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Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the most deadly diseases in the world. Hyperoside (Hyp) has been shown to have a protective effect on cardiovascular function through various signaling pathways, but whether it can protect myocardial infarction by regulating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway is unknown. To investigate whether Hyp could protect the heart against myocardial infarction injury in mice by modulating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and its potential mechanism. In vivo experiments, the myocardial infarction model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) of male C57BL/6 mice permanently. The mice were divided into seven groups: sham group, MI group, MI+Hyp (9 mg/kg), MI+Hyp (18 mg/kg) group, MI+Hyp (36 mg/kg) group, MI+Captopril group (15 mg/kg) group and MI+Hyp (36 mg/kg)+AG490 (7.5 mg/kg) group. Each group of animals were given different concentrations of hyperoside, positive control drug or inhibitor of JAK2/STAT3 singaling. After 14 days of administration, the electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiography and serum myocardial injury markers were examined; Slices of mouse myocardial tissue were assessed for histopathological changes by HE, Masson and Sirius Red staining. TTC and TUNEL staining were used to evaluate the myocardial infarction area and cardiomyocytes apoptosis respectively. The expression of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, apoptosis and autophagy-related proteins were detected by western blot. In vitro experiments, rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes were deprived of oxygen and glucose (OGD) to stimulate myocardial ischemia. The experiment was divided into seven groups: Control group, OGD group, OGD+Hyp (20 μM) group, OGD+Hyp (40 μM) group, OGD+Hyp (80 μM), OGD+Captopril (10 μM) group and OGD+Hyp (80 μM)+AG490 (100 μM) group. Myocardial cell damage and redox index were measured 12 h after OGD treatment. ROS content in cardiomyocytes was detected by immunofluorescence. Cardiomyocytes apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway-related proteins, apoptosis and autophagy related proteins were detected by western blot. In vivo , hyperoside could ameolirate ECG abnormality, increase cardiac function, reduce myocardial infarction size and significantly reduce myocardial fibrosis level and oxidation level. The experimental results in vitro showed that Hyp could reduce the ROS content in cardiomyocytes, decrease the level of oxidative stress and counteract the apoptosis induced by OGD injury. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that hyperoside could increase phosphorylated JAK2 and STAT3, indicating that hyperoside could play a cardioprotective role by activating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. It was also shown that hyperoside could increase the autophagy level of cardiomyocytes in vivo and in vitro. However the cardiomyocyte-protective effect of Hyp was abolished in combination with JAK2/ STAT3 signaling pathway inhibitor AG490. These results indicated that the protective effect of Hyp on cardiomyocyte injury was at least partially achieved through the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Hyp can significantly improve cardiac function, ameliorate myocardial hypertrophy and myocardial remodeling in MI mice. The mechanism may be related to improving mitochondrial autophagy of cardiomyocytes to maintain the advantage of autophagy, and blocking apoptosis pathway through phagocytosis, thus suppressing apoptosis level of cardiomyocytes. These effects of Hyp are achieved, at least in part, by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the stochastic optimization blending operation is applied to the alumina production in this paper. A new binomial distribution based stochastic scenario optimization used together with the sample selection approach is utilized to design the optimal set point for control, under which the probability of quality indices of the raw slurry being within the tolerance region is high enough in the presence of uncertainties caused by fluctuation of the raw material and disturbances. Through practical industrial experiments, it is observed that the proposed stochastic optimization method is effective and the computational cost is low. • Optimal operation of alumina blending process is solved as an optimization problem. • The resulting indices in raw materials are all within the expected tolerance. • The industrial experiment shows that the results posse better robustness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the problem of distributed leader-following consensus for a multi-agent system with an affine nonlinear term. The communication topology we adopt is an undirected connected graph and the leader sends its information to one or more followers. To make each follower asymptotically