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A heating-induced monotonous increase in the Yb3+ excited state (2F5/2) lifetimes is found in Yb3+ single doped Bi7F11O5 nanocrystals, possibly due to the thermal-enhanced photocarrier separation in polarized layered semiconductors with spontaneous internal electric fields. This unique phenomenon is evaluated for its thermometric performance in terms of lifetime luminescence thermometry, and the maximum absolute/relative temperature sensitivity (Sa/Sr) reaches as high as 0.65 μs K−1/0.24% K−1 in biological temperature regions. The results of this work can offer great potential for lifetime luminescence thermometry in biological areas and provide ideas for designing efficient photonic and photoelectric thermal devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neural interface is a critical component for the communication between the central nervous system and outside devices. But neural tissues withstand constant mechanical activity with outside devices which aggravates inflammation response. The investigation about soft interfacial modification materials for neural implants is a promising way to reduce the mechanical mismatch of neural tissues and implants. In this study, soft alginic acid gel and poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfate)(PEDOT/PSS) coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNT) was co-deposited on a microwire neural electrode, then PEDOT/PSS was electrochemically grown through the coating material to form a kind of soft interpenetrating networks (IPNs) for the improvement of neural interface. Compared to unmodified electrodes, the modified electrodes possess higher charge storage capacity (CSC) and lower electrochemical impedance, which would benefit the performance of stimulating and recording respectively. The IPNs are very soft after reswelling in brain tissue, and the cell experiment indicate its fantastic biocompatibility. Furthermore, acute neural recording experiments revealed that the IPNs reduced the noise floor. All these characteristics are greatly desired for the neural interface. Overall, we developed a soft interpenetrating conducting hydrogel coating material on the neural interface with excellent electrical and biological performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The terminal stage of ischemic heart disease develops into heart failure (HF), which is characterized by hypoxia and metabolic disturbances in cardiomyocytes. The hypoxic failing heart triggers hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) actions in the cells sensitized to hypoxia and induces metabolic adaptation by accumulating HIF-1α. Furthermore, soluble monocarboxylic acid transporter protein 1 (MCT1) and mitochondrial pyruvate carrier 1 (MPC1), as key nodes of metabolic adaptation, affect metabolic homeostasis in the failing rat heart. Aerobic exercise training has been reported to retard the progression of HF due to enhancing HIF-1α levels as well as MCT1 expressions, whereas the effects of exercise on MCT1 and MPC1 in HF (hypoxia) remain elusive. This research aimed to investigate the action of exercise associated with MCT1 and MPC1 on HF under hypoxia. Methods: The experimental rat models are composed of four study groups: sham stented (SHAM), HF sedentary (HF), HF short-term exercise trained (HF-E1), HF long-term exercise trained (HF-E2). HF was initiated via left anterior descending coronary artery ligation, the effects of exercise on the progression of HF were analyzed by ventricular ultrasound (ejection fraction, fractional shortening) and histological staining. The regulatory effects of HIF-1α on cell growth, MCT1 and MPC1 protein expression in hypoxic H9c2 cells were evaluated by HIF-1α activatort/inhibitor treatment and plasmid transfection. Results: Our results indicate the presence of severe pathological remodelling (as evidenced by deep myocardial fibrosis, increased infarct size and abnormal hypertrophy of the myocardium, etc.) and reduced cardiac function in the failing hearts of rats in the HF group compared to the SHAM group. Treadmill exercise training ameliorated myocardial infarction (MI)-induced cardiac pathological remodelling and enhanced cardiac function in HF exercise group rats, and significantly increased the expression of HIF-1α (p < 0.05), MCT1 (p < 0.01) and MPC1 (p < 0.05) proteins compared to HF group rats. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of HIF-1α in hypoxic H9c2 cells dramatically downregulated MCT1 and MPC1 protein expression. This phenomenon is consistent with knockdown of HIF-1α at the gene level. Conclusion: The findings propose that long-term aerobic exercise training, as a non- pharmacological treatment, is efficient enough to debilitate the disease process, improve the pathological phenotype, and reinstate cardiac function in HF rats. This benefit is most likely due to activation of myocardial HIF-1α and upregulation of MCT1 and MPC1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper maintenance and management of equipment are essential for producing high-quality wafers. Anomalies in equipment lead to the production of low-quality wafers. This study proposes a method to maintain and manage etching equipment in semiconductor manufacturing utilizing a virtual metrology (VM) model. Leveraging acquired equipment data, the VM model predicts electrical resistance measurement values to monitor the equipment state. Engineers determine the equipment state by inspecting the electrical resistance values and consistency of variance in the measurement data derived from the VM model. However, conventional complex machine learning models frequently yield predicted values with limited variability, making it challenging to detect abnormal equipment states. To address this issue, we propose a novel method, double bagging trees with weighted sampling, which guarantees the predicted values follow a proper distribution and exhibit a variance that aligns with the actual measurement values. The proposed method provides reliable predictions about the equipment state. A case study utilizing a real-world semiconductor manufacturing dataset is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The VM model provides timely information about the state of equipment, which helps engineers maintain and manage equipment efficiently. • Proper equipment maintenance and management are crucial for ensuring high-quality semiconductor wafers. • Consistency in the variance of measurement values plays a vital role in determining equipment condition. • This study introduces a novel virtual metrology model to maintain and manage etching equipment in semiconductor manufacturing. • The method ensures reliable equipment management by aligning predicted variance with target values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveMaterials and methodsResultsConclusionsPM2.5 is closely linked to vascular endothelial injury and has emerged as a major threat to human health. Our previous research indicated that exposure to PM2.5 induced an increased release of miR-421 from the bronchial epithelium. However, the role of miR-421 in PM2.5-induced endothelial injury remains elusive.We utilized a subacute PM2.5-exposure model in mice in vivo and an acute injury cell model in vitro to simulate PM2.5-associated endothelial injury. We also used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry to investigate the role of miR-421 in PM2.5-induced endothelial injury.Our findings reveal that inhibition of miR-421 attenuated PM2.5-induced endothelial injury and hypertension. Mechanistically, miR-421 inhibited the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and upregulated the expression of the downstream molecule inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), thereby exacerbating PM2.5-induced endothelial injury.Our results indicate that PM2.5 exposure facilitates crosstalk between bronchial epithelial and endothelial cells via miR-421/ACE2/iNOS signaling pathway, mediating endothelial damage and hypertension. MiR-421 inhibition may offer a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of PM2.5-induced vascular endothelial injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly concentrated amino group-modified biochars derived from twelve biomass residuals are achieved using a two-step radio-frequency Ar/NH 3 plasma. The dependence of amino number, N bonding states, surface defects on the pretreatment time of Ar plasma, post-treatment power, duration and gas ratio are well established. For bamboo-biochar, the amino number and N content reach the maximum (8.04 × 1016/mg of biochar, 8.84 at.