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Abstract Inflammasomes promote the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18, which are the representative mediators of inflammation. Abnormal activation of inflammasomes leads to the development of inflammatory diseases such as acute pancreatitis (AP). In this study, we demonstrate the inhibitory effects of a new natural compound fraxinellone on inflammasome formation and examine the role of inflammasomes in a mouse model of AP. AP was induced with hourly intraperitoneal injections of supramaximal concentrations of the stable cholecystokinin analogue cerulein (50 μg/kg) for 6 h. Mice were sacrificed 6 h after the final cerulein injection. Blood and pancreas samples were obtained for further experiments. Intraperitoneal injection of fraxinellone significantly inhibited the pancreatic activation of multiple inflammasome molecules such as NACHT, LRR and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), PY-CARD, caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β during AP. In addition, fraxinellone treatment inhibited pancreatic injury, elevation in serum amylase and lipase activities, and infiltration of inflammatory cells such as neutrophils and macrophages but had no effect on pancreatic edema. To investigate whether inflammasome activation leads to the infiltration of inflammatory cells, we used parthenolide, a well-known natural inhibitor, and IL-1 receptor antagonist mice. The inhibition of inflammasome activation by pharmacological/or genetic modification restricted the infiltration of inflammatory cells, but not edema, consistent with the results observed with fraxinellone. Taken together, our study highlights fraxinellone as a natural inhibitor of inflammasomes and that inflammasome inhibition may lead to the suppression of inflammatory cells during AP. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Fraxinellone is a natural inhibitor of inflammasome. • Inflammasome leads to the infiltration of inflammatory cells into pancreas during acute pancreatitis. • Fraxinellone inhibits pancreatic injury via suppression of inflammasome against acute pancreatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Numerous factors contribute to hospital readmissions of older adults. The role social capital may play in preventing hospital readmissions is unknown. The aim of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to determine if levels of personal social capital differ in two groups of patients aged 65 and older, those readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge and those not readmitted. Participants in this study (N = 106) were community-dwelling older adults discharged from 11 hospitals in the Midwestern United States. The Personal Social Capital Scale and a demographic questionnaire were mailed to eligible participants for completion. Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was computed to examine the differences in the dependent variables of bonding and bridging social capital between those patients readmitted within 30 days and those not readmitted within 30 days. No significant differences between the two groups' mean levels of bonding or bridging social capital were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A high-performance hydrogen generator was developed using solid-state NaBH 4. • The satisfying performance of hydrogen supply was obtained for various flight conditions. • High purity of hydrogen of 99.64% was obtained for the entire conditions. • Performance for dynamic response to sudden hydrogen demand was evaluated. A solid NaBH 4 -based hydrogen generator was developed as a hydrogen source for fuel-cell-powered unmanned autonomous systems (UAS). Although many studies have been conducted to extract hydrogen from solid NaBH 4 , performance evaluation required for commercialization are still insufficient so that a new structure of the hydrogen generator is required to meet the performance requirement. For this purpose, in this study, a new reactor was made of a magnesium alloy with perfluoroalkoxy coating to improve its thermal conductivity and chemical resistance. In addition, a porous partition was installed inside the reactor to separate the hydrogen buffer volume from the reaction zone where NaBH 4 granules was filled. Next, The operational characteristics of the developed hydrogen generator were evaluated in high- and low-temperature environments, inclined pitch and roll angles, unpredictable power cut-off situations, and sudden hydrogen demand, including the idle, rated, and maximum power modes. A start-up of the hydrogen generator was possible without additional heating and insulation at −15 °C and the hydrogen generation was stable after start-up for all pitch (±30°) and roll (±45°) angles, whereas the CoG shifted forward by 26% of the total length as the agent solution was consumed. In addition, the hydrogen supply immediately recovered within 30 s after an unpredictable power cut-off. Hydrogen purity was 99.64% on average and impurities originated from the water vapor. Finally, the dynamic response to the sudden hydrogen demand and precise controllability of the hydrogen supply rate were tested according to the simulated hydrogen consumption profile for practical use in fuel cells. In conclusion, the developed hydrogen generator satisfied the requirements for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indirect carbonation using industrial by-products such as coal fly ash (CFA) and slag to store CO 2 and produce high-purity CaCO 3 is the focus of research worldwide. Large amounts of the industrial by-products used for indirect carbonation remain as residual by-products after Ca elution using solvents, but few studies have attempted to utilize these secondary by-products. This study synthesized