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The atomic substitution in two-dimensional (2D) materials is propitious to achieving compositionally engineered semiconductor heterostructures. However, elucidating the mechanism and developing methods to synthesize 2D heterostructures with atomic-scale precision are crucial. Here, we demonstrate the synthesis of monolayer WSe2–WS2heterostructures with a relatively sharp interface from monolayer WSe2using a chalcogen atom-exchange synthesis route at high temperatures for short periods. The substitution was initiated at the edges of monolayer WSe2and the lateral diffuse along the heterointerface, and the reaction can be controlled by the precise reaction time and temperature. The lateral heterostructure and substitution process are studied by Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies, electron microscopy, and device characterization, revealing a possible mechanism of strain-induced transformation. Our findings demonstrate a highly controllable synthesis of 2D layered materials through atom substitutional chemistry and provide a simple route to control the atomic structure.

•CD21lowB cells participate both in protective immunity and autoimmunity.•PD-1+CD4+T helper cells promote extramedullary BCR editing of CD21lowB cells.•Myeloid cells promote autoantibody production by expressing B cell activating factor.

Mixed-dimensional heterostructures integrate materials of diverse dimensions with unique electronic functionalities, providing a new platform for research in electron transport and optoelectronic detection. Here, we report a novel covalently bonded one-dimensional/two-dimensional (1D/2D) homojunction structure with robust junction contacts, which exhibits wide-spectrum (from the visible to near-infrared regions), self-driven photodetection, and polarization-sensitive photodetection capabilities. Benefiting from the ultralow dark current at zero bias voltage, the on/off ratio and detectivity of the device reach 1.5 × 103and 3.24 × 109Jones, respectively. Furthermore, the pronounced anisotropy of the WSe21D/2D homojunction is attributed to its low symmetry, enabling polarization-sensitive detection. In the absence of any external bias voltage, the device exhibits strong linear dichroism for wavelengths of 638 and 808 nm, with anisotropy ratios of 2.06 and 1.96, respectively. These results indicate that such mixed-dimensional structures can serve as attractive building blocks for novel optoelectronic detectors.

The effect of oxalic acid (OA) etching on the formation mechanism and corrosion performance of in-situ steam Mg−Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) coatings on AM50 Mg alloy was investigated by exposing the intermetallic compounds (β-Mg17Al12and AlMn) on the surface of the alloy. The results demonstrated that the presence of OA led to an increased fraction of intermetallic compounds on the Mg substrate. Mg−Al LDH nucleated and grew around the Al−Mn phase. The best corrosion resistance of LDH coating was obtained with the maximum thickness at a pickling time of 45 s, and the corrosion current density was reduced by three orders of magnitude compared to the substrate. Finally, the formation mechanism of Mg−Al LDH coating on AM50 Mg alloy was proposed.

Lotus procyanidins, natural polyphenolic compounds isolated from the lotus plant family, are widely recognized as potent antioxidants that scavenge free radicals in the human body and exhibit various pharmacological effects, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiobesity, and hypoglycemic. With promising applications in food and healthcare, lotus procyanidins have attracted extensive attention in recent years. This review provides a comprehensive summary of current research on lotus procyanidins, including extraction methods, properties, functions, and interactions with other nutrient components. Furthermore, this review offers an outlook on future research directions, providing ideas and references for the exploitation and utilization of lotus.

ABSTRACTThe gut fungi play important roles in human health and are involved in energy metabolism. This study aimed to examine gut mycobiome composition in obese subjects in two geographically different regions in China and to identify specific gut fungi associated with obesity. A total of 217 subjects from two regions with different urbanization levels [Hong Kong (HK): obese, n = 59; lean, n= 59; Kunming (KM): obese, n = 50; lean, n = 49. Mean body mass index (BMI) for obesity = 33.7] were recruited. We performed deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing on fecal samples to compare gut mycobiome composition and trophic functions in lean and obese subjects across these two regions. The gut mycobiome of obese subjects in both HK and KM were altered compared to those of lean subjects, characterized by a decrease in the relative abundance of Nakaseomyces, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Candida dubliniensisand an increase in the abundance of Lanchanceathermotolerans, Saccharomyces paradox, Parastagonospora nodorumand Myceliophthorathermophila. Reduced fungal – bacterial and fungal – fungal correlations as well as increased negative fungal-bacterial correlations were observed in the gut of obese subjects. Furthermore, the anti-obesity effect of fungus S. pombewas further validated using a mouse model. Supplementing high-fat diet-induced obese mice with the fungus for 12 weeks led to a significant reduction in body weight gain (p < 0.001), and an improvement in lipid and glucose metabolism compared to mice without intervention. In conclusion, the gut mycobiome composition and functionalities of obese subjects were altered. These data shed light on the potential of utilizing fungus-based therapeutics for the treatment of obesity. S. pombemay serve as a potential fungal probiotic in the prevention of diet-induced obesity and future human trials are needed.