%) at 8.0% NH 3 in NH 3 /Ar, presenting a highly consistent variation tendency with the emission intensity of NH radical. Notably, micropores can be created in matrix by the processing of plasma in moderate conditions, i.e. , a given pretreatment time (e.g. , 12.5 min), specific gas ratios of post-treatment (≥50% of NH 3) at high RF power (e.g. , 240 W) and proper duration (≤15.0 min). The uptake capacities of Pb(II) (123.1 mg g−1), Cu(II) (98.5 mg g−1) and Cd(II) (61.2 mg g−1) on aminated biochars are 5.42, 5.38 and 7.56 times higher than those on raw biochars. This study shows attractive prospects for the fundamental research in powder modification as well as potentials in environmental management. Image 1 • 12 biochars were modified with highly concentrated amino groups by a RF Ar/NH 3 plasma. • NH emission intensity kept a consistent trend with –NH 2 population and N content. • Micropores were created and expanded in matrix by the plasma in given conditions. • Aminated biochars exhibited excellent sorption capacities for Pb(II), Cu(II), Cd(II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a major subtype of neurodegenerative dementia caused by long-term interactions and accumulation of multiple adverse factors, accompanied by dysregulation of numerous intracellular signaling and molecular pathways in the brain. At the cellular and molecular levels, the neuronal cellular milieu of the AD brain exhibits metabolic abnormalities, compromised bioenergetics, impaired lipid metabolism, and reduced overall metabolic capacity, which lead to abnormal neural network activity and impaired neuroplasticity, thus accelerating the formation of extracellular senile plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. The current absence of effective pharmacological therapies for AD points to the urgent need to investigate the benefits of non-pharmacological approaches such as physical exercise. Despite the evidence that regular physical activity can improve metabolic dysfunction in the AD state, inhibit different pathophysiological molecular pathways associated with AD, influence the pathological process of AD, and exert a protective effect, there is no clear consensus on the specific biological and molecular mechanisms underlying the advantages of physical exercise. Here, we review how physical exercise improves crucial molecular pathways and biological processes associated with metabolic disorders in AD, including glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, Aβ metabolism and transport, iron metabolism and tau pathology. How metabolic states influence brain health is also presented. A better knowledge on the neurophysiological mechanisms by which exercise improves AD metabolism can contribute to the development of novel drugs and improvement of non-pharmacological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) exhibit great potential as a food emulsifier or functional material template. Herein, CNC-Fe nanoparticles were successfully prepared via an in situ chemical reduction approach. Zeta potential measurements, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy showed that Fe(III) ions were adsorbed onto CNC when FeCl 3 was added to a CNC dispersion. Micromorphological analysis revealed small (diameter = 10.0 ± 2.4 nm) spherical nanoparticles synthesized on the surface of aggregated CNC after the reduction of the Fe(III) ions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed an intense peak at 779 cm−1 in the CNC-Fe nanoparticles, which was attributed to Fe O stretching vibrations. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that the valence state of Fe in CNC-Fe nanoparticles was predominantly ferrous. The synthesized CNC-Fe nanoparticles demonstrated excellent colloidal stability in a dispersion for 21 d and complete, rapid, and spontaneous dissolution in vitro simulated gastric fluid. Our results highlight the potential use of CNC as a template for loading Fe into nanoparticles for Fe fortification in food. [Display omitted] • CNC-Fe nanoparticles were successfully prepared by in situ chemical reduction. • The CNC-Fe nanoparticles existed a bond at 779 cm−1 attributed to Fe-O stretch. • The CNC-Fe nanoparticles had great colloidal stability in dispersion for 21 days. • CNC-Fe nanoparticles demonstrated complete dissolution in simulated gastric fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to make the most of solar energy, the development of efficient UV–Vis–NIR activated photocatalysts has attracted more and more attention. In this study, the UV–Vis–NIR broad spectrum activated photocatalysts La-doped BaBiO 2 Cl with abundant oxygen vacancies (OVs) were successfully prepared by solid state reaction. The experimental results and theoretical calculations revealed that La doping induced OVs in BaBiO 2 Cl, formed an intermediate level, extended the light absorption to the NIR region, and promoted carrier separation efficiency. Owing to the synergistic promotion effect, the optimal BaBiO 2 Cl–3%La exhibited obviously enhanced photodegradation rate, which was about 3.26 times higher than that of pure BaBiO 2 Cl under UV–Vis–NIR light irradiation. This work provides a resultful strategy for designing new full-spectrum-activated photocatalysts for environmental protection. The UV–Vis–NIR activated photocatalysts La-doped BaBiO 2 Cl with abundant OVs were successfully prepared by solid state reaction. Theoretical calculations and experimental results revealed that La doping induced OVs in BaBiO 2 Cl, formed an intermediate level, extended the photoresponse to the NIR region, and promoted carrier separation efficiency, resulting in enhancing overall photocatalytic activity under UV–Vis–NIR light irradiation. [Display omitted] • La doping induced the formation of abundant oxygen vacancies in BaBiO 2 Cl. • La-doped BaBiO 2 Cl with oxygen vacancies exhibited high photocatalytic activity under UV–Vis–NIR light irradiation. • Both theoretical calculations and experimental measurements reveal the enhanced mechanism. • The enhanced photocatalytic activity is ascribed to the introduction of La and oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Moderate physical exercise is conducive to the brains of healthy humans and AD patients. Previous reports have suggested that treadmill exercise plays an anti-AD role and improves cognitive ability by promoting amyloid clearance, inhibiting neuronal apoptosis, reducing oxidative stress level, alleviating brain inflammation, and promoting autophagy-lysosome pathway in AD mice. However, few studies have explored the relationships between the ubiquitin-proteasome system and proper exercise in AD. The current study was intended