zeolite P with abundant pores and good crystallinity from the residual by-products of indirect carbonation, which are considered landfill waste, through alkali fusion and a subsequent hydrothermal reaction. The conversion rates of zeolites synthesized from the residual by-products of CFA were similar to that of zeolite synthesized with CFA, reaching as high as 87%. We confirmed the mechanism underlying the fusion–hydrothermal transformation from these by-products to zeolite P through X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, and scanning electron microscope analyses. A zero-discharge system that does not emit CO 2 or waste can be achieved by synthesizing zeolites from residual by-products while also producing CaCO 3 and storing CO 2 by indirect carbonation. Therefore, this zeolite synthesis strategy is expected to make indirect carbonation more economical and eco-friendly. [Display omitted] • By-products remaining after indirect carbonation were used for zeolite synthesis. • Zeolite P with good crystallinity was synthesized by a fusion–hydrothermal reaction. • The conversion rate of zeolite synthesized with residual by-products reached 87%. • The conversion mechanism from residual by-products to zeolite was confirmed. • This zeolite synthesis strategy will enhance the economics of indirect carbonation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas, which, in its most severe form, is associated with multi-organ failure and death. Loganin, a major iridoid glycoside obtained from Corni fructus , has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-shock effects. However, the effects of loganin on AP have not been determined. Pre-treatment of loganin reduced pancreatic damage and AP-associated lung injury and attenuated the severity of AP, as evidenced by (1) a reduction in several biochemical parameters (pancreatic weight to body weight ratio, myeloperoxidase activity, and level of amylase) and (2) production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. However, post-treatment of loganin failed to improve pancreatic damage and biochemical parameters of AP, but could inhibit the AP-induced elevation of IL-1β and TNF-α significantly. In addition, cerulein-induced activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB was inhibited in the pancreas by administration of loganin. In conclusion, these results suggest that loganin exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect in cases of AP and its pulmonary complications through inhibition of NF-κB activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vaterite, a type of calcium carbonate, has recently raised the potential for use as a drug delivery material and a filler for bone defects due to its high specific surface area and solubility, low specific gravity, and high porosity. However, existing methods of producing fine-particle vaterite exhibit limitations that annexed processes such as adding excessive additives or irradiating ultrasound are necessary, and mass production is impossible. We developed a simple, chemical additive-free, low-cost technology with mass production capability that can overcome problems faced in conventional vaterite production. We found that seawater is favorable for vaterite production and enables the reduction of its particle size because of its supersaturation in CaCO 3 , absence of magnesium, and high viscosity, and the reduced surface energy of vaterite. Using seawater as a solvent for indirect carbonation, we succeeded in producing a vaterite content of 100% containing fine particles without additives or additional processing. Spherical or elliptical vaterite was separately formed by adjusting the ionic strength of seawater. In addition, the ionic strength of seawater controlled the surface area and pore size of vaterite. [Display omitted] • Seawater is favorable for vaterite production and reduction of its particle size. • Seawater is used as an indirect carbonation solvent to produce fine particle vaterite. • CaCO 3 supersaturation and absence of Mg in used seawater affect vaterite formation. • Spherical or elliptical vaterite is produced by adjusting the ionic strength of seawater. • The ionic strength of seawater controls the surface area and pore size of vaterite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indirect carbonation is a technology for carbon capture, utilization, and storage that is used to reduce the concentration of CO 2 , and it may be also used to produce vaterite for drug delivery materials. However, vaterite is difficult to produce at the sizes and production volumes required for these applications. In this study, we investigated the effects of sucrose additions to seawater in an indirect carbonation process to increase CO 2 storage, generate vaterite, and reduce CaCO 3 particle size. In addition, sucrose was added before and after Ca elution and the CO 2 storage, vaterite content, and CaCO 3 particle size results were compared. By adding sucrose to seawater, the CO 2 storage capability was doubled, the vaterite content increased by 34%, and the CaCO 3 particle size decreased by 41% compared to results using seawater alone. When the molar ratio of sucrose to Ca in the Ca eluate was 1:2, the vaterite content was at its highest and the particle size was the smallest. At this ratio, the supersaturation of the Ca eluate was maximized due to the high Ca concentration and pH. Adding sucrose before Ca elution had many advantages compared to adding sucrose after Ca elution: the vaterite content increased, the particle size decreased, and most significantly, CO 2 storage and CaCO 3 production doubled and the addition of NaOH for carbonation was unnecessary. Because seawater and sucrose used in this study are non-toxic and inexpensive, the economical mass production of small-sized pure vaterite