ABSTRACTThe 13X zeolites were successfully synthesized from sodium silicate and sodium aluminate via hydrothermal treatment, and applied to the adsorption of carbon dioxide (CO2). The properties of the 13X zeolites were characterized and tested by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2-physisorption measurements, CO2-temperature programmed desorption (CO2-TPD) and CO2adsorption measurements. The results demonstrate that H2O/Na2O, Na2O/SiO2, and SiO2/Al2O3molar ratios have an important influence on the adsorption performance of CO2because of their different physicochemical properties. The pure 13X zeolite can be obtained with the optimal H2O/Na2O, Na2O/SiO2and SiO2/Al2O3molar ratios of 60, 4 and 3 in the preparation process, respectively. The 13X sample prepared with suitable synthesis conditions possesses the highest crystallinity, the maximum values of specific surface area (720.8 m2/g) and pore volume (0.458 cm3/g) and moderate strength of the interaction between 13X and CO2, thus presenting the highest adsorption capacity of CO2(118.3 mg/g).

Understanding the radial growth trends of trees and their response to recent warming along elevation gradients is crucial for assessing how forests will be impacted by future climate change. Here, we collected 242 tree-ring cores from five plots across the Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifoliaKom.) forest belt (2600–3350 m a.s.l.) in the central Qilian Mountains, Northwest China, to study trends in the radial growth of trees and their response to climate factors with variable elevation. All the sampled P. crassifoliachronologies showed an increasing trend in the radial growth of trees at higher altitudes (3000–3350 m), whereas the radial growth of trees at lower altitudes (2600–2800 m) has decreased in recent decades. The radial growth of trees was limited by precipitation at lower elevations (L, ML), but mainly by temperature at higher elevation sites (MH, H, TL). Climate warming has caused an unprecedented increase in the radial growth of P. crassifoliaat higher elevations. Our results suggest that ongoing climate warming is beneficial to forest ecosystems at high elevations but restricts the growth of forest ecosystems at low elevations.

• A curcumin loaded coating with flake structure prepared on AZ31 alloy. • Coating displays anticorrosion and antibacterial ability with low cytotoxicity. • High photothermal conversion efficiency and photothermal antibacterial coating on AZ31 alloy surface. • A new double antibacterial coating preparation method for the Mg bone implants is provided. • β -CD and SA used to enhance bioavailability of curcumin and binding force. It is a challenging task to prepare a coating on Mg alloys for desirable corrosion resistance, good antibacterial ability and biocompatibility. In this research work, an in-situ Mg(OH) 2 coating incorporated with sodium alginate (SA) and β -cyclodextrin (β -CD)@curcumin (Cur) was formed on the surface of micro arc oxidation (MAO) coated AZ31 alloy via a low temperature hydrothermal method. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were employed to characterize the chemical composition and surface morphology of the coatings. The corrosion protection ability of the coatings was monitored via electrochemical polarization, hydrogen evolution and immersion tests. Photothermal antibacterial ability and cytocompatibility of the coatings were evaluated by plate counting method under the irradiation of 808 nm-near infrared light, in vitro cytotoxicity tests (MTT) and live/dead cell staining. The results indicate that a chelation of the organic molecules led to the formation of a MAO/(β -CD@Cur)-SA-Mg(OH) 2 coating with excellent corrosion protection, multi- antibacterial ability and almost no toxicity to the cells. Especially, the coating provided photothermal performance through the light absorption of Cur, which was encapsulated by β -CD to improve its bioavailability. SA enhanced the binding force between the drug and the substrate. This novel coating designated the potential application on bioabsorbable magnesium alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTBased on the important effect of catalysts on the plasma-catalytic system, the CM/Z5 catalyst prepared by the incipient-wetness impregnation method is used for non-thermal plasma catalysis for toluene removal. The low-temperature plasma used is produced by dielectric barrier discharge. Toluene removal performance with single plasma is investigated by variation in experimental parameters. Results indicate that with the increase in discharge length, the selectivity of carbon dioxide increased.  With the increase in toluene concentration and gas flow rate, carbon dioxide selectivity decreases gradually, while toluene conversion shows almost no difference. With the introduction of CM/Z5 catalyst into the back end of plasma, the toluene conversion rate and carbon dioxide selectivity could be significantly improved and ozone in the exhaust gas could be eliminated to meet emission standards at the same time. This work is meaningful in promoting the industrial application of plasma catalytic coupling technology to treat volatile organic compounds.

