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• We found a correlation between asthma and Crohn's disease, whereas there seems to be no association with ulcerative colitis. However, this result is not yet robust and further research is needed. • The present study seems to further confirm the existence of gut-lung axis. • Clinicians should be aware of possible links between asthma and gut and assess for comorbidities. : Based on the findings of current observational studies, asthma and inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) are associated; however, their causal association cannot be established due to methodological limitations. : we use two-sample bidirectional mendelian randomization (MR) to overcome the confounding factors and explore the causal link between asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. : After selecting asthma and IBD-related genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data and screening single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), MR analysis was performed by four methods: inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger, maximum likelihood, and weighted median (WM), while Cochran's Q test was used to detect heterogeneity and MR-Egger intercept to detect horizontal pleiotropy. Finally, we used the leave-one-out method and funnel plot to perform sensitivity analysis. : We screened 57, 59, and 60 SNPs in the association analysis of asthma and IBD, CD, and UC, respectively. The results of MR analysis showed that asthma only increased the risk of CD (IVW: OR = 1.1712, 95% CI = 1.0418-1.3167, P value = 0.0082; maximum likelihood: OR = 1.1739, 95% CI = 1.0428-1.3215, P value = 0.0080). Neither forward nor reverse MR analysis revealed heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. Similarly, we did not find potential directional pleiotropy by funnel plot, and the leave-one-out method did not suggest a significant effect of a single SNP on the overall results. : we found a negative correlation between asthma and Crohn's disease, but more research is needed to confirm this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(Ti/Zr/Hf)CoSb 0.8 Sn 0.2 compounds are promising p -type thermoelectric materials. In this work, excessive Ga and Co deficiencies were introduced into Ti 0.2 Hf 0.8 CoSb 0.8 Sn 0.2 compounds. The microstructure, electrical, and thermal transport properties were investigated in the temperature range of 300 K < T < 1000 K. The excessive Ga formed nanoinclusions with Ti and Sn at the grain boundaries. The Co deficiencies lowered the thermal conductivity and simultaneously improved the electrical conductivity. As a result, the power factor was enhanced to 3.2 mW/m K2, and the maximum Z.T. of ∼0.93 at 988 K was obtained in the Ti 0.2 Hf 0.8 Co 0.99 Sb 0.8 Sn 0.2 –0.01Ga sample, which is an increase of ∼48% compared to that of the pristine Ti 0.2 Hf 0.8 CoSb 0.8 Sn 0.2 sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports an effective and facile strategy for developing multifunctional nanoplatforms by the in situ doping of manganese metal into stellate mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Mn-SMSN). The resulting Mn-SMSN@DOX-IR-780 effectively integrated enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT) combined with tumor imaging in a single platform after additional loading of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) and IR-780 iodide (IR-780) onto Mn-SMSN. Mn-SMSN@DOX-IR-780 demonstrated excellent in vitro efficacy in killing cancer cells and inhibiting cancer cell migration and invasion. Further mechanistic investigations demonstrated that Mn-SMSN@DOX-IR-780 effectively promoted the production of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species to kill tumor cells. Moreover, Mn-SMSN@DOX-IR-780 efficiently delivered DOX and IR-780 into cells, indicating potential for chemodynamic therapy and tumor imaging. In summary, the developed Mn-SMSN@DOX-IR-780 integrated CDT and image guidance, which can provide insights for future biomedical research applications concerning efficient prostate cancer treatment. [Display omitted] • Mn-SMSN@DOX-IR-780 is developed by in situ doping of manganese metal into Mn-SMSN. • Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is integrated with tumor imaging by Mn-SMSN@DOX-IR-780. • This is achieved by loading of doxorubicin hydrochloride and IR-780 iodide onto Mn-SMSN. • Mn-SMSN@DOX-IR-780 promoted cytotoxic reactive oxygen species to kill tumor cells. • CDT and image guidance integration can provide insights