computer-assisted targeted isolation has potential applications. • SynComs focuses on improve the fermentation quality or accelerate the process. • Optimizing SynComs requires consideration of the bacterial relationship and function. With the elucidation of community structures and assembly mechanisms in various fermented foods, core communities that significantly influence or guide fermentation have been pinpointed and used for exogenous restructuring into synthetic microbial communities (SynComs). These SynComs simulate ecological systems or function as adjuncts or substitutes in starters, and their efficacy has been widely verified. However, screening and assembly are still the main limiting factors for implementing theoretic SynComs, as desired strains cannot be effectively obtained and integrated. To expand strain screening methods suitable for SynComs in food fermentation, this review summarizes the recent research trends in using SynComs to study community evolution or interaction and improve the quality of food fermentation, as well as the specific process of constructing synthetic communities. The potential for novel screening modalities based on genes, enzymes and metabolites in food microbial screening is discussed, along with the emphasis on strategies to optimize assembly for facilitating the development of synthetic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agglomeration and passivation restrict the using zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI). Enhancing the reactivity of nZVI is often accomplished by sulfurization. In this work, nZVI was sulfurized using SRB to produce biosulfurized nano zero-valent iron (BP–S-nZVI), which was then utilized as a catalyst to investigating its performance in an advanced oxidation process based on activated peroxomonosulfate (PMS). When the S/Fe was 0.05, 0.4 g/L of catalyst and 0.5 mM PMS were added to a 20 mg/L ciprofloxacin solution. In 120 min, a 90.4% clearance rate was reached. When the initial pH of the solution was within the range of 3–11, all exhibited acceptable degradation performance and were minimally affected by co-existing anions. In this activation system, hydroxyl, superoxide and sulfate radicals (•OH, O 2 •− and SO 4 •−, respectively) have been proven to be the main active species. Seven intermediates in the degradation process of CIP were identified by LC-MS analysis and two possible degradation pathways were proposed. In addition, the degradation rate of CIP was still able to reach 87.0% after five cycles, and the removal rate remained unchanged in the CIP solution with actual water samples as background. This study demonstrated that BP-S-nZVI as a catalyst for the activation of PMS for CIP degradation can still show good reactivity, which provides more possibilities for the practical application of BP-S-nZVI in the degradation of pollutants. [Display omitted] • Performance of BP-S-nZVI in an AOPs based on activated PMS. • The BP-S-nZVI/PMS system maintains high removal rates in the pH range of 3–11 and in the presence of coexisting anions. • Possible degradation mechanisms and pathways of CIP have been postulated. • BP-S-nZVI was still able to degrade CIP by 87% after five cycles. • BP-S-nZVI still shows good reactivity in real water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel ZnO@Co 3 O 4 /CsPbBr 3 hierarchical nanocage was prepared by self-assembly method. • The catalyst showed the enhanced CO 2 RR activity and high CH 4 selectivity (90.9 %). • Strong internal electric field accelerated charge transfer via O-Co-Br bond. • A dual S-scheme mechanism was revealed by in situ XPS and DFT calculation. The rational design of a step-scheme (S-scheme) heterojunction with strong internal electric field (IEF) and high redox capacity is a promising strategy for photocatalytic CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR). However, the precise process of charge transport on the multi-interfaces remains a great challenge. Herein, a dual S-scheme heterojunction constructed in the ZnO@Co 3 O 4 /CsPbBr 3 hierarchical nanocage was prepared for enhancing CO 2 RR activity. Without sacrificial agent and photosensitizer, the optimal photocatalyst exhibits a competitive CH 4 yield rate of 238.8 μmol g−1h−1 with high selectivity (90.9%), affording an apparent quantum efficiency of 4.6 % at 400 nm, outperforming most previously comparable photocatalysts. In situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (in situ XPS), photoelectrochemical measurement and theoretical calculation verifies the dual S-schematic charge-transport pathway. The remarkably improved performance in CO 2 RR is due to the rapid charge separation through O-Co-Br bridge driven by the strong internal electric field. This research furnishes a new insight to reveal dynamic charge transfer mechanism for CO 2 conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Zhengyan Shuixian had a characteristic woody aroma. • Waishan Shuixian is characterized by its sweet aroma and heavy acidity. • 2-Methylpyrazine is a characteristic metabolite of the woody aroma of Shuixian tea. • Fungi are more influential than bacteria on the metabolism of components in Shuixian. • Symbiotaphrina unique to Banyan Shuixian is related to the metabolism of α-farnesene. Shuixian is renowned for its "rock flavor". However, the variations in Shuixian flavor are unclear, as the discussion mainly considers regional factors and overlooks the role of microorganisms. Sensory evaluation of Shuixian from three different regions (Zhengyan, Banyan, and Waishan) revealed that each had unique flavor characteristics: a woody aroma with slight acidity, a strong floral and fruity aroma with good freshness, and a distinct sweet aroma and sourness. Metabolomic analyses have revealed that 2-methylpyrazine was a crucial component of the woody aroma, whereas other metabolites contributed to sweet aroma, freshness, and acidity. Moreover, examinations of the relationship between flavor metabolites and microorganisms revealed that fungi had a more pronounced influence on the metabolite content of