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Stable isotope techniques have become a critical tool for tracking mine water and identifying its contamination. In order to explore in depth the research hotspots and trends in stable isotope technology in the study of mine water and the environmental pollution it induces, the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) database of the relevant literature in this field from 1998 to 2023 was used for visual bibliometric analysis by applying CiteSpace software (version 5.7R5). The results showed that the periodical literature in this field shows a fluctuating upward trend. In the cooperation network of country and institution, the centrality of the United States was as high as 0.74 and 0.23, much higher than that of other countries, which means that in terms of the institutions, the number of publications, and the status of research, the United States is ahead of other countries. China's research started later than the United States's but is developing rapidly. Although its importance and influence in this research field are only slightly lower than those of the United States, China still needs to improve its cooperation with other countries and regions. The research hotspots in this area center around identifying and understanding pollution processes, studying mine water sources and mixing, exploring the evolution of water chemistry and its isotopic composition, and investigating the environmental impacts of mine water. Innovative isotope-tracing methods and techniques, isotope fractionation mechanisms, sources of sulfate, and their impact on the water environment will remain the focus of the forthcoming research phase. This study uses bibliometrics to systematically summarize the research hotspots and trends in stable isotope techniques in mine water problems in terms of their footprint in the academic literature, which is of great significance for the utilization of water resources in mine drainage and pollution control in mines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during cerebral ischemic reperfusion (CIRI) are crucial for subsequent tissue damage. However, despite the potential benefits of antioxidants reported in clinical applications, few have proven effective in treating CIRI, particularly in the elderly. Epicatechin (EC) is a catechol flavonoid monomer derived from natural tea plants. Multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups give it strong antioxidant properties, which can not only degrade ROS through chemical reactions between hydroxyl and ROS but also enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes in cells, and it is easy to penetrate the blood–brain barrier. But its antagonistic effect on age‐related CIRI and potential medicinal value are still unknown. Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is the most important transcription factor regulating the expression of antioxidant proteins in the body. This study first compared the pathological differences of the Nrf2 system in CIRI between 2‐month‐old and 12‐month‐old Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Subsequently, EC was administered to 12‐month‐old rat models of middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R) and senescent SH‐SY5Y cell models subjected to oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). EC treatment improved cerebral morphology and function; increased p‐Nrf2, heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) expression; reduced infarct volume; and neuronal apoptosis in senescent rats. Moreover, EC enhanced cellular activity and the expression of p‐Nrf2, HO‐1, and quinone oxidoreductase‐1 (NQO‐1) while decreasing ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and mitigating apoptosis in senescent SH‐SY5Y cells. These effects were reversed upon si‐Nrf2. In sum, we confirm that EC exerts neuroprotective effects by upregulating Nrf2/ARE and reducing oxidative stress, suggesting that EC may be a promising drug for the treatment of senile cerebral apoplexy. This study also provides a scientific basis for the development and selection of new drugs for ischemic stroke in elderly patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) can progress to severe SHPT (sSHPT), which affects the survival rate and quality of life of patients. This retrospective cohort study investigated risk factors for sSHPT and the association between SHPT and mortality (all-cause and infection-related) among 771 clinically stable patients (421 male patients; mean age, 51.2 years; median dialysis vintage, 28.3 months) who underwent >3 months of regular peritoneal dialysis (PD) between January 2013 and March 2021. The sSHPT and non-sSHPT groups comprised 75 (9.7%) (median progression, 35 months) and 696 patients, respectively. sSHPT was defined as a serum intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) level >800 pg/mL observed three times after active vitamin D pulse therapy. The influence of sSHPT on the prognosis of and risk factors for sSHPT progression were evaluated using logistic and Cox regression analyses. After adjusting for confounding factors, higher (each 100-pg/mL increase) baseline PTH levels (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.206–1.649, p <.001), longer (each 1-year increase) dialysis vintages (95% CI 1.013–1.060, p =.002), higher concomitant diabetes rates (95% CI 1.375–10.374, p =.010), and lower (each 1-absolute unit decrease) Kt/V values (95% CI 0.859–0.984, p =.015) were independent risk factors for progression to sSHPT in patients on PD. During follow-up, 211 deaths occurred (sSHPT group, n = 35; non-sSHPT group, n = 176). The sSHPT group had significantly higher infection-related mortality rates than the non-sSHPT group (12.0% vs. 4.3%; p <.05), and sSHPT was associated with increased infection-related mortality. In conclusion, patients with sSHPT are at higher risk for death and infection-related mortality than patients without sSHPT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and effect of