synchronize with the leader, a nonlinear distributed control protocol is proposed. Using a Lyapunov function and a matrix theory, we establish sufficient conditions which ensure the consensus of these nonlinear multi-agent systems. Finally, a numerical simulation is provided to verify the effectiveness and usefulness of the developed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Object To investigate the effects of sulforaphane (SFN) and vitamin E (VE) on spatial learning and memory ability and oxidative damage of hippocampus in lead-exposed mice at lactation. Methods A total of 18 adult Kunming mice, all 12 female mice were divided into two groups by body weight randomly, 10 mice drank water containing 0.2% lead acetate at lactation, the other 2 mice drank lead free deionized water named as the normal group. Then, they were mated at a 1:2 ratio of male to female. After weaning, the pups were divided into 5 groups by weight randomly (10 each group): normal saline (NS) group, corn oil (CO) group, SFN group, VE group and SFN + VE group. They were subject to gavage daily for four weeks. Gavage doses of SFN and VE were 25 mg/kg and 30 IU/kg respectively. Meanwhile, 10 pups of the normal group were selected randomly as the control (C) group. The C group was normally raised for 4 weeks. The spatial learning and memory ability of them were evaluated by the Morris water maze test, and the lead level in the blood was determined by polarography. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in hippocampus were measured by the kits. Results Compared with the NS and CO groups, the lead level in the blood of SFN and SFN + VE group had a significant decrease. In water maze test, the mice treated with SFN or/and VE performed better than mice of the NS and CO groups. In addition, a remarkable decrease in MDA level was found in mice treated with SFN or/and VE than those in NS and CO groups. What’s more, there was no statistical distinction of SOD activity in SFN group than that of NS group. SOD activity significantly increased was observed in VE and SFN + VE groups than that of CO group. Conclusion Sulforaphane and vitamin E could ameliorate cognitive decline and oxidative damage in pups with lead exposure at lactation from maternal milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to synthesize a novel itaconic acid (IA) grafted carboxymethyl chitosan (PICMCS), and further fabricate its nanoparticles for potential biomedical applications. First, PICMCS was prepared via free-radical polymerization of IA monomer, in the presence of ammonium persulfate as an initiator and nitrogen as a protector. Its chemical structure was confirmed by FTIR and 1 H NMR. The IA substitution degree calculated by elemental analysis data was 1.85, implying that IA was successfully grafted to carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS). XRD and TGA patterns illustrated its well-defined crystallinity and thermostability. Second, PICMCS nanoparticles were fabricated by electrostatic attraction between carboxyl and amino groups in the absence of any additional agent, which were of obvious core-shell structures with an average particle size of 144 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.11. PICMCS nanoparticles exhibited excellent physical stability after storage at 25 °C for 30 days, without any aggregation. PICMCS nanoparticles with high negative surface charge also indicated the good stability, especially in neutral or alkaline media. Additionally, the cytotoxicity experiments showed that either PICMCS or its nanoparticles had better cytocompatibility toward L929 cells than CMCS. These findings above suggested that PICMCS was a kind of promising material for preparing nanoparticles used in biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of dendronized tertiary amines were synthesized by attaching piperidine to the core of a Fréchet-type dendrimer or to the end of an alkyl chain that is linked to the dendritic core. The relationship between structure and property of the catalysts in the Henry reaction of 2-nitrobenzaldehyde and nitromethane was established. It was observed that the attachment of piperidine to the dendritic sector by using a hexamethylene chain effectively avoids the scenario of dendritic shell encapsulation. And the 4 -G 3 ′ catalyst of third-generation with dendritic link exhibits excellent catalytic performance, and can be recycled ten times without a significant loss of activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porous Mn2O3microspheres are controllably synthesized by selectively etching MnCO3precursor with HCl solution. Morphologies and microstructures of Mn2O3microspheres are analyzed by SEM, TEM, XRD, and N2sorption technique. The catalytic performances of Mn2O3microspheres for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) are investigated, and the reaction kinetics of MB degradation is also studied. The results show it is feasible to