to investigate the mechanism by which the exercise-regulated E3 ubiquitin ligase improves AD.Methods: Both wild type and APP/PS1 transgenic mice were divided into sedentary (WTC and ADC) and exercise (WTE and ADE) groups (n = 12 for each group). WTE and ADE mice were subjected to treadmill exercise of 12 weeks in order to assess the effect of treadmill running on learning and memory ability, Aβ plaque burden, hyperphosphorylated Tau protein and E3 ubiquitin ligase.Results: The results indicated that exercise restored learning and memory ability, reduced Aβ plaque areas, inhibited the hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein activated PI3K/Akt/Hsp70 signaling pathway, and improved the function of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (increased UCHL-1 and CHIP levels, decreased BACE1 levels) in APP/PS1 transgenic mice.Conclusions: These findings suggest that exercise may promote the E3 ubiquitin ligase to clear β-amyloid and hyperphosphorylated Tau by activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the hippocampus of AD mice, which is efficient in ameliorating pathological phenotypes and improving learning and memory ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pickering foams are produced using CNC and LAE and show excellent storage stability. • Pickering foams exhibit 3D printability due to viscoelastic solid-like behavior. • Surface areas of the print were enlarged by increasing the infill line spacings. • The foam has potential applications in mitigating microplastic pollution. Environmentally friendly porous materials have garnered widespread attention for the removal of nondegradable pollutants because of their high specific surface areas. Herein, biosafe ethyl lauroyl arginate hydrochloride (LAE) was incorporated as a Pickering stabilizer to enhance the hydrophobic properties of cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) foam. The obtained LAE-CNC foam exhibited excellent 3D printing characteristics. The effects of different CNC loadings on the morphology, stability, rheology, and 3D printability of the Pickering foams were investigated. While an increase in CNC loading enhanced the apparent viscosity and continuous phase network of the foam, which was beneficial for maintaining the structure after printing, excessive CNC addition may have compromised the continuity of printed lines and interlayer adhesion, deteriorating the printing quality. The foam with 10.0 wt% CNC and 0.15 wt% LAE exhibited balanced stability and porosity, along with optimal printing performance. Subsequently, the foam was printed and freeze-dried to obtain porous scaffolds. An increase in infill spacing resulted in enhanced adsorption of polystyrene microspheres owing to the enlarged surface area. Overall, this highly stable and sustainable LAE-CNC foam is a promising printing ink with potential applications in various fields, including mitigating microplastic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) hydrogels are increasingly used in various applications. Here, CNC hydrogels were formed by adding four salt ions (NaCl, KCl, MgCl 2 , and CaCl 2) to sulfated CNC suspensions. NaCl and KCl are monovalent salt ions and MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 are divalent salt ions; each pair has similar cation charges but different cation radii. This study compared the effects of four salt ions on the structure and rheological behavior of CNC hydrogels. At the same ion concentration, compared with NaCl and KCl, the addition of MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 significantly reduced the distance between the CNC particles, forming pronounced aggregates and denser network structures. Furthermore, the G′ and G″ of the CNC hydrogels with salt ions followed the order NaCl < KCl < MgCl 2 < CaCl 2 in the small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) test, and more viscoelastic hydrogels exhibited relatively lower deformability in the creep-recovery test. Under large-amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) conditions, the CNC hydrogels with salt ions exhibited LAOS type III behavior, and the change in yield stress followed the same order as the SAOS results. Among them, CNC hydrogel with CaCl 2 exhibited stronger nonlinear response and enhanced strain-stiffening behavior (higher I 3 / I 1 and e 3 / e 1) to resist deformation before 20% strain, as well as an enhanced softening effect (higher | v 3 /v 1 |) as the structure was destroyed and rearranged at strains ranging from 20% to 100%. Such CNC hydrogels with different salt ions, which can regulate structural and rheological properties, provide basis for designing hydrogels and meet potential requirements in food and biomedicine fields. [Display omitted] • Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) hydrogels were induced by NaCl, KCl, MgCl 2 and CaCl 2. • The MgCl 2 and CaCl 2 significantly affected the microstructure of CNC hydrogels. • The viscoelasticity of CNC hydrogels was modulated through different salt ions. • The CNC hydrogel with CaCl 2 had stronger nonlinear rheological responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide-doped BiOCl have attracted extraordinary attention due to their fascinating luminescence properties. Rational structural design is indispensable for exploring the potential application of lanthanide-doped BiOCl. In this work, BiOCl:Eu3+ microcrystals with multiform morphologies were prepared by a simple solvothermal method. The thickness and morphologies of the samples could be tuned just by changing bismuth source and reaction solvent, include 1D nanorods (NRs), 2D nanosheets (NPs), and 3D hierarchical porous structures (HPs). Under the excitation of 313 nm, all the samples showed a strong far-red emission (698 nm) of Eu3+ ions and obviously enhanced with increasing dimensionality. The enhanced luminescence was attributed to the synergic effect of the internal electric field and oxygen vacancies. To verify this concept, the photocatalytic properties of the samples are characterized. As a consequence, BiOCl:Eu3+ 3D HPs displayed the best photocatalytic activity for the degradation of RhB under visible light illumination. This work further uncovered the intrinsic reasons for the morphology dependence of the luminescence performance of BiOCl:Ln3+ microcrystals. • BiOCl:Eu3+ microcrystals with different morphologies including 1D NRs, 2D NPs, and 3D HPs were successfully synthesized. • BiOCl:Eu3+ 3D HPs exhibited the highest luminescence intensity. • The improved luminescence was attributed to the synergic effect of the IEF and oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochars treated with acids always presented enhanced sorption capacities for heavy metals. Biochars pyrolyzed at various temperatures have different compositions and present different oxidation states for the acid treatment. To optimize the surface oxidation of biochars, an appropriate pyrolysis temperature of biomass is of great importance. In this work, raw biochars prepared from Typha angustifolia at 300, 400, 450, 500 and 600 °C were oxidized by HNO 3. The function of HNO 3 mainly focused on the surface oxidation of biochars rather than the creation of micropores in matrixes. Biochars pyrolyzed at the higher temperature were more difficult to be oxidized by the acid. The HNO 3 -activated biochars (NABCs) enriched Pb(II) and Cd(II) under various geochemical conditions including contact time, pH, ionic strengths, coexisting HA, initial heavy metal concentrations and temperatures. NABCs exhibited excellent sorption capacities (i.e., 232.6 mg/g for Pb(II), 88.9 mg/g for Cd(II) at pH 5.0 and 298 