Surgical failures, caused by postoperative infections of bone implants, are commonly met, which cannot be treated precisely with intravenous antibiotics. Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have attracted widespread attention due to their non-invasive antibacterial effects on tissues and no bacterial resistance, which may be an excellent approach to solve infections related to bone implants for biodegradable magnesium alloys. Herein, a sodium copper chlorophyllin (SCC) with a porphyrin ring induced Ca–P coating was prepared on AZ31 magnesium alloy via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly. The morphology and composition of the samples were characterized through field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) with affiliated energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) as well. Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and hydrogen evolution experiments were employed to evaluate the corrosion behavior of the samples. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to measure Cu elemental content of different immersion periods. Cytocompatibility and antibacterial performance of the coatings were probed using in vitrocytotoxicity tests (MTT assay), live/dead cell staining and plate counting method. The results showed that the obtained (Ca–P/SCC)10coating exhibited good corrosion resistance, antimicrobial activity (especially under 808 nm irradiation) and biocompatibility. The antibacterial rates for E. coliand S. aureuswere 99.9% and 99.8%, respectively; and the photothermal conversion efficiency was as high as 42.1%. Triple antibacterial mechanisms including photodynamic, photothermal reactions and copper-ions release were proposed. This coating exhibited a promising application for biodegradable magnesium alloys.

The influence of intermetallic Al-Mn particles on the corrosion behavior of in-situ formed Mg-Al layered double hydroxide (Mg-Al-CO32--LDH) steam coating on AZ31 Mg alloy was investigated. The alloy was pretreated with H3PO4, HCl, HNO3or citric acid (CA), followed by hydrothermal treatment, for the fabrication of Mg-Al-LDH coating. The microstructure, composition and corrosion resistance of the coated samples were investigated. The results showed that the surface area fraction of Al-Mn phase exposed on the surface of the alloy was significantly increased after CA pretreatment, which promotes the growth of the Mg-Al-LDH steam coating. Further, the LDH-coated alloy pretreated with CA possessed the most compact surface and the maximum coating thickness among all the coatings. The corrosion current density of the coated alloy was decreased by three orders of magnitude as compared to that of the bare alloy.

In this paper, a medical image registration based on Renyi’s quadratic mutual information is proposed. Firstly, the initial values (i.e. the translation and rotation parameters) for aligning the floating image with the reference image are obtained by computing the medical image centroids and moments. Then, when exploring the optimal geometric transformation parameters, the Renyi’s quadratic mutual information is taken as the similarity criterion between the reference and floating images. Finally, the Simplex method, as multi-parameter optimization one, is used to search the optimal registering values in the experiments. The experimental results reveal that, the proposed method has a lower computational load, faster registration and better registration accuracy compared with the registration method based on the Shannon mutual information. It can cater to both mono-modality and multi-modality image registrations.

ObjectiveThe gut microbiota has been suggested to play a role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We postulate that children with ASD harbour an altered developmental profile of the gut microbiota distinct from that of typically developing (TD) children. Here, we aimed to characterise compositional and functional alterations in gut microbiome in association with age in children with ASD and to identify novel faecal bacterial markers for predicting ASD.DesignWe performed deep metagenomic sequencing in faecal samples of 146 Chinese children (72 ASD and 74 TD children). We compared gut microbial composition and functions between children with ASD and TD children. Candidate bacteria markers were identified and validated by metagenomic analysis. Gut microbiota development in relation to chronological age was assessed using random forest model.ResultsASD and chronological age had the most significant and largest impacts on children’s faecal microbiome while diet showed no correlation. Children with ASD had significant alterations in faecal microbiome composition compared with TD children characterised by increased bacterial richness (p=0.021) and altered microbiome composition (p<0.05). Five bacterial species were identified to distinguish gut microbes in ASD and TD children, with areas under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of 82.6% and 76.2% in the discovery cohort and validation cohort, respectively. Multiple neurotransmitter biosynthesis related pathways in the gut microbiome were depleted in children with ASD compared with TD children (p<0.05). Developing dynamics of growth-associated gut bacteria (age-discriminatory species) seen in TD children were lost in children with ASD across the early-life age spectrum.ConclusionsGut microbiome in Chinese children with ASD was altered in composition, ecological network and functionality compared with TD children. We identified novel bacterial markers for prediction of ASD and demonstrated persistent underdevelopment of the gut microbiota in children with ASD which lagged behind their respective age-matched peers.