blood purification (BP) therapy on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Information on 305 patients (BP group 68, control group 237) diagnosed with SAP was retrieved from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC IV) database. Firstly, the influence of BP treatment was preliminarily evaluated by comparing the outcome indicators of the two groups. Secondly, multiple regression analysis was used to screen the mortality risk factors to verify the impact of BP on the survival outcome of patients. Then, the effect of BP treatment was re-validated with baseline data. Finally, cox regression was used to make the survival curve after matching to confirm whether BP could affect the death outcome. The results indicated that the BP group had a lower incidence of shock (p = 0.012), but a higher incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) (p < 0.001), with no differences observed in other outcome indicators when compared to the control group. It was also found that the 28-day survival curve of patients between the two groups was significantly overlapped (p = 0.133), indicating that BP treatment had no significant effect on the survival outcome of patients with SAP. Although BP is beneficial in stabilizing hemodynamics, it has no effect on short- and long-term mortality of patients. The application of this technology in the treatment of SAP should be done with caution until appropriate BP treatment methods are developed, particularly for patients who are not able to adapt to renal replacement therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) can cause irreversible brain damage and autophagy has been implicated in the pathophysiology. Increasing serum potassium (K+) levels reduces CIRI, but the relationship between its protective mechanism and autophagy is unclear. In this study, we aimed to find the optimal degree of raising serum (K+) and to investigate the relationship between high (K+) and autophagy and the underlying mechanisms in a cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA/CPR) rat model. Methods: Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups: S group, N group, P group, and Q group. The rats S group and N group were administered saline. The rats P group and Q group were administered 640 mg/kg of potassium chloride (KCl) continuously pumped at 4 mL/h (21.3 mg/(kg·min) and divided according to the electrocardiogram (ECG) changes during the administration of KCl. After 24-h of resuscitation, neural damage was assessed by measuring neurological deficit score (NDS), oxidative stress markers, and pathological staining of the cerebral cortex. The level of autophagy and the expression of mTOR-ULK1-Beclin1 pathway-related proteins were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunostaining, and western blotting. Results: Our results revealed that high (K+) improved NDS and decreased the oxidative stress markers. The autophagosomes, autolysosomes, and lysosomes were decreased following treatment KCl. Furthermore, the levels of micro-tubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) Ⅱ/Ⅰ, Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), and Beclin1 were decreased, whereas mTOR expression was increased in the cortex. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that moderate hyperkalemia could alleviate autophagy after CIRI via regulating the mTOR-ULK1-Beclin1 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic nanomaterials (MNPs) have been widely used in the detection of pollutants in the environment because of their excellent nano effect and magnetic properties. These intrinsic properties of MNPs have diversified their application in environmental contaminant detection. In this paper, the research status quo of the use of MNPs in detecting organic and inorganic contaminants from wastewater and soil is reviewed. The preparation method and modification technology of magnetic nanoparticles are also described in detail. The application prospect of magnetic nanoparticle composites in the detection of contaminants in water and soil is discussed. Compared with traditional detection methods, MNPs are more accurate and efficient in pollutant enrichment. Moreover, the biological synthesis of MNPs was proven to be eco-friendly and aided in sustainable development. The study shows that MNPs have good application prospects in soil pollution detection, but the mechanism still needs to be investigated to realize their popularization and application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

W-5% (mass fraction) Re composite powder was fabricated by a new cladding method. W-5%Re nozzles used for solid rocket motor (SRM) were produced by shrouded plasma spray forming (PSF). The change regularity with the sintering time for the compact density, structure, micro-hardness, tensile strength and compression strength of the nozzel under 2300 ℃ vacuum sintering was studied. The study result indicates that the lamellae structure, and vertical columnar grains, micron-sized pores and rough interlamellar contacts with gaps of sub-micron sizes between lamellaes are found in PSF deposits. The relative density, micro-hardness, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and compressive strength of PSF deposits are 87.5 %, 321.4 HV0.025, 57.9 MPa and 390.2 MPa respectively. With the sintering time prolonged from 2 h to 6 h and 8 h, the relative density and mechanical properties of W-Re alloy parts increase with the initial lamellar structure transformed into granular structure.After vacuum sintering for 8 h, the relative density, micro-hardness, UTS, compressive strength and yield strength increase to 98.6 %, 529.7 HV0.025, 384.7 MPa, 1466.5 MPa and 879.6 MPa respectively. For the addition of Re element, the recrystallization temperature and grain size of W-Re alloy are improved and effectively refined respectively. Thus, the strength and plasticity of the alloy can be improved remarkably, and the Re effect is revalidated and double checked in W-Re alloy fabricated by PSF and Vacuum sintering.