Shuixian. The study evaluated the role of fermentation microorganisms in shaping the flavor based on Shuixian flavor analyses, contributing to further research into the "rock flavor", as well as potential microbial interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Logic gates, as one of the most important basic units in electronic integrated circuits (EICs), are also equally important in photonic integrated circuits (PICs). In this study, we proposed a non-volatile, ultra-compact all-photonics logic gate. The footprint is only 2 μm × 2 μm. We regulate the phase change of optical phase change materials(O-PCMs) Sb2Se3 to switch the function of the logic gate. The Sb2Se3 possess a unique non-volatile optical phase change function; therefore, when Sb2Se3 is in the crystalline or amorphous state, our device can work as XOR gate or AND gate, and our designed logic '1' and logic '0' contrasts reach 11.8 dB and 5.7 dB at 1550 nm, respectively. Compared with other traditional optical logic gates, our device simultaneously has non-volatile characteristics, tunability, and additionally an ultra-small size. These results could fully meet the needs of fusion between PICs and EICs, and developing truly chip-scale optoelectronic logic solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing dependence on lithium-ion batteries, there is an urgent need to understand the potential developmental toxicity of LiPF6, a key component of these batteries. Although lithium's toxicity is well-established, the biological toxicity of LiPF6 has been minimally explored. This study leverages the zebrafish model to investigate the developmental impact of LiPF6 exposure. We observed morphological abnormalities, reduced spontaneous movement, and decreased hatching and swim bladder inflation rates in zebrafish embryos, effects that intensified with higher LiPF6 concentrations. Whole-mount in situ hybridization demonstrated that the specific expression of the swim bladder outer mesothelium marker anxa5b was suppressed in the swim bladder region under LiPF6 exposure. Transcriptomic analysis disclosed an upregulation of apoptosis-related gene sets. Acridine orange staining further supported significant induction of apoptosis. These findings underscore the environmental and health risks of LiPF6 exposure and highlight the necessity for improved waste management strategies for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is a broadly applicable dimensionality reduction algorithm that decomposes a matrix of time-series data into a product of a matrix of exponentials, representing Fourier-like time dynamics, and a matrix of coefficients, representing spatial structures. This interpretable spatio-temporal decomposition is classically formulated as a nonlinear least squares problem and solved within the variable projection framework. When the data contains outliers, or other features that are not well represented by exponentials in time, the standard Frobenius norm misfit penalty creates significant biases in the recovered time dynamics. As a result, practitioners are left to clean such defects from the data manually or to use a black-box cleaning approach like robust principal component analysis (PCA). As an alternative, we propose a robust statistical framework for the optimization used to compute the DMD itself. We also develop variable projection algorithms for these new formulations, which allow for regularizers and constraints on the decomposition parameters. Finally, we develop a scalable version of the algorithm by combining the structure of the variable projection framework with the stochastic variance reduction (SVRG) paradigm. The approach is tested on a range of synthetic examples, and the methods are implemented in an open source software package RobustDMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invasive pest whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a complex species, of which Middle East‐Minor Asia 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) are the two most damaging members. Previous research showed that cabbage is frequently infested with MEAM1 but seldomly with MED, and this difference in performance is associated with glucosinolate (GS) content. Some insects can modify GS using glucosinolate sulfatase (SULF), the activity of which is regulated by sulfatase modifying factor 1 (SUMF1); therefore, to increase our understanding of different performances of MEAM1 and MED on cabbage plants, we identified and compared nine putative SULFs and one SUMF in MEAM1 and MED. We found that the lengths of two genes, BtSulf2 and BtSulf4, differed between MEAM1 and MED. The messenger RNA levels of BtSulf4 increased more than 20‐fold after MEAM1 and MED adults were exposed to GS, but BtSulf2 expression was only induced by GS in MEAM1. Knockdown of BtSulf2 and BtSulf4 in MEAM1 resulted in a substantial increase in the mortality of GS‐treated adults but not in MED. These results indicate that differences in BtSulf2 and BtSulf4 sequences and/or expression may explain why MEAM1 performs better than MED on cabbage. Our results provide a basis for future functional research on SULF and SUMF in B. tabaci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to improve the uterine receptivity and luteal function following timed artificial insemination (TAI) by using gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and to evaluate the effects of these treatments on pregnancy rates in dairy cows. In experiment I, dairy cows (n=141) were subjected to TAI protocol 50 days after calving. The cows were randomly divided into the control group (n=52), GnRH group (n=31, given 100 μg GnRH each) and hCG group (n=58, given 1500 IU hCG each) five days after TAI to study their effects on the blood progesterone levels and the pregnancy rates. In experiment II, bovine endometrial epithelial cells were cultured and treated with GnRH and hCG to study effects of these hormones on expression of specific genes including Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and Interleukin-1 (IL-1). The results showed that the injection of