BackgroundLong-term complications after COVID-19 are common, but the potential cause for persistent symptoms after viral clearance remains unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate whether gut microbiome composition is linked to post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS), defined as at least one persistent symptom 4 weeks after clearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study of 106 patients with a spectrum of COVID-19 severity followed up from admission to 6 months and 68 non-COVID-19 controls. We analysed serial faecal microbiome of 258 samples using shotgun metagenomic sequencing, and correlated the results with persistent symptoms at 6 months.ResultsAt 6 months, 76% of patients had PACS and the most common symptoms were fatigue, poor memory and hair loss. Gut microbiota composition at admission was associated with occurrence of PACS. Patients without PACS showed recovered gut microbiome profile at 6 months comparable to that of non-COVID-19 controls. Gut microbiome of patients with PACS were characterised by higher levels of Ruminococcus gnavus, Bacteroides vulgatusand lower levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Persistent respiratory symptoms were correlated with opportunistic gut pathogens, and neuropsychiatric symptoms and fatigue were correlated with nosocomial gut pathogens, including Clostridium innocuumand Actinomyces naeslundii(all p<0.05). Butyrate-producing bacteria, including Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatumand Faecalibacterium prausnitziishowed the largest inverse correlations with PACS at 6 months.ConclusionThese findings provided observational evidence of compositional alterations of gut microbiome in patients with long-term complications of COVID-19. Further studies should investigate whether microbiota modulation can facilitate timely recovery from post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.

Melanin is a kind of versatile biopolymer with strong binding capacities for cationic pollutants. The effects of melanin extraction from biomass on cationic pollutant adsorption of biomass remain unknown. Methylene blue (MB) was herein used as a model cationic pollutant, and chestnut shells were used as a melanin-containing byproduct of biomass. The MB biosorption behaviors onto the raw and melanin-extracted chestnut shells were comparatively studied. The biosorbents were contrastively characterized by BET surface area, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, pH point of zero charges (pHpzc), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The MB adsorption capacity of each biomass was evaluated at different pH, contact time, initial MB concentration, and temperature. The melanin extraction resulted in higher values of adsorbent surface area, pHpzc, and CEC. It toned down the sensitivity of biomass to the solution pH, expanding the applicable pH range. It also introduced new types of binding sites or adsorption mechanisms. The biosorption process was well described by the chemisorption model of the pseudo-second-order equation and accelerated by the melanin extraction. The biosorption equilibrium data are well modeled by the Langmuir isotherm. The melanin extraction more than doubled the monolayer adsorption capacity. The improvement in the biosorption performance of chestnut shells by the melanin extraction is mainly owed to the chemical activation of binding sites and secondary to the physical modification. Melanin-containing biomass such as chestnut shells can be used in cascade for melanin production and subsequently for adsorptive removal of basic dyes such as MB.

Glucosinolates (GSLs) are a class of sulfur- and nitrogen-containing, and amino acid-derived important secondary metabolites, which mainly present in plants of Brassicaceae family, including Brassicacrops, such as broccoli, cabbage, and oilseed rape. The bioactive GSL metabolites confer benefits to plant defense, human health, and the unique flavor of some Brassicacrops. However, certain GSL profiles have adverse effects and are known as anti-nutritional factors. This has attracted mounting attempts to increase beneficial GSLs and reduce detrimental ones in the most commonly consumed Brassicacrops. We provide a comprehensive overview of metabolic engineering applied in Brassicacrops to achieve this purpose, including modulation of GSL biosynthesis, ablation of GSL hydrolysis, inhibition of GSL transport processes, and redirection of metabolic flux to GSL. Moreover, advances in omics approaches, i.e., genomics, transcriptome, and metabolome, applied in the elucidation of GSL metabolism in Brassicacrops, as well as promising and potential genome-editing technologies are also discussed.

Brassinazole resistant 1 (BZR1), a brassinosteroid (BR) signaling component, plays a pivotal role in regulating numerous specific developmental processes. Our study demonstrated that exogenous treatment with 2,4-epibrassinolide (EBR) significantly enhanced the accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls in Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra). The underlying mechanism was deciphered through yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) and dual-luciferase (LUC) assays, whereby BoaBZR1.1 directly interacts with the promoters of BoaCRTISOand BoaPSY2, activating their expression. This effect was further validated through overexpression of BoaBZR1.1in Chinese kale calli and plants, both of which exhibited increased carotenoid accumulation. Additionally, qPCR analysis unveiled upregulation of carotenoid and chlorophyll biosynthetic genes in the T1 generation of BoaBZR1.1-overexpressing plants. These findings underscored the significance of BoaBZR1.1-mediated BR signaling in regulating carotenoid accumulation in Chinese kale and suggested the potential for enhancing the nutritional quality of Chinese kale through genetic engineering of BoaBZR1.1.