K) which were 6.9 and 5.5 times higher than these of untreated biochars. The maximum uptake capacities toward Pb(II) and Cd(II) showed an excellent linearity with the values of [O C O content × Surface area], demonstrating the essential role of the surface O C O species to coordinate heavy metals. NABCs could be well reused for six cycles through desorption using the acid pickling. [Display omitted] • Optimal oxidation of biochars pyrolyzed at series of temperatures was achieved. • HNO 3 oxidized the biochar surfaces rather than created micropores in matrixes. • 6.9 and 5.5 times higher uptake capacities for Pb(II) and Cd(II) were achieved. • Maximum capacities of Pb(II), Cd(II) were well in linear with the O C O content. • HNO 3 -activated biochars were well reused for six cycles through the acid pickling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we report a new optical properties and modification methods for the rare-earth (RE) ion doped upconversion (UC) materials. Here, The Yb3+- Eu3+ co-doped BiOCl layered micrometer crystals were synthesized via the traditional solid state reaction. The experiment results show that due to efficient photocarrier space separation role of IEF, a band-to-band multiphoton excitation process of Yb3+ ions and the subsequent photopolarization role have been triggered inside BiOCl crystals via a commercial 980 nm laser. Then, it combines the photopolarization electric field (PPF) of the laser beam to generate a multiplexed tunable photopolarization on the Eu3+ ions. Consequently, the uponverting Stark splitting and emission intensity ratio of electrical dipole transitions (EDTs) of Eu3+ ions could be tailored simultaneously, either by pumping power or Yb3+ ion doping level, but showing an opposite trend. This research provides new insights into the interaction between the light and materials as well as the UC tailored method of lanthanide ions, which may inspire the design of opto-electric multifunctional devices. • Finding of cooperative upconverting band transition of Yb3+ ions in layered semiconductor. • Finding of upconverting photocarrier separation under Internal Electric Field. • First demonstration of upconverting energy level splitting modification of Eu3+ ions. • Two kinds of simultaneous photogenerated polarization of NIR laser are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• PO 4 -biochars (PBs) were prepared by pretreating bamboo sawdust with phytic acid. • High surface areas, large pore volumes, abundant P contents were achieved compatibly. • The PBs exhibited excellent sorption capacities and favorable selectivity for U(VI). • The PBs could be well regenerated by Na 2 CO 3 and reused after six recycles. Properly engineering of surface functionality and structural porosity is critical to improve the sorption performance of biochars. Herein, we report a facile one-pot preparation of phosphate group-functionalized biochars (PBs) derived from bamboo sawdust by engineering with phytic acid prior to pyrolysis. High specific surface areas (629, 1298 and 1109 m2·g−1), large pore volumes (0.332, 0.919 and 0.789 cm3·g−1), and abundant phosphorous contents (1.14, 3.32 and 1.53 at.%) are achieved compatibly for the PBs pyrolyzed at given temperatures (i.e., 300, 450 and 600 °C) which are significantly higher than those of pristine biochars. Phytic acid not only releases hydrogen protons to tailor biochar matrixes to make micropores created and further developed, but also provides organic phosphorous-containing moiety to guarantee the surface phosphate functionality. PBs extract U(VI) from aqueous media efficiently, i.e., equilibrium achieved within 8 h, high sorption capacity of 229.2 mg·g−1 (at pH 4.0, T 298 K), and favorable selectivity towards U(VI) against the interference of coexisting metal ions. PBs can be regenerated by 0.1 mol·L−1 Na 2 CO 3 and reused well after six recycles. This present work provides a path for the design and synthesis of advanced biochars with favorable potentials in the extraction of U(VI)-containing effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the potential effects of two social cues on learning outcomes, cognitive load, and intrinsic motivation in a computer-based environment in an Asian context. A total of 98 Chinese college students were randomly assigned into one of four experimental conditions formed by a 2 (agent vs. no agent) X 2 (conversational style vs. formal style) factorial design. Results revealed that (a) learning with a pedagogical agent was more interesting than learning without a pedagogical agent; (b) learning from a lesson written in a conversational style enhanced retention but also resulted in increased pressure; and (c) a pedagogical agent delivering instruction in a conversational style led to an increase in mental effort, but instruction delivered in this style without a pedagogical agent led learners to perceive it as less difficult. These findings support the use of a pedagogical agent to deliver instruction in a conversational style to Chinese learners. But parsimonious instructional designs, such as a design to deliver instruction in a conversational style without an animated pedagogical agent, also have advantages under some circumstances, particularly when the learning materials are not so difficult and when advanced technology cannot be utilized or afforded. • Learning from a lesson written in a conversational style enhanced retention. • Using conversational style instruction resulted in increased pressure. • An agent with conversational style led to increased mental effort. • Conversational style instruction without an agent reduced perceived difficulty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular diagnostics play an important role in illness detection, prevention, and treatment, and are vital in point-of-care test. In this investigation, a novel CRISPR/Cas12a based small-molecule detection platform was developed using Antibody-Controlled Cas12a Biosensor (ACCBOR), in which antibody would control the trans-cleavage activity of CRISPR/Cas12a. In this system, small-molecule was labeled around the PAM sites of no target sequence(NTS), and antibody would bind on the labeled molecule to prevent the combination of CRISPR/Cas12a, resulting the decrease of trans-cleavage activity. Biotin-, digoxin-, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OH-VD3)-labeled NTS and corresponding binding protein were separately used to verify its preformance, showing great universality. Finally, one-pot detection of 25-OH-VD3 was developed, exhibiting high sensitivity and excellent specificity. The limit of detection could be 259.86 pg/mL in serum within 30 min. This assay platform also has the advantages of low cost, easy operation (one-pot method), and fast detection (∼30 min), would be a new possibilities for the highly sensitive detection of other small-molecule targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have gained widespread attention in intelligent food packaging because of their iridescent optical properties. Here, we report a CNC composite film employing CNC, sugar alcohols (e.g., maltol, erythritol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol) and natural pigment anthocyanins, which has a special iridescent color that can be used as a pH and humidity sensor. The effects of five sugar alcohols with different addition ratios on the structural, optical, and mechanical properties of the CNC films were investigated. The results demonstrated that the addition of sugar alcohol made composite films exhibiting a red-shift of λ max , a more uniform color in visual observation, and a larger pitch. Among them, the CNC-mannitol composite