GnRH and hCG 5 days after AI significantly increased blood progesterone concentrations. However, differences in pregnancy rates between the cows of three groups (51.61, 53.45 & 36.54% in GnRH, hCG and control groups, respectively) were non-significant. PGF2a secreted by hCG-treated endometrial cells was significantly higher than that of the GnRH-treated cells and the control group, and the difference between the latter two groups was non-significant. GnRH and hCG treatment inhibited TLR-4 and NF-κB signaling pathways and promoted expression of LIF gene. In conclusion, the injection of GnRH and hCG 5 days after AI was beneficial to the function of the corpus luteum and uterine receptivity, although improvement in pregnancy rates was non-significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triethylammonium phosphate wastewater, resulting from the absorption of triethylamine (TEA) exhaust gas by phosphoric acid, poses challenges in environmental protection. In this study, a novel combined process of bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) and resin adsorption (RA) was proposed. Under the optimal conditions of 50 mA/cm2 and 5 cm/s, more than 96 % of the triethylammonium phosphate in real wastewater was converted into TEA and phosphoric acid during the BMED processes. Its current efficiency of 47 % and an energy consumption rate of 4.26 kWh/kg TEA. Furthermore, the low-concentration wastewater from BMED could be effectively treated through D001 resin at pH 2. Desorption of TEA loaded on D001 resin could be achieved using a 6 wt% phosphoric acid produced from the BMED process, and the concentrated desorption solution could be reprocessed through BMED process. The effluent of RA process could undergo chemical precipitation, thereby contained 18 mg/L COD, 0.43 mg/L TP and less than 3 mg/L TEA, meeting the first-class A standard of the Chinese "GB18918-2002 Discharge standard of pollutants for municipal wastewater treatment plant". This novel strategy offered an innovative and environmentally friendly method for recycling this type of wastewater within ecological industries. [Display omitted] • BMED coupled with resin adsorption is used to recycle TEA and H 3 PO 4 from wastewater. • Protonated TEA can migrate through cation membrane during BMED process. • D001 resin recovers TEA from low-concentration wastewater after BMED. • Recovery rates of TEA and phosphoric acid exceeded 99 % and 96 % respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we have designed and employed a suspended-wall silo to remove the Janssen effect in order to explore directly the local pressure dependence of granular orifice flow (GOF) systematically. We find that as the Janssen effect is removed, the flow rate Q changes linearly with the external pressure. The slope α of the linear change decays exponentially with the ratio of the silo size and the size of the orifice Φ/D, which suggests the existence of a characteristic ratio λ (∼2.4). When Φ/D > λ, α gradually decays to zero, and the effect of external pressure on the GOF becomes negligible, where the Beverloo law retrieves. Our results show that the Janssen effect is not a determining factor of the constant rate of GOF, although it may contribute to shield the top load. The key parameter in GOF is Φ/D. In small Φ/D, the flow rate of GOF can be directly adjusted by the external pressure via our suspended-wall setup, which may be useful to the transportation of granules in microgravity environment where the gravity-driven Beverloo law is disabled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to use luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone A3 (LRH-A3) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) to improve pregnancy rate of dairy cows during timed artificial insemination (TAI). In experiment 1, the TAI process (0 d, GnRH, 100 µg; 7 d, PGF2a, 0.4 mg; 56 hr, GnRH, 100 µg; 16 hr, AI) was applied to 160 dairy cows on 50th and 60th days after parturition respectively. In experiment 2, 320 postpartum dairy cows were treated with TAI (Group A), TAI + 25 µg LRH-A3 (Group B), TAI + 1,500 IU HCG 5 days after AI (Group C), and TAI + 25 µg LRH-A3 + 1,500 IU HCG 5 days after AI (Group D). In experiment 3, endometrial cells were treated with HCG. The results showed that TAI did not affect the pregnancy rate, while LRH-A3 and HCG increased the pregnancy rate of the cow. HCG of 5 IU/ml and 10 IU/ml increased the expressions of leukemia inhibitory factor but decreased those of interleukin-6, epidermal growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in endometrial cells. This study provided a plan for the use of LRH-A3 and HCG to increase pregnancy rate during TAI in dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which identified bacteriophages, bacterial species and fecal metabolites showing notable differences in abundance between major depressive disorder patients and healthy individuals. Gut bacteria and bacteriophage differences between MDD and HC subjects are described. Direct roles of the gut microbiome in modulating fecal amino acid metabolism by mapping the differential enzyme commission numbers to disturbed amino acid metabolism is explored.