This paper is based on the effect of precursors’ structure on the resultant electropolymers’ electrochemical and optical and thermal properties. The polyacrylate functionalized thiophene with a narrow polydispersity index (PDI) was synthesized by means of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, and then the free-standing and conducting conjugated polyacrylate functionalized polythiophene (R-PTE-PAA) film was prepared through electropolymerization in CH2Cl2 with 50% BFEE (boron trifluoride diethyl etherate). For comparison, the polyacrylate functionalized polythiophene (PTE-PAA) was also prepared with the precursor of a broad PDI from conventional free radical polymerization. The prepared polymers were characterized by UV-vis, FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence spectrophotometry. The R-PTE-PAA film showed the excellent electrochemical behavior, good blue-light property and high thermal stability. Compared with PTE-PAA, the R-PTE-PAA film presented the better electrochemical reversibility and stability. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the R-PTE-PAA film would be important for applications in electrochromics, supercapacitors and electrochemical sensors.

Polydopamine nanoparticles are artificial melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) that show strong antioxidant activity. The effects of MNPs on the neuroprotection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) against hypoxic‐ischemic injury and the underlying mechanism have not yet been revealed. In this study, an oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)‐injured neuron model was used to mimic neuronal hypoxic‐ischemic injury in vitro. MSCs pretreated with MNPs and then cocultured with OGD‐injured neurons were used to investigate the potential effects of MNPs on the neuroprotection of MSCs and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. After coculturing with MNPs‐pretreated MSCs, MSCs, and MNPs in a transwell coculture system, the OGD‐injured neurons were rescued by 91.24%, 79.32%, and 59.97%, respectively. Further data demonstrated that MNPs enhanced the neuroprotection against hypoxic‐ischemic injury of MSCs by scavenging reactive oxygen species and superoxide and attenuating neuronal apoptosis by deactivating caspase‐3, downregulating the expression of proapoptotic Bax proteins, and upregulating the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins. These findings suggest that MNPs enhance the neuroprotective effect of MSCs against hypoxic‐ischemic injury by inhibiting apoptosis and upregulating antioxidant defense, which could provide some evidence for the potential application of combined MNPs and MSCs in the therapy for ischemic stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ball-milled biochar (BMBC) is a typical engineering material that has promising application prospects in remediating contaminated soil and water. It is fundamental to rate the transport behaviors of BMBC in the underground environment before extensive use. In this study, the effects of the ubiquitous cations (Na+, Mg2+, and Al3+) and model organic matter (humic acid) on the transport of BMBC were investigated using laboratory column experiments. The results demonstrated the facilitated effect of HA on the transport of BMBC due to the negatively charged surface and steric effect under neutral conditions. HA and ionic strength manifested an antagonistic effect on the transport of BMBC, where the presence of one could weaken the effect from the other. We also found the charge reversal of the BMBC surface in the presence of Mg2+, thus enhancing the deposition of BMBC onto the medium surface. On the other hand, the charge reversal from Al3+-coupled acid conditions led to the restabilization and transport of BMBC in porous media. Therefore, the rational usage of BMBC is indispensable and more attention should be paid to the composition and change in underground water that might facilitate the transport of BMBC and thus lead to negative environmental implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lipid disturbances are common in ESRD patients. In peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients, dyslipidemia is even more common. This study aimed to examine whether serum lipids were associated with prognosis of PD patients. Methods: Patients from a multicenter retrospective cohort were used for the present study. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Cox regression was used to analyze the association between serum lipids including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides and the prognosis. Results: The results showed that lower total cholesterol and LDL levels at the initiation of PD predicted higher all-cause mortality in PD patients. Multivariate analysis reveal that the association disappeared after adjusting for age, gender, albumin, prealbumin, protein catabolic rate normalized to body weight, C-reactive protein, and residual renal function. Further analysis showed that patients with lower total cholesterol/LDL had a higher mortality only during the first 24 months of follow-up. In the patients who survived >2 years after PD, lower total cholesterol/LDL was not associated with higher long-term all-cause mortality any more. Conclusion: Lower total cholesterol/LDL levels at the initiation of PD were associated with overall mortality in PD patients. The association could be potentially modified by malnutrition, inflammation, and residual renal function or disappeared after 24 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of different soils composition complicates the transport behaviors of Cd(II) and thus makes it challenging to predict Cd(II) fate and transport. In this study, montmorillonite modified sand, humic acid modified sand and ferrihydrite modified sand were used as medium to explore the effect of modified sand content, pH and ionic strength (IS) on Cd(II) transport. The results revealed that the adsorption capacity of modified sand for Cd(II) was montmorillonite-coated sand>humic acid-coated sand>ferrihydrite-coated sand>quartz sand. While the increase of the coated sand content limited the transport ability of Cd(II) in sand columns. In addition, high IS and low pH promoted the mobility of Cd(II). The specific surface area, surface charge and adsorption sites of coated sand were the factors affecting the transport of Cd(II). This work provides new information on the transport and spread of Cd(II) in the soil and thus to better prevent Cd(II) from polluting the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pomelo peel oil (PPO) [Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. (Rutaceae)] is reported to possess antioxidant and antimelanogenic activities. To investigate the effect of PPO [Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. cv. Shatian Yu] on tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced necroptosis in cerebral ischaemia–reperfusion injury (CIRI) after cardiac arrest (CA). Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to six groups: sham group, PP0-L (10 mg/kg), PPO-M (20 mg/kg), PPO-H (40 mg/kg) and two control groups (CA, 0.9% saline; Gly, 10% glycerol). All drugs were administered intravenously to the CA/CPR rats within 10 min after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). After 24 h, rats were assessed for neuronal injury via the neurological deficit score (NDS), cerebral cortex staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and expression levels of TNF-α and necroptosis-related proteins by immunoreactivity staining and western blotting. Compared to those in the sham group (survival rate, 100% and NDS, 80), the survival rate and NDS were significantly reduced in the model groups (CA, 56.25%, 70; Gly, 62.5%, 71; PPO-L, 75%, 72; PPO-M, 87.5%, 75; PPO-H, 81.25%, 74). In the PPO-M group, Nissl bodies were significantly increased (43.67 ± 1.906 vs. 17 ± 1.732), the incidence of pathomorphological injury was lower and the necroptosis markers (TNF-α, RIPK1, RIPK3, p-MLKL/MLKL) expression was downregulated compared to those in the CA group (p < 0.05). The neuroprotective effects of PPO in the CA rats suggested that PPO possibility as a health product enhances the resistance ability against brain injury for humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia is one of the common complications in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there is no systematic investigation on the prevalence of anemia in CKD patients and its relationship with the quality of life in China.Methods: The data for this study comes from baseline data from the Chinese Chronic Kidney Disease Cohort Study (C-STRIDE), which recruited predialysis CKD patients in China. The kidney disease quality of life summary (KDQOL-TM) was used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Use linear regression model to estimate the relationship between hemoglobin level and quality of life.Results: A total of 2921 patients were included in this study. The adjusted prevalence of hemoglobin (Hb) less than 100 g/L was 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.9,11.4%), and showed an increased trend through reduced eGFR levels