film with a ratio of 10:1 exhibited the best mechanical properties, possessing a tensile stress strength of 57 MPa and toughness of 137 J/m3. Subsequently, anthocyanins were incorporated to this composite film, which showed a marked color change along with the pH from 2 to 12 and exhibited a reversible color change from red to transparent upon a relative humidity change from 35 % to 85 %. Overall, such multi-environment-responsive iridescent films with excellent mechanical properties have a great potential for use in intelligent food packaging applications. • Optical and mechanical properties of CNC film were improved by sugar alcohols. • CNC-sugar alcohol composite film showed a red-shift of λ max and visual color. • CNC-mannitol composite film exhibited the best mechanical properties. • CMA composite film showed good potential as a humidity and pH sensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomarkers are the most sensitive reactants and early indicators of many kinds of diseases. The development of highly sensitive and simple techniques to quantify them is challenging. In this study, based on rolling cycle amplification (RCA) and the Nicked PAM/CRISPR-Cas12a system (RNPC) as a signal reporter, a sandwich-type method was developed using antibody@magnetic beads and aptamer for the high-sensitive detection of the C-reactive protein (CRP). The antibody-antigen (target)-aptamer sandwich-like reaction was coupled to RCA, which can produce hundreds of similar binding sites and are discriminated by CRISPR/Cas12a for signal amplification. The ultrasensitivity is achieved based on the dual-signal enhancing strategy, which involves the special recognition of aptamers, RCA, and trans -cleavage of CRISPR/Cas12a. By incorporating the CRISPR/Cas12a system with cleaved PAM, the nonspecific amplification of the RCA reaction alone was greatly reduced, and the dual signal output of RCA and Cas12a improved the detection sensitivity. Our assay can be performed only in two steps. The first step takes only 20 min of target capture, followed by a one-pot reaction, where the target concentration can be obtained by fluorescence values as long as there are 37 °C reaction conditions. Under optimal conditions, this system detected CRP with high sensitivity. The fabricated biosensor showed detection limits of 0.40 pg/mL in phosphate-buffered saline and 0.73 pg/mL in diluted human serum and a broad linear dynamic range of 1.28 pg/mL to 100 ng/mL within a total readout time of 90 min. The method could be used to perform multi-step signal amplification, which can help in the ultrasensitive detection of other proteins. Overall, the proposed biosensor might be used as an immunosensor biosensor platform. [Display omitted] • The clever combination of magnetic beads, aptamers and rolled loop amplification improves sensitivity. • Three Designed ssDNA are combined with RCA products to bring the split PAM together to Initiate Cas12a activity. • High sensitivity, high specificity, short detection time, simple operation. • The detection limit in buffer is 0.40 pg/mL. The detection limit in serum is 0.73 pg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lanthanide-doped upconversion (UC) materials are important in near-infrared (NIR) photocatalytic field because they can harvest NIR photons and then emit high-energy UV and visible light via the UC process. However, these materials still exhibit low UC luminescence efficiency, which strongly limits their practical applications. Herein, we report UC luminescence enhancement in BiOBr: Yb3+, Er3+ (BYE) nanosheets by doping Li+ and Zn2+ and the elucidation of the enhancement mechanism. The XRD and Rietveld refinement results showed that the doping improved the crystallinity of the samples, with the effect of codoping being more pronounced than that of single doping. Under 980-nm laser excitation, the red emission of the Li+-Zn2+-codoped BYE sample increased drastically by 2.5, 4.3, and 5.3 times than that of the Li+-doped BYE, Zn2+-doped BYE, and BYE samples, respectively. The luminescence enhancement could be ascribed to the reduction of the crystal site symmetry and the improvement of the crystallinity upon Li+ and Zn2+ doping. Moreover, photocatalytic experiments showed that Li+ and Zn2+ doped BYE exhibited better photocatalytic performance than BYE, thus paving the way toward achieving enhanced UC luminescence efficiency. • BiOBr: Yb3+, Er3+ co-doped with Li+ and Zn2+ ions was synthetized by solvothermal method. • The UC luminescence has been significantly enhanced by doping the Li+ and Zn2+ ions. • Improved crystallinity and crystal field changes are responsible for the excellent UC luminescence. • The enhanced NIR photocatalytic is caused by the enhancement UC emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal lattice defects are one of the main detrimental factors affecting the upconversion (UC) luminescent efficiency of layered bismuth oxyhalide doped with rare earth ions. Unlike surface-related luminescence quenching which can be effectively suppressed by surface passivation, internal lattice defects are easily generated during the material preparation but are difficult to be controlled and diminished. Therefore, it becomes an obstacle to improving the luminescent intensity of bismuth oxyhalide UC materials. Herein, we report a novel Li+ doping strategy for reducing lattice oxygen vacancy (OV) defects in Bi 2 GdO 4 Cl:Yb3+/Er3+ (BYE) crystals. With Li+ doping, the morphology of the samples gradually evolves from irregular agglomerated particles to plate-like ones. The experimental and DFT calculation results show that Li + dopants tended to occupy lattice interlayer in the layered Bi 2 GdO 4 Cl (BGOC) while reducing the oxygen vacancies (OVs) generated during the BGOC preparation. As a result, under 980 nm excitation, BYE doped with 5 mol% Li+ (BYE-5Li) exhibits significantly enhanced UC emission, and the red and green emissions are increased by about 20 and 40 times compared with those of undoped BYE, respectively. Derived from the enhanced UC emission and separation of photogenerated carriers due to OVs reduction, the BYE-5Li exhibits the best photocatalytic activity leading to the decomposition of about 62% of TCH with the highest degradation rate k = 0.008 min−1, which is twice that of pristine BGOC. This work not only opens new perspectives for enhancing UC luminescence of bismuth oxyhalide and promotes their application in photonics and photocatalysis fields but also offers new insights into the role of OVs in UC luminescence and photocatalysis. • A novel strategy of interlayer doping of Li + for reducing lattice oxygen vacancy defects in layered bismuth oxyhalide. • Significantly enhanced UC luminescence of Bi 2 GdO 4 Cl:Yb3+,Er3+ obtained by reducing oxygen vacancies. • The effects of oxygen vacancies on UC luminescence and photocatalytic performance of Bi 2 GdO 4 Cl:Yb3+,Er3+ were studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a series of Yb3+/Tb3+ co-doped BiOBr nanosheets were synthesized by a simple solvothermal method, and the effect of Tb3+ and Yb3+ doping on the up-conversion (UC) luminescence was investigated. Under the excitation of 980 ​nm, BiOBr: Yb3+/Tb3+ nanosheets displayed emission bands at 494, 544, 584 and 622 ​nm arise from transitions 5D 4 → 7F J (J ​= ​6, 5, 4, 3) of Tb3+ ions, respectively. Furthermore, the concentration dependence of UC luminescence was comprehensively explored, and the BiOBr:15%Yb3+/3%Tb3+ nanosheets exhibited the most outstanding luminescent properties by the cooperative energy transfer. Moreover, the degradation rate of RhB by Yb3+/Tb3+ co-doped BiOBr reaches 98.9% for 30 ​min under full spectral irradiation, and 51.7% for 5 ​h under 980 ​nm irradiation, respectively. This work proves that Yb3+/Tb3+ co-doped BiOBr nanosheets have excellent green UC emission and have potential application in the field of near infrared activated photocatalysts. A Yb3+/Tb3+ co-doped BiOBr nanosheet was prepared and characterized. BiOBr:15%Yb3+/3%Tb3+ show excellent up-conversion luminescence performance. The mechanism of up-conversion luminescence was analyzed, and the cooperative energy transfer was the main reason for the excellent luminescence performance. Yb3+/Tb3+ co-doped BiOBr nanosheets can be used to improve NIR photocatalysis. [Display omitted] • BiOBr: Yb3+/Tb3+ nanosheets were synthesized by solvothermal method. • BiOBr: Yb3+/Tb3+ shows rich UC emission peaks and the emission intensity can be adjusted vis the doping concentration of Yb3+/Tb3+. • Co-operative energy transfer is responsible for the excellent UC luminescence. • The enhanced NIR photocatalysis is caused by the enhancement green UC emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'of a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe,' Palladium ions show many negative effects on human health via the interference with the tissue macromolecules and the function of enzymes. In this paper, a novel benzothiazolium-thioxanthene hemicyanine dye BTX-OH has been synthesized for the design of a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe. The dye BTX-OH in aqueous solution showed its absorption and fluorescence emission maxima in the NIR region at 750 nm and 795 nm, respectively. The application of the dye in designing a Pd2+-selective fluorescence probe BTX-A based on a "protect-deprotect" strategy by using an allyl carbonate group as the specific Pd2+-responding site has been demonstrated. The probe BTX-A exhibited high selectivity and sensitivity for detecting Pd2+ ions. In the presence of Pd2+ ions, the probe showed an enhanced fluorescence response and accumulated specifically in lysosomes in living-cell imaging. [Display omitted] • A novel benzothiazolium-thioxanthene hemicyanine dye has been prepared. • The dye showed absorption and fluorescence maxima in the NIR region. • The dye has been applied for the design of Pd2+-selective fluorescence probe. • The Pd2+-selective fluorescence probe is accumulation in lysosomes in living-cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reasonable cellular redox equilibrium mediated by reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species and antioxidants are pivotal importance for maintaining a variety of physiological processes, and disrupted redox equilibrium may derange the cellular components and eventually may lead to cell death, irreversible tissue destruction, and various diseases. In this paper, we develop a phenylseleno-functionalized reversible fluorescent probe Fluo-Se for monitoring the hypochlorous acid/cysteine redox couple in living cells. The advantages of the probe included: a) the synthetic procedure of the probe is very simple by one step reaction; b) the probe shows high sensitivity for HOCl and cysteine (the detection limit is 1.1 nM and 3.0 nM, respectively); c) the probe exhibits high reversibility to the hypochlorous acid/cysteine redox couple both in solutions and in the living cell by taking advantage of the Se atom-led excellent reversible conversions between Fluo-Se and its oxidized product. We think that Fluo-Se should be very useful for gauging the cellular redox status mediated by the hypochlorous acid/cysteine couple. • A phenylseleno-functionalized fluorescein Fluo-Se for monitoring the redox cycle in living cells has been designed. • Fluo-Se shows a fast response to HOCl and a low detection limit (1.1 nM). • Fluo-Se is able to selective monitor of the redox cycle between HOCl and cysteine based on the reversible valence state conversion of the Se atom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of methods for real-time monitoring the level of Cys in biological system is a topic of continued importance. Furthermore, the probes emitting in the NIR region are favorable for cell imaging because of their low phototoxcity and high signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) in living cells. In the paper, we have developed a novel lysosome-targeting NIR xanthene-benzothiozolium dye BHCy-OH by taking advantage of the heteroatom replacement strategy to regulate the absorption and emission wavelengths of the known semi-heptamethine dye. Subsequently, the NIR probe BHCy-A with high sensitivity for Cys has been synthesized. The dye BHCy-OH and the Cys-selective probe BHCy-A emitted fluorescence at 735 nm in PBS buffer, and are lysosome-targetable in living cells. Because the lysosome-targeting abilities of them do not demand proton participation, we believe that they are very useful for investigation the function of lysosomes and for interpreting the function of lysosomal Cys in living-cell imaging. Novel NIR fluorescence dye BHcy-OH and Cys-sensitive fluorescence probe BHcy-A with lysosome-targeting ability without proton participation have been prepared. [Display omitted] • A near-infrared fluorescent probe BHcy-A has been synthesized. • The dye BHCy-OH and the Cys-selective probe BHCy-A emitted fluorescence at 735 nm in PBS buffer, and they are lysosome-targetable in living cells. • The probe can be used to distinguish efficiently Cys from Hcy and GSH. • The probe has been successfully applied to image of lysosomal Cys in living cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Substitutional heterovalent doping has been considered as an effective method to control optical properties of lanthanide doped phosphors in the past, but it focuses only on three-dimensional and insulating crystal hosts. This study aimed to report the efficient upconversion enhancement of Er3+ induced by a new strategy of Ca2+ heterovalent doping in the layered semiconducting host based on BiOCl crystals concentrated by van der Waals force. The surface photovoltage (SPV) tests, theoretical calculations and optical probing effect of Eu3+ ions provided evidence that the replacement of Bi3+ with Ca2+ strengthened the macroscopic polarization and the corresponding spontaneous internal electric field (IEF) along the [001] of the BiOCl crystal sheet. The upconversion (UC) red and green emission intensities of the sample co-doped with 10 mol% Ca2+ ions were enhanced 39 and 12 times, respectively, compared with those of the Ca2+-free sample. Moreover, this study showed that the higher separation efficiency of photocarriers led to the prolongation of the decay time of excited energy levels under the strengthened intrinsic IEF by Ca2+-heterovalent doping, which was partially responsible for the UC photoluminescence (PL) enhancement of Er3+. This work not only provided new insight into the method for the engineering of UC emissions but also enhanced the understanding of layered semiconducting materials to modify the transition of lanthanide ions. Image 1 • An unusual strategy of Ca2+ heterovalent doping was adopted to enhance UC luminescence of BiOCl: Er3+ layered semiconductor. • The spontaneous IEF of BiOCl was improved significantly by Ca2+ ions doping. • Simultaneous enhancing UC intensity and lifetime by introducing Ca2+ ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• IHH exposure induced estrus cycle irregularity. • IHH exposure induced morphological alterations of the uterus and ovary. • Oxidative stress, hormones and receptors disturbances were the mechanism of IHH induced reproductive system dysfunction. Numerous studies have revealed that hypobaric hypoxia exposure elicited imbalance