In this paper, we propose a new customized proximal point algorithm for linearly constrained convex optimization problem, and further extend the proposed method to separable convex optimization problem. Unlike the existing customized proximal point algorithms, the proposed algorithms do not involve relaxation step, but still ensure the convergence. We obtain the particular iteration schemes and the unified variational inequality perspective. The global convergence and O (1 / k) -convergence rate of the proposed methods are investigated under some mild assumptions. Numerical experiments show that compared to some state-of-the-art methods, the proposed methods are effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Beltsville thawing solution (BTS), Androhep, and Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium + Fatal bovine serum (D-F) as diluents of frozen semen on sperm motility and sow reproductive performance. In experiment 1, boar semen was collected and diluted to 2.0 × 109/60 mL, 1.5 × 109/60 mL, and 1.5 × 109/40 mL with Androhep. The appropriate semen dose was determined by postcervical insemination. In experiment 2, boar semen was fumigated with liquid nitrogen and thawed semen was diluted to 1.5 × 109/40 mL with D-F, Androhep, and BTS, respectively. The effects of above diluents on sperm motility and sow reproductive performance were studied by postcervical insemination. The appropriate semen dose for postcervical insemination was 1.5 × 109/40 mL. After thawing of frozen semen, sperm motility of semen diluted with D-F was significantly higher than that of semen diluted with Androhep and BTS. There was no significant difference in pregnancy rates among sows via artificial insemination. The litter size of sows using D-F diluted semen was significantly higher than that of sows using Androhep and BTS diluted semen. In conclusion, D-F freezing diluent can improve sperm motility of frozen boar semen after thawing, prolong sperm survival time, and increase sow reproductive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although methotrexate (MTX) is commonly used for the treatment of choriocarcinoma, chemoresistance to MTX may occur in a considerable fraction of patients. Further understanding on the mechanisms of MTX resistance would help to develop more effective therapy for choriocarcinoma. Quantitative proteomic approach involving TMT labeling and LC-MS/MS was used to identify MTX resistance-related proteomic profiles in choriocarcinoma cell models. Pathway and process enrichment analysis were conducted to identify MTX resistance-related biological processes/molecular pathways. CCK-8 viability assay, clonogenic survival assay, and BrdU incorporation analysis were used to examine the chemosensitivity to MTX in choriocarcinoma cells. In total, 5704 protein groups were identified, among which 4997 proteins were quantified. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that multiple biological processes/molecular pathways might be associated with MTX resistance in JEG3/JEG3/MTX cell systems. DPP4 and METTL7A were selected for further investigation. Increased expression of DPP4 or METTL7A was observed in MTX-resistant cancer cell lines and choriocarcinoma tissues. Knockdown of DPP4 or METTL7A significantly decreased cell viability, impaired clonogenesis, and increased apoptosis after MTX treatment in JEG3/MTX and JAR/MTX cells; while over-expression of DPP4 or METTL7A promoted cell viability and reduced apoptosis following exposure to MTX in JEG3, JAR and BEWO cells. Further, DPP4 and METTL7A differentially activated prosurvival signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT, ERK1/2 and STAT3, and attenuated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in choriocarcinoma cell lines. DPP4 and METTL7A might promote MTX resistance through activating pro-survival signaling pathways and attenuating the accumulation of ROS in choriocarcinoma cells. Targeting DPP4 and METTL7A might be useful to sensitize choriocarcinoma cells to MTX-based chemotherapy. Unlabelled Image • DPP4 and METTL7A promoted MTX resistance in choriocarcinoma. • DPP4 and METTL7A differentially activated pro-survival signaling pathways. • DPP4 and METTL7A attenuated MTX-induced accumulation of ROS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sparse principal component analysis (SPCA) has emerged as a powerful technique for modern data analysis, providing improved interpretation of low-rank structures by identifying localized spatial structures in the data and disambiguating between distinct time scales. We demonstrate a robust and scalable SPCA algorithm by formulating it as a value-function optimization problem. This viewpoint leads to a flexible and computationally efficient algorithm. The approach can further leverage randomized methods from linear algebra to extend SPCA to the large-scale (big data) setting. Our proposed innovation also allows for a robust SPCA formulation which obtains meaningful sparse principal components in spite of grossly corrupted input data. The proposed algorithms are demonstrated using both synthetic and real world data, and show exceptional computational efficiency and diagnostic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Keratin is the primary constituent of the vertebrate epidermis and epidermal appendages, as well as the main waste product generated during poultry processing from feathers, hair, scales, nails, etc. Keratin is generally hard, stubborn and difficult to hydrolyze; however, it is also inexpensive and contains more than 85% protein. Currently, tens of millions of tons of keratin waste are produced each year worldwide; however, no effective methods for the recovery of keratin waste have been reported thus far, making such research urgent. Keratinase has been reported to be useful for keratin waste recovery; however, nearly all keratinases are unable to hydrolyze keratin after they are detached from living cell systems. This may be due to low keratinase activity and lack of synergistic factors. Results: Herein, the keratinase gene from Bacillus licheniformis BBE11-1 was successfully expressed in Bacillus subtilis WB600, allowing for improved activity of the recombinant keratinase KerZ1 to 45.14 KU/mL via promoter substitution and screening of the ribosome-binding sites. Further, real-time control of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and feed strategy allowed the activity of KerZ1 to reach 426.60 KU/mL in a 15-L fermenter, accounting for a 3552-fold increase compared to the wild-type keratinase (120.1 U/mL). Most importantly, we proposed a method based on the synergistic action of keratinase KerZ1 and sodium sulfite, to hydrolyze feathers into amino acids. In specific, 100 g/L of feather waste can be successfully converted into 56.6% amino acids within 12 h, while supporting the production of dozens of bioactive peptides. Conclusions: The activity of recombinant keratinase can be greatly enhanced via transcription and translational