for prostate cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute myeloid leukemia cytogenetics and molecular subtypes are connected with microRNAs, although it is unclear how miRNAs affect AML pathogenesis. miR-409–3p expression is downregulated in bone marrows, as we have previously demonstrated in our team. Nevertheless, the tumor-suppressing activities and molecular mechanisms of miR-409–3p remain unknown. Hence, in this study, we investigate at the functional significance of miR-409–3p in the development of AML. We found that a significant decrease in miR-409–3p expression was observed in THP-1 cell. The expression of miR-409–3p was altered in THP-1 by transfecting with agomiR-409–3p and agomiR-409–3p NC. A series of experiments showed that overexpression of miR-409–3p expression significantly suppressed proliferation and increased the apoptosis of THP-1. Moreover, Rab10 was confirmed as a direct target gene of miR-409–3p and was negatively modulated by miR-409–3p. Rab10 downregulation imitated the suppressed proliferation and increased the apoptosis of THP-1. Furthermore, miR-409–3p overexpression or Rab10 knockdown obviously down-regulated the expression levels of Bcl-2, but up-regulated Bax expression. In a xenograft mouse model, miR-409–3p-overexpressed THP-1 cells resulted in much less tumor weight and size in the mice bearing the cells as compared to the mock-transfected mice. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that miR-409–3p exerted tumor suppressor gene effects in AML by directly targeting Rab10, which might provide a promising therapeutic target for AML. [Display omitted] • miR-409–3p was downregulated and Rab10 was upregulated in THP-1 cells. • Rab10 was a target of miR-409–3p, and upregulation of miR-409–3p downregulated Rab10 mRNA and proteins levels. • miR-409–3p over-expression inhibited proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and inhibited AML tumor growth. • Rab10 knockdown inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis in THP-1 cells. • miR-409–3p inhibited the progression of AML via directly targeting Rab10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganism breeding is a known cause of food spoilage and disease transmission. Aspergillus niger ( A. niger ) and Bacillus subtilis ( B. subtilis ) are examples of microorganisms that cause deterioration of fresh fruits and vegetables during storage, which can be a serious threat to human health. In this work, we synthesized a self-assembled film of graphene oxide (GO) and chitosan (CS) biopolymers with titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles embedded in its surface. We then characterized its antibacterial and preservative properties. We found that these non-cytotoxic nanometer-scale films, especially when the ratio of graphene oxide, chitosan and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the nanocomposites is 1:20:4, exhibited high antibacterial activity against the biofilm-forming strains A. niger and B. subtilis . The preservation capacity of the nanocomposites was evaluated by enzymatic experiments. The nanocomposites did not show any cytotoxicity against mammalian somatic cells and plant cells. Altogether, this work demonstrated that the nanocomposites disrupted microbial film formation while avoiding internalization by animal and plant cells. Due to their selectivity and safety, these nanocomposites demonstrate potential as antimicrobial coatings for food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNA are non-coding small RNAs that bind to their target mRNA and cause mRNA degradation or translation inhibition. MiRNA dysregulation is linked to a variety of human cancers and has a role in the genesis and development of cancer pathology. MiR-328 has been reported to be involved in various human cancers. And miR-328 is considered a key regulator in human cancer. It participates in biological processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and EMT. The present review will combine the basic and clinical studies to find that miR-328 promotes tumorigenesis and metastasis in human cancer. And we will describe the diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of miR-328 in various human cancers. [Display omitted] • MiR-328 is differentially expressed in different types of cancer. • MiR-328 can target multiple different genes to regulate the biological functions of cancer cells. • MiR-328 can be regulated by lncRNAs and circRNAs and participates in multiple signaling pathways. • Targeting miR-328 could be a novel strategy