of homeostasis. However, the effects of intermittent hypobaric hypoxia (IHH) exposure on the female reproductive system have been rarely reported. This study aims to assess the effects of IHH on rat female reproductive system and explore the corresponding mechanism at the histological, endocrine and molecular levels. The female rats were randomly divided into control and IHH groups. Multiple pathophysiological parameters, including body weight gain, organ coefficients, estrus cycle, and health signs were measured. Also, the reproductive hormones, hormone receptor mRNA expression and oxidant/antioxidant level were evaluated. Significant increases of the heart, liver and lung coefficients were observed after IHH exposure. There were no statistically significant differences in ovarian and uterine coefficients, but changes were found in the morphology of the ovary and uterus. Additionally, the diestrus phase duration was significantly increased during IHH exposure. Furthermore, estrogen increased and the Luteinizing hormone and progesterone decreased after IHH exposure. Altered expression of ER, PR and LHR were also found in the IHH exposed rats. Importantly, IHH exposure significantly repressed the activities of GSH-Px and T-SOD and improved the contents of MDA. Our results evince that IHH exposure caused estrus cycle irregularity. IHH induced oxidative stress along with ovarian and uterine structure damages, reproductive hormone disturbances and unusual expression of hormone receptors, thus suggesting a potential mechanism underlying IHH-induced reproductive system dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient extraction of uranium is challenging for radioactive wastewater treatment. Concerning to the specific coordination of functional groups with radionuclides, the development of ideal sorbents with high surface area, enhanced porosity and abundant functional groups compatibly to uptake uranium selectively is of great significance. Biochar, an attractive material to concentration aquatic targets, exhibits a positive correlation of surface area and pore volume of biochars with pyrolysis temperature, whereas a negative relation of surface functionality with thermolysis temperature. Here we applied a facile and environmental-friendly ball-milling technique to engineer raw biochars in the presence of phytic acid. Ball-milling treatment increased the external surface area of biochars by reducing grain sizes, as well as enhanced the micropore surface area by exposing blocked micropore networks. P-containing moiety was grafted to the surface of biochar matrix successfully. The physicochemical characteristics of biochars enabled a high uptake capacity (128.5 mg/g) and favorable selectivity of U(VI). It suggested that ball-milling of raw biochars with activating solvents could achieve an excellent performance for the efficient concentration of aquatic uranium. Unlabelled Image • Ball-milling of raw biochar with phytic acid enables PO 4 graft and enhanced porosity. • Biochar activating with 30 wt% phytic acid uptakes U(VI) efficiently and selectively. • U(VI)-loaded ball-milled biochar could be well regenerated and reused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circadian rhythms are found in a wide range of organisms and have garnered significant research interest in the field of chronobiology. Under normal circadian function, metabolic regulation is temporally coordinated across tissues and behaviors within a 24 h period. Metabolites, as the closest molecular regulation to physiological phenotype, have dynamic patterns and their relationship with circadian regulation remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, untargeted brain metabolomics was employed to investigate the daily rhythms of metabolites at four time points corresponding to four typical physiological states in Vespertilio sinensis . Key brain metabolites and associated physiological processes active at different time points were detected, with 154 metabolites identified as rhythmic. Analyses of both metabolomics and transcriptomics revealed that several important physiological processes, including the pentose phosphate pathway and oxidative phosphorylation, play key roles in regulating rhythmic physiology, particularly in hunting and flying behaviors. This study represents the first exploration of daily metabolic dynamics in the bat brain, providing insights into the complex regulatory network of circadian rhythms in mammals at a metabolic level. These findings serve as a valuable reference for future studies on circadian rhythms in nocturnal mammals.

Exercise improves cardiac function and metabolism. Although long-term exercise leads to circulating and micro-environmental metabolic changes, the effect of exercise on protein post-translational lactylation modifications as well as its functional relevance is unclear. Here, we report that lactate can regulate cardiomyocyte changes by improving protein lactylation levels and elevating intracellular N 6 -methyladenosine RNA-binding protein YTHDF2. The intrinsic disorder region of YTHDF2 but not the RNA m 6 A-binding activity is indispensable for its regulatory function in influencing cardiomyocyte cell size changes and oxygen glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-stimulated apoptosis via upregulating Ras GTPase-activating protein-binding protein 1 (G3BP1). Downregulation of YTHDF2 is required for exercise-induced physiological cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, myocardial YTHDF2 inhibition alleviated ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute injury and pathological remodeling. Our results here link lactate and lactylation modifications with RNA m 6 A reader YTHDF2 and highlight the physiological importance of this innovative post-transcriptional intrinsic regulation mechanism of cardiomyocyte responses to exercise. Decreasing lactylation or inhibiting YTHDF2/G3BP1 might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for cardiac diseases., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany.)

Introduction: In the evolving field of neurophysiological research, visual light flicker stimulation is recognized as a promising non-invasive intervention for cognitive enhancement, particularly in sleep-deprived conditions., Methods: This study explored the effects of specific flicker frequencies (40 Hz and 20-30 Hz random flicker) on alertness recovery in sleep-deprived rats. We employed a multidisciplinary approach that included behavioral assessments with the Y-maze, in vivo electrophysiological recordings, and molecular analyses such as c-FOS immunohistochemistry and hormone level measurements., Results: Both 40 Hz and 20-30 Hz flicker significantly enhanced behavioral performance in the Y-maze test, suggesting an improvement in alertness. Neurophysiological data indicated activation of neural circuits in key brain areas like the thalamus and hippocampus. Additionally, flicker exposure normalized cortisol and serotonin levels, essential for stress response and mood regulation. Notably, increased c-FOS expression in brain regions related to alertness and cognitive functions suggested heightened neural activity., Discussion: These findings underscore the potential of light flicker stimulation not only to mitigate the effects of sleep deprivation but also to enhance cognitive functions. The results pave the way for future translational research into light-based therapies in human subjects, with possible implications for occupational health and cognitive ergonomics., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Wang, Chen, Wei, Wang, Wei, Gao, Qin, Zhu, Ge, Cui and Zhu.)