control the morphologies of Mn2O3microspheres by adjusting the concentration of HCl solution, and the well-developed porous Mn2O3microspheres demonstrate good potential on MB degradation. The degradation reactions follow the pseudo-first-order kinetic model, and the degradation capabilities for MB are great dependent on BET surface areas and pore volumes of Mn2O3microspheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation of quality raw slurry is a complicated and crucial process in alumina production which determines the cost and efficiency of the entire production. In the mixing unit, some tanks with fully filled raw slurry are available to be selected in each round, and the components in these selected tanks are required to be mixed, meanwhile some ratios of chemical compositions in the final mixture must be strictly within the required level. This is the production procedure of quality raw slurry. To improve production efficiency and reduce operation time lags, this selection and proportioning problem is formulated as a mixed integer programming problem. An optimization algorithm developed based on the moving time domain is applied to find the optimal selection and the optimal mixing proportioning strategy such that the productivity of the quality raw slurry is maximized. Practical on-site comparison experiments are carried out using the proposed method and the method based on the experience of the operator. The results obtained show that the proposed approach is effective and has advantage in the preparation of quality raw slurry with high efficiency and maximal productivity. • A mixed integer programming problem is addressed in Alumina production. • Optimal selection and optimal mixing proportioning strategy are designed. • The practical results show the effectiveness and advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to evaluate the spatial distribution and potential ecological risk of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Hg, the surface sediments were collected from 18 sites in the Shuangtaizi estuary. The concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Hg were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and atomic fluorescence spectrometry after digestion. The particle sizes of the sediments were analyzed using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer. The results show that the heavy metal contents in the sediments are observed in the following order: Zn (18.25–126.75 mg/kg) > Pb (4.38–9.65 mg/kg) > Cu (1.80–17.68 mg/kg) > Cd (0.241–0.764 mg/kg) > Hg (0.007–0.021 mg/kg). In comparison with the concentrations of heavy metals in other regions, the concentrations of Pb, Cu, and Zn in the Shuangtaizi estuary are generally low, and the Cd concentrations are close to those reported in other regions. Both the potential ecological risk index and the geoaccumulation index reveal that the heavy metal pollution in Shuangtaizi estuary is mainly dominated by Cd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a differential-inclusion-based MPC scheme is developed for the controller design for a discrete time nonlinear Markov jump system with nonhomogeneous transition probability. By adopting a differential-inclusion-based convex model predictive control mechanism, the nonlinear Markov jump system with nonhomogeneous transition probability is enclosed by a set of linear Markov jump systems. In this way, the controller design for the nonlinear Markov jump system can be solved via solving a set of linear Markov jump systems. Two numerical examples with different weighting parameters R are presented to illustrate the applicability of the results obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper studies the problem of robust fuzzy filtering for a class of uncertain nonlinear discrete-time Markov jump systems with nonhomogeneous jump transition probabilities. The Takagi and Sugeno fuzzy model is employed to represent such nonlinear nonhomogeneous Markov jump system with norm-bounded parameter uncertainties. By Lyapunov function approach, under the designed mode-dependent and variation-dependent fuzzy filter which includes the membership functions, a sufficient condition is presented to ensure that the filtering error dynamic system is stochastically stable and has a prescribed performance index. An example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this contribution, hierarchical tin dioxide (SnO2) nanosheets were successfully synthesized via a simple, cost-effective and environment-friendly hydrothermal method at a relatively low temperature (90°C) after calcination in air. The post-heat treatment not only improved the crystallinity, but also increased the visible emission (refer to intrinsic crystal defects) of the hydrothermal products, which were proved by X-ray diffraction and room temperature photoluminescence, respectively. Electronmicroscopy analysis and nitrogen adsorption–desorption results confirmed the mesoporous feature of these nanosheets. Gas sensors based on these SnO2 nanosheets exhibited high response, fast response–recovery and good selectivity to 1–1000ppm ethanol vapor at a relatively low operating temperature (165°C). The excellent ethanol-sensing property, especially high response value can be mainly attributed to the mesoporous texture, characteristically small grain size, abundant surface defects, and the plane-contact feature between the neighboring SnO2 nanosheets. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, flower-like zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods were successfully synthesized via a simple, cost-effective and environment-friendly wet-chemical method at a relatively low temperature (90°C). X-ray diffraction indicated that the ZnO nanorods are crystallized in a hexagonal wurtzite structure. Electron microscopy observations confirmed the nanorod assembled flower-like morphology. And, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images proved that plenty of defects exist on the surface of ZnO nanorods. Photoluminescence analysis showed that abundant intrinsic defects are present on the ZnO crystal surfaces, the content of which is far more than that of commercial ZnO powders. X-ray photoelectron spectrometry revealed that considerable oxygen species (23.29%) chemisorbs on the surface of the as-prepared ZnO nanorods. Gas sensors based on these ZnO nanorods exhibit high response, fast response-recovery and good selectivity to 1–1000ppm ethanol vapor at 400°C. The excellent ethanol-sensing performance, particularly high response values, is considered to be mainly originated from plenteous defects formed on ZnO surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the major neurological diseases of the elderly. The deposition of Aβ peptide, which can induce neuronal oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, plays important roles in neuronal degeneration in AD. Currently, there are no effective drug treatment options for preventing or even slowing Alzheimer's disease. Bilobalide (BB) is one of the major active compounds extracted from Ginkgo biloba leaves. This study explored the neuroprotective effects of BB on Aβ25–35 intrahippocampal injection induced AD model in rats. Our results showed that BB (4, 8mg/kg) significantly protected against learning and memory impairments induced by Aβ25–35 in Morris water maze. Besides, BB (4, 8mg/kg) was able to attenuate the neuronal damage and apoptosis in frontal cortex and hippocampus CA1 in rats. In addition, the inhibition of TNF-α and Aβ1–40 expression is also involved in the action mechanisms of BB in this experimental model. This study provided an experimental basis for the clinical application of BB in AD therapy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this paper, the problem of continuous gain-scheduled fault detection (FD) is studied for a class of stochastic nonlinear systems which possesses partially known jump rates. Initially, by using gradient linearization approach, the nonlinear stochastic system is described by a series of linear jump models at some selected working points. Subsequently, observer-based residual generator is constructed for each jump linear system. Then, a new observer-design method is proposed for each re-constructed system to design observers that minimize the influences of the disturbances, and to formulate a new performance index that increase the sensitivity to faults. Finally, continuous gain-scheduled approach is employed to design continuous FD observers on the whole nonlinear stochastic system. Simulation example is given to show the effectiveness and potential of the developed techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Transferrin (Tf) helped nanoplatform pinpoint tumor cells via Tf receptor mediated endocytosis process. • Acidic responsive Ca2+ and curcumin (CUR) release interfere Ca2+ homeostasis for Ca2+ overload, activating the apoptotic pathway. • Cascade catalytic reaction in CaO 2 /Tf induced ferroptosis. • The calcium and ferric ions interference strategy in this work offered synergistic combination of ferroptosis, Ca2+ overload therapy and chemotherapy. Intracellular ions played prominent part in cell function and behavior. Disrupting intracellular ions homeostasis might switch ions signal from "regulating" to "destroying". Inspired by this, we introduced the ions interference strategy for tumor therapy. Herein, curcumin (CUR) and transferrin (Tf) co-loaded calcium peroxide nanoparticles (CaO 2 NPs) were formulated. With tumor targeting ability, CaO 2 /Tf/CUR pinpointed tumor cells and then instantaneously decomposed in acidic lysosomes, concurrently accompanying with the release of Ca2+ and CUR, as well as the production of H 2 O 2. Then H 2 O 2 not only damaged structure of Tf to release Fe3+, but also was converted to hydroxyl radicals via ferric ions mediated Fenton reaction for ferroptosis. In addition, the