regulation in Bacillus subtilis. The synergistic action of keratinase and sulfite can rapidly degrade feather waste and produce amino acids and polypeptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High temperature sintering process for MSWI fly ash was evaluated. • Stack emission of PCDD/Fs and Mercury were well below the legal limit. • Mass distribution of PCDD/Fs and its Destruction Removal Efficiency were studied. • Partition characteristic of heavy metals was studied. • Heavy metal leaching property of sintered product and secondary fly ash were assessed. A recycling and disposal technology for municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) fly ash using high temperature sintering process was evaluated in an industrial scale facility with daily disposal capacity of 100 t/d. The emission, mass balance and distribution characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) as well as heavy metals (HMs) were assessed during two test runs. The PCDD/Fs emission from stack varied in range of 0.019 to 0.025 ng I-TEQ /Nm3, below international standards. The PCDD/Fs in the sintered product was reduced to 0.002–0.008 μg I-TEQ/kg from 2.593 to 2.704 μg I- TEQ/kg of the original MSWI fly ash (Mix-FA). However high concentration of 14.3 μg I-TEQ/kg were found in the secondary fly ash (Sec-FA). Therefore, a large share of PCDD/Fs just desorbed from the ash and the destruction efficiency (DRE) for PCDD/Fs was only 8.9%. The distribution characteristics of investigated HMs were primarily dependent on the evaporative properties. The results of HMs leaching test for the sintered product were considerably below the Chinese legal limits. The HMs leaching toxicity test for Sec-FA indicated which is a hazardous waste presented high risk to the environment. The use of the sintered product as construction material need further assessment on its long term HMs leaching behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • CsgA–Fe 3 O 4 can remove heavy metals from water at low concentrations. • CsgA–Fe 3 O 4 removed 98.73 %, 98.43 %, and 93.00 % of 1 mg/L Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+. • The adsorption rate remained above 80% after six repeated adsorptions. • The high removal rate (>90 %) of heavy metals in the simulated wastewater. Removal of heavy metals from water has been a hot topic. However, few studies have been conducted for the tricky low concentration range. Experimental designs often have heavy metal concentrations much higher than the actual environmental loading, which leads to poor practical results of adsorbent materials. This study showed that amyloid fiber CsgA-Fe 3 O 4 composites are ideal for the removal of heavy metals from water, especially at low concentrations. We constructed CsgA-Fe 3 O 4 composites by fusing short functional peptides that specifically bind to Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles. The CsgA-Fe 3 O 4 composites achieved 98.73 %, 98.43 %, and 93.00 % removal of 1 mg/L Cu2+, Cd2+, and Pb2+, respectively. Moreover, the adsorption rate remained above 80 % after six repeated adsorptions, indicating that CsgA-Fe 3 O 4 was highly reusable. Meanwhile, the high removal rate (>90 %) of heavy metals in the simulated wastewater demonstrated the excellent environmental stability of CsgA-Fe 3 O 4. Finally, by FT-IR and XPS characterization, we found that the adsorption mechanism of CsgA-Fe 3 O 4 is mainly the complexation of surface oxygen-containing functional groups and heavy metal ions. In general, the CsgA-Fe 3 O 4 composite is an efficient, inexpensive, and sustainable adsorption material for mitigating low concentrations of difficult-to-treat heavy metal pollution in water bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Different species within a multi-ecosystem can enhance their growth, nutrient absorption, and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Atractylodes lancea (A. lancea) and maize intercropping enhance A. lancea yield and secondary metabolite content.Few study have, however, exploration the rhizosphere interaction of A. lancea and maize intercropping.In this study, we conducted pot experiments, A. lancea monoculture (A), A. lancea and maize intercropping without a root barrier (AI), with an impermeable plastic root barrier (AP), or with a permeable nylon root barrier (AN). Soil samples were collection from A. lancea roots for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection to explore the relationship between VOCs and intercropping between A. lancea and maize.Intercropping resulting in increased rhizome yield and atractylon content in A. lancea. This can be attributed to changes in the composition of VOCs in the A. lancea roots. The rhizosphere of A. lancea altered VOCs composition after intercropping with maizie, and these altered VOCs were significantly positive correlations with atractylon content and A. lancea biomass. Notably, 2,6,10-trimethyltetradecane and ethyl isocholate were identified as shared VOCs in the rhizosphere of A. lancea and maize. These VOCs likely play a role in the increased biomass and atractylon content of A. lancea, serving as potential communication substances between A. lancea and maize.Our study provides evidence that identified from rhizosphere soil 2, 6, 10-trimethyltetradecane and ethyl isocholate is potential compounds that mediated rhizosphere interaction in A. lancea-maize intercropping. Our finding will help to further understanding the role of VOCs in ecosystems, and provide implications for studying the interaction in plant rhizosphere.Methods: Different species within a multi-ecosystem can enhance their growth, nutrient absorption, and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Atractylodes lancea (A. lancea) and maize intercropping enhance A. lancea yield and secondary metabolite content.Few study have, however, exploration the rhizosphere interaction of A. lancea and maize intercropping.In this study, we conducted pot experiments, A. lancea monoculture (A), A. lancea and maize intercropping without a root barrier (AI), with an impermeable