using this technology is feasible. • Sucrose addition promotes the effect of seawater in indirect carbonation. • Seawater and sucrose work together to produce small-sized pure vaterite. • Highest vaterite content and smallest particle size occurs when sucrose:Ca is 1:2. • Adding sucrose before Ca elution is more advantageous than that after Ca elution. • Sucrose elutes Ca from CaO while forming a Ca-sucrate complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study aims at evaluating the reuse feasibility of effluent produced by the soil washing of mine tailings with oxalic acid. Alkaline chemicals such as NaOH, Ca(OH)2, and Na2CO3 are used for the precipitation of arsenic and heavy metals in the effluent containing oxalic acid. All of the target contaminants are removed with very high efficiency (up to 100%) at high pH. The precipitation using NaOH at pH 9 is determined to be the most cost-effective method for the removal of arsenic as well as heavy metals in the effluent. The effluent decontaminated by NaOH is consecutively reused for the soil washing of raw mine tailings, resulting in considerable efficiency. Furthermore, even more arsenic and heavy metals are extracted from raw mine tailings by acidifying the decontaminated effluent under the alkaline condition, compared with direct reuse of the decontaminated effluent. Here, the oxalic acid, which is a weak complex-forming ligand as well as a weak acid, has noticeable effects on both soil washing and effluent treatment by precipitation. It extracts efficiently the contaminants from the mine tailings without adverse change of soil and also makes possible the precipitation of the contaminants in the effluent unlike strong chelating reagent. Reuse of the washing effluent containing oxalic acid would make the existing soil washing process more environment-friendly and cost-effective. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present paper, inorganic arsenic species and chemical parameters in groundwater were determined to investigate the factors related to the distribution of arsenic species and their dissolution from rock into groundwater. For the study, groundwater and core samples were taken at different depths of two newly drilled wells in Huron and Lapeer Counties, Michigan. Results show that total arsenic concentrations in the core samples varied, ranging from 0.8 to 70.7 mg/kg. Iron concentration in rock was about 1800 times higher than that of arsenic, and there was no correlation between arsenic and iron occurrences in the rock samples. Arsenic concentrations in groundwater ranged from <1 to 171 μg/l. The arsenic concentration in groundwater depended on the amount of arsenic in aquifer rocks, and as well decreased with increasing depth. Over 90% of arsenic existed in the form of As(III), implying that the groundwater systems were in the reduced condition. The results such as high ferrous ion, low redox potential and low dissolved oxygen supported the observed arsenic species distribution. There was no noticeable difference in the total arsenic concentration and arsenic species ratio between unfiltered and filtered (0.45 μm) waters, indicating that the particulate form of arsenic was negligible in the groundwater samples. There were correlations between water sampling depth and chemical parameters, and between arsenic concentration and chemical parameters, however, the trends were not always consistent in both wells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A case report of pericardial agenesis identified in the course of a thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary sequestration in a 9-month-old boy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azoxystrobin (AZ) and pyraclostrobin (PY) are strobilurin fungicides that inhibit fungal mitochondrial respiration. In this study, a representative model, zebrafish (Danio rerio), was used as a test species for acute and developmental toxicity. Survival and malformation rates were observed only PY-treated embryos, with an LC 50 value of 77.75 ppb accompanied by a dramatic decrease in hatching rate, while AZ did not show great mortality. Morphological changes were observed in PY-treated embryos with the occurrence of pericadial edema at 25 ppb. A delay in growth was observed after treatment with pyraclostrobin at 50 ppb. Use of genetically engineered Tg(cmlc:EGFP) allowed fluorescence observation during heart development. PY interfered with normal heart development via upregulation of the nppa gene responsible for the expression of natriuretic peptides. Heart function was dramatically reduced as indicated by reduced heart rates. Increased expression of the nppa gene was also seen in AZ-treated embryos. The expression level of cyp24a1 was also up-regulated, while ugt1a1 and sult1st6 were down-regulated after treatment of zebrafish embryos with AZ or PY. Overall, strobilurin fungicides might inhibit normal heart formation and function within the range of concentrations tested. Image 1 • Pyraclostrobin (PY) exhibited strong acute toxicity to zebrafish embryos. • PY generated pericardial and yolk sac edemas in zebrafish embryos. • PY inhibited body growth in a transgenic zebrafish Tg(fli1a:EGFP). • PY interfered heart formation in a transgenic zebrafish Tg(cmlc:EGFP). • Heart malformation by PY is strongly related to up-regulation of nppa gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We have confirmed the reuse of chelating agents in indirect carbonation is economical. • We have found conditions that enable the reuse of solvents in indirect carbonation. • End-of-carbonation pH 10.5 and 0.1 M are optimal for the reuse of solvent. • Yield and purity of CaCO 3 remain constant during repeated use of solvent. • Excess bicarbonate remaining after carbonation makes it difficult to reuse solvent. Reuse