Current prognostic scoring systems based on clinicopathologic variables are inadequate in predicting the survival and treatment response of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) patients undergoing nonanthracyline-based treatment. We aimed to construct a classifier based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for improving predictive accuracy and guiding clinical decision making. Data from 722 patients with ENKTL from international centers were analyzed. A 7-SNP–based classifier was constructed using LASSO Cox regression in the training cohort (n = 336) and further validated in the internal testing cohort (n = 144) and in 2 external validation cohorts (n = 142 and n = 100). The 7-SNP–based classifier showed good prognostic predictive efficacy in the training cohort and the 3 validation cohorts. Patients with high- and low-risk scores calculated by the classifier exhibited significantly different progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (all P < .001). The 7-SNP–based classifier was further proved to be an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis, and its predictive accuracy was significantly better than clinicopathological risk variables. Application of the 7-SNP–based classifier was not affected by sample types. Notably, chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy significantly improved PFS and OS vs radiotherapy alone in high-risk Ann Arbor stage I patients, whereas there was no statistical difference between the 2 therapeutic modalities among low-risk patients. A nomogram was constructed comprising the classifier and clinicopathological variables; it showed remarkably better predictive accuracy than either variable alone. The 7-SNP–based classifier is a complement to existing risk-stratification systems in ENKTL, which could have significant implications for clinical decision making for patients with ENKTL.

Current prognostic scoring systems based on clinicopathologic variables are inadequate in predicting the survival and treatment response of extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) patients undergoing nonanthracyline-based treatment. We aimed to construct a classifier based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for improving predictive accuracy and guiding clinical decision making. Data from 722 patients with ENKTL from international centers were analyzed. A 7-SNP–based classifier was constructed using LASSO Cox regression in the training cohort (n = 336) and further validated in the internal testing cohort (n = 144) and in 2 external validation cohorts (n = 142 and n = 100). The 7-SNP–based classifier showed good prognostic predictive efficacy in the training cohort and the 3 validation cohorts. Patients with high- and low-risk scores calculated by the classifier exhibited significantly different progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (all P< .001). The 7-SNP–based classifier was further proved to be an independent prognostic factor by multivariate analysis, and its predictive accuracy was significantly better than clinicopathological risk variables. Application of the 7-SNP–based classifier was not affected by sample types. Notably, chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy significantly improved PFS and OS vs radiotherapy alone in high-risk Ann Arbor stage I patients, whereas there was no statistical difference between the 2 therapeutic modalities among low-risk patients. A nomogram was constructed comprising the classifier and clinicopathological variables; it showed remarkably better predictive accuracy than either variable alone. The 7-SNP–based classifier is a complement to existing risk-stratification systems in ENKTL, which could have significant implications for clinical decision making for patients with ENKTL.

In this work, a multifunctional theranostic nanoprobe (Au–Ag-HM) was skillfully designed for simultaneous imaging of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase-3 activity. The Au–Ag-HM was fabricated by coloading of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) to Au nanoflowers (AuNFs). When Au–Ag-HM was devoured by cancer cells, HepG2 cells were used as the model, and under laser irradiation, the photogenerated intracellular ROS by the photosensitizer HMME would induce the apoptosis of cancer cells. Meanwhile, the intracellular ROS triggered the oxidative etching of AgNPs on Au–Ag-HM, which led to a tremendous localized surface plasmon resonance response and scattering color changes in Au–Ag-HM, allowing in situ dark-field imaging of the ROS level in cancer cells. On the other hand, the ROS-induced activation of cellular caspase-3, which cleaved the C-peptide-containing caspase-3-specific recognition sequence (DEVD) and allowed HMME to release from the nanoprobe, resulted in a significant fluorescence recovery related to caspase-3 activity. Both photogenerated ROS and enhanced caspase-3 activity contributed to the synergistic effect of laser-mediated chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. Therefore, the as-prepared theranostic probe could be used for simultaneous detection of cellular ROS and caspase-3 activity, distinguishing between tumor cells and normal cells, inducing the apoptosis of cancer cells, and providing a new method for diagnosis and therapy of cancer.

Cholesterol gallstones account for over 80% of gallstones, and the pathogenesis of gallstone formation involves genetic and environmental factors. However, data on the evolution of cholesterol gallstones with various densities are limited. This study aimed to determine the roles of microbiota and mucins on the formation of calcified cholesterol gallstones in patients with cholelithiasis.