plastic root barrier (AP), or with a permeable nylon root barrier (AN). Soil samples were collection from A. lancea roots for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection to explore the relationship between VOCs and intercropping between A. lancea and maize.Intercropping resulting in increased rhizome yield and atractylon content in A. lancea. This can be attributed to changes in the composition of VOCs in the A. lancea roots. The rhizosphere of A. lancea altered VOCs composition after intercropping with maizie, and these altered VOCs were significantly positive correlations with atractylon content and A. lancea biomass. Notably, 2,6,10-trimethyltetradecane and ethyl isocholate were identified as shared VOCs in the rhizosphere of A. lancea and maize. These VOCs likely play a role in the increased biomass and atractylon content of A. lancea, serving as potential communication substances between A. lancea and maize.Our study provides evidence that identified from rhizosphere soil 2, 6, 10-trimethyltetradecane and ethyl isocholate is potential compounds that mediated rhizosphere interaction in A. lancea-maize intercropping. Our finding will help to further understanding the role of VOCs in ecosystems, and provide implications for studying the interaction in plant rhizosphere.Results: Different species within a multi-ecosystem can enhance their growth, nutrient absorption, and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Atractylodes lancea (A. lancea) and maize intercropping enhance A. lancea yield and secondary metabolite content.Few study have, however, exploration the rhizosphere interaction of A. lancea and maize intercropping.In this study, we conducted pot experiments, A. lancea monoculture (A), A. lancea and maize intercropping without a root barrier (AI), with an impermeable plastic root barrier (AP), or with a permeable nylon root barrier (AN). Soil samples were collection from A. lancea roots for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection to explore the relationship between VOCs and intercropping between A. lancea and maize.Intercropping resulting in increased rhizome yield and atractylon content in A. lancea. This can be attributed to changes in the composition of VOCs in the A. lancea roots. The rhizosphere of A. lancea altered VOCs composition after intercropping with maizie, and these altered VOCs were significantly positive correlations with atractylon content and A. lancea biomass. Notably, 2,6,10-trimethyltetradecane and ethyl isocholate were identified as shared VOCs in the rhizosphere of A. lancea and maize. These VOCs likely play a role in the increased biomass and atractylon content of A. lancea, serving as potential communication substances between A. lancea and maize.Our study provides evidence that identified from rhizosphere soil 2, 6, 10-trimethyltetradecane and ethyl isocholate is potential compounds that mediated rhizosphere interaction in A. lancea-maize intercropping. Our finding will help to further understanding the role of VOCs in ecosystems, and provide implications for studying the interaction in plant rhizosphere.Conclusion: Different species within a multi-ecosystem can enhance their growth, nutrient absorption, and accumulation of secondary metabolites. Atractylodes lancea (A. lancea) and maize intercropping enhance A. lancea yield and secondary metabolite content.Few study have, however, exploration the rhizosphere interaction of A. lancea and maize intercropping.In this study, we conducted pot experiments, A. lancea monoculture (A), A. lancea and maize intercropping without a root barrier (AI), with an impermeable plastic root barrier (AP), or with a permeable nylon root barrier (AN). Soil samples were collection from A. lancea roots for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection to explore the relationship between VOCs and intercropping between A. lancea and maize.Intercropping resulting in increased rhizome yield and atractylon content in A. lancea. This can be attributed to changes in the composition of VOCs in the A. lancea roots. The rhizosphere of A. lancea altered VOCs composition after intercropping with maizie, and these altered VOCs were significantly positive correlations with atractylon content and A. lancea biomass. Notably, 2,6,10-trimethyltetradecane and ethyl isocholate were identified as shared VOCs in the rhizosphere of A. lancea and maize. These VOCs likely play a role in the increased biomass and atractylon content of A. lancea, serving as potential communication substances between A. lancea and maize.Our study provides evidence that identified from rhizosphere soil 2, 6, 10-trimethyltetradecane and ethyl isocholate is potential compounds that mediated rhizosphere interaction in A. lancea-maize intercropping. Our finding will help to further understanding the role of VOCs in ecosystems, and provide implications for studying the interaction in plant rhizosphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbocysteine (H 2 ccys) wastewater, which contains H 2 ccys, chloroacetic acid, and ammonium chloride, can pose significant risks to the environment. In this study, a novel strategy was proposed for treating H 2 ccys wastewater by bipolar membrane electrodialysis (BMED) to realize resource recovery. The migration and coexistence mechanism of organic/inorganic ions in wastewater were investigated in lab-scale experiments. The results indicated that the desirable migration of inorganic ions, such as NH 4 + and Cl− ions, in the feed compartment were dominant. The undesirable migration of organic molecules, such as ClCH 2 COOH and H 2 ccys, could be managed through precise control of the BMED reaction process. To optimize the energy efficiency and thermal effect occurred in the pilot-scale, a two-stage BMED process was designed for treating H 2 ccys wastewater. The results revealed that BMED produced 1.33–1.63 M of HCl and 2.62–2.88 M of NH 3 ·H 2 O, and removed 90 wt% of NH 4 Cl from H 2 ccys wastewater. Meanwhile, the thermal effect of the slot at the outermost acid compartment decreased from 3.32 W in the