of solvents is essential to making indirect carbonation technology economical and environmentally friendly. Despite its importance, however, no studies have been conducted to confirm the feasibility of reuse of solvents and to determine the conditions for the reuse. This study investigated the optimal conditions for critical factors affecting the reuse of solvents in indirect carbonation and the causes that make it difficult to reuse solvents. For the study, three chelating agents (citrate, malonate, and adipate) and cement kiln dust (CKD) were adopted as solvents and raw material. The end-of-carbonation pH of 10.5 and the concentration of 0.1 M were found to be the optimal conditions necessary for the reuse of chelating agents. Under the optimal conditions, the repeated use of chelating agents as solvents could not only result in high CO 2 storage and high yield and purity of CaCO 3 , but also maintain them the same. Under non-optimal conditions, however, the concentration of bicarbonate ions in the remaining solution after carbonation increased significantly, causing the reuse of solvents to become very difficult. We provided strong evidence to support the reuse mechanism of the chelating agent through FT-IR analysis. We believe that our research on the reuse of solvents will contribute much to the commercialization of indirect carbonation technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intake of probiotics offers various health benefits; however, their efficacy depends on the maintenance of viability during industrial processing and digestion. Probiotic viability can be compromised during encapsulation, freeze-drying, storage, and digestion, necessitating multiple coatings. This complicates production and raises costs. In this study, CaCO 3 -single-coated probiotics (CSCPs) were prepared, an approach rarely reported before. Through instrumental analyses, the encapsulation of probiotics within CaCO 3 was confirmed, ensuring their high viability. This proposed technology effectively preserves the viability of probiotics during the encapsulation and freeze-drying processes, resulting in minimal cell loss. Moreover, CSCPs demonstrated exceptional viability performance under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. Notably, 100% of these microorganisms reached the intestines, delivering over 10 billion CFUs of probiotics in a viable state. This study highlights the potential of CSCPs as a feasible solution for overcoming probiotic encapsulation challenges and optimizing therapeutic benefits. • CaCO 3 -single-coated probiotics were prepared in this study • Probiotic encapsulation in CaCO 3 was confirmed to ensure high viability • The technology showed minimal cell loss during encapsulation and freeze-drying • The technology ensured delivery of 100% viable probiotics to the gut [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• This study provides how to maximize CO2 storage and produce high purity CaCO3. • Ca-ligand stability constant affects the yield, purity, and morphology of CaCO3. • Chelating agent concentration affects the yield, purity, and morphology of CaCO3. • Use of citrate with Log K of 4.7 enables the CaCO3 yield maximized. • Chelating agent with low stability constant produces pure vaterite type CaCO 3. In this paper, we performed an experimental study on how to maximize CO 2 storage, produce high purity CaCO 3 , and control the morphology of CaCO 3 in the process of indirect carbonation using paper sludge ash (PSA) and chelating agents as solvents. To this end, the effects of the Ca-Ligand (Ca-L) stability constant and concentration of chelating agents on the Ca extraction efficiency, carbonation efficiency, and the characteristics of CaCO 3 produced were investigated. For the study, a total of seven chelating agents (fumarate, adipate, malonate, IDA, citrate, NTA, and EDTA) in a wide range of Ca-L stability constant (Log K) of 2.0–12.4 were adopted, and the concentrations of each chelating agent were adjusted to 0.1 and 0.5 M. According to the experimental results, it was revealed that the storage of CO 2 and the yield, purity, and morphology of CaCO 3 could be controlled by adjusting the type (or Ca-L stability constant) and concentration of the chelating agent. The higher the Ca-L stability constant and concentration of the chelating agent, the higher the Ca extraction efficiency, but the lower the carbonation efficiency. The highest CO 2 storage and CaCO 3 production were obtained by using citrate with a Log K value of 4.7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-density hydrogen generator was developed for unmanned aerial vehicles. • Solid-state NaBH 4 was used as a hydrogen source for high storage density. • Stable hydrogen generation was obtained for the entire operation time. • Restartability was evaluated to validate the possibility of commercialization. A hydrogen generator using solid-state sodium borohydride (NaBH 4) as a hydrogen source was proposed as part of a high-energy-density fuel-cell system for unmanned aerial vehicles. In this study, solid-state NaBH 4 was used in order to overcome problems of a hydrogen generator using catalytic hydrolysis of NaBH 4 aqueous solution such as low hydrogen yield and unstable hydrogen generation due to catalyst degradation. An agent solution, hydrochloric acid, was injected on to the NaBH 4 to generate hydrogen. In addition, all of the balance-of-plant systems and components were integrated to develop a lightweight, commercially-viable, high-density hydrogen generator. The developed hydrogen generator was evaluated in terms of stable hydrogen generation and restartability for the entire operation time in order to validate the possibility of commercialization. From the performance evaluation, the gravimetric and volumetric specific energy