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Objective: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving both upper and lower motor neurons. The motor phenotypes of ALS are highly clinically heterogeneous, and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Methods: A comparative proteomic analysis was performed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of bulbar‐onset (BO) and spinal‐onset (SO) ALS patients and controls (n = 14). Five biomarker candidates were selected from a differentially regulated protein pool, and further validation was performed in a larger independent cohort (n = 92) using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: A total of 1732 CSF proteins were identified, and 78 differentially expressed proteins were found among BO‐ALS patients, SO‐ALS patients, and controls. Five promising biomarker candidates were selected for further validation, and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) and HLA class II histocompatibility antigen, DR alpha chain (HLA‐DRA) were validated. CSF LBP levels were increased in ALS patients compared with controls and higher in BO‐ALS versus SO‐ALS. The increased CSF LBP levels were correlated with the revised ALS Functional Scale (ALSFRS‐R) score. CSF HLA‐DRA levels were specifically elevated in BO‐ALS patients, and there was no significant difference between SO‐ALS patients and controls. Increased HLA‐DRA expression was correlated with decreased survival. Interpretation: Our data shows that elevated CSF LBP is a good biomarker for ALS and correlates with clinical severity, and increased HLA‐DRA is a specific biomarker for BO‐ALS and may predict short survival. It also suggests that the microglial pathway and HLA‐II‐related adaptive immunity may be differentially involved in ALS phenotypes and may be new therapeutic targets for ALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline. It can be divided into familial AD (FAD) and sporadic AD (SAD) based on the family history. Recently dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis has been implicated in the development of late-onset AD. ATP-binding cassette transporter A7 ( ABCA7 ) gene, regulating the transport of cholesterol, has been recently identified as a susceptible gene of AD by several large genome-wide association studies. To test the genetic effect of ABCA7 rs3764650 on blood lipid levels in Southern Chinese Han population and investigate the risk factors of SAD, a total of 118 SAD patients and 120 healthy matched controls were recruited and the genotyping in ABCA7 rs3764650 was conducted on the Sequenom MassARRAY iPLEX platform. Meanwhile, the levels of fasting lipid profile and mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores were tested. There was significant difference in genotype distribution between SAD patients and controls ( p = 0.001). While the difference of ABCA7 rs3764650 allele distribution between SAD patients and controls was only significant in APOEε4 -noncarriers ( p = 0.039). The association between blood lipid levels and ABCA7 rs3764650 genotypes was influenced by APOEε4 status. In APOEε4 -noncarriers of SAD, the total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in GG genotype group were significantly lower than those in GT and TT genotype groups (all p < 0.05). Whereas no significant difference of blood lipid levels was found among three genotypes in APOEε4 -carriers of SAD and controls. Additionally, logistic regression analysis showed that lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels ( p = 0.015, OR = 5.669) and GG genotype ( p = 0.013, OR = 8.318) were positively associated with SAD. Our results suggest that GG genotype of ABCA7 rs3764650 was a risk factor of SAD in Southern Chinese Han population as well as lipid homeostasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Efficient biocoagulants/bioflocculants are desired for removal of Microcystis aeruginosa , the dominant harmful bloom-forming cyanobacterium. Herein, we reported cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (CHEC) inactivated M. aeruginosa cells after forming coagulates and floating-flocculated them with aid of Agrobacterium mucopolysaccharides (AMP) and surfactant. CHEC exhibited cyanocidal activity at 20 mg/L, coagulating 85% of M. aeruginosa biomass within 9 h and decreasing 41% of chlorophyll a after 72 h. AMP acted as an adhesive flocculation aid that accelerated and strengthened the formation of flocs, approaching a maximum in 10 min. Flocs of M. aeruginosa were floated after foaming with cocoamidopropyl betaine (CAB), which facilitated the subsequent filter harvest. 82% of M. aeruginosa biomass was suspended on water surface after treated with the coagulation/flocculation-flotation (CFF) agents containing CHEC (25 mg/L), AMP (177 mg/L) and CAB (0.1 mg/L). All components in CFF agents at the applied concentrations did not inhibit acetylcholinesterase or Vibrio fischeri. Our findings provide new insights in developing bio-based materials for sustainable control of cyanobacterial blooms. [Display omitted] • Harmful bloom-forming M. aerugino sa was inactivated by cationic hydroxyethyl cellulose (CHEC). • Agrobacterium mucopolysaccharides (AMP) accelerated coagulation/flocculation of M. aerugino sa by CHEC. • CHEC, AMP and surfactant floating-flocculated M. aeruginosa , facilitating its harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids have been widely studied as effective reaction media for the conversion of glucose or cellulose to 5-hydroxymethhylfurfural (5-HMF). However, the recovery of 5-HMF from ionic liquids, typically carried out by extraction, has been encountered with very low extraction efficiency, which limited the reusability of the solvents. Through this work, based on the model biphasic system that consists of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) as