for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen production from electrochemical water splitting is a promising strategy to generating green energy, which requires development of efficient and stable bifunctional catalysts for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER). Herein, dual transition metal phosphides/N-doped carbon/Nickel foam composite (CoNiP/NC-NF) is prepared via direct phosphidation of ZIF-67, in which ZIF-67 can control the size and N-doping content of CoNiP/NC, boosting the bifunctional activities for the OER and HER. Then, the overall water splitting is performed by using CoNiP/NC-NF as the cathode and anode, showing a low cell voltage of 1.60 V to reach current density of 10 mA cm−2. Experimental studies indicate that ZIF-67 influences the electrocatalytic performance, and theoretical studies identify the active component of CoNiP/NC-NF for HER and OER, respectively. [Display omitted] • ZIF-67 based TMPs were prepared with good activities for the OER and HER. • The overall water splitting was applied using this material as the cathode and anode. • ZIF-67 influenced the electrocatalytic performance of OER and HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Novel Eu2+-doped Ca2AlSi3O2N5 phosphors with a general formula of Eu x Ca2−x AlSi3O2N5 were successfully prepared via a solid-state reaction method under a nitrogen atmosphere. The produced phosphors were effectively excited by UV–vis light in the wavelength range between 250 and 400nm, and featured an intense green emission band which peaked at about 500nm. The emission spectra featured a red-shift over increasing Eu2+ content and the temperature of heat treatment. The maximum intensity of emission was obtained for x =0.014 and heat treatment at 1450°C. The photoluminescence properties of the produced Ca2AlSi3O2N5:Eu2+ phosphors qualify them for consideration in potential use as green phosphors in UVLED-based white LED. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this article, a rapid and cost-effective melt spinning (MS) subsequently combined with a spark plasma sintering (SPS) process was utilized to prepared n-type Bi2(Te1−x Se x )3 (x = 0.0–1.0) solid solutions from high purity single elemental chunks. The substitution of tellurium by selenium has significant impacts on the electrical and thermal transport properties of the Bi2(Se x Te1−x )3 compounds in a manner which can be well understood using a valence bond rule and the corresponding change in band gap. Furthermore, the selenium substitution effectively adjusts the carrier density allowing an optimum value of ∼5 × 10−19 cm−3. As a result, a maximum ZT of 1.05 at 420 K was achieved for the Bi2(Se0.2Te0.8)3 sample which also shows an improved average ZT of ∼0.97 in the entire measurement temperature range. By adopting the same p-type legs, the module fabricated by the MS-SPS Bi2(Se0.2Te0.8)3 material which acts as n-type legs shows ∼10% enhancement in thermoelectric conversion efficiency compared with the module fabricated by n-type zone melted ingots. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pramipexole (PRX) is a non-ergot dopamine (DA) D2/D3 receptor agonist. Experimental studies have provided evidence that PRX may exert neuroprotective effects on the nigro-striatal system. Recent studies have demonstrated a slower decline of DAT density in Parkinson''s disease patients treated with PRX as measured by SPECT. The aim of this study is to determine whether PRX has direct biological effects on DAergic neuron-associated genes expression, including DAT, VMAT2, and Nurr1. The human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were treated with PRX for various time periods and harvested to measure the mRNA and protein products of these genes. Treatment with PRX at 10μM significantly increased DAT mRNA levels by 54–130% in 4–8h, VMAT2 mRNA levels by 34% in 4h, and Nurr1 mRNA levels by 31–39% in 2–4h, which was the earliest induction among these three genes. The protein levels of DAT, VMAT2, and Nurr1 were markedly increased after PRX treatment, among which the increase of Nurr1 protein level was the highest at first 2h treatment of PRX. Nafadotride, a D3 DA receptor antagonist, blocked the increase of Nurr1 gene expression induced by PRX, while eticlopride, a D2 DA receptor antagonist, didn’t show this effect. Our findings that PRX has biological regulatory effects on DAergic neuron-associated genes may explain both the slower decline of imaged DAT and the neuroprotective effect of PRX. Furthermore, our results suggest that the induction of Nurr1 gene expression by PRX may be mediated by D3 DA receptor. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We introduce a new topology-preserving 3D thinning procedure for deriving the curve voxel skeleton from 3D binary digital images. Based on a rigorously defined classification procedure, the algorithm consists of sequential thinning iterations each characterized by six parallel directional sub-iterations followed by a set of sequential sub-iterations. The algorithm is shown to produce concise and geometrically accurate 3D curve skeletons. The thinning algorithm is also insensitive to object rotation and only moderately sensitive to noise. Although this thinning procedure is valid for curve skeleton extraction of general elongated objects, in this paper, we specifically discuss its application to the orientation modeling of trabecular biological tissues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Our study is firstly to investigate the effect of Clostridium butyricum on structure and composition of gut microbiota and also explore the its effect on suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB pathway by which reduced colitis associated colon cancer in mice. • We also explore the effect of Clostridium butyricum on expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a, IL-6 and enzyme COX-2 and to explore whether Clostridium butyricum can promote apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells by blocking the activation of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. • We find that CB could regulate structure and composition of gut microbiota and reduces colitis associated colon cancer in mice, the mechanism may be inhibiting NF-κB pathway and promoting apoptosis. We investigate the effects of Clostridium butyricum(CB) on gut microbiota and colitis associated colon cancer(CAC) in mice.6–8 weeks old C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control, azoxymethane (AOM) + dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) and AOM + DSS + CB groups. Mice in the latter two groups received an intraperitoneal injection of AOM (12.5 mg/kg), followed by three cycles of DSS diluted in water (2.5% w/v). Mice in treatment group received CB (2 × 108 CFU in 200 ul normal saline) by gavage administration three times one week. Microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. Colon samples were collected to examine severity of colitis and tumorigenesis. Cytokines including TNF-a, IL-6 and Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) were detected by RT-qPCR. Expression of Bcl-2, Bax and the state of components of NF-κB signaling pathway were detected by western blot. The results revealed that CB regulated structure of intestinal flora and changed the microbial composition; decreased Firmicutes/ Bacteroidetes ratio in phylum level and increased the relative abundance of probiotics; decreased colitis, decreased incidence and size of colorectal cancer(CRC) and increased apoptosis of tumor cells; decreased cytokines including TNF-a and IL-6; decreased level of COX-2; decreased phosphorylation of NF-κB; decreased level of Bcl-2 and increased expression of Bax. In conclusion, CB could regulate structure and composition of gut microbiota and reduces colitis associated colon cancer in mice, the mechanism may be inhibiting NF-κB pathway and promoting apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Mn2+–Ce3+ co-doped MgYSi2O5N phosphors were prepared by a solid-state reaction method. Their photoluminescence properties were studied in terms of absorption, excitation, and emission spectra. They could be effectively excited by ultraviolet light and showed intense blue and red emissions, making them attractive candidate phosphors for white light LED application. The luminescence of Ce3+ significantly increased with the incorporation of Mn2+ and an efficient energy transfer from Ce3+ to Mn2+ ions occurred. The blue band emission was attributed to the 5d1–4f1 transition of Ce3+ ions, and the double red band emission was attributed to the single Mn2+ ion and Mn2+ pairs or clusters. The effects of Ce3+ and Mn2+ concentrations on luminance have also been studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Layered TiS 2 is of great potential in thermoelectrics for room temperature and medium temperature applications due to its tunable transport properties, low environmental impact, low cost, and lightweight. Herein, we prepared Fe x TiS 2– δ with x varying from 0 to 0.05 through a two-step process, involving initial synthesis in sealed tubes