released Ca2+ and CUR induced Ca2+ overload via exogenous and endogenous calcium ions accumulation, respectively, further activating mitochondria apoptosis signaling pathway for cell injury. Therefore, based on calcium and ferric ions interference strategy, the cascade catalytic CaO 2 /Tf/CUR offered synergistic combination of ferroptosis, Ca2+ overload therapy and chemotherapy, which held a great promise in cancer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of raw slurry and hence the alumina production is determined by its proportioning and mixing process. However, the existence of uncertainty elements in this process is unavoidable. These uncertainty elements are regarded as stochastic variables and the problem is formulated as a stochastic programming problem. Then, a second-order cone programming optimization approach is applied to find the optimal mixing proportioning strategy, with which the productivity of qualified raw slurry is maximized. A practical on-site experiment is carried out using the proposed approach and the results obtained show that this approach is effective in the maximization of the productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• ER stress involves in aging-related interstitial fibrosis in kidney aging in mice. • Rg1 treatment significantly decreased renal interstitial fibrosis in SAMP8 mice. • Rg1 treatment significantly inhibited ER stress in renal tissues in SAMP8 mice. • Rg1 may be a potential agent for delaying the progression of kidney aging. Aging has become a primary cause of chronic kidney diseases, which ultimately progress to renal interstitial fibrosis. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been reported to participate in tubular epithelial cells injury. Ginsenoside Rg1 may have protective effects on kidney aging. In this study, we investigated the tubular interstitial fibrosis and ER stress change in aged mice, and further observed the effects of Rg1 on renal interstitial fibrosis and ER stress in SAMP8 mice. The results demonstrated that the ER stress, apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis were significantly increased in the tubular epithelial cells in 20-month-old (M) and 24M mice. Meanwhile, we found that Rg1 significantly attenuated the tubular epithelial cells ER stress, apoptosis and interstitial fibrosis in SAMP8 mice. This study suggested that ER stress and apoptosis were closely implicated with aging-related renal interstitial fibrosis in aging progression. Rg1 could ameliorate aging-related renal interstitial fibrosis via inhibiting ER stress and apoptosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• NOX2-mediated NLRP1 inflammasome activation plays an important role in brain aging in SAMP8 mice. • Rg1 treatment significantly decreased ROS accumulation and NOX2 expression in cortex and hippocampus tissues in SAMP8 mice. • Rg1 treatment significantly inhibited NLRP1 inflammasome expression in cortex and hippocampus tissues in SAMP8 mice. • Rg1 treatment may be a potential strategy for delaying the progression of aging. With aging of population, aging-related neurodegenerative diseases have become a major public health concern. Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation have been reported to play important roles in the aging process. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is the main active ingredient in ginseng, and may be a potential agent for neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Rg1, tempol (ROS scavenger) and apocynin (NOX inhibitor) treatment for 9 weeks on cognitive performance, neuronal damage, and NOX2 and NLRP1 inflammasome expressions in 8-month old SAMP8 mice. The results showed that Rg1 alleviated learning and memory impairment and neuronal damage in SAMP8 mice. Meanwhile, Rg1 could reduce production of ROS and decreased expressions of NOX2 and NLRP1-related proteins in brain cortex and hippocampus tissues in SAMP8 mice. The findings suggest that Rg1 can alleviate aging-related neuronal damage, the mechanisms may be involved in reducing NOX2-mediated ROS generation and inhibiting NLRP1 inflammasome activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

WO 3 nanotubes are fabricated by a facile solvothermal method using WCl 6 as the tungsten source. Morphology and structure of the WO 3 nanotubes are analyzed by SEM, XRD, XPS and N 2 sorption technique. Gas sensing properties of the as-prepared WO 3 sensor are systematically investigated by a static gas-sensing system. The results show the triclinic-structure WO 3 nanotubes with diameters of about 700 nm are obtained. The sensor based on the WO 3 nanotubes reveals ultra-fast response (1 s) and fast recovery time (9–19 s) for ethanol detection. In addition, the WO 3 sensor demonstrates high selectivity for ethanol against several gases including methanol, benzene, dichloromethane and hexane. Compared to other WO 3 sensors reported in literatures, the WO 3 sensor in this work still exhibits a competitive advantage due to unique nanotubular structure. These clearly indicate that WO 3 nanotubes are promising sensing materials for ethanol detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the major neurological diseases of the elderly. Chronic stress, which can induce atrophy and functional impairments in several key brain areas such as the frontal cortex and hippocampus, plays an important role in the generation and progression of AD. Currently, there are no effective drug treatment options for preventing chronic stress induced learning and memory impairments and neuronal damage. Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is a steroidal saponin abundantly contained in ginseng. This study explored the neuroprotective effects of Rg1 on chronic restraint stress (CRS) induced learning and memory impairments in a mouse model. Our results showed that Rg1 (5mg/kg) significantly protected against learning and memory impairments induced by CRS in a Morris water maze. Besides, Rg1 (2, 5mg/kg) was able to decrease ROS generation and attenuate the neuronal oxidative damage in the frontal cortex and hippocampus CA1 in mice. Additionally, the inhibition of NOX2, p47phox and RAC1 expression is also involved in the action mechanisms of Rg1 in this experimental model. This study provided an experimental basis for the clinical application of Rg1 in chronic stress induced neuronal oxidative damage. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this paper, we study the asynchronous observer-based sliding mode control for a class of discrete-time Markov jump systems with time-delay and conic-type nonlinearities. Firstly, we assume there exists a detector described by the hidden Markov model that provides estimated information of the system mode. Based on the detector, a common sliding surface and an observer-based controller are devised. Secondly, we select the appropriate Lyapunov functional and applying linear matrix inequalities techniques to get sufficient conditions such that the controller and observer gains are obtained, which can guarantee the stochastic stability and strict dissipativity of the sliding mode dynamics. Furthermore, the given H ∞ and passive performance are also discussed. Thirdly, to make the system trajectory get to the predetermined sliding surface, a sliding mode control law is proposed. Finally, an application related to the automotive electronic throttle body control system is given to illustrate the correctness and feasibility of this designed approach. [Display omitted] • For nonlinear MJSs, the observer-based asynchronous SMC scheme is designed. • For the reachability of the sliding surface, a SMC law is given. • By a practical example, the effectiveness of this designed approach is illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider the stochastically finite-time L 2 control problem for a class of positive stochastic Poisson jump systems (PSPJSs). By introducing a novel mode decoupling technique, some necessary and sufficient conditions are given to guarantee the stochastic finite-time boundedness of the input-free PSPJSs. Then, a proper mode-dependent finite-time state feedback controller is designed such that the positiveness, stochastic finite-time boundedness and the specified L 2 disturbance attenuation performance are attained simultaneously for the closed-loop SPJSs. Finally, two examples are given to show the feasibility and validity of the proposed methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We developed a near-infrared fluorescence probe, TMN-NH 2 -Cys. • The probe exhibited a large stokes shift. • The selective detection of Cys was confirmed by a visible colour change. • The probe exhibited a low cytotoxicity. • It could be applied to the imaging of endogenous Cys with fluorescence enhancement. Cysteine (Cys) is a sulfur-containing nutritional amino acid that plays an important role in the physiological function of living systems. We developed a near-infrared fluorescence probe, TMN-NH 2 -Cys. Upon the treatment with Cys, TMN-NH 2 -Cys exhibited a large Stokes shift (180 nm) and a visible colour change. TMN-NH 2 -Cys can selective detect Cys over homocysteine and glutathione. The probe was synthesised by a simple and high yielding three-step reaction. In addition, the probe exhibited a low cytotoxicity, and could be applied to the imaging of endogenous Cys with fluorescence enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely related to neuron ageing. NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) is a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in brain. The nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 1 (NLRP1) inflammasome is responsible for the formation of proinflammatory molecules in neurons. We hypothesize that NOX2-derived ROS accumulation mediates activation of NLRP1 inflammasome, which is involved in age-related neuronal damage. In the present study, we