the ionic liquid phase and methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) as the extractant phase, the dominant force that suppresses the extraction efficiency of 5-HMF was identified as being the strong hydrogen bonding between 5-HMF and [BMIM]Cl. Solvent mediation with functional promoters have been established as a new strategy to shift this force, resulting in improved extraction efficiency of 5-HMF from the ionic liquid. For example, with ethanol as a promoter, the distribution coefficient of 5-HMF was about 10 times higher than that without a promoter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing the glucose loading in the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIM]Cl) ionic liquid containing a dissolved CrCl3 catalyst system led to excessive formation of humins and a serious decrease in the 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) yield. A biphasic system containing glycol dimethyl ether (GDE) as the extraction phase, and [BMIM]Cl/CrCl3/glucose in combination with a partitioned amount of GDE and an appropriate amount of water as the reaction phase was found to be highly efficient for the reaction; CrCl3 catalyzed the formation of 5-HMF in 64.5 mol% yield from a very high glucose concentration (80 wt% with respect to the ionic liquid) at 108 °C. This 5-HMF yield in the [BMIM]Cl–GDE–H2O ternary biphasic system nearly doubled that obtained in the single [BMIM]Cl/CrCl3/glucose reaction phase. Importantly, the GDE phase contained about 56% of the generated 5-HMF without detectable contamination by the ionic liquid or carbohydrates. GDE served multiple functions: as a hydrogen-bond acceptor, it exhibited excellent extraction performance for 5-HMF; due to its low boiling point and suitable solubility saturation point in the ionic liquid, a sustained GDE bubbling phenomenon in the ionic liquid phase was observed that promoted the rate of inter-phase mass-transfer of 5-HMF in reactions; and GDE mediated the [BMIM]Cl phase to a reduced viscosity. In addition, an appropriate amount of water in the ternary system promoted the extraction efficiency of 5-HMF and also lowered the viscosity of [BMIM]Cl/glucose. The ionic liquid–organics–water ternary biphasic system has been demonstrated for high 5-HMF productivity and separation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of γ-Al2O3 supported silver catalysts (Ag/Al2O3) prepared with various Ag loadings and calcination temperatures were used to convert glycerol to 1,2-propanediol. A catalyst with 2 mmol Ag per gram Al2O3 and calcined at 400–500 °C presented the highest activity (glycerol conversion 46 mol%) and selectivity (96 mol%) at 220 °C, glycerol/Ag (molar ratio) = 100/2, 1.5 MPa initial H2 pressure and 10 h. Optimal prereduction, elevated reaction temperature and hydrogen pressure promote the activity, but the selectivity deteriorates at higher reaction temperatures. Excessive water is detrimental to the performance. Catalyst deactivation was observed, mainly due to Ag sintering under reducing environment. The spent catalyst could be calcined to fully recover the activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supported Cu-containing bimetallic catalysts were prepared and used to convert glycerol to propanediols. The effects of supports, metals, metal loadings, and impregnation sequences were examined. A synergistic effect was observed between Cu and Ag when they were impregnated on γ-Al2O3. Characterizations revealed that the addition of Ag not only resulted in an in situreduction of CuO, but also improved the dispersion of the Cu species on the support. A CuAg/Al2O3catalyst with optimal amounts of Cu and Ag (Cu/Ag molar ratio 7 : 3, 2.7 mmol Cu+Ag per gram of γ-Al2O3) showed a near 100% selectivity to propanediols with a glycerol conversion of about 27% under mild reaction conditions (200 °C, 1.5 MPa initial H2pressure, 10 h, (Cu+Ag)/glycerol molar ratio of 3/100). Compared with a commercial copper chromite catalyst commonly used for this reaction, the CuAg/Al2O3catalyst had much higher activity and did not need a reduction pretreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Our previous work showed that for catalytic alkylation of m-cresol with tert-butanol (TBA) SO3H-functionalized ionic liquids exhibited several characteristic advantages over conventional catalysts. This work investigated the reaction mechanism of the alkylation of m-cresol with tert-butanol catalyzed by the SO3H-functionalized ionic liquid (IL) through quantum chemical calculation in combination with the experimental studies. The experimental results showed that 2-tert-butyl-5-methyl phenol (2-TBC), 4-tert-butyl-3-methyl phenol (4-TBC) and tert-butyl-m-cresol ether (TBMCE) products were all primary products, while 2,6-di-tert-butyl-3-methyl phenol (2,6-DTBC) was a secondary product. The calculation results indicated that the selectivities of the products depended on the fundamental natures of the reactive sites, including the orbital overlap, the Coulomb and the steric effect in the interaction between the tert-butyl ion ([t-C4H9]+) and the m-cresol; the TBMCE was dynamically favored but not thermodynamically stable, while the C-alkylated products, especially 2-TBC, were the thermodynamically preferred products; the IL played an important role in generating the [t-C4H9]+ from the TBA and the final products from the intermediates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Supported Cu catalysts were synthesized and applied to convert glycerol, a renewable feedstock, to value-added propanediols. Among these catalysts, the γ-Al2O3 supported Cu catalysts showed superior performance. Unlike most supported precious metal catalysts, the scission of C–C bonds was successfully suppressed on the Cu/Al2O3 catalysts without a sacrifice of glycerol conversion. The experimental results combined with the characterization studies using temperature programmed reduction (TPD) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques revealed that the optimal Cu loading was 2.7mmol of Cu metal/g of γ-Al2O3 and that the suitable pre-reduction temperature was 300°C. The Cu/Al2O3 catalyst with the optimized amount of Cu showed a selectivity to propanediols about 96.8% with a glycerol conversion about 49.6% under mild reaction conditions (220°C, 1.5MPa initial H2 pressure, 10h, Cu/glycerol molar ratio 3:100). Compared with a commonly used commercial copper chromite catalyst, the Cu/Al2O3 presented much higher activity, selectivity and Cu usage efficiency and is non-toxic. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background: Schistosoma japonicum is the most widespread schistosoma in the world. Although gastrointestinal system involvement with S japonicum appears to be considerably common, cerebral schistosomiasis is not frequent. Cerebral schistosomiasis japonica intestinal and hepatosplenic involvement is more rare. We collected 2 cases of cerebral schistosomiasis identified by pathological diagnosis, lacking extracranial involvement. In addition, one of them had multiple lesions, which was also rare. Case Description: Two male patients came from Dongting Lake region, Hunan province, one of the oldest and most severe endemic areas of China. Their clinical symptoms varied, such as headache, dizziness, seizures, and others. Studies in blood were normal except for eosinophilia. Computed tomography of brains showed hyperdense areas, and MRI showed isointense signal on T1-weighted images, hyperintense signal on T2-weighted images, and heterogeneous enhancement. The definitive diagnosis was cerebral schistosomiasis japonium by biopsy. Standard use of praziquantel and corticosteroid drugs was applied, and the prognosis was good. Conclusion: Cerebral schistosomiasis japonica without intestinal and hepatosplenic involvement is exactly rare and easily ignored. The diagnosis sometimes is difficult. Laboratory and imaging examinations are helpful but not specific. Although operation can give the definitive diagnosis, it is not imperative. The administration of praziquantel and corticosteroid drugs in early stages is good for prognosis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The fundamental natures of the interaction between thiophene and ionic liquids of 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM]+[PF6]−) and 1-n-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM]+[BF4]−) were investigated using ab initio calculations and correlated with previous experimental results. The optimized structures show that the anions of the ionic liquids are situated outside the ring plane of the thiophene, with the fluorine atoms interacting with the hydrogen atoms of the thiophene, and the cation of the ionic liquids approaches the thiophene with its positively charged atoms approaching the negatively charged atoms of TS. It is concluded that thiophene molecules interact with the ionic liquids mainly via Coulombian attraction. Further analysis explained the results obtained from an absorption experiment that the molar ratios of the absorbed thiophene to the ionic liquids were approximately 3.5/1 and 2.4/1 for [BMIM]+[PF6]− and [BMIM]+[BF4]−, respectively. The strong electron donation of the phosphorus atom to the fluorine atoms in the PF6 − cluster is believed to be the major factor resulting in the higher molar ratio of thiophene/[BMIM]+[PF6]−. The other factor is the difference of the compactness between the cation and the anion in the two ionic liquids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Paroxysmal kinesigenic dyskinesia (PKD) is a rare neurologic inherited disease with heterogeneity. Autosomal dominant (AD) is the common inherited mode. There have been two loci mapped to 16 chromosome for PKD. However, no gene responsible for it has been identified so far. We collected 6 pedigrees from Chinese mainland. There were 122 members in all, including 26 affected. According to New diagnostic criteria of Bruno, they were diagnosed as pure PKD. From the clinic data, we found that the onset age was earlier and the severity was increasing in the subsequent generations in 4 pedigrees of them, which suggested genetic anticipation. Linkage analysis was applied in 2 of these pedigrees. The maximum LOD score and NPL score were negative. The followed haplotypes analysis excluded the PKD locus in both families from chromosome 16, providing evidence for a novel locus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cu-based catalysts featured with high activity at low temperatures and suppressed CO generation are expected to attract significant attention in the methanol steam reforming (MSR) reaction for on-board hydrogen production for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Herein, we demonstrate that Ag incorporation into a CuO/ZnO/Al 2 O 3 catalyst leads to enhanced hydrogen production activity and suppressed CO selectivity in MSR reactions at low temperatures (200–220 °C). The characterization results revealed that incorporation of a small amount of Ag in the catalyst not only improves the dispersion of the polymetallic components and diversifies the Cu species, but also lowers Cu reduction temperature and brings more oxygen vacancies, thereby leading to improved catalytic performance. The preparation conditions, structure-activity relationship, and stability of the Ag-promoted catalyst were investigated in detail based on time-on-steam tests and characterizations. This finding paves a new possible way for the optimization of the Cu-based catalysts for MSR. [Display omitted] • The CuZnAgAl catalyst with Ag promotion was developed for MSR at ∼220 °C. • Ag addition leads to enhanced H 2 production activity and suppressed CO selectivity. • Ag improves the dispersion of polymetallic components and diversifies the Cu species. • Ag lowers Cu reduction temperature and brings more oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is associated with the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, its role is not fully understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between ALS and the extracellular domain of p75NTR(p75ECD) in urine. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search using keywords in the PubMed, Embase, Science, and the Cochrane Library, and identified five case control studies, with the latest date of search being 18 April 2021. Results: The results showed that urinary p75ECD levels were significantly higher in patients with ALS compared to non-neurological control (weighted mean difference (WMD) = 4.18, 95% CI [2.525, 6.990], p < 0.001), and other neurological diseases (WMD = 6.005, 95% CI [1.596, 10.414], p = 0.008). Increased urinary p75ECD levels were inversely associated with ALSFRS-R in ALS patients (r = −0.32, 95% CI [−0.43, −0.21], p < 0.001). Conclusions: Given the associations between p75ECD and ALS found in this meta-analysis, urinary p75ECD levels have potential to be used as a diagnostic biomarker and a progression indicator in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogenation of biomass-derived levulinic acid (LA) could produce a high value-added compound, gamma-valerolactone (GVL). However, metal leaching is a major issue in the efficient production of GVL from LA due to the acidity of LA. Some endeavors have tended to focus on the external factors of the catalysts for preventing metal leaching, such as reaction at high temperature and H2 pressure or the esterification of LA with alcohols. Focusing on the catalyst itself, in this work, metal leaching was overcome by the selection of suitable catalyst compositions and preparation methods. The CuAgZrGO catalyst was synthesized by regulating the pH of the precipitation system to achieve a one-pot layered assembly of Zr4+, Cu2+, and Ag+ components on the graphene oxide (GO) surface at the atomic level. The catalyst without reduction pretreatment resulted in the complete conversion of LA and achieved approximately 100% yield of GVL, and metal leaching in the LA aqueous phase could be substantially prevented. Under mild reaction conditions, the catalyst exhibited good stability after four times of recycling in the aqueous phase. The positive-titration co-precipitation method controls the Ag more scattered on the surface of Cu and Zr precipitates, which makes CuAgZrGO a metal-leaching-resistant catalyst for aqueous-phase hydrogenation of LA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Sleep is predicted as a key modulator of cognition, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of melatonin on chronic rapid eye movement sleep deprivation (CRSD)‐induced cognitive impairment and circadian dysfunction in rat models. Methods: Thirty‐six Sprague‐Dawley male rats were divided into three groups: CRSD with saline treatment, CRSD with chronic melatonin injection (20 mg/kg/day), and non‐sleep‐deprived control. The cognitive behavioral tests as well as the expression of clocks and HDAC3 were evaluated in all groups. Results: CRSD significantly reduced recognition index in novel object location, increased escape latency and distance traveling in Morris water maze while melatonin treatment attenuated CRSD‐induced hippocampal‐dependent spatial learning and memory deficits. Furthermore, the mRNAs of brain and muscle aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator‐like 1(Bmal1) and circadian locomotor output cycles kaput (Clock) were globally down‐regulated by CRSD with constant intrinsic oscillation in both hippocampus and peripheral blood. The protein levels of hippocampal Bmal1, Clock, and HDAC3 were also remarkably down‐regulated following CRSD. Melatonin treatment reversed CRSD‐induced alterations of Bmal1/Clock and HDAC3 on both mRNA levels and protein levels. Conclusions: Our data indicate that melatonin treatment attenuates CRSD‐induced cognitive impairment via regulating HDAC3‐Bmal1/Clock interaction. These findings explore a broader understanding of the relationship between sleep and cognition and provide a potential new therapeutic target for cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the reaction mechanism for the conversion of CO2 and H2 to methanol has been researched by density functional theory (DFT). The production of methanol from CO2 and H2 is catalyzed by a univocal bifunctional pincer-type complex trans-RuH2(CO)(dpa) (dpa = bis-(2-diphenylphosphinoethyl)amine). The reaction mechanism includes three continuous catalytic processes: (1) CO2 is converted to formic acid; (2) formic acid is converted to formaldehyde and water; (3) formaldehyde is converted to methanol. By computing the catalytic processes, we have shown that the rate-limiting step in the whole process is the direct cleavage of H2. The calculated largest free energy barrier is 21.6 kcal/mol. However, with the help of water, the free energy barrier can be lowered to 12.7 kcal/mol, which suggests viability of trans-RuH2(CO)(dpa) as a catalyst for the direct conversion of CO2 and H2 to methanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Review: 116 refs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, cobalt-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) catalyst was synthesized with a practical impregnation–calcination approach for the selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of guaiacol to cyclohexanol. The synthesized Co/rGO was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-angle annular dark-field scanning TEM (HAADF-STEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and H2 temperature-programmed