ObjectiveAlthough severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA was detected in faeces of patients with COVID-19, the activity and infectivity of the virus in the GI tract during disease course is largely unknown. We investigated temporal transcriptional activity of SARS-CoV-2 and its association with longitudinal faecal microbiome alterations in patients with COVID-19.DesignWe performed RNA shotgun metagenomics sequencing on serial faecal viral extractions from 15 hospitalised patients with COVID-19. Sequencing coverage of the SARS-CoV-2 genome was quantified. We assessed faecal microbiome composition and microbiome functionality in association with signatures of faecal SARS-CoV-2 infectivity.ResultsSeven (46.7%) of 15 patients with COVID-19 had stool positivity for SARS-CoV-2 by viral RNA metagenomic sequencing. Even in the absence of GI manifestations, all seven patients showed strikingly higher coverage (p=0.0261) and density (p=0.0094) of the 3’ vs 5’ end of SARS-CoV-2 genome in their faecal viral metagenome profile. Faecal viral metagenome of three patients continued to display active viral infection signature (higher 3’ vs 5’ end coverage) up to 6 days after clearance of SARS-CoV-2 from respiratory samples. Faecal samples with signature of high SARS-CoV-2 infectivity had higher abundances of bacterial species Collinsella aerofaciens, Collinsella tanakaei, Streptococcus infantis, Morganella morganii, and higher functional capacity for nucleotide de novo biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis and glycolysis, whereas faecal samples with signature of low-to-none SARS-CoV-2 infectivity had higher abundances of short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria, Parabacteroides merdae, Bacteroides stercoris, Alistipes onderdonkiiand Lachnospiraceae bacterium 1_1_57FAA.ConclusionThis pilot study provides evidence for active and prolonged ‘quiescent’ GI infection even in the absence of GI manifestations and after recovery from respiratory infection of SARS-CoV-2. Gut microbiota of patients with active SARS-CoV-2 GI infection was characterised by enrichment of opportunistic pathogens, loss of salutary bacteria and increased functional capacity for nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism.

ObjectiveAlthough COVID-19 is primarily a respiratory illness, there is mounting evidence suggesting that the GI tract is involved in this disease. We investigated whether the gut microbiome is linked to disease severity in patients with COVID-19, and whether perturbations in microbiome composition, if any, resolve with clearance of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.MethodsIn this two-hospital cohort study, we obtained blood, stool and patient records from 100 patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Serial stool samples were collected from 27 of the 100 patients up to 30 days after clearance of SARS-CoV-2. Gut microbiome compositions were characterised by shotgun sequencing total DNA extracted from stools. Concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and blood markers were measured from plasma.ResultsGut microbiome composition was significantly altered in patients with COVID-19 compared with non-COVID-19 individuals irrespective of whether patients had received medication (p<0.01). Several gut commensals with known immunomodulatory potential such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Eubacterium rectaleand bifidobacteria were underrepresented in patients and remained low in samples collected up to 30 days after disease resolution. Moreover, this perturbed composition exhibited stratification with disease severity concordant with elevated concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and blood markers such as C reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase.ConclusionAssociations between gut microbiota composition, levels of cytokines and inflammatory markers in patients with COVID-19 suggest that the gut microbiome is involved in the magnitude of COVID-19 severity possibly via modulating host immune responses. Furthermore, the gut microbiota dysbiosis after disease resolution could contribute to persistent symptoms, highlighting a need to understand how gut microorganisms are involved in inflammation and COVID-19.

Background:Serum phosphorus (SP) level is closely associated with overall mortality and cardiovascular events, while the role of SP controlled duration is not fully recognized. Here, we conducted a retrospective cohort study in our department to identify the relationship of SP controlled duration with clinical outcomes in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Methods:PD patients in our center from January 1, 2009, to June 30, 2019, were followed up at 2-month (the first year) or 5-month (the next follow-up period) intervals, and until death, until PD withdrawal, or until June 30, 2019. Data at each follow-up point were collected from their medical records. SP levels, changed degree of SP over baseline, and SP controlled duration were analyzed with overall mortality, PD withdrawal (including death, transferred to hemodialysis, and received renal transplantation), and combined endpoint (including death, acute heart failure, cardiovascular event, and stroke). Results:A total of 530 patients entered the analysis. Of them, 456 (86.0%) had hyperphosphatemia before dialysis, and the SP levels decreased soon after dialysis. The degree of SP change over baseline was the maximum at the 3rd month after dialysis (−31.0%), and lower degree was associated with higher overall mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.012; 95% CI, 1.004–1.020; p= 0.003). The median SP controlled duration was 13 (5–28) months, and longer duration was significantly associated with lower overall mortality (HR, 0.968; 95% CI, 0.956–0.981; p< 0.001). After categorization, duration more than 12 months greatly improved overall mortality with a HR of 0.197 (0.082–0.458; p< 0.001 vs. SP never controlled group) and 0.329 (0.150–0.724; p= 0.006 vs. duration <12 months group). Longer SP controlled duration also improved PD withdrawal and combined endpoint. Conclusions:In summary, both degree and duration of SP control were tightly associated with overall mortality. We should control SP levels as early, as possible, and as long as we could.