densities of the hydrogen generator were found to be 739.1 W hr/kg and 272.8 W hr/L, respectively. In addition, the hydrogen storage density was 5.1 wt%, which was 1.44 times higher in comparison of a typical hydrogen generator using NaBH 4 aqueous solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to understand how chlorpyrifos (CHL) affects zebrafish ( Danio rerio ) embryos and adults, by exposing this model organism to various concentrations of the insecticide. The 96-h acute toxicity test to determine the effect of CHL on adult zebrafish yielded a LC 50 of 709.43 μg/L −1 . Small molecular weight proteins less than 25 kDa and phospholipids were analyzed with MALDI-TOF MS/MS in order to compare expression patterns, revealing that some peaks were dramatically altered after CHL treatment. Whereas no acute toxicity was detected in the embryo toxicity test, malformation of zebrafish larvae was observed, with many individuals harboring curved spines. In an angiogenesis test on larvae of transgenic zebrafish, CHL did not have an inhibitory effect. Relative gene expression analyses using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of DNA from zebrafish embryos revealed that different subtypes of cytochrome P450 (CYP450), such as CYP1A and CYP3A, were significantly up-regulated in response to CHL at a concentration of 400 μg/L −1 compared to the control. The expression level of NR1I2 , a CYP gene transcriptional regulator, UGT1a1, and MDR1 were all up-regulated in the CHL-treated embryos. Finally, the expression level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and catalase (CAT) decreased, whereas that of superoxide dismutase (SOD) did not differ significantly. Our results suggest that the up-regulation of metabolic enzymes including CYP450 and MDR1 may be involved in CHL resistance in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are transcription factors involved in immune responses, such as pathogen response regulation, immune cell growth, and differentiation. IRFs are necessary for the synthesis of type I interferons through a signaling cascade when pathogen recognition receptors identify viral DNA or RNA. We discovered that irf3 is expressed in the early embryonic stages and in all immune organs of adult zebrafish. We demonstrated the antiviral immune mechanism of Irf3 against viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout zebrafish (irf3 -KO). In this study, we used a truncated Irf3 protein, encoded by irf3 with a 10 bp deletion, for further investigation. Upon VHSV injection, irf3- KO zebrafish showed dose-dependent high and early mortality compared with zebrafish with the wild-type Irf3 protein (WT), confirming the antiviral activity of Irf3. Based on the results of expression analysis of downstream genes upon VHSV challenge, we inferred that Irf3 deficiency substantially affects the expression of ifnphi1 and ifnphi2. However, after 5 days post infection (dpi), ifnphi3 expression was not significantly altered in irf3 -KO compared to that in WT, and irf7 transcription showed a considerable increase in irf3 -KO after 5 dpi, indicating irf7 's control over ifnphi3 expression. The significantly reduced expression of isg15 , viperin , mxa , and mxb at 3 dpi also supported the effect of Irf3 deficiency on the antiviral activity in the early stage of infection. The higher mortality in irf3 -KO zebrafish than in WT might be due to an increased inflammation and tissue damage that occurs in irf3 -KO because of delayed immune response. Our results suggest that Irf3 plays a role in antiviral immunity of zebrafish by modulating critical immune signaling molecules and regulating antiviral immune genes. • The irf3 mutant zebrafish was generated using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing. • The irf3 knockout zebrafish showed increased susceptibility to VHSV infection. • Irf3 depletion significantly affected the transcription of ifnphi1 and ifnphi2 upon VHSV challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report that the tungsten trioxide (WO 3) nanosheets and 2%Ag/15%WO 3 /HNT (Ag/WO 3 /HNT) composite photocatalysts were synthesized by the hydrothermal process and solvent evaporation methods. Various characterization techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDS, HR-TEM, and UV-DRS were used to investigate the bulk and surface properties of bare and composite photocatalysts. The photocatalytic performance of halloysite nanotube (HNT), WO 3 /HNT, and Ag/WO 3 /HNT composite photocatalysts were evaluated by methylene blue (MB) dye degradation efficiency under solar light irradiation for 90 min. Among the various catalysts, Ag/WO 3 /HNT photocatalyst showed significant photocatalytic performance (96% degradation for MB dye). The existence of Ag indicates that surface plasmon resonance (SPR) impacts the developed composite and acts as an electron mediator. The scavenger experiment showed that the superoxide radical anions play a significant role in MB degradation under solar light with the most active Ag/WO 3 /HNT photocatalyst. The degradation of the MB dye has been monitored by Total Organic Carbon (TOC) measurements. The degradation intermediates of MB were analyzed by GC-MS, and a suitable degradation pathway was proposed. The most active Ag/WO 3 /HNT photocatalyst was also found to be the most stable and recyclable. The trapping experiment with Ag/WO 3 /HNT composite catalyst has led to the development of a dye degradation mechanism. [Display omitted] • Bare WO 3 and Ag/WO 3 /HNT composite catalyst were synthesized. • Ag/WO 3 /HNT photocatalyst showed significant photocatalytic performance with 96% degradation for MB. • Excellent stability and recyclability of Ag/WO 3 /HNT photocatalyst were observed. • A possible photocatalytic mechanism of the most active Ag/WO 3 /HNT catalyst