investigated the changes of NOX2-NLRP1 signaling pathway in primary hippocampal neurons cultured for different time (6, 9 and 12 days, d). Meanwhile, we further examined the effect of ROS inhibitor and NLRP1-siRNA on neuronal senescence. The results showed that, compared with 6 d group, the neuronal apoptosis and β-Galactosidase (β-Gal) expression were significantly increased, and the microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) expression significantly decreased in primary hippocampal neurons cultured for 12 d. In addition, the results also showed that the production of ROS, the expressions of NOX2 and NLRP1 inflammasome were significantly increased with the prolongation of culture time in hippocampal neurons. Moreover, the NOX inhibitor (apocynin) and ROS scavenger (tempol) significantly decreased ROS production and alleviated neuronal damage. Meanwhile, the tempol and apocynin treatment significantly decreased the expression of NLRP1 inflammasome in hippocampal neurons. Furthermore, the NLRP1-siRNA and caspase-1 inhibitor treatment also alleviated neuronal damage. These results suggest that NOX2-derived ROS generation may induce brain inflammation via NLRP-1 inflammasome activation and lead to age-related neuronal damage. The NADPH oxidase and NLRP1 inflammasome may be important therapeutic targets for age-related neuronal damage. Highlights • The ROS and inflammatory factors are increased in ageing hippocampal neurons. • The NOX2 and NLRP1 inflammasome are activated in ageing hippocampal neurons. • Apocynin and tempol alleviate neuronal senescence and inhibit activation of NLRP1 in hippocampal neurons. • NLRP1-siRNA and caspase-1 inhibitor alleviate neuronal senescence and damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroinflammation mediated by NLRP-1 inflammasome plays an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Chronic glucocorticoids (GCs) exposure has deleterious effect on the structure and function of neurons and was found to be correlated with development and progression of AD. We hypothesize that chronic glucocorticoids may down-regulate the expression of glucocorticoids receptor (GR) and activate NLRP-1 inflammasome in hippocampal neurons, which may promote neuroinflammation and induce neuronal injury. The present results showed that chronic DEX exposure significantly increased LDH release and apoptosis, decreased MAP2 and GR expression in hippocampal neurons. DEX (5 μΜ) exposure for 3 d significantly increased the expression of NLRP-1, ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1β in the hippocampal neurons and the release of IL-1β and IL-18 in the supernatants. Moreover, DEX (1, 5 μΜ) treatment for 3 d significantly increased the expression of NF-κB in hippocampal neurons. The GR antagonist, mifepristone (RU486), had protective effects on chronic DEX induced hippocampal neurons injury and NLRP1 inflammasome activation. The results suggest that chronic GCs exposure can decrease GR expression and increase neuroinflammation via NLRP1 inflammasome and promote hippocampal neurons degeneration, which may play an important role in the progression and development of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new microbe, Serratia marcescens W5 was successfully isolated. Its feasibility in purification of excessively nitrogen-containing wastewater was evaluated using inorganic nitrogen media. Single factor tests showed that W5 exhibited high ammonium removal rates (above 80%) under different culture conditions (pH 7–10, C/N ratios of 6–20, 15–35 °C, 0–2.5% of salinity, respectively). Besides various organic carbon sources, W5 was able to utilize calcium carbonate with 28.05% of ammonium removed. Further experiments indicated that W5 was capable of resisting high-strength ammonium (1200 mg/L) with the maximum removal rate of 514.13 mg L −1 d −1 . The nitrogen removal pathway of W5 was also tested, showing that both nitrite and nitrate were efficiently removed only in the presence of ammonium, with hydroxylamine as intermediate, which was different from the conventional nitrogen removal pathway. All the results verified that W5 was a good candidate for the purification of excessively nitrogenous wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hierarchical Bi 2 WO 6 microspheres are synthesized by a hydrothermal method. Morphology and structure of Bi 2 WO 6 are analyzed by SEM, XRD, XPS, and Raman spectra. Gas-sensing properties of the as-prepared Bi 2 WO 6 sensor are also systematically investigated. The results show the hierarchical Bi 2 WO 6 microspheres are assembled by nanosheets and demonstrate good crystallinity. The optimal operating temperature of the Bi 2 WO 6 sensors is 300 °C. At this operating temperature, the Bi 2 WO 6 sensor exhibits a fast response–recovery to nitrogen oxide, suggesting its excellent potential application as a gas sensor for nitrogen oxide gas-sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]