one-stage BMED process to 0.10 W in the two-stage BMED process during the pilot-scale tests. The current efficiency of the two-stage BMED process for the acid/base production and feed desalination in the pilot-scale tests increased and its energy consumption decreased compared with the lab-scale tests. Moreover, the BMED r r ecycling route showed that a closed loop can be realized in the treatment of H 2 ccys wastewater, and its economic assessment showed that applying BMED to the treatment of H 2 ccys wastewater have economic benefits. These findings illustrated the feasibility of this novel strategy for treating H 2 ccys wastewater and laid a solid foundation for its industrialization. [Display omitted] • H 2 ccys wastewater treated by BMED process was investigated from lab-to pilot-scale. • Migration and coexistence mechanism of the ions in H 2 ccys wastewater were identified. • Novel concept of the stack design that prioritizes thermal effects was initially applied. • In situ application route of BMED products was established on the basis of recycling concept. • Economy of utilizing BMED to treat H 2 ccys wastewater was assessed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, photothermal therapy (PTT) has been proved to have great potential in tumor therapy. In the last several years, MoS2, as one novel member of nanomaterials, has been applied into PTT due to its excellent photothermal conversion efficacy. In this work, we applied fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) techniques into monitoring the PPT-triggered cell death under MoS2 nanosheet treatment. Two types of MoS2 nanosheets (single layer nanosheets and few layer nanosheets) were obtained, both of which exhibited presentable photothermal conversion efficacy, leading to high cell death rates of 4T1 cells (mouse breast cancer cells) under PTT. Next, live cell images of 4T1 cells were obtained via directly labeling the mitochondria with Rodamine123, which were then continuously observed with FLIM technique. FLIM data showed that the fluorescence lifetimes of mitochondria targeting dye in cells treated with each type of MoS2 nanosheets significantly increased during PTT treatment. By contrast, the fluorescence lifetime of the same dye in control cells (without nanomaterials) remained constant after laser irradiation. These findings suggest that FLIM can be of great value in monitoring cell death process during PTT of cancer cells, which could provide dynamic data of the cellular microenvironment at single cell level in multiple biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the research conducted on Schizophrenia (SCZ) which is a devastating mental disorder poorly defined by underlying molecular mechanisms. It states that the gut microbiome can modulate brain function and behaviors through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Unmedicated and medicated patients with SCZ had a decreased microbiome diversity index and marked disturbances of gut microbial composition versus healthy controls (HCs).

Background: Menaquinone-4(MK-4), the isoform of vitamin K2 in the brain, exerts neuroprotective effects against a variety of central nervous system disorders. This study aimed to demonstrate the anti-ferroptosis effects of MK-4 in neurons after SAH. Methods: A subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) model was prepared by endovascular perforation in mice. In vitro hemoglobin stimulation of primary cortical neurons mimicked SAH. MK-4, Brequinar (BQR, DHODH inhibitor), and Selisistat (SEL, SIRT1 inhibitor) were administered, respectively. Subsequently, WB, immunofluorescence was used to determine protein expression and localization, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe neuronal mitochondrial structure while other indicators of ferroptosis were measured. Results: MK-4 treatment significantly upregulated the protein levels of DHODH; decreased GSH, PTGS2, NOX1, ROS, and restored mitochondrial membrane potential. Meanwhile, MK-4 upregulated the expression of SIRT1 and promoted its entry into the nucleus. BQR or SEL partially abolished the protective effect of MK-4 on, neurologic function, and ferroptosis. Conclusions: Taken together, our results suggest that MK-4 attenuates ferroptosis after SAH by upregulating DHODH through the activation of SIRT1. SAH: subarachnoid hemorrhage; ROS: reactive oxygen species; MK-4: menaquinone-4; DHODH: dihydroorotate dehydrogenase; SLC7A11: solute carrier family 7 member 11; GPX4: glutathione peroxidase-4; SIRT1: sirtuin 1; CoQ: Coenzyme Q; MDA: malondialdehyde; PLOOH: phospholipid hydroperoxides. [Display omitted] • Menaquinone-4 improves neurologic function and attenuates ferroptosis after SAH. • Menaquinone-4 attenuates ferroptosis after SAH by upregulating DHODH. • Activation of SIRT1 is a potential mechanism for Menaquinone-4 upregulation of DHODH. • Vitamin K2 levels in cerebrospinal fluid of SAH patients was significantly reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low serum cholinesterase (SCHE) activity has been associated with poor prognoses in a variety of conditions, including sepsis. However, such an association has not been well characterized since the Third International Consensus Definitions Task Force modified the definition of sepsis to “life-threatening organ dysfunction due to a dysregulated host response to infection” (known as sepsis-3) in 2016. In the current retrospective cohort study, we examined whether 30-day mortality in sepsis-3 patients is associated with SCHE activity. A total of 166 sepsis-3 patients receiving treatment at an emergency intensive care unit (EICU) were included. The 30-day death rate was 33.1% (55/166). SCHE activity upon EICU admission was lower in nonsurvivors (3.3 vs. 4.5 KU/L in survivors, p = 0.0002). Subjects with low SCHE activity (defined as <4 KU/L) had higher 30-day mortality rates than subjects with normal SCHE activity (45.5%, 40/88 vs. 19.2%, 15/78; p<0.001). A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed an association between 30-day mortality and lower SCHE activity after adjustments