was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has an anti-inflammatory action in acute pancreatitis (AP). However, its mechanism of action and natural compounds/drugs to induce HO-1 in pancreas are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the regulatory mechanisms of HO-1 during AP using desoxo-narchinol-A (DN), the natural compound inducing HO-1 in the pancreas. Female C57/BL6 Mice were intraperitoneally injected with supramaximal concentrations of cerulein (50 μg/kg) hourly for 6 h to induce AP. DMSO or DN was administered intraperitoneally, then mice were sacrificed 6 h after the final cerulein injection. Administration of DN increased pancreatic HO-1 expression through activation of activating protein-1, mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases. Furthermore, DN treatment reduced the pancreatic weight-to-body weight ratio as well as production of digestive enzymes and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of HO-1 by tin protoporphyrin IX abolished the protective effects of DN on pancreatic damage. Additionally, DN treatment inhibited neutrophil infiltration into the pancreas via regulation of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 2 (CXCL2) by HO-1. Our results suggest that DN is an effective inducer of HO-1 in the pancreas, and that HO-1 regulates neutrophil infiltration in AP via CXCL2 inhibition. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Desoxo-narchinol-A (DN) is a natural compound of HO-1 inducer in pancreas. • Mechanism of DN-induced HO-1 is mediated by MAPK/Activator Protein-1/HO-1 signaling. • DN-induced HO-1 blocks neutrophil infiltration into pancreas via inhibition of CXCL2. • DN inhibits cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) and AP-associated lung injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunity. In this study, IL-10 from big-belly seahorse (Hippocampus abdominalis) (HaIL-10) was characterized based on its molecular and functional aspects. The coding sequence of HaIL-10 is 570 bp in length and encodes a 189-amino acid residue protein (calculated molecular weight, 21.89 kDa). The deduced amino acid sequence comprises a typical signal peptide and a mature peptide domain sequence carrying four conserved Cys residues and two additional Cys residues specific to fish. Phylogenetic analysis indicated an evolutionary relationship between HaIL-10 and its counterparts in other vertebrates, with close clustering to the fish-specific homologs. Recombinant HaIL-10 (rHaIL-10) significantly reduced nitric oxide (NO) production by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner but had no effect on cell viability, suggestive of its involvement in immune response. The protein expressions of iNOS and COX-2 were significantly reduced by rHaIL-10 in LPS-induced murine macrophages RAW 264.7 cells. HaIL-10 mRNA expression was observed in all analyzed tissues, with the maximum expression being noted in the kidney and ovary. However, transcriptional levels of HaIL-10 were significantly higher in the blood, gill, and intestine upon in vivo induction with LPS, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly (I:C)], and Streptococcus iniae. To summarize, our findings help in the improved understanding of the biological functions of HaIL-10 and modulation of HaIL-10 mRNA expression in response to immune stress. Highlights • Identified and characterized interleukin-10 from big-belly seahorse • The HaIL-10 was constitutively expressed in healthy seahorse tissues. • mRNA expression pattern found to be correlated with the immune stresses. • rHaIL-10 reduces NO production in LPS-induced macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. • rHaIL-10 reduces iNOS and COX-2 proteins in LPS-induced macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C1r and C1s are serine proteases responsible for activating the classical complement pathway to initiate the complement cascade, which plays a crucial role in eliminating invading pathogenic microbes. In this study, cDNA sequences of C1r and C1s were identified from black rockfish and designated as SsC1r and SsC1s , respectively. In both sequences, two CUB domains, an EGF-like domain, two CCP domains, and a trypsin-like serine protease domain were identified. Multiple sequence alignments with known vertebrate homologs demonstrated that both sequences were highly conserved and, especially, the catalytic and substrate binding residues were completely conserved. In the constructed phylogenetic tree, C1r and C1s formed two separate clusters, which further branched into groups of related organisms. SsC1r and SsC1s joined with their respective teleostean clusters. Transcriptional analysis showed that the highest mRNA expression level was in the liver under normal physiological conditions. Significantly upregulated expression of both mRNAs in spleen and liver after pathologic stress, by intraperitoneal injection with different stimuli, suggested their vital role in immunity. The serine protease domains of SsC1r and SsC1s were cloned and the recombinant proteins were expressed and purified. A protease assay, conducted to confirm their functionality, indicated that both recombinant proteins had proteolytic activity. Taken together, these results indicate that SsC1r and SsC1s have significant properties to aid in the immunity of black rockfish by activating the complement system by proteolytic cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caveolins are principal membrane proteins of caveolae that play a central role in signal transduction, substrate transport, and membrane trafficking in various cell types. Numerous studies have reported the crucial role of caveolin-1 (CAV1) in response to invading microbes; yet, very little is known about molluscan CAV1. In this study, we identified and