Background: Sodium-dependent glucose transporter (SGLT2) inhibitors (SGLT2i) have been found to have anti-atherosclerotic effects in clinical treatment., Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore whether angiotensin II (Ang II) induces changes in the expression of Na+/H+ exchanger of cytoplasmic membrane channel proteins (NHE1) and SGLT2 in macrophages and whether dapagliflozin (DAPA), an SGLT2i, protects against Ang II induced macrophage senescence by inhibiting NHE1 activation to alleviate Atherosclerosis (AS)., Methods: After intervention with DAPA plus gavage or feeding them a high-fat diet, the mice's aortas were dissected, and oil red O staining was performed. Cell proliferation and toxicity detection, western blot, immunofluorescence, and β-galactosidase staining methods were adopted to detect cell activity, expressions of senescence-related genes, and number of senescent cells after different concentrations of Ang II or DAPA or plasmid NHE1 were treated with RAW264.7 cells., Results: (1) The formation of AS plaques in ApoE -/- mice showed a downward trend under DAPA. (2) After the intervention of Ang II, the cell activity of RAW264.7 decreased, and the expression of senescent cells and related genes increased. (3) Under the Ang II condition, the expression of SGLT2 and NHE1 increased, and SGLT2, NHE1, and senescence-related genes decreased with the addition of DAPA. (4) The expression of NHE1, senescent cells and related genes decreased in RAW264.7 cells after DAPA treatment with plasmid NHE1 intervention., Conclusion: SGLT2i alleviates atherosclerosis by inhibiting NHE1 activation to protect against macrophage senescence induced by Ang II., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Objective: PM 2.5 is closely linked to vascular endothelial injury and has emerged as a major threat to human health. Our previous research indicated that exposure to PM 2.5 induced an increased release of miR-421 from the bronchial epithelium. However, the role of miR-421 in PM 2.5 -induced endothelial injury remains elusive., Materials and Methods: We utilized a subacute PM 2.5 -exposure model in mice in vivo and an acute injury cell model in vitro to simulate PM 2.5 -associated endothelial injury. We also used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry to investigate the role of miR-421 in PM 2.5 -induced endothelial injury., Results: Our findings reveal that inhibition of miR-421 attenuated PM 2.5 -induced endothelial injury and hypertension. Mechanistically, miR-421 inhibited the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2 ) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and upregulated the expression of the downstream molecule inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) , thereby exacerbating PM 2.5 -induced endothelial injury., Conclusions: Our results indicate that PM 2.5 exposure facilitates crosstalk between bronchial epithelial and endothelial cells via miR-421 / ACE2 / iNOS signaling pathway, mediating endothelial damage and hypertension. MiR-421 inhibition may offer a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of PM 2.5 -induced vascular endothelial injury.

Background: Doxorubicin is an effective chemotherapeutic agent, but its use is limited by acute and chronic cardiotoxicity. Exercise training has been shown to protect against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, but the involvement of immune cells remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the role of exercise-derived B cells in protecting against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and to further determine whether B cell activation and antibody secretion play a role in this protection., Methods: Mice that were administered with doxorubicin (5 mg/kg per week, 20 mg/kg cumulative dose) received treadmill running exercise. The adoptive transfer of exercise-derived splenic B cells to μMT -/- (B cell-deficient) mice was performed to elucidate the mechanism of B cell regulation that mediated the effect of exercise., Results: Doxorubicin-administered mice that had undergone exercise training showed improved cardiac function, and low levels of cardiac apoptosis, atrophy, and fibrosis, and had reduced cardiac antibody deposition and proinflammatory responses. Similarly, B cell pharmacological and genetic depletion alleviated doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, which phenocopied the protection of exercise. In vitro performed coculture experiments confirmed that exercise-derived B cells reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis and fibroblast activation compared with control B cells. Importantly, the protective effect of exercise on B cells was confirmed by the adoptive transfer of splenic B cells from exercised donor mice to μMT -/- recipient mice. However, blockage of Fc gamma receptor IIB function using B cell transplants from exercised Fc gamma receptor IIB -/- mice abolished the protection of exercise-derived B cells against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Mechanistically, we found that Fc gamma receptor IIB, an important B cell inhibitory receptor, responded to exercise and increased B cell activation threshold, which participated in exercise-induced protection against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity., Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that exercise training protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by upregulating Fc gamma receptor IIB expression in B cells, which plays an important anti-inflammatory role and participates in the protective effect of exercise against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity., Competing Interests: Disclosures None.

Purpose: Acute kidney disease (AKD) is believed to be involved in the transition from acute kidney injury (AKI) to chronic kidney disease in general populations, but little is understood about this possibility among kidney surgical populations. This study aimed to elucidate the incidence of AKD after partial nephrectomy and risk factors that promote the AKI to AKD transition., Methods: From January 2010 to January 2020, this study retrospectively collected a dataset of consecutive patients with renal masses undergoing partial nephrectomy in 4 urological centers. Cox proportional regression analyses were adopted to identify risk factors that promoted the AKI to AKD transition. To avoid overfitting, the results were then verified by logistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. A nomogram was then constructed and validated for AKI to AKD transition prediction., Results: AKI and AKD occurred in 228 (21.4%) and 42 (3.9%) patients among a total of 1062 patients, respectively. In patients with AKI, multivariable Cox regression analysis and LASSO regression identified that age (HR 1.078, 1.029-1.112, p < 0.001), baseline eGFR (HR 1.015, 1.001-1.030, p < 0.001), RENAL score (HR1.612, 1.067-2.437, p = 0.023), ischemia time > 30 min (HR 7.284, 2.210-23.999, p = 0.001), and intraoperative blood loss > 300ml (HR 8.641, 2.751-27.171, p < 0.001) were risk factors for AKD transition. These five risk factors were then integrated into a nomogram. The nomogram showed excellent discrimination, calibration, and clinical net benefit ability., Conclusion: Around 3.9% patients following partial nephrectomy would transit from AKI to AKD. Intraoperative blood loss and ischemia time need to be diminished to avoid on-going functional decline. Our nomogram can accurately predict the transition from AKI to AKD., (© 2023. BioMed Central Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)