for relevant factors, such as acute multiple organ dysfunction. The odds ratio (OR) for every unit decrease in SCHE activity was 2.11 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.37–3.27; p = 0.0008). The area under the curve (AUC) of SCHE activity for predicting 30-day mortality was 0.67 (95% CI 0.59–0.74), and the AUC of lactate for predicting 30-day mortality was 0.64 (95% CI 0.57–0.70). Using a combination of SCHE and lactate, the AUC was 0.74 (95% CI 0.69–0.83). These data suggest that lower SCHE activity is an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality in sepsis-3 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemotherapy resistance is the major issue of choriocarcinoma. Apoptosis always is the ultimate outcome of chemotherapeutic drugs, which considered one of the reasons of resistance. We investigated the role of STAT3/NFIL3 signaling‐inhibited apoptosis in chemotherapy resistance and whether Raddeanin A (RA) could be a new drug to reverse resistance. Established three drug‐resistant cell lines as JEG‐3/MTX, JEG‐3/5‐FU, and JEG‐3/VP16. NFIL3 and STAT3 expression was evaluated in the cells. The IC50 value, apoptosis rate and apoptins were observed with transfection of siNFIL3, Lenti‐OE™‐NFIL3, shSTAT3, and Lenti‐OE™‐STAT3 or RA treatment. In addition, the luciferase reporter analysis and co‐immunoprecipitation assays were used to investigate the relation of STAT3 and NFIL3. Hyper‐activation of STAT3 and NFIL3 expression were observed in three drug‐resistant cell lines. STAT3 enhanced NFIL3 transcriptional activity by binding the relative promoter region. Activated STAT3/NFIL3 pathway caused low rate of apoptosis which resulted in chemotherapy resistance. RA reduced the resistance index of resistant cells and induced caspase 3 dependent apoptosis, meanwhile it repressed the STAT3/NFIL3 activation. STAT3/NFIL3 axis‐inhibited apoptosis is a novel mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in choriocarcinoma. With the suppression of STAT3/NFIL3 axis and apoptosis induction, RA is a potential agent or lead candidate for improving chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel Cr-doped Al 2 O 3 -SiC-ZrC coating systemis proposed to further improve the ablation resistance of C/C-ZrC-SiC composites. Our approach combines low pressure plasma spray method with slurry impregnation of Zr-Cr-Si-C to achieve a specially tailored oxide-carbide structure. Results show that the as-prepared coating was dense and crack-free, which effectively promoted the ablation resistance of C/C-ZrC-SiC with the mass and linear ablation rates decreased by 66% and 76% respectively, involving a highly dense protective structure of A1 x Cr 2-x O 3 -SiO 2 -ZrO 2 formed during ablation. The compact and continuous multi-oxide scale with “ZrO 2 -rosette” skeleton intricated with A1 1.96 Cr 0.04 O 3 was evidenced in the ablation center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A disposal method for fly ash from a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI-FA) that involved a water washing pretreatment and co-processing in a cement kiln was tested. The mass flows of toxic heavy metals (HMs), including volatile HM (Hg), semi-volatile HMs (Pb, Cd, Tl, and As), and low-volatility HMs, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/Fs) in the input, intermediate, and output materials were characterized. The flue gas Hg concentrations from tests 0, 1, and 2, fed with 0, 3.1, and 1.7 t/h of dried-washed FA (DWFA), were 28.60, 61.95, and 35.40 μg N m −3 , respectively. Co-processing of DWFA did not significantly affect the metal concentration in clinker as most of the major input metals, with the exception of Cd, Pb, and Sb (which came from DWFA), were from raw materials and coal. Co-processing of DWFA did not influence on the release of PCDD/Fs; baseline and co-processing values ranged from 0.022 to 0.039 ng-TEQ/N m 3 , and from 0.01 to 0.031 ng-TEQ/N m 3 , respectively. The total destruction efficiency for PCDD/Fs in MSWI fly was 82.6%. This technology seems to be an environmentally sound option for the disposal of MSWI-FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We carry out first-principles calculations based on density functional theory and non-equilibrium Green's function to investigate the electronic transport properties of a diarylethene-based molecule sandwiched between two Au electrodes. This molecular switch can be reversed between open and close forms by using light stimulation. We analyze the switch behavior of these two forms through the current-voltage curves, transmission spectra and molecular projected self-consistent Hamiltonian. It has been found that the current of the close form is significantly larger than the open form, and there is a large and stable switch ratio in a wide bias window. This result indicates that this molecule can become one of the good candidates for optical molecular switch in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Adenomyosis is a benign gynecological disease, characterized by the malignant biological behaviors of invasion and metastasis. ILK plays an important role in intercellular adhesion and triggers the process of EMT. In this study, we investigated the role of ILK-induced EMT in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis. Methods ILK and EMT markers including E-cadherin, N-cadherin and Vimentin have been detected with Immunohistochemistry(IHC), RT-PCR and Western Blot, in normal endometrium, matched eutopic and ectopic endometrium respectively. Primary endometrial cells were isolated in order to observed the morphology features, as well as the change of invasiveness. Results Hyper-activation of ILK were detected in the adenomyosis lesions, along with the typical aberrant expression of EMT markers. Furthermore, comparing with ESCs, the EuSCs showed a more invasive and dynamic phenotype. Conclusions ILK-induced EMT is a novel mechanism in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis and may be a potential therapeutic agent for adenomyosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]