followed by spark plasma sintering. Mössbauer spectroscopy indicated that Fe atoms occupy the octahedral sites in the van der Waals gaps and exist in the form of Fe2+ with a high spin state. Fe x TiS 2– δ with x ≤ 0.02 exhibit high in-plane power factors, reaching an average of ∼ 1.2 mWm–1K–2. The structural disorder caused by Fe intercalation leads to a significant decrease in out-of-plane lattice thermal conductivity. The anisotropy in the figure of merit, ZT , of Fe x TiS 2– δ is suppressed due to Fe intercalation. Fe 0.01 TiS 2– δ possesses the highest ZT of 0.39 at 625 K along the in-plane direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Co-substitution of Eu and Nb into insulating CaTiO 3 can make it a good n-type potential thermoelectric (TE) material. In the present work, solid solution compounds with the nominal composition Ca 0.8 Eu 0.2 Ti 1– x Nb x O 3– δ (x = 0.05, 0.08, 0.1, 0.12) were synthesized and sintered in different atmospheres, including argon (Ar) and forming gas (5 vol% H 2 in Ar). Notably, the different reduction effects of these atmospheres resulted in significant differences in phase formation, grain size, oxygen deficiency, and TE properties of the synthesized samples. Introducing additional electrons to the system by donor substitution of Ti with Nb leads to significant changes in the electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient. The most favorable TE performance of the prepared samples was found in the sample with x = 0.05, primarily attributed to its proper charge carrier concentration. This work highlights the crucial role of the sintering atmosphere in manipulating the TE performance of n-type CaTiO 3 -based ceramics, an effect similar to donor doping. [Display omitted] • Sintering atmospheres play a vital role in determining thermoelectric transport properties of titanate perovskites. • Nb is an efficient electron donor in the titanate perovskite system. • Tungsten carbide impurity can significantly enhance the thermal conductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Oxide materials are of current interest as high-temperature thermoelectrics in the automotive and manufacturing energy-harvesting sectors due to high chemical robustness, low toxicity and low cost. Driven by a need to improve the thermoelectric performance of n-type oxides to the level of p-type analogues, ceramics and composites based on donor-doped SrTiO 3 are considered as a promising material. Here Nb-doped SrTiO 3 with Nb content of 10 and 15% as well as Sr/(Nb + Ti) ratio of 1.00 and 0.98 was mixed with 0.6 wt. % of graphene oxide (GO) prepared by Hummer-based method and conventionally sintered in atmosphere of H 2 /N 2 to reduce both Nb-doped SrTiO 3 and GO. Addition of reduced GO in combination with introduction of Sr vacancies provides a synergistic effect of fastening charge transport and thereby increasing electrical conductivity σ and suppressing the thermal conductivity κ. These factors, together with a moderate Seebeck coefficient S , result in a high power factor PF = S 2 × σ up to ∼1.98 mW/(K2m) and thermoelectric figure of merit ZT = PF × T / κ up to 0.29. These findings offer further prospects for seeking high performance SrTiO 3 -based thermoelectrics by modification with reduced GO. Graphical abstract Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microcystin-LR (MC-LR) is the most common and toxic hepatotoxin and it could induce human hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via the route of drinking water. The aim of the present study was to determine the expressions of oncogenes c - fos , c - jun , c - myc , c - met , and N - ras and tumor suppressor gene PTEN in HepG2 cells following MC-LR-exposure to understand the possible mechanism of MC-LR-related human primary liver cancer. The results of qPCR and Western blotting showed that MC-LR-exposure at non- or sub-cytotoxic concentrations promoted the expressions of oncogenes c - fos , c - jun , c - myc , c - met , and N - ras while suppressed tumor-suppressor gene PTEN in HepG2 cells at both transcription and protein levels. This result suggests that HCC-related genes may be involved in human hepatitis and primary liver cancer caused by MC-LR. The work might be useful for evaluating the human health risk resulted from the long-term of MC-LR-exposure at low dose via drinking water route. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is the infusion of blood or blood system. To explore the mechanism of TLR4-mediated T cell immune effect in TRALI. In this animal study, a mouse model of LPS-induced TRALI was established. Sixty adult C57/BL6 mice (wild-type, WT) were randomly divided into 5 groups: 1) normal WT type, 2) LPS control group of WT type lipopolysaccharide, 3) WT type TRALI group (LPS + MHC-I mAb), 4) (TLR4 antibody) lipopolysaccharide LPS control group, 5) (TLR4 antibody) TRALI group (LPS + MHC-I mAb). Mice were injected with LPS (0.1 mg/kg) and MHC-I mAb (2 mg/kg) into the tail vein. H&E staining was performed to detect pathological features. The myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the level of inflammatory cytokines in lung tissue homogenate supernatant were measured. Blood, spleen single-cell suspension, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were collected to detect the ratio of Treg and Th17 cells by flow cytometry. RT-PCR and WB were used to detect mRNA or protein expression. TLR4 mAb treatment alleviated the pathogenesis of LPS-induced TRALI in vivo, the MPO activity, and the level of proinflammatory factors in lung tissues. TLR4 exerted its function by changing of Treg/Th17 ratio via the SLIT2/ROBO4 signaling pathway and downregulating CDH5 and SETSIP. TLR4 mediates immune response in the LPS-induced TRALI model through the SLIT2/ROBO4 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are involved in cognition, control of motor activity, and emotion-related behaviors. Degeneration of DA neurons particularly in the substantia nigra is a hallmark of Parkinson's disease. The homeobox transcription factor, Pitx3, plays a critical role in the development, function, and maintenance of midbrain DA neurons. We found that in young adult Pitx3-null mice, Pitx3(−/−), there was decreased tyrosine hydroxylase staining, indicating a loss of DA neurons particularly in the substantia nigra. In addition, fast-scan cyclic voltammetry and microdialysis assays of DA release indicated that the lack of Pitx3 caused a significant reduction of striatal DA release. Tonic DA release was impaired more significantly than the phasic DA release induced by burst firing of DA neurons. Furthermore, behavioral tests revealed that Pitx3(−/−) mice displayed abnormal motor activities, including impaired motor coordination and decreased locomotion. In summary, these data provide further evidence that Pitx3 is specifically required for DA-related function and, if impaired, Pitx3 could contribute during the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures (HSs) is an effective method to tune the physical and chemical properties of 2D materials. Using first-principles calculations, we explore the photocatalytic activity of CdS/PtSSe HSs (CPHSs) including CdS/SPtSe HSs (CPHS(S)s) and CdS/SePtS HSs (CPHS(Se)s). The small lattice mismatches and the negative interface formation energies suggest that the CPHSs are feasible, and the small bandgaps guarantee the CPHSs to absorb sufficient visible light. The stacking configurations can hardly affect the electronic structures of CPHS(S)s and CPHS(Se)s, but the contact sides can switch CPHSs between type-I and type-II. The type-I CPHS(Se)s are potential candidates as light-emitting diodes. For the CPHS(S)s, the type-II band alignments promote the spatial separation of photogenerated carriers, and the induced built-in electric fields around the interface region also promote the separation of photoinduced carriers. In addition, the band edges of CPHS(S)s fulfill the thermodynamic requirements for photocatalytic water-splitting, and the solar-to-hydrogen efficiencies are up to 37.5%. All these factors prove the CPHS(S)s are highly efficient photocatalysts to split water. [Display omitted] • The electronic, optical, and photocatalytic properties of 2D CdS/PtSSe heterostructures are studied. • The CdS/PtSSe heterostructures could switch between type-I and type-II by the change of contact sides. • The CdS/SPtSe heterostructures are promising water-splitting photocatalysts with the solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 37.