characterized CAV1 ortholog from the disk abalone, Haliotis discus discus (HdCAV1). The cDNA sequence of HdCAV1 is 826 bp long and encodes a 127-amino acid polypeptide. Characteristic caveolin superfamily domain (Glu 3 – Lys 126 ) and two possible transmembrane domains (Cys 48 - Tyr 67 and Ile 103 - Phe 120 ) were identified in the HdCAV1 protein. Homology analysis revealed that HdCAV1 shared higher identity (>47%) with molluscans, but lower identity with other species. Phylogenetic tree constructed by the neighbor-joining (NJ) method revealed a distinct evolutionary pathway for molluscans. Transcriptional analysis by SYBR Green qPCR showed the highest expression of HdCAV1 mRNA in late veliger stage, as compared to that in other embryonic developmental stages of disk abalone. In adult animals, gill tissue showed highest HdCAV1 transcript levels under normal physiological condition. Stimulations with two bacteria ( Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes ), viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus, and two pathogen-associated molecular patterns (LPS and poly I:C) significantly modulated the expression of HdCAV1 transcripts. Collectively, these data suggest that CAV1 plays an important role in embryogenesis and host immune defense in disk abalone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cathepsin Z (CTSZ) is lysosomal cysteine protease of the papain superfamily. It participates in the host immune defense via phagocytosis, signal transduction, cell-cell communication, proliferation, and migration of immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells. Hence, CTSZ is also acknowledged as an acute-phase protein in host immunity. In this study, we sought to identify the CTSZ homolog from disk abalone (AbCTSZ) and characterize it at the molecular, genomic, and transcriptional levels. AbCTSZ encodes a protein with 318 amino acids and a molecular mass of 36 kDa. The structure of AbCTSZ reveals amino acid sequences that are characteristic of the signal sequence, pro-peptide, peptidase-C1 papain family cysteine protease domain, mini-loop, HIP motif, N -linked glycosylation sites, active sites, and conserved Cys residues. A pairwise comparison revealed that AbCTSZ shared the highest amino acid homology with its molluscan counterpart from Crassostrea gigas . A multiple alignment analysis revealed the conservation of functionally crucial elements of AbCTSZ, and a phylogenetic study further confirmed a proximal evolutionary relationship with its invertebrate counterparts. Further, an analysis of AbCTSZ genomic structure revealed seven exons separated by six introns, which differs from that of its vertebrate counterparts. Quantitative real time PCR (qPCR) detected the transcripts of AbCTSZ in early developmental stages and in eight different tissues. Higher levels of AbCTSZ transcripts were found in trochophore, gill, and hemocytes, highlighting its importance in the early development and immunity of disk abalone. In addition, we found that viable bacteria ( Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Listeria monocytogenes ) and bacterial lipopolysaccharides significantly modulated AbCTSZ transcription. Collectively, these lines of evidences suggest that AbCTSZ plays an indispensable role in the innate immunity of disk abalone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquaporin 8 (Aqp8) is a transmembrane protein that is selectively permeated by water and some small solutes, and physiologically contributes to acid-base equilibrium in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we described the characterization and spatiotemporal expression pattern of zebrafish aqp8 ( zaqp8 ) gene family, including zaqp8a.1 , zaqp8a.2, and zaqp8b , during the early developmental stages. The expression of zaqp8a.1 started first in the lateral plate mesoderm at the 12-somite stage (ss) and then expanded sequentially to the dorsal aorta, intersegmental blood vessels and then to the dorsal longitudinal anastomotic vessel at 24 h post fertilization (hpf). At 28 hpf, expression of zaqp8a.1 was also detected in the embryonic heart tube. Four days post fertilization (dpf), strong zaqp8a.1 expression was detected in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. By 72 hpf, the expression of zaqp8a.2 was first detected in the primitive gut region but not detected in the liver. The expression of z a qp8b was first detected in the intermediate mesoderm at 10 ss. From 24 hpf to 6 dpf, the proximal convoluted segment of the embryonic kidney was marked by zaqp8b expression Overall, these differential expression patterns of aqp8a.1 , aqp8a.2, and aqp8b suggest that they possibly play distinct roles throughout the embryonic development by controlling or maintaining organ-specific cellular water homeostasis. Our study provides new evidence that organogenesis requires differential roles of Aqp8 proteins in zebrafish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guggulsterone (GS), a plant steroid and a compound found at high levels in Commiphora myrrha , exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and cholesterol-lowering effects. However, the potential of GS to ameliorate acute pancreatitis (AP) is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of GS on cerulein-induced AP. AP was induced by intraperitoneally injecting supramaximal concentrations of the stable cholecystokinin analog cerulein (50 μg/kg) hourly for 6 h. In the GS-treated group, GS was administered intraperitoneally (10, 25, or 50 mg/kg) 1 h before the first cerulein injection. Mice were sacrificed 6 h after the final cerulein injection. Blood samples were collected to measure serum lipase levels and evaluate cytokine production. The pancreas and lung were rapidly removed for morphologic and histological examinations, flow cytometry