An environmentally-friendly hybrid coating on AZ31 magnesium alloy substrates was reported. The synergic effect was studied on Mg−Al-layered double hydroxide Mg−Al LDH/Mg(OH)2-coated AZ31 magnesium alloy via an in-situ steam coating process and a subsequent combined surface modification of bis-[triethoxysilylpropyl]tetrasulfide (BTESPT) silane and Ce(NO3)3. The microstructure and composition characteristics of the hybrid coatings were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The corrosion resistance of the coated samples was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) and hydrogen evolution rate during immersion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results show an improved corrosion resistance of the alloy in the presence of BTESPT silane and Ce(NO3)3. This is most likely due to the synergistic effect of steam coating and silane coating to enhance the barrier properties of hybrid coating. In addition, the formation mechanism and anti-corrosion mechanism of coatings were discussed.

We aimed to establish a discriminative gene-expression-based classifier to predict survival outcomes of T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) patients. After exploring global gene-expression profiles of progressive (n= 22) vs. progression-free (n= 28) T-LBL patients, 43 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Then an eleven-gene-based classifier was established using LASSO Cox regression based on NanoString quantification. In the training cohort (n= 169), high-risk patients stratified using the classifier had significantly lower progression-free survival (PFS: hazards ratio 4.123, 95% CI 2.565–6.628; p< 0.001), disease-free survival (DFS: HR 3.148, 95% CI 1.857–5.339; p< 0.001), and overall survival (OS: HR 3.790, 95% CI 2.237–6.423; p< 0.001) compared with low-risk patients. The prognostic accuracy of the classifier was validated in the internal testing (n= 84) and independent validation cohorts (n= 360). A prognostic nomogram consisting of five independent variables including the classifier, lactate dehydrogenase levels, ECOG-PS, central nervous system involvement, and NOTCH1/FBXW7status showed significantly greater prognostic accuracy than each single variable alone. The addition of a five-miRNA-based signature further enhanced the accuracy of this nomogram. Furthermore, patients with a nomogram score ≥154.2 significantly benefited from the BFM protocol. In conclusion, our nomogram comprising the 11-gene-based classifier may make contributions to individual prognosis prediction and treatment decision-making.

Much more attention has been paid to zeolite nanocrystals due to their use as catalysts and zeolite membranes as well as composites and hierarchical structures. Recently, zeolite nanocrystals of several structures have been successfully obtained, but rational synthesis of these zeolite nanocrystals is still challenging. Here, we report a theoretical prediction to synthesize zeolite nanocrystals from classical equations. According to the new equation, we finally obtained ultrafine zeolite L nanocrystals in accordance with the theoretical prediction. The smallest zeolite L we synthesized exhibits the crystals with a [100] length of 18 ± 5 nm and a [001] width of 8 ± 2 nm. After loading Pt species (0.5 wt %), this zeolite L supported Pt catalyst is very active and selective for the formation of isomers and cracking products in the region of 260–280 and 320–340 °C in n-dodecane hydroisomerization, showing adjustable catalytic properties by temperature control over one catalyst in the same bed reactor. The new equation in this work might offer a good opportunity for rational synthesis of expanded zeolite nanocrystals in the near future.

The health impact of environmental pollution involving an increase in human diseases has been subject to extensive study in recent decades. The methodology in biomimetic investigation of these pathophysiologic events is still in progress to uncover the gaps in knowledge associated with pollution and its influences on health. Herein, we describe a comprehensive evaluation of environmental pollutant-caused lung inflammation and injury using a microfluidic pulmonary alveolus platform with alveolar-capillary interfaces. We performed a microfluidic three-dimensional coculture with physiological microenvironment simulation at microscale control and demonstrated a reliable reconstruction of tissue layers including alveolar epithelium and microvascular endothelium with typical mechanical, structural, and junctional integrity, as well as viability. On-chip detection and analysis of pulmonary alveolus responses focusing on various inflammatory and injurious dynamics to the respective pollutant stimulations were achieved in the coculture-based microfluidic pulmonary alveolus model, in comparison with common on-chip monoculture and off-chip culture tools. We confirmed the synergistic effects of the epithelial and endothelial interfaces on the stimuli resistance and verified the importance of creating complex tissue microenvironments in vitroto explore pollution-involved human pathology. We believe the microfluidic approach presents great promise in environmental monitoring, drug discovery, and tissue engineering.

A hydrophobic surface was successfully fabricated on the Mg-Al-layered double hydroxide (Mg-Al LDH)/Mg(OH)2-coated AZ31 magnesium alloy via an in-situsteam coating (SC) process and a subsequent surface modification with environment-friendly myristic acid (MA). The microstructure, composition and hydrophobicity of SC/MA composite coating were investigated by XRD, SEM, EDS, FTIR, and contact angle (CA) measurement. The corrosion behavior of the hybrid coating was evaluated by potentiodynamic polarization, EIS and hydrogen evolution test in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. The results showed that the LDH coating had nano-flake microstructure, which remained unchanged after modification with MA. The CA of the MA-modified coating surface reached up to 129°± 3.5°, and the corrosion current density of SC/MA-2 coating decreased about three orders of the magnitude compared to that of the substrate. It is proven that the modified surface has an effective anti-corrosion effect on AZ31 alloy. The formation mechanism and the corrosion mechanism of the coating were also discussed.

Photocatalytic degradation of aqueous organic pollutant while hydrogen evolution has become an attractive and potential approach to address environmental pollution and energy shortages. The design of highly efficient photocatalyst and the mechanism study are the keys for this issue. For this purpose, a series of rare earth La doped perovskite NaTaO3were prepared by an easy solid-phase synthesis method. La doping changed the morphology, structure and physicochemical properties of NaTaO3crystal. More importantly, it also found that controllable La dopants formed a concentration gradient between the surface and bulk of NaTaO3crystal, which would cause a gradient of energy band structure. Noteworthy, 0.5La/NaTaO3was identified as the intermediate state with the La doping from A sites to B sites and from bulk to surface in NaTaO3crystal. It possessed a large La concentration gradient, leading to the better photoelectrochemical properties and photocatalytic performance than any other xLa/NaTaO3catalyst. For the photocatalytic reaction over 0.5La/NaTaO3, HCHO was partially mineralized and gradually converted to HCOOH due to the large energy barriers of the intermediate reaction steps, while H2was produced stably in the five recycle runs. The active species of •O2−, •OH and h+were detected by the control experiments with trapping agents, and •O2−was confirmed to be the dominant one in the photocatalytic reaction. On this basis, the possible mechanism was proposed to understand the photocatalytic system in depth.

Nitrogen (N) uptake, as the first step of N metabolism, is a key limiting factor for plant growth. To understand the gene expression networks that control N absorption and metabolism in tea plants, we analyzed transcriptomes in the young roots of two groups of tea plants with significantly different growth rates under different N treatments (0, 0.2, and 2 mM). Using pairwise comparisons and weighted gene co-expression network analyses (WGCNA), we successfully constructed 16 co-expression modules. Among them, a specific module (turquoise) that substantially responded to the low N treatment was identified. Based on KEGG analysis, the relative genes that enriched in the “N metabolism” pathways were used to construct gene co-expression networks of N metabolism. Finally, a high-affinity ammonium (NH4+) transporter designated CsAMT1.2was identified as a hub gene in the N metabolism network in tea plant roots and the gene expression could be highly induced by N resupply. The gene functional analysis revealed that CsAMT1.2could make functional complementation of MEP1, MEP2, and MEP3genes in 31019b yeast cells and improve NH4+uptake rate in 31019b at low NH4+level. Thus, CsAMT1.2was a key gene controlling N uptake in tea plants and might play a vital role in promoting NH4+uptake from the environment in tea roots. This study provided a useful foundation for improving the NUE in tea plantations.

The development of advanced anode materials is crucial to enhance the performance of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). In this study, SnSe2nanoparticles chemically embedded in a carbon shell (SnSe2@C) were fabricated from Sn–organic frameworks and evaluated as an anode material for SIBs. The structural characterization demonstrated that there existed C–Sn chemical bonds between the SnSe2nanoparticles and carbon shell, which could strongly anchor SnSe2nanoparticles to the carbon shell. Such a structure can not only facilitate charge transfer but also ensure the structural stability of the SnSe2@C electrode. In addition, the carbon shell also helped in the dispersion of SnSe2nanoparticles, thus offering more redox-active sites for Na+storage. The as-prepared SnSe2@C nanocomposite could deliver good cycling stability and a superior rate capability of 324 mA h g–1at 2 A g–1for SIBs.