reduction (H2-TPR) analysis. According to the comprehensive characterization results, the catalyst contains single Co atoms in the graphene matrix and Co oxide nanoparticles (CoOx) on the graphene surface. The isolated Co atoms embedded in the rGO matrix form stable metal carbides (CoCx), which constitute catalytically active sites for hydrogenation. The rGO material with proper amounts of N heteroatoms and lattice defects becomes a suitable graphene material for fabricating the catalyst. The Co/rGO catalyst without prereduction treatment leads to the complete conversion of guaiacol with 93.2% selectivity to cyclohexanol under mild conditions. The remarkable HDO capability of the Co/rGO catalyst is attributed to the unique metal–acid synergy between the CoCx sites and the acid sites of the CoOx nanoparticles. The CoCx sites provide H while the acid sites of CoOx nanoparticles bind the C-O group of reactants to the surface, allowing easier C-O scission. The reaction pathways were characterized based on the observed reaction–product distributions. The effects of the process parameters on catalyst preparation and the HDO reaction, as well as the reusability of the catalyst, were systematically investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of antibiotic overuse, bacterial antibiotic resistance has become a severe threat to worldwide public health. The development of more effective antimicrobial therapies and alternative antibiotic strategies is urgently required. The role played by bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs) in antibiotic resistance has become a current focus of research. BMVs are nanoparticles derived from the membrane components of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and contain diverse components originating from the cell envelope and cytoplasm. Antibiotic stress stimulates the secretion of BMVs. BMVs promote and mediate antibiotic resistance by multiple mechanisms. BMVs have been investigated as conceptually new antibiotics and drug-delivery vehicles. In this article, we outline the research related to BMVs and antibiotic resistance as a reference for the intentional use of BMVs to combat antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Keywords: actinomycosis israelii; CNS actinomycosis; microbiological next-generation sequencing; moyamoya syndrome EN actinomycosis israelii CNS actinomycosis microbiological next-generation sequencing moyamoya syndrome 1139 1142 4 06/06/22 20220701 NES 220701 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We are grateful to staff at Hugo biotech Co., Ltd., (Beijing, China) for sequencing. Central nervous system (CNS) actinomycosis is a rare infectious disease associated with several types of lesions, including abscesses, meningitis/meningoencephalitis, and actinomycetoma.1 Here, we report a case of moyamoya syndrome caused by CNS actinomycosis in a woman who had just undergone a cesarean section a month ago and was probably immunocompromised. [Extracted from the article]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vestibular disruption on autophagy-related proteins and the tumour-associated pathway P13K/Akt in rat sleep and its hypothalamus tissue and to examine whether catechins trigger tumour autophagy. Healthy adult male rats were randomly selected and divided into the vestibular damage group, the sham operation group, and the control group, with 8 rats in each group. A vestibular damage model was established through penetrating the tympanic membrane of the external auditory canal by injecting sodium p-aminophenylarsonate. The electroencephalogram (EGG) activity was used to record the sleep-wakefulness cycle of rats, and the expression levels of hypothalamic orexin (orexin) mRNA and autophagy proteins were detected. Primary hippocampal neurons were intervened with orexin at different concentrations and at different times to detect cell viability and the expression of autophagy protein and P13K/Akt signal pathway protein. The results showed that compared with the control group and the sham operation group, NREM duration in the vestibular damage group decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while its W time increased significantly (P < 0.05). The expression level of orexin mRNA in the hypothalamus of the vestibular damage group was significantly higher than that of the other two groups (P < 0.05), the expression of autophagy microtubule-related proteins LC3B and Beclin-1 increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the protein expression level of p62 decreased significantly (P < 0.05). After orexin intervention, compared with the control group, the expression of Beclin-1 protein that positively correlated with autophagy decreased significantly (P < 0.05) and the expression of mTOR, PDK1, and Akt protein increased significantly (P < 0.05). Compared with the orexin intervention group, the expression of Beclin-1 and LC3B proteins in cells of the orexin receptor inhibitor (Almorexant) group, the autophagy activator (Rapamycin) group, the orexin + Almorexant group, and the orexin + Rapamycin group increased significantly (P < 0.05), and the expression of mTOR, PDK1, and Akt proteins decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Catechins trigger autophagy in part by regulating the p-Akt/p-mTOR and P13K pathways and by stimulating the MAPK pathway. Catechins initiate apoptosis in common tumour types of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by activating autophagy-related pathways. The conclusion is that vestibular damage can affect the sleep-wakefulness cycle of rats; the level of autophagy in hypothalamic tissue is upregulated and may affect cell proliferation and activity through mTOR-P13K/Akt, which has a certain reference value for tumor formation and provides a basis for the research of insomnia