from 4.0% (95%CI:2.3,5.9%) in the 45-60 ml/min/1.73m2 group to 23.4% (95%CI:20.5,26.2%) in the 15-29 ml/min/1.73m2 group. The prevalence of anti-anemia treatment was 34.0% (95%CI: 28.7,39.3%) and it is shown by reducing eGFR levels from 15.8% (95%CI:0,36.7%) in the 45-60 ml/min/1.73m2 group to 38.2% (95%CI: 30.7,45.2%) in the 15-29 ml/min/1.73m2 group. All five dimensions of the KDQOL scores in patients with CKD decreased as hemoglobin declined. After multivariable adjustments,the degrees of decrease became somewhat blunted. For example, compared with hemoglobin of ≥130 g/L, regression coefficients in the hemoglobin of < 100 g/L were - 0.047(95%CI: - 0.049,-0.045) for Symptoms and Problems(S), - 0.047(95%CI: - 0.049,-0.044) for Effects of the Kidney Disease(E), - 0.207(95%CI: - 0.212,-0.203) for Burden of the Kidney Disease(B), - 0.112(95%CI: - 0.115,-0.109) for SF-12 Physical Functioning (PCS), - 0.295(95%CI: - 0.299, -0.292) for SF-12 Mental Functioning (MCS), respectively.Conclusions: In our cross-sectional analysis of patients with CKD in China, prevalence of both anemia and anti-anemia treatment increased with decreased eGFR. In addition, anemia was associated with reduced HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates input–output finite-time reliable static output feedback (SOF) control of a time-varying system under the influence of both input time delay and actuator failures. An actuator fault model consisting of linear and nonlinear faults is considered during the time-varying control process. The objective is to design a reliable SOF controller that can ensure input–output finite-time stability (IO-FTS) of the resulting closed-loop system. An augmented time-varying Lyapunov functional is constructed, in which some Lyapunov matrices are variable function of time ${t}$. By dividing the time interval and delay interval into equal segments, the matrix-valued functions are expressed by a linear interpolation formula. Moreover, combining with the single and double Wirtinger-based integral inequalities, delay-dependent IO-FTS conditions are derived. It is shown that the SOF control issue is solved in forms of linear matrix inequalities. In the end, the effectiveness is demonstrated by simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the issue of input–output finite-time generalized dissipative filter design for a class of discrete time-varying systems. First, an adaptive event-triggered mechanism (AETM) with an adaptive law is proposed to adjust the threshold in the AETM according to the error between the system states and the filter states. Such an AETM determines whether the measurement output should be transmitted or not, which is more effective to economize the communication resources comparing with the traditional event-triggered mechanism. Second, in view of network-induced delays, the quantization and the AETM, a time-varying filter error system (TV-FES) is modeled. Then, a new augmented time-varying Lyapunov functional containing triple sum terms is provided. Based on the new finite-sum inequality and improved reciprocally convex combination lemma, delay-dependent conditions are obtained, which can ensure the TV-FES to be input–output finite-time stable and satisfy the given generalized dissipative performance. Moreover, the recursive linear matrix inequalities are presented to obtain the desired filter gains. Finally, numerical examples demonstrate the superiority and feasibility of the proposed method in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effects of exogenous selenium on cadmium tolerance and accumulation in two varieties of cucumber, pot experiments with cadmium at 10 mg/kg soil were conducted. Plant biomass, cadmium bioaccumulation, cadmium speciation, and antioxidative enzyme activity, including superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxidase were determined. Exogenous selenium (1 mg/L for S1 and 2 mg/L for S2) was sprayed on the leaves on cucumbers, which significantly increased the biomasses of the roots, stems, leaves, and fruits in both cucumber varieties. The cadmium bioaccumulation in the cucumbers decreased with the increase of selenium. The contents of pectate/protein-bound cadmium increased and the cadmium − organic acid complexes and inorganic cadmium tended to decrease with the selenium addition. Supplementation with selenium improved the activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase in the two cucumber varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Controversy remains whether white coat hypertension (WCH) is associated with renal