analysis, myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay, and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Pre-treatment with GS attenuated cerulein-induced histological damage, reduced pancreas weight/body weight ratio, decreased serum lipase levels, inhibited infiltrations of macrophages and neutrophils, and suppressed cytokine production. Additionally, GS treatment suppressed the activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in the pancreas in cerulein-induced pancreatitis. In conclusion, our results suggest that GS attenuates AP via deactivation of ERK and JNK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Wnts have been shown to provide a posteriorizing signal that has to be repressed in the specification of vertebrate forebrain region. Previous studies have shown that Wnt activation by LiCl treatment causes an expansion of optic stalk and mid-hindbrain boundary, whereas eye and ventral diencephalon in the forebrain region were reduced. However, the molecular mechanism, by which inhibits Wnt activity in the forebrain remains poorly defined. To investigate relationship between forebrain specification and Wnt signaling, the zebrafish homologue of secreted frizzled related protein1 (sfrp1) has been characterized. The transcripts of sfrp1 are detected in the presumptive forebrain at gastrula and in the ventral telencephalon, ventral diencephalon, midbrain and optic vesicles at 24h after postfertilization (hpf). Overexpression of sfrp1 causes an anteriorization of embryo, with enlarged head and reduced posterior structure as in the embryo overexpressing dominant-negative form of Frizzled8a or Dkk1. Its overexpression restored the eye defects in the Wnt8b-overexpressing embryos, but not in the LiCl-treated embryos. These results suggest that Sfrp1 expressed in the forebrain and eye field plays a critical role in the extracellular events of antagonizing Wnt activity for the forebrain specification. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Because of a high global energy demand and challenging sustainability requirements, hydrogen has been promoted as a clean and green energy carrier allowing the potential replacement of nonrenewable fossil fuels. Hydrogen is a renewable energy carrier that does not contribute to CO 2 emissions, and it holds the highest gravimetric energy density. It can be produced by the electrochemical splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. Herein, we investigate the bifunctional activity of bimetallic oxide, sulfide, and selenide nanostructures in water electrolysis. Spinel-type, phase-pure NiCo 2 O 4 , NiCo 2 S 4 , and NiCo 2 Se 4 with comparable morphological properties were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. The electrocatalytic characterization of NiCo 2 Se 4 was found to demonstrate higher oxygen and hydrogen evolution reaction activities (245 mV and 122 mV @ 10 mA cm−2, respectively) compared to those of NiCo 2 O 4 and NiCo 2 S 4. Furthermore, a lab-scale water-splitting system was fabricated to examine the bifunctional properties of bimetallic nanostructures. A NiCo 2 Se 4 -based water-splitting system was found to require a cell voltage of 1.58 V, which is lower than that required by NiCo 2 S 4 (1.64 V)- and NiCo 2 O 4 (1.75 V)-based systems. In summary, this study explores bimetallic NiCo 2 Se 4 as an efficient electroactive material that can be employed in various electrochemical energy systems. Image 1 • A facile solvothermal route to synthesis bimetallic Ni-Co based chalcogenides. • NiCo 2 Se 4 reveals the presence of metallic, active sites for efficient electrocatalysis. • NiCo 2 Se 4 exemplifies with superior electrochemical performance as compared to NiCo 2 S 4 and NiCo 2 O 4. • NiCo 2 Se 4 shows low overpotentials in OER and HER bifunctional activity. • The fabricated water splitting system demonstrated a low cell voltage of 1.58 V. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, fluorene (FL), FL-1-carboxylic acid (FC-1), and FL-9-carboxylic acid (FC-9) were investigated to understand their acute toxicity by measuring inhibitory effects on hatching rates and developmental processes of zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio). For exposure concentrations up to 3000 μg/L, FC-1 alone showed acute toxicity at 1458 μg/L for LC 50 value. FC-1 caused yolk sac and spinal deformities, and pericardial edema. Molecular studies were undertaken to understand FC-1 toxicity examining 61 genes after exposure to 5 μM (equivalent to LC 20 value of FC-1) in embryos. In the FC-1-treated embryos, the expression of the cyp7a1 gene, involved in bile acid biosynthesis, was dramatically decreased, while the expression of the Il-1β gene involved in inflammation was remarkably increased. In addition to these findings, in FC-1-treated embryos, the expression of nppa gene related to the differentiation of the myocardium was 3-fold increased. On the other hand, cyp1a , cyp3a , ugt1a1 , abcc4 , mdr1 , and sult1st1 responsible for detoxification of xenobiotics were upregulated in FC-9-treated embryos. Taken together, carboxylation on carbon 1 of FL increased acute toxicity in zebrafish embryos, and its toxicity might be related to morphological changes with modification of normal biological functions and lowered defense ability. Image 1 • Fluorene-1-carboxylic acid exhibited potent acute toxicities on zebrafish embryos, including high mortality rate. • Fluorene-1-carboxylic acid induced abnormal developments such as yolk sac, spinal deformities, and pericardial edema. • Fluorene-1-carboxylic acid down-regulated cyp7a1 gene expression involved in bile acid biosynthesis. • Carboxylation on 1-carbon in fluorine ring core might mediate metabolic modifications when compared to fluorine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]