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As the system with the highest solar hydrogen conversion efficiency, the further improvement of photovoltaic-photoelectrocatalysis (PV-PEC) efficiency is dependent on the light transmittance, activity and stability of the photoanode. Here, a highly permeable BiVO 4 thin film was fabricated through controlled magnetron sputtering. The thickness of the thin film was merely 345 nm, while its transmittance in the visible light range reached as high as 70%. Moreover, large-scale production of such films could be achieved. By incorporating NiFeO x oxygen extraction cocatalyst, under AM 1.5G illumination, the photocurrent density at 1.23 V on reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) increased to 4.2 mA cm−2 and the incident photon-current conversion efficiency reached 70%. A PV-PEC system was designed to efficiently harness sunlight by integrating the photoanode with a solar photovoltaic panel. Upon connection with the solar photovoltaic panel (with an efficiency of only 7%), spontaneous water decomposition could be achieved, resulting in a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency (η STH) of 4.2% for the series system. This study contributes to the realization of cost-effective and highly efficient PV-PEC hydrogen production. The PV-PEC series system with BiVO 4 thin film photoanode prepared by magnetron sputtering method improves the overall utilization rate of sunlight and realizes spontaneous water decomposition. [Display omitted] • BiVO 4 films with large area and high transmittance can be prepared by low rate controlled magnetron sputtering. • The PEC performance of films was improved by optimizing the magnetron sputtering process and supporting catalyst. • Photovoltaic and photoanode in PV-PEC cells can be irradiated in series to improve the utilization rate of sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Elevated circulating levels of CathepsinD (CatD) have been linked to metabolic deviations including liver inflammation. We investigated 1) whether supplementation with probiotics and/or fish oil affects CatD and 2) whether the CatD concentration would associate with gestational diabetes (GDM), low-grade inflammation, lipid metabolism, body fat % and dietary composition.Methods and Results: Overweight/obese pregnant women (n = 438) were randomized into fish oil + placebo, probiotics + placebo, fish oil + probiotics or placebo + placebo groups. Fish oil contained 1.9 g docosahexaenoic acid and 0.22 g eicosapentaenoic acid and probiotics were Lacticaseibacillusrhamnosus HN001 (formerly Lactobacillusrhamnosus HN001) and Bifidobacteriumanimalis ssp. lactis 420, 1010 colony-forming units each). Serum CatD levels were analysed by ELISA, GlycA and lipid metabolites by NMR, high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) by immunoassay, and intakes of energy yielding nutrients and n-3 and n-6 fatty acids from food diaries at both early and late pregnancy. GDM was diagnosed by OGTT. CatD concentrations did not differ between the intervention groups or by GDM status. Multivariable linear models revealed that body fat % and GlycA affected CatD differently in healthy women and those with GDM.Conclusion: The serum CatD concentration of pregnant women was not modified by this dietary intervention. Serum CatD was influenced by two parameters, body fat and low grade inflammation, which were dependent on the woman's GDM status. CLINICAL TRIAL REG. NO: NCT01922791, clinicaltrials.gov (secondary analysis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper introduces a robust methodology for evaluating complex electricity system efficiency, making several contributions. It systematically decomposes the electric power system into various processes, including power generation, transmission, distribution, and power consumption, with parallel sub-processes for production and domestic power consumption. Employing data envelopment analysis (DEA), the paper develops a network directional slacks-based (DSB) model to evaluate the whole system and the internal processes. The model is theoretically proven to be feasible, providing efficiency scores and identifying inefficiencies in the system and its processes. A noteworthy addition is the introduction of the DSB green Luenberger productivity index and its decomposition, offering an analysis of productivity changes in electricity systems. Empirical analysis covering 30 Chinese provinces from 2013 to 2019 uncovers the performance variations among provinces and processes, pointing out inefficiencies and changes in technology and efficiency over time. The empirical findings aim to support efforts in enhancing the overall efficiency of China's interprovincial power system. • We decompose the complex electric power system into four processes with dependence. • We build a network directional slacks-based (DSB) model for the complex power system. • We give a DSB green Luenberger productivity index (DPI) for our network model. • The efficiency score and DPI of the system are decomposed into those of processes. • We apply the model and indexes to electric power systems in Chinese provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Does oral contraceptive pretreatment impact IVF–embryo transfer cycle outcomes in women following the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) protocol? This retrospective study was designed to compare cycle outcomes after oral contraceptive pretreatment versus the standard protocol in women within the GnRHa long protocol or the GnRHa short protocol. A total of 2052 women undergoing their first IVF treatment with the GnRHa long protocol and 3557 women with the GnRHa short protocol between 2012 and 2017 were enrolled. No significant differences in the rates of clinical pregnancy (long protocol: 49.2% versus 46.7%; short protocol: 39.4% versus 38.0%) or live birth (long protocol: 44.3% versus 41.3%; short protocol: 32.8% versus 31.4%) after fresh embryo transfer were observed between the oral contraceptive group and the control group in either the long protocol or the short protocol. Oral contraceptive pretreatment has no effect on IVF outcomes in either the GnRHa long protocol or short protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Extreme-enlarged VR space is rare and benign with specific imaging characteristics. • Mostly no specific clinical manifestations and intervention were needed. • Differentiation of extreme-enlarged VRS from other pathologic process is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sevoflurane (Sevo) is neuroprotective in brain damage, thus our objective was to further investigate the impact of Sevo treatment on nerve regeneration and repair of neurological deficit in brain damage rats by regulating miR-490-5p and cyclin-dependent kinases 1 (CDK1). The rat middle cerebral artery occlusion model was established. miR-490-5p and CDK1 levels in brain tissues were tested. The behavioral changes, the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive cells, ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) and Nestin mRNA expression, the survival and apoptosis of neurons in peripheral tissues of infarct areas were detected by a series of assays. Furthermore, the target relationship between miR-490-5p and CDK1 was verified. miR-490-5p was reduced and CDK1 was raised in brain tissues of brain damage rats. Sevo raised miR-490-5p and decreased CDK1 to improve neurological deficits, reduce apoptotic neurons, suppress expression levels of GFAP and Iba-1, and increase Nestin expression and the number of surviving neurons in peripheral tissue in infarct area, and alleviate the pathological changes of brain tissues of brain damage rats. CDK1 was negatively regulated by miR-490-5p. Our study presents that Sevo treatment is involved in neurogenesis and repair of neurological deficit of brain damage rats via up-regulating miR-490-5p and inhibiting CDK1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hole transport layer (HTL) free carbon based perovskite solar cells (Carbon PSC) are known for low cost, good stability and commercial manufacturing technology. Compared to the structure of traditional cells, the carrier transport performance between the absorber layer and the carbon electrode (CE) is poor. As an excellent P-type material, NiO has been doped in CE for obtaining a better performance of PSCs. However, NiO will inevitably reduce the conductivity of the CE due to the poor conductivity, thus failing to fully exploit the advantages of NiO in hole extraction. In this paper, rGO/NiO composites were successfully prepared by doping rGO with good conductivity, which not only improved the conductivity of the CE, but also ensured good hole extraction of the doped CE. The carrier transport in the cell was significantly improved, resulting in 32% increase in the short circuit current density (J sc). The performance of perovskite solar cells was optimized by doping the CE, and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the cell was increased from 5.48% to 8.50%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), a novel metabolism-associated gene, during polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) pathogenesis.Design: Case-control study.Setting: University hospital.Patient(s): A total of 77 PCOS patients and 67 healthy women as matched controls.Intervention(s): PDCD4 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs) detected by flow cytometry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and small-interfering RNA.Main Outcome Measure(s): PDCD4 expression, body mass index (BMI), insulin 0, insulin 120, glucose 120, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), homeostasis model assessment for β-cell function (HOMA-β), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and GC apoptosis.Result(s): The PCOS patients had higher PDCD4 expression, but BMI was similar as matched with the obese group, which positively correlated with BMI, insulin 0, insulin 120, glucose 120, HOMA-IR, HOMA-β, triglycerides and negatively correlated with HDL (P<.05). After metformin treatment, PDCD4 expression was distinctly down-regulated for the obese women with PCOS with insulin resistance. Compared with the healthy controls, the apoptosis percentage of GCs was higher in the PCOS group and was decreased by knocking down PDCD4. Furthermore, expression of proapotosis factor Bax and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were lower, whereas the expression of antiapoptosis factor Bcl-2 was increased. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, the level of PDCD4 expression independently related to the odds of PCOS risk after controlling for estradiol and insulin 120 (odds ratio 1.318).Conclusion(s): Our study suggests for the first time that higher PDCD4 expression might play an important role in PCOS pathogenesis by affecting obesity, insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorders, and GC apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effect of fibroids that do not distort the endometrial cavity on IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes and to identify certain fibroid subgroups that may be deleterious to fertility outcomes. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: University-based reproductive medicine center. Patient(s): A total of 10,268 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI between 2009 and 2011 in our unit. Intervention(s): Transvaginal ultrasound and hysteroscopy; controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and IVF/ICSI; strict matching criteria. Main Outcome Measure(s): Cycle cancellation, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, and delivery rates. Result(s): We included 249 patients with fibroids who underwent IVF/ICSI. Higher day 3 FSH levels were found in women with fibroids compared with in control subjects. No significant differences were found in IVF/ICSI outcomes between the two groups. Patients with intramural fibroids with the largest diameter <2.85 cm or the sum of reported diameters <2.95 cm had a significantly higher delivery rate than patients with larger fibroids. A significant negative effect on delivery rate was noted when intramural fibroids with the largest diameter greater than 2.85 cm were considered, compared with matched controls without fibroids. Conclusion(s): Our results suggest that although non-cavity-distorting fibroids do not affect IVF/ICSI outcomes, intramural fibroids greater than 2.85 cm in size significantly impair the delivery rate of patients undergoing IVF/ICSI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation may retard renal fibrosis after acute kidney injury. • BMSCs transplantation may diminish pericyte-myofibroblast transition. • BMSCs transplantation may diminish extracellular matrix augment. • BMSCs transplantation may regulate transforming growth factor β/Smad signaling pathway. Renal fibrosis is a common chronic outcome of acute kidney injury (AKI). Pericyte-myofibroblasts transition and production of abundant extracellular matrix are the important pathologic basis. This study investigated the effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation on the AKI kidney fibrosis and the possible mechanisms. By constructing the animal and cell model of AKI pericyte injury, the therapeutic effect of BMSCs on pericyte-myofibroblasts transition was detected. The production and accumulation of extracellular matrix, including collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin were also tested. The mechanism was revealed by means of analysis of signal pathway. After AKI insult, many myofibroblasts emerged in the renal interstitium together with a large amount of extracellular matrix components. The BMSCs transplantation significantly decreased the number of myofibroblasts trans-differentiated from pericytes in the AKI model. The changes of vascular endothelial growth factor subtypes and Ang-I/AngII secreted by pericytes were also significantly reduced after BMSCs co-culture. At the same time, extracellular matrix components, including collagen I, collagen III, and fibronectin, decreased significantly. Transplantation treatment alleviated the fibrosis score. The transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) concentration decreased as well as the levels of Smad2/3 and p-Smad2/3 with the presence of BMSCs therapy. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation diminished pericyte-myofibroblast transition and extracellular matrix augment after AKI by regulating the TGF-β/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. It may be used as a novel therapeutic method for retarding renal fibrosis, which is worthy of further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What role does programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) play in premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)? A PDCD4 gene knockout (PDCD4–/–) mouse model was constructed, a POI mouse model was established similar to human POI with 4-vinylcyclohexene dioxide (VCD), a PDCD4 -overexpressed adenovirus was designed and the regulatory role in POI in vitro and in vivo was investigated. PDCD4 expression was significantly increased in the ovarian granulosa cells of patients with POI (P ≤ 0.002 protein and mRNA) and mice with VCD-induced POI (P < 0.001 protein expression in both mouse ovaries and granulosa cells). In POI-induced mice model, PDCD4 knockouts significantly increased anti-Müllerian hormone, oestrodiol and numbers of developing follicles, and the PI3K-AKT-Bcl2/Bax signalling pathway is involved in it. The expression and regulation of PDCD4 significantly affects the POI pathology in a mouse model. This effect is closely related to the regulation of Bcl2/Bax and the activation of the PI3K-AKT signalling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hyperaccumulators are ideal plant species used for phytoremediation of soils contaminated by heavy metals. A full understanding of metal tolerance mechanisms of hyperaccumulators will facilitate enhancing their phytoremediation efficiency. However, how Cd affects N metabolism and which role plays the response of N metabolism to Cd toxicity in the tolerance of hyperaccumulators are still unknown. To clarify these questions, this study investigated the effects of various soil Cd levels on the concentrations of N forms and the activity of key enzymes involved in N metabolism in leaves of the Cd hyperaccumulator, Solanum nigrum L. The results showed that its growth and all N metabolism indicators were normal at low Cd exposure (≤12mgkg−1). At 24mgCdkg−1 soil, nitrate assimilation indicators (nitrate concentration and activity of nitrate reductase) were reduced significantly, whereas most ammonia assimilation indicators (ammonium concentration and activity of glutamine synthetase) remained normal. However, when exposed to a higher Cd level (48mgkg−1), growth and most N metabolism indicators were reduced significantly. Therefore, N metabolism in leaves of S. nigrum could be tolerant of Cd toxicity to a certain extent (soil Cd concentration ≤12mgkg−1), and this might be involved in the Cd-tolerance of this Cd-hyperaccumulator. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A novel trigeneration process for crude helium, liquefied natural gas, and methanol production was proposed. • The application of WRU provided the feasibility of producing more methanol through a separation process from vapor streams. • Comprehensive energy, exergy, economic, and environmental analyses were performed for feasibility evaluation. • According to the results, the total energy and exergy efficiencies were obtained to be 94.38% and 93.4%. • The net present value of the designed scheme was estimated to be 364.36 M$. This study suggested a novel integrated trigeneration system for crude helium (He), liquefied natural gas, and methanol production. This proposed system consisted of a cryogenic-based helium recovery unit from natural gas, a syngas synthesis unit by hybrid reforming, a methanol synthesis unit, and a sour water recovery unit. Comprehensive energy, exergy, environmental, and economic analyses were performed to assess the system's performance. Based on the results, the crude helium, liquefied natural gas, and methanol production rates were obtained to be 4105 k g / h , 3594000 k g / h , and 707800 k g / h , respectively. These production rates provided 93.4 % and 94.38 % overall exergy and energy efficiencies. Also, over 60 % of the total exergy destruction occurred in reactors (R1-R4). The application of sour water recovery supplied 85.66 % of the reforming and methanol synthesis process. Regarding environmental analysis, 94 % of the CO 2 emission was due to the indirect mode, and the rate of the CO 2 emission was estimated to be 0.164 k g C O 2 / k g p r o d s . Finally, the economic analysis indicated that the total annual production costs were about 440.16 M$ and 0.13 U S D / k g. Therefore, the net present value of the designed scheme was estimated to be 364.36 M$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of pterostilbene on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced learning and memory impairment as well as the possible changes of microglia and neurons. Firstly, learning and memory function was investigated by behavioral tests. Pterostilbene attenuated LPS-induced learning and memory impairment tested by Y-maze and Morris water maze. Secondly, immunohistochemical method was used to study the changes of microglia and neurons. The results showed that pterostilbene produced a significant decrease in the number of Iba-1 and Doublecortin (DCX) positive cells and a significant increase in neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN)-stained area of neurons in mouse hippocampal compared to the LPS group. Finally, an in vitro study was performed to further confirm the inhibitory effect on microglia activation and protective effect on neurons exerted by pterostilbene. The results demonstrated that pterostilbene significantly inhibited microglia activation, showing the obvious decrease of LPS-induced production of NO, TNF-α and IL-6 in N9 microglial cells. In addition, the viability of SH-SY5Y cells decreased by conditioned media of LPS-activated N9 microglial cells was remarkably recovered by pterostilbene. In summary, the present study demonstrated for the first time that pterostilbene attenuated LPS-induced learning and memory impairment, which may be associated with its inhibitory effect on microglia activation and protective effect on neuronal injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hole-transport material (HTM) free carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C–PSCs) lacks a HTM layer inside, resulting in poor charge transport performance. The power conversion efficiencies (PCE) of the C–PSCs could be effectively improved by increasing the transmission of photo-generated electrons from the perovskite to the electron transport layer. Here, the nanoparticles with TiO 2 @ PbTiO 3 core-shell structure were prepared by in-situ reaction and used as mesoporous electron transport layer to improve electron transport performance. It is worth noting that the density of defect states on the surface of TiO 2 significantly reduced due to the coating of PbTiO 3 , which effectively inhibits the interfacial charge recombination caused by the defect as the carrier recombination center. The electron injection from perovskite to electron transport layer enhanced ascribing to the optimized energy band arrangement. The open circuit voltage (V oc) and short circuit density (J sc) were significantly improved, as well as the hysteresis retarded. Finally, the optimal PCE prepared in the air condition increased from 6.55% to 7.97%. This study provides a very feasible idea for obtaining high-performance C–PSCs. Image 1 • The TiO 2 @PbTiO 3 core-shell structure using for mesoporous layer was fabricated by the in-situ reaction. • The trap states density acted as the center of charge recombination reduced significantly ascribing to the PbTiO 3 shell. • The electron injection from perovskite to electron transport layer enhanced due to the optimized energy band arrangement. • The open circuit voltage and short circuit density of cells improved apparently, and retarded the hysteresis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the age-specific distribution of antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and describe the association of AMH with androgenic and metabolic profiles at different ages.Design: Cross-sectional study.Setting: University hospital.Patient(s): A total of 6,763 Chinese women from birth to menopause.Intervention(s): None.Main Outcome Measure(s): Anthropometric parameters (height, weight, and blood pressure), and levels of AMH and testosterone, glucose metabolism, and lipid profiles.Result(s): According to the level of AMH, four age phases were established: childhood (0-10 years), adolescence (11-18 years), reproductive age (19-50 years), and advanced age (≥51 years). During childhood and adolescence, AMH levels increased, reaching a peak at 18 years. A decline occurred thereafter during the reproductive-age period until the age of 50 years, and it remained at a low level above 0 onward. We found that AMH was negatively correlated with testosterone in childhood (r = -0.25), but was positively correlated with testosterone and the free androgen index in adolescence (r = 0.30; r = 0.26, respectively) as well as during the reproductive phases (r = 0.28; r = 0.31, respectively). No correlation was observed between AMH and body mass index, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, the homeostasis model assessment, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein, or high-density lipoprotein at any phase.Conclusion(s): From birth to 18 years, AMH increases, then it declines thereafter, indicating changes of ovarian maintenance. A positive relationship between androgenic profiles and AMH during adolescence and reproductive years implies a synchronism between androgens and ovarian reserve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the influence of previous ectopic pregnancies (EP) and different EP treatment methods on in vitro fertilization-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI) outcomes.Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: University-based reproductive medicine center.Patient(s): Women undergoing 51,268 fresh cycles of IVF-ICSI.Intervention(s): In women who had had an EP before the IVF treatment and women who were diagnosed with fallopian disease without an EP (control group), division into three treatment subgroups: subgroup 1, conservative treatment; subgroup 2, salpingostomy; and subgroup 3 salpingectomy.Main Outcome Measure(s): Estimates of IVF-ICSI outcome and ovarian function based on number of antral follicles and rates of implantation, EP, clinical pregnancy, and delivery.Result(s): For the experimental group and the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in the rates of implantation, clinical pregnancy, or delivery. However, the risk of recurrent EP was statistically significantly higher in the experimental group compared with the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in IVF-ICSI outcomes between the three treatment subgroups in terms of the basic antral follicle number or the dominant antral follicle numbers (>1.0 cm) after surgical treatment of EP.Conclusion(s): Our results suggest that women with a prior history of EP have a higher recurrence risk of EP after IVF in comparison with women with no history of EP. Previous EP has no effect on the main IVF-ICSI outcomes. For the treatment of EP, salpingostomy and salpingectomy do not statistically significantly affect ovarian function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]