prognosis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: In the present multicenter, prospective study, we analyzed data of participants with CKD stage 1–4 from the Chinese Cohort Study of Chronic Kidney Disease (C-STRIDE). WCH was defined according to two criteria as follows: A, clinical blood pressure (BP) ≥ 140/90 mm Hg and average 24-h ambulatory BP < 130/80 mm Hg; B, clinical BP ≥ 130/80 mm Hg and daytime ambulatory BP < 130/80 mm Hg. Renal outcome was defined as initiation of renal replacement therapy. The association of WCH with renal events was evaluated by Cox regression model. Results: A total of 1714 patients with CKD were included in the present analysis. The mean age of the population was 48.9 ± 13.8 years and 56.8% were men. The mean baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 52.2 ± 30.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 and urinary protein was 1.0 (0.4, 2.4) g/day. The overall prevalence of WCH was 4.7% and 16.6% according to criteria A and B, respectively. Incidence rates of renal events were 49.58 and 26.51 according to criteria A and B, respectively, per 1000 person-years during a median follow-up of 4.8 years. After full adjustment, WCH was associated with an increased risk of renal event (criterion A: hazard ratio 2.36, 95% confidence interval 1.29–4.34; for criterion B: hazard ratio 1.90, 95% confidence interval 1.04–3.49) compared with patients with normal BP. Conclusions: WCH is associated with a greater risk for renal events in non-dialysis dependent Chinese patients with CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kidney disease is a significant health concern worldwide. Ineffective treatment can lead to disastrous consequences, such as organ failure and death. Research has turned to cell-based therapy, but has yet to produce an effective and reliable treatment for kidney disease. To address this problem, we examined four datasets of gene expression profiles from diseased and healthy kidney tissue in humans, mice, and rats. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and subjected to enrichment analyses. Up-regulated genes in diseased kidney tissue were significantly enriched in pathways associated with regulatory T cells (Tregs). Analysis with the xCell tool showed that Tregs were generally increased in diseased kidney tissue in all species. To validate these results in vivo , kidneys were removed from mice with Adriamycin-induced nephropathy, and histology confirmed increase of Tregs. Furthermore, Tregs were adoptively transferred from healthy mice into mice with kidney injury, restoring normal structure to the damaged kidneys. Treg cells that were co-cultured with M2c macrophages exhibited up-regulation of chemokine receptors CCR2, CCR5, CCR7, CD62L, and CX3CR1. This may be the mechanism by which M2c cells enhance the migration of Tregs to the site of inflammation. We propose that Tregs may be an effective, novel candidate for cell-based therapy in pre-clinical kidney injury models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the problem of finite time stability of linear time‐varying system with delay. By constructing an augmented time‐varying Lyapunov functional and using the Wirtinger‐type inequality deductively, delay‐dependent finite time stability conditions are derived and presented in terms of differential linear matrix inequalities (DLMIs). Then, the DLMIs are transformed into a series of recursive linear matrix inequalities (RLMIs) by discretizing the time interval into equally spaced time distances, and an algorithm is given to solve the RLMIs. Examples illustrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is concerned with the problem of finite time dissipativity-based reliable control for a time-varying system with linear fractional uncertainty (LFU) and time delay. An actuator fault model consisting of both linear and nonlinear faults is considered during the time-varying control process. By implementing an augmented time-varying Lyapunov functional and using the Wirtinger-type integral inequality, delay-dependent finite time dissipative conditions are established in forms of derivative linear matrix inequalities (DLMIs), which can guarantee the closed-loop system is finite time dissipative for all admissible uncertainties. Then, the DLMIs are transformed into a series of recursive linear matrix inequalities (RLMIs) based on the discretization method. And an algorithm is given to solve the RLMIs to obtain the state feedback gain. Simulation results demonstrate the validity of the proposed approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]