or sleep disorders caused by tumors. Autophagy activation is a key process by which catechins promote apoptosis in tumour cells, providing an avenue for more research on the use of catechins-rich diets for cardiovascular protection in the treatment of tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of highly effective catalysts for selective hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of syringol, a model compound of lignin, to cyclohexanol (CYHAOL) is a challenge due to the intricate molecular structure of syringol. Herein, we have synthesized an in–situ activated cobalt–silver bimetallic catalyst, CoAg/SiO 2 , through a simple incipient–wetness impregnation method. The catalyst without pre–reduction treatment attained a complete conversion with 93.8 mol% CYHAOL selectivity under moderate reaction conditions. Characterizations including HRTEM, XPS, XRD, NH 3 –TPD, and H 2 –TPR unanimously revealed the structure–activity relationship of the catalyst. In the reaction system, Ag promoted the in–situ reduction of Co 3 O 4 to form a polycrystalline–structure complex (CoO x) containing oxygen vacancies. Ag also combines with Co to construct strong acid sites. The synergy of CoO x , oxygen vacancies, Ag, and acid sites demonstrates a high–efficiency HDO of syringol to CYHAOL. CoAg/SiO 2 exonerates the pre–reduction treatment, simplifying the preparation and maintenance process and preventing severe sintering of the metals. [Display omitted] • An in–situ activated CoAg/SiO 2 catalyst has been synthesized through a simple incipient–wetness impregnation method. • CoAg/SiO 2 without pre–reduction treatment attained excellent performance in HDO of syringol to cyclohexanol. • Ag promotes Co 3 O 4 in–situ reduction to CoO x polycrystalline with oxygen vacancies in the reaction system. • Ag also combines with Co to construct strong acid sites. • The synergy of CoO x , oxygen vacancies, Ag, and acid sites demonstrates the efficient catalytic function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new equilibrium autoclave has been designed for determining the solubility of a solid solute and its melting point in supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) with static method inexpensively but accurately. The solubility of levonorgestrel in ScCO2 was measured in this vessel at temperatures ranging from 313 to 323 K and pressures ranging from 10 to 18 MPa. The solubility of levonorgestrel was determined to rise with the increase of pressure at a constant temperature. The crossover point occurred between 14 and 15 MPa. Experimental data were correlated by three semiempirical models (Chrastil, Bartle, and Mendez-Santiago–Teja models). All models achieve excellent correlations to the solubility data with an average absolute relative deviation (AARD (%)) ranging from 7.92 to 9.51%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The etherification of glycerol with isobutene to synthesize di-tert-butyl glycerol ethers (DTBG) and tri-tert-butyl glycerol ether (TTBG) was studied on acid-treated HY zeolites. Compared to the parent commercial HY, both activity and selectivities to the desired ethers were doubled after optimal acid treatments. At 70°C with 1wt% catalyst loading, the glycerol conversion and the selectivities to DTBG and TTBG after 7h were 85% and 58%, respectively on a citric acid washed HY. The catalyst showed higher selectivity than an acidic resin (SAC-13) and was reusable. Similar performance was also achieved using nitric acid solutions. Although the acid wash resulted in fewer acid sites due to dealumination, the zeolite crystalinity was retained. Besides increased acid strength, enlarged surface area and pore volume from the generation of mesopores were observed, which were likely to be the key factors for the improved catalytic performance by facilitating mass transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A commercial Beta-type zeolite was studied for upgrading unsaturated fatty acids, a renewable feedstock. Catalyst calcination and additive addition were investigated aiming to improve the catalytic activity for the skeletal isomerization of oleic acid. Calcination at a temperature around 450°C instead of the commonly used 550°C generated catalysts with relatively low surface areas but high activities, which is attributed to the high Brønsted acidity as revealed by FTIR characterization. Addition of a small amount of water (2–5wt% of fatty acid) to the fatty acid promoted the conversion, but any further increase in the amount of water would result in a catalytic activity loss. Although methanol did not show a promoting effect for the isomerization, the methyl ester of oleic acid showed a higher conversion than oleic acid on the same catalyst. The poisoning effect of the carboxylic group on oleic acid was demonstrated by the comparison of the isomerization reactions of oleic acid and 1-octadecene. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Activated carbons have been prepared from petroleum cokes by the combination of a chemical treatment with HClO4 or H2O2 and a chemical activation with KOH at a constant KOH/coke ratio of 3/1. The influence of different chemical treatments on the properties of the activated carbon precursors and final carbons activated with KOH was invested by using XRD, FTIR, and BET techniques. XRD results indicated that the value of interplanar distance d 002 increased by chemical treatment and the disappearance of the peak corresponding to 002 faces correlated to high specific surface area. FTIR studies showed that chemical modification promoted the formation of surface oxygen functionalities. Significant effects on BET surface area, pore texture and iodine adsorption capacity were evidenced. The results show that chemical modification prior to activation dramatically increased the BET surface area and total pore volume of the resulting activated carbon. Modified petroleum coke based activated carbon with chemical activation had higher specific surface area (2336m2/g) and better iodine adsorption value (1998mg/g). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Blood circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are proposed to be promising biomarkers for many neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is a lack of identified differentially expressed miRNAs in PD from different studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate miRNAs expression in PD. We measured plasma circulating miRNA expression in three independent sets with a total of 151 PD patients, 21 multiple system atrophy (MSA) patients and 138 healthy controls using high-throughput RT-PCR. We identified that elevated miR-133b and miR-221-3p discriminated early-stage PD from controls with 94.4% sensitivity and 91.1% specificity. Elevated miR-133b and miR-221-3p distinguished PD from controls with 84.8% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity. In addition, miR-4454 distinguished PD from MSA with 57.1% sensitivity and 82.6% specificity. Hence, elevated miR-133b and miR-221-3p potentially represent good biomarkers for early PD, and a combination of miR-133b, miR-221-3p and miR-4454 has the potential to serve as a non-invasive biomarker for PD diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-rich layered materials are appealing choices for high energy density future lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), electrochemical instability during the cycle hinders its practical application. Surface coating is one of the most effective ways to deal with this problem. For larger protective regions, coating whole particles have been used more frequently than only for electrodes. In this research, magnetron sputtering is used to directly cover LiNi 0.9 Co 0.05 Mn 0.05 O 2 composite electrodes with an amorphous Li 3 PO 4 (LPO) layer. The NCM955 electrode is cycled at 1–10 C at room temperature after a 5 nm thick LPO coating. The NCM955/LPO-2 shows a discharge capacity of 162.5 mAh g–1 at 10 C and a high temperature of 50 ◦C. More remarkably, the LPO-coating also improves the rate capacity, in addition to being superior to the one at room temperature, it also has higher temperature rate capability. Superior chemical robustness and Li+ conductivity of the LPO, which acts as a protective layer and a uniform Li+ transport layer. • The NCM955 cathodes are coated with 5 nm Li 3 PO 4 layer by plasma-assisted magnetron sputtering technology. • The Li 3 PO 4 coating layer promotes transport of lithium ions on NCM955 electrodes. • With the increase of temperature, the lithium ions conductivity of the Li 3 PO 4 coating layer increases. • At 50 ◦C, the NCM955/LPO-2 shows higher discharge capacity than pure NCM955 at 10 C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-supported CoFe bimetallic catalyst (CoFe/rGO) was synthesized. • Co and Fe are supported on rGO in forms of isolated metal atoms and CoFe oxide nanoparticles. • CoFe/rGO without reduction pretreatment effectively catalyzes HDO of guaiacol to phenol. A reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-supported CoFe bimetallic catalyst (CoFe/rGO) was synthesized and used for hydrodeoxygenation of guaiacol to phenol (Ph). The CoFe/rGO catalyst without reduction pretreatment showed excellent catalytic performance, achieving 94.0 mol% conversion and 70.8 mol% selectivity to Ph at mild reaction temperature and low H 2 pressure. The microstructure and chemical composition of the CoFe/rGO catalyst were characterized by high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and H 2 temperature-programmed reduction (H 2 -TPR) characterization analysis. Co and Fe are supported on rGO in forms of the isolated metal atoms embedded in the rGO matrix and the CoFe oxide nanoparticles attached on rGO surface. Fe as a promoter weakens the hydrogenation activity of Co to benzene ring and dramatically improves the selectivity to Ph. The unique of rGO on constructing catalytic active sites and the synergistic effect of Co and Fe bimetals make CoFe/rGO an excellent catalyst. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose-derived levulinic acid (LA) can be converted into gamma-valerolactone (GVL), a sustainable platform chemical for the production of bio-based chemicals. However, LA as an organic acid causes severe metal leaching during the heterogeneous hydrogenation of LA to GVL, especially in the presence of water. Various endeavors for preventing metal leaching have focused more on the process and less on the intrinsic nature of catalysts. The aim of this work is to derive a novel metal-leaching-resistant catalyst for the aqueous-phase hydrogenation of LA into GVL by using a nanocomposite containing three components, Ag, ZrO2, and graphene oxide (GO). The AgZrO2GO catalyst without pre-reduction treatment resulted in complete conversion of LA and approximately 100 mol% selectivity to GVL in the aqueous reaction, and metal leaching from the catalyst was completely eliminated. The relationship between the catalytic performance and the distinct physicochemical properties of the catalyst was extensively discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease accompanied with severe paralysis or even death, while the pathogenesis of ALS is still unclear and no effective therapy exists. The accumulating evidence has indicated the association between gut microbiota and various neurological diseases. Thus, to explore the potential role of gut microbiome in ALS, 20 patients diagnosed with probable or definite ALS and 20 healthy controls were enrolled and their fecal excrements were collected. The analysis of fecal community diversity with 16S rDNA sequencing showed an obvious change in microbial structure of ALS patients, where Bacteroidetes at the phylum level and several microbes at the genus level were up-regulated, while Firmicutes at the phylum level and Megamonas at the genus level were down-regulated compared to healthy controls. Additionally, decreased gene function associated with metabolic pathways was observed in ALS patients. The metagenomics further demonstrated the discrepancies in microflora at the species level and relevant metabolites thereof were also revealed when combined with metabolomics. In conclusion, the altered composition of the gut microbiota and metabolic products in ALS patients provided deeper insights into the pathogenesis of ALS, and these biomarkers might be established as potential therapeutic targets which deserve further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

EPM2A has been certified as a causative gene in patients with Lafora disease (LD), which is a rare autosomal recessive and severe form of progressive myoclonus epilepsy. LD classically starts in adolescence, characterized by various types of seizure with myoclonic seizure as the main type. Typically within 10 years, intractable seizure attack, rapidly progressing dementia, and a vegetative state were present. LD is particularly frequently found in Mediterranean countries. Here, we report a Chinese family with a novel compound heterozygous mutation in the EPM2A gene, characterized by recurrent vomiting, intractable epilepsy, and progressive cognitive decline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -TiO 2 coating layer with enhanced electronic and lithium-ion conductivity is coated on NCM811 electrodes with superior performance. [Display omitted] • Magnetron sputtering is used to deposit a new Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -TiO 2 composite coating on the NCM811 electrode. • Compared with the poor electronic conductivity of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 , Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -TiO 2 coating combines the advantages of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 and TO 2 with enhanced electrical conductivity and lithium-ion conductivity. • Compared to the particle coating, the electrode coating area is faster and more accurate, and the capacity retention rate of the coated NCM811/LTOTO-3 electrode is 93.2% after 100 cycles. Nickel-rich LiNi 0.8 Co 0.1 Mn 0.1 O 2 (NCM811) materials are considered to be one of the cathode candidate materials for high energy density lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but its electrochemical instability caused by electrodes to electrolyte interface degradation needs to be overcome. Surface coatings can effectively solve this problem. However, traditional coating techniques cover particles rather than electrodes to protect a broader area. Herein, for a more precise coating, a nanoscale Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -TiO 2 composite coating layer (LTOTO) is directly sputtered onto the NCM811 electrodes surface. The LTOTO has superior electronic conductivity compare to Li 4 Ti 5 O 12. Lithium ions and electrons can diffuse and distribute more uniformly owing to the LTOTO coating on NCM811 electrode. For NCM811 electrodes, the LTOTO coating layer serves as the cathode-electrolyte interface (CEI) within the cycling potential range. Because of its robust structure and strong chemical inertness, LTOTO may successfully shield NCM811 electrodes from electrolyte reactions. The rate performance of NCM811 electrodes is significantly enhanced after Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -TiO 2 coating at 5C (149.74 mAh/g). The capacity retention of NCM811/LTOTO-3 electrode at 1C is 93.2 % at the 100th cycle, which is 13.3 % higher than that of the pristine NCM811 electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal leaching is a major issue in efficient production of γ-valerolactone (GVL) from levulinic acid (LA) under mild reaction conditions. In this study, Ag was added to Cu-supported γ-Al 2 O 3 catalyst to suppress Cu leaching in the hydrogenation of LA into GVL. The CuAg/Al 2 O 3 catalyst was reduced in situ during the reaction, and Cu leaching in the solution was significantly suppressed. The bimetallic catalyst without reduction pretreatment achieved approximately 100% yield to GVL and exhibited good reusability in nine consecutive cycles under mild reaction conditions of 180 °C and 1.4 MPa H 2 pressure in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The strong interplay in the geometric and electronic effects between Cu and Ag was verified through XPS, H 2 -TPR, TEM, STEM/EDS, and XRD analyses. This paper extensively discussed the mechanism of Ag on preventing Cu leaching and the superiority of in situ reduction in solution over external reduction in gas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The SO3H-functionalized ionic liquids were synthesized by using tri-alkylamine and 1,4-butanesultone as the source, and characterized by NMR and TOF-MS, and their catalytic performance for the tert-butylation of m-cresol with tert-butanol (TBA) were investigated. The reaction time, reaction temperature, molar ratio of m-cresol to TBA, and the recycle number of the spent ionic liquid were examined. Under optimum reaction conditions, the conversion of m-cresol and the selectivity to 2-tert-butyl-5-methyl phenol (2-TBC) were 81% and 96%, respectively. No apparent loss of activity and selectivity of the ionic liquid were observed after four recycles. The acidity of ionic liquids determined by Hammett method is about the same as that of conventional acid, such as H2SO4. The possible mechanism for this reaction system was discussed based on the reaction results and the ab initio calculation results. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]