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer cells are typically characterized by abnormal quality control of mitochondria, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), dysregulation of the cell redox state, and the Warburg effect. Mutation or depletion of PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) or Parkin leads to mitophagy defects and accumulation of malfunctioning mitochondria, and is often detected in a variety of tumors. However, PINK1's role in the progression of gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear, with its main effect being on mitochondrial turnover, metabolic reprogramming, and tumor microenvironment (TME) alteration. To address these issues, we first assessed the expression levels of PINK1, mitophagy-associated molecules, ROS, HIF-1α, glycolysis-associated genes, and macrophage signatures in GC tissues and matched tumor-adjacent normal samples. In addition, GC cell lines (AGS and MKN-45) and xenograft mouse models were used to determine the mechanism by which PINK1 regulates mitophagy, metabolic reprogramming, tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) polarization, and GC progression. We found that PINK1 loss correlated with advanced stage GC and poorer overall survival. GC tissues with lower PINK1 levels showed compromised mitophagy signaling and enhanced glycolytic enzyme expression. In vitro experiments demonstrated that PINK1 deficiency promoted GC cell proliferation and migration through the inhibition of mitophagy, production of mitochondrial ROS, stabilization of HIF-1α, and facilitation of the Warburg effect under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Moreover, PINK1 deficiency in GC cells promoted TAM polarization toward the M2-like phenotype. Reintroduction of PINK1 or inhibition of HIF-1α effectively repressed PINK1 deficiency-mediated effects on GC cell growth, metabolic shift, and TAM polarization. Thus, mitophagy defects caused by PINK1 loss conferred a metabolic switch through accumulation of mtROS and stabilization of HIF-1α, thereby facilitating the M2 polarization of TAM to remodel an immunosuppressive microenvironment in GC. Our results clarify the mechanism between PINK1 and GC progression and may provide a novel strategy for the treatment of GC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ceramic SiCN nanocomposites modified with nanocellulose derived defect-rich carbon nanofibers (CNFs-SiCN) were developed by thermolysis of nanocelulose-polysilazane single-source precursors (SSPs). Multi-loss mechanisms (i.g. polarization loss and conductive loss) were established in the SiCN ceramic nanocomposites by employing the defect-rich structure of CNFs. Cole-Cole circle plots indicate that the CNFs-SiCN ceramics possess strong polarization capability due to the defect-rich structure of the CNFs. Dielectric loss values fitted by the Debye theory showed that the proportion of polarization loss reaches an unprecedented high value, accounting for 52.1% of the total dielectric loss. When the content of nanocellulose is 10 wt% of SSPs, the minimal reflection coefficient (RC min) and effective absorption bandwidth (EABs) of CNFs-SiCN ceramic can reach −36.3 dB and 3.0 GHz, respectively. This work may contribute new ideas for establishing multi-loss mechanisms in ceramic-based materials, finding a new application for nanocellulose, and shaping the design of novel absorbents. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) is a transcription factor that activates the transcription of genes and is responsible for progression of cell survival and proliferation. The synthesis of HIF-1α can be stimulated via oxygen (O2)-independent mechanisms; whereas, the degradation of HIF-1α is regulated via Fe2+ and/or O2-dependent enzyme prolyl hydroxylase (PHD). Aberrant iron accumulation, mitochondrial dysfunction and impairment of protein degradation system, such as autophagy, have been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson''s disease, among which, iron and mitochondrial dysfunction may enhance the enzyme activity of prolyl hydroxylase and cause the decrease of HIF-1α. Recent reports have indicated that HIF-1α may induce autophagy under hypoxic condition. Considering the metabolic characteristics of HIF-1α under the pathogenesis of Parkinson''s disease, we speculated that compounds that might stabilize HIF-1α could prevent neuronal injury caused by excessive iron or mitochondrial injury under normoxic condition. Deferoxamine is one of iron chelators that may accumulate HIF-1α due to the decreased degradation of HIF-1αvia inhibition of prolyl hydroxylase activity. In this study, we showed that the protein level of HIF-1α was decreased in rotenone or MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cell models of Parkinson''s disease. We demonstrated that deferoxamine caused accumulation of HIF-1α accompanied by the enhancement of autophagy in SH-SY5Y cells. When HIF-1α gene was inhibited, deferoxamine-induced autophagy was suppressed accordingly, indicating that deferoxamine-induced autophagy was dependent on the expression of HIF-1α. Our results also showed that deferoxamine attenuated rotenone-induced apoptosis, which was blocked when HIF-1α or autophagy related gene Beclin 1 was suppressed. In summary, the present study indicated that the level of HIF-1α was decreased under the situation when mitochondrial complex I was inhibited, and the neuroprotective role of deferoxamine in rotenone-induced apoptosis could be partially explained by its effects on the accumulation of HIF-1α and HIF-1α-mediated induction of autophagy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The catalytic cracking of a high density hydrocarbon fuel, tricyclo [5.2.1.02.6] decane (JP-10) over HZSM-5 molecular sieves with different Si/Al mole ratios of 25, 38, and 50 was investigated at the temperature range from 773 to 873K. Compared with the thermal cracking and the catalytic cracking over ZSM-5, conversions of JP-10 from the catalytic cracking over HZSM-5 molecular sieves at the same temperature were evidently heightened. The predominant hydrocarbon products from the catalytic cracking, checked at room temperature and atmospheric pressure, were methane, ethane, ethene, propane and propylene in the gaseous phase and benzene, indene, naphthalene and their homologues in the liquid phase. The contents of ethane, propane and propene decrease with increasing Si/Al mole ratio of a catalyst while those of methane and ethene increase simultaneously with the increase of Si/Al mole ratio of HZSM-5. The contents of the main components in the liquid products produced on the catalyst surface at a given temperature also decreased with the increase of Si/Al mole ratio. To keep high yields of alkenes, the HZSM-5 catalyst with high Si/Al mole ratio could be chosen. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel and sustainable paper template-based method was developed for the fabrication of advanced niobium carbide (NbC)-based free-standing films for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding application. Through employing the porous structure of paper template, the simultaneous optimization of thickness, flexibility, density and shielding effectiveness (SE) of NbC-based films was facilely achieved. The pyrolytic carbon (PyC) derived from paper worked as a carbon source for the growth of the NbC phase. A hierarchically porous structure with a porosity of ∼80 vol % was established to optimize the flexibility and density of the resultant films. Adjusted heterogeneous NbC-PyC nano-interfaces were formed by controlling the amount of NbC and the remaining PyC phase in the films, which significantly improved the absorption capability of EM waves. At the highest NbC content, the film possesses shielding effectiveness of 50 and 86 dB when the sample thickness is ∼55 and ∼220 μm, respectively compared to 32 dB of pristine paper-derived PyC film (∼55 μm). These results provide guidance to explore more eco-friendly and commercially effective routes for the recycling of used paper through developing their application in the EM field. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a significant risk factor for development of gastric cancer (GC), one of the deadliest malignancies in the world. However, the mechanism by which H. pylori induces gastric oncogenesis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the function of IL-6 in gastric oncogenesis and macrophage-epithelial cell interactions. We analyzed publicly available datasets to investigate the expression of IL-6 and infiltration of M2 macrophages in GC tissues, and determine the inter-cellular communication in the context of IL-6. Human gastric epithelial and macrophage cell lines (GES-1 and THP-1-derived macrophages, respectively) were used in mono- and co-culture experiments to investigate autocrine-and paracrine induction of IL-6 expression in response to H. pylori or IL-6 stimulation. We found that IL-6 is highly expressed in GC and modulates survival. M2 macrophage infiltration is predominant in GC and drives an IL-6 mediated communication with gastric epithelium cells. In vitro , IL-6 triggers its own expression in GES-1 and THP-1-derived macrophages cells. In addition, these cell lines are able to upregulate each other's IL-6 levels in an autocrine fashion, which is enhanced by H. pylori stimulation. This study indicates that IL-6 in the tumor microenvironment is essential for intercellular communication. We show that H. pylori enhances an IL-6-driven autocrine and paracrine positive feedback